When it comes to outdoor adventures in the UK – from camping in the Highlands to road-tripping in a caravan – a reliable hot shower is a game changer. Camplux is a brand dedicated to portable, tankless gas water heaters that bring the comfort of instant hot water to your campsite or motorhome. In this article, we'll explore the key specifications of popular Camplux models (Nano 3Pro, AY132, AY132Max, BW158C, F5 Pro, and F10 Pro) and how these features translate to real-world benefits for campers and caravanners. Along the way, we'll also share tips for installation, safety, and maintenance – helping you get the most out of your unit and truly Enhancing Your Camping Experience with Camplux Water Heaters.
Each model in the Camplux lineup is designed for portability and efficiency, with tankless technology that heats water on demand. That means no bulky tank and no waiting around – as soon as you turn on the tap, hot water flows within seconds. Let's dive into each specific unit and see what sets them apart, and how understanding these specs will help you choose the right one for your outdoor needs.
Camplux Nano 3Pro – Ultra-Portable Battery-Powered Water Heater (3 L/min)
The Camplux Nano 3Pro is incredibly compact and lightweight (just 6.2 kg), making it easy for campers to carry and set up anywhere.
The Camplux Nano 3Pro is the pint-sized powerhouse of the range. Don't be fooled by its small size – this unit delivers a hot water flow rate of 3 L/min, which is plenty for a quick outdoor shower or washing up dishes at the campsite. It ignites to full heat in just 5 seconds, thanks to its 6 kW propane/butane burner and efficient heat exchanger. The Nano 3Pro stands out for its built-in 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery. You can charge it beforehand or even run it from a 12V car cigarette lighter; this flexible power option means you don't need mains electricity at all. Its LED display is a handy feature that shows the water temperature and any error codes, so you always know the status of your hot water system. With a temperature range of roughly 30–50 °C (you can adjust the flame to set your preferred warmth), it provides a comfortable shower even on a chilly morning in Snowdonia. The Nano 3Pro also comes with a 12V submersible water pump included, allowing you to draw water from a jerry can or stream if no tap is available. This all-in-one design makes it ideal for wild camping, hiking trips, or any situation where space and weight are critical. Importantly, the Nano 3Pro has multiple safety protections (like automatic overheat shutoff at 50 °C and flame failure protection) despite its small size. It's truly a grab-and-go unit for instant hot water, giving solo campers and couples the freedom to shower comfortably in the great outdoors.
Camplux AY132 – 5 L Portable Gas Water Heater (1.32 GPM)
Camplux AY132 (shown here in black) is a 5 L/min portable water heater with a folding handle – light enough for one person to carry and perfect for campsites or even washing horses.
The Camplux AY132 is a classic 5 litre per minute portable water heater (equivalent to 1.32 GPM), beloved by campers, horse owners, and outdoor shower enthusiasts alike. It's a simple, robust unit that weighs around 4.5 kg, with a convenient folding handle on top for carrying or hanging. Setup is straightforward: connect the inlet to a water source (garden hose or elevated tank) and attach the propane gas bottle via the included 37 mbar regulator. Once water flow starts, the water heater ignites automatically (powered by two D-cell batteries for the ignition spark) and you get instant hot water within 8 seconds of turning on the tap. The AY132 has a heat output of roughly 10 kW, which can raise water temperature by about 25–30°C from the inlet (more than enough to enjoy a warm outdoor shower even if the source water is cold). It features an anti-tip switch and carries important safety features: flame failure protection, overheat protection, and an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that will shut the burner off if oxygen is low (a reminder that these units are for outdoor use or very well-ventilated areas only!). The front panel has dials to adjust flame intensity (gas flow) and water flow, allowing you to modulate the output temperature. A nice touch is the built-in drain plug at the bottom – after your camping trip, you can drain any residual water to prevent freezing damage (especially important in UK winters). The AY132's 5 L/min capacity is sufficient for single-point use: one person can shower comfortably, or you can use it to wash dishes, rinse off muddy boots, or even give your dog a warm bath after a romp in the countryside. Overall, this model is a great entry-level choice for those who want a portable outdoor shower solution without any frills. (If you're curious about real-world uses, Camplux has highlighted some creative applications in their guides – truly, the possibilities go beyond just camping showers!)
Camplux AY132Max – 5 L Water Heater with Pump and Stand
The Camplux AY132Max comes as a complete kit – it includes a 4.3 L/min 12V water pump and a stable folding stand, allowing you to set up a hot shower even with no running water source.
Need a bit more flexibility with water sources and setup? The Camplux AY132Max takes the same heating capacity as the AY132 (5 L/min, 10 kW) but adds some extremely useful extras: a 12V water pump (4.3 L/min) and a detachable metal stand that the water heater can mount on. This means you don't need to hang the unit or find a tree – you can place it on the ground securely, which is perfect for open fields or beaches where there's nowhere to mount a water heater. The included pump, which powers from a 12V car outlet or battery pack, will draw water from any container or natural source, so you're not limited to locations with a tap or pressurized supply. Everything in the AY132Max kit (the water heater, pump, hoses, gas regulator, shower head, and stand) packs into a handy carry bag, making it easy to transport as one package. In terms of specs, this model has the same safety features and quick ignition as the base AY132. One difference is an expanded temperature range – it can heat water up to about 75 °C if needed (useful if mixing with cold for a hotter shower or filling a tub). At around 5.5 kg (water heater plus stand), it's still very portable. This is a great choice for campers who often venture to sites without water hookups – for instance, overlanding trips or off-grid cabins. With the AY132Max, you can set up an outdoor shower next to your van or even use it for washing horses in a stable yard, regardless of water pressure. It's an all-in-one solution that lets you enjoy instant hot water anywhere, hassle-free.
Camplux BW158C – 6 L Tankless Water Heater (with Rain Cap)
The Camplux BW158C (6 L/min) can handle larger volumes of water, making it ideal for family camping. Its built-in rain cap allows it to operate safely in the typical drizzly UK weather.
Stepping up in capacity, the Camplux BW158C delivers up to 6 L/min of hot water on demand. This extra flow is great if you have multiple uses for hot water at camp (for example, one person showering while another rinses dishes, if the pressure allows, or just to enjoy a stronger shower stream). The unit is powered by a roughly 12 kW burner and runs on propane or butane like the others. A key feature of the BW158C is its rain cap – a little hood on top of the exhaust. This might sound minor, but it's a crucial addition for UK users: the cap prevents light rain from getting into the burner or flue, so you can confidently use the water heater in drizzly conditions. (Of course, you should not let the unit get soaked, but a bit of rain won't stop your hot shower). This model, like the 5 L ones, also comes with a 12V water pump included in the package, ensuring you can supply water from a barrel or stream when off-grid. The exterior is a durable white casing, and it has a digital flame indicator to monitor burner activity. With its higher output, the BW158C can handle back-to-back showers for a family camping trip or provide comfortable hot water for washing up large loads. Despite the increased capacity, it's still considered portable – you can mount it temporarily on a hook or stand, or even wall-mount it at a semi-permanent site like a cabin or glampsite shower. This water heater is a fantastic option for those who need a bit more hot water and resilience in all weather. After muddy hikes or long festival days, having the BW158C at your campsite means you can enjoy a warm, invigorating shower no matter the weather. (For those interested in accessorizing their outdoor shower setup – such as adding protective covers or shower tents – Camplux offers tips in their blogs, showing how to create a truly cozy off-grid bathroom experience.)
Camplux F5 Pro – First Series 5 L Water Heater with Pump
A hot shower anywhere, anytime – the Camplux F5 Pro (5 L/min) includes a high-flow pump kit and is designed for quick setup, making it ideal for vanlife, camping, or even washing pets outdoors.
The Camplux F5 Pro is another 5 L/min tankless water heater, but part of Camplux's “First Series Pro” line which incorporates some design and performance upgrades. This model comes with a built-in water pump kit (similar to the AY132Max's pump, providing about 4.3 L/min inlet flow) to ensure strong water pressure even when drawing from a static source. It's extremely fast and efficient – igniting in around 5 seconds and delivering a steady hot water output for your shower or washing needs. The F5 Pro boasts a sleek, screw-free body design, meaning the exterior has no exposed screws; not only does this give it a modern look, it also eliminates sharp edges and points of rust entry, making it safer to handle and more weather-resistant. At 4.9 kg, it's lightweight, and it features a foldable handle for easy carrying or hanging. One convenient innovation is the pop-up battery box – the two D-cell batteries that power the ignition are housed in a compartment that pops open at the push of a button, so you can replace batteries without any screwdriver (and without bending over to peer underneath). The F5 Pro is also notable for its LED display, which shows the real-time water temperature and battery status. This helps you monitor your shower temperature precisely and know when the batteries are running low. With 10 kW heating power, it can raise water temp by about 25–30°C at 5 L/min flow, just like the AY132, ensuring a comfortably warm shower. Safety-wise, the F5 Pro includes all the standard protections (flame failure, overheat cutoff at 75 °C, etc.). This unit is perfect for campervan users, outdoor events, or mobile dog grooming – essentially anywhere you want a reliable hot water supply with minimum setup time. You get all the hoses, a showerhead, gas regulator, and pump included, so just add water and gas and you're ready to go. The F5 Pro offers total hot water freedom for your adventures, living up to Camplux's ethos of enjoying outdoor life with comfort.
Camplux F10 Pro – 10 L High-Flow Tankless Water Heater (2.64 GPM)
The Camplux F10 Pro is the heavyweight of this lineup, delivering an impressive 10 L/min of hot water (about 2.64 GPM). If you have a large family, a group campsite, or multiple applications for hot water at once, this model has you covered – it can easily handle two simultaneous outputs, such as two people showering or a shower plus a kitchen tap running. Despite its higher capacity, the F10 Pro is engineered to remain portable and user-friendly. In fact, at 7 kg and roughly 47×33×15 cm in size, Camplux advertises it as one of the world's smallest and lightest water heaters in the 10 L class. It comes with a 12V pump (with an even higher flow of 12 L/min) to feed the beast, ensuring that the burner always has adequate water flow even if your source is just a static tank. The burner puts out about 20 kW of power (68,000 BTU), meaning it can raise water temperature significantly (you can get steaming hot water even in winter conditions – great for filling up an inflatable hot tub or doing large chores). For ease of use, the F10 Pro has a 3-level adjustable handle that doubles as a hanger – you can carry it, stand it upright, or flip the handle to hang the unit on a hook or branch. Like the F5, it features a screw-free casing and a pop-up battery box for the 2 D-cells. There's also an LED readout to display temperature and battery life. With multi-dimensional safety protections (flame failure sensor, anti-freeze protection, overheat shutoff at 75 °C, etc.), the F10 Pro is built for safe operation even at its high output. This model shines for scenarios like multi-family camping holidays, outdoor events (e.g. a music festival crew setting up portable showers), or as a backup water heater for remote cabins and barns. Essentially, anywhere you need a robust flow of instant hot water, the F10 Pro can deliver. Just remember, with higher gas demand, you'll go through propane a bit faster – but the convenience of ample hot water on tap is well worth it for many users.
(Tip: If you're conscious of gas consumption, you might wonder – Are Outdoor Water Heaters Energy Efficient? In general, tankless water heaters like these only burn fuel when you're using hot water, making them more efficient than traditional tank water heaters that keep water hot 24/7. Camplux models are designed to optimize combustion and minimize wastage, so you get a lot of heat output per unit of gas. For instance, users often report that even with daily camping showers, a standard propane cylinder lasts quite a long time. We'll touch more on saving energy and maintenance below.)
Installation and Safety Tips for Using Camplux Water Heaters
One of the big advantages of Camplux portable water heaters is how easy they are to set up. Even if you're not a plumber, you can usually get them running in minutes. Essentially, you connect the gas regulator to your LPG bottle, attach the water inlet hose (and pump if using one) to your water source, and connect the shower head to the outlet – then you're ready for hot water. For a full walkthrough on setup, including mounting the unit and priming the pump, check out our Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Camplux Portable Water Heater. It's important to follow guidelines especially when using gas appliances outdoors. In the UK, you should always adhere to Understanding UK Regulations for Outdoor Water Heater Installation – this covers things like proper ventilation, gas safety standards, and the required certifications (all Camplux water heaters sold in the UK are CE certified or UKCA compliant for use with propane/butane). If you're unsure about doing it yourself, you might weigh the options of DIY vs hiring a professional installer. Generally, these units are designed for DIY installation (they come with manuals and even customer support), but if you ever feel uneasy working with gas connections, it's best to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to double-check your setup. Either way, you can refer to How to Install a Camplux Outdoor Water Heater in the UK for installation best practices that are specific to British setups (for example, ensuring the regulator and gas bottle you use are compatible with UK standards, and that any permanent installation has proper flue clearance).
When setting up your water heater, also consider the accessories that might make the job easier and the system safer. Camplux offers various add-ons – and some models already include many of them. For instance, if your water heater didn't come with a 12V pump and you plan to camp off-grid, you'll want to get one. Likewise, things like quick-connect hose fittings, extra long shower hoses, Y-splitters (to feed multiple outlets), or a portable shower stand/enclosure can greatly enhance your experience. See Essential Accessories for Installing Your Camplux Water Heater for a rundown of must-haves and handy extras (such as gas bottle stabilizer bases or carry cases for the water heater). Always use the correct gas regulator as provided (most Camplux kits include a 37 mbar propane regulator, which clips onto the common Calor gas bottles in the UK). If you switch to butane, use a 28–30 mbar regulator as specified. And of course, double-check all connections for leaks – a soapy water solution brushed onto connections will bubble if any gas is escaping. (Pro tip: keep a roll of gas-rated PTFE tape in your kit; though the gas fittings are usually pre-fitted with O-rings or washers, a little tape on threaded connections can ensure a gas-tight seal.)
Safety is paramount when operating outdoor gas appliances. Always run the water heater in a well-ventilated space (outdoors is best – never inside a closed tent or caravan). The unit's exhaust gets hot, so keep it clear of any tarps or overhangs that could melt or catch fire. Never point the exhaust vent toward you or anyone showering – it should face away and ideally be away from the direction of the wind (to prevent blowback of the flame). Make sure to read up on the Safety Precautions When Using Outdoor Water Heaters – for example, one common guideline is to always disconnect the gas cylinder when the unit is not in use, and let the water heater cool down before moving it after use. Camplux water heaters have safety shut-off features (flame failure devices that cut gas if the flame goes out, tilt switches that turn off if the unit falls over, etc.), but user vigilance is still important. It's wise to keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in your camping gear as a general precaution when cooking or heating with gas. In case you ever smell gas and suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and check all connections – do not ignite the water heater until the issue is resolved. (For detailed emergency steps, see resources like what to do in case of a gas leak – but hopefully you'll never need them if everything is set up correctly!). In summary, install carefully, use common sense, and you'll have safe, hot showers wherever you roam.
Maintenance and Efficiency for Long-Term Use
Camplux water heaters are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor life, but a little maintenance goes a long way to ensuring they last for many seasons. After frequent use, especially with hard water, mineral deposits can build up in the water heater's waterways. It's a good idea to occasionally flush the unit with clean water (some users run a vinegar solution through the system to dissolve scale, followed by a fresh water rinse). Regularly inspect the inlet filter (if your model has one on the water connection) to remove any debris or sediment – this keeps the water flow strong. The shower head nozzles should also be checked for mineral buildup; cleaning them will prevent weak spray. For more routine upkeep advice, refer to Routine Maintenance Tips for Camplux Outdoor Water Heaters – covering simple tasks like wiping down the unit, checking hoses for cracks, and storing it properly between adventures. One of the most important maintenance steps is draining the water heater before storing it, especially before winter or any prolonged period of non-use. Water left inside can freeze and expand, cracking the internal pipes. Most Camplux models have a drain plug – make sure to use it! Also, disconnect and drain the shower hose and pump. Our Winterizing Your Camplux Water Heater: A UK Guide provides a season-specific checklist (like using anti-freeze fluid if appropriate, though simply ensuring all water is out is usually sufficient for these portable units). In the UK's damp climate, it's wise to dry the unit out before packing it away to avoid any rust on the burners. Store it in a cool, dry place. If you take care of your water heater, there's no reason it can't provide you with hot water joy for many years. In fact, some simple protective measures – for example, using a weatherproof cover or case when transporting it, and not dropping or bumping the unit – will significantly extend the lifespan of your outdoor water heater (Camplux covers this topic in depth in their blog). Treat it well, and you'll continue to have that luxurious hot shower on demand wherever you go.
Lastly, a note on energy efficiency: Portable gas water heaters are quite efficient by design – since they only heat water as you use it, there's no gas wasted maintaining a tank temperature. Many campers find that they get a lot of mileage out of a single LPG cylinder. To optimize efficiency, use the dials to only heat to the temperature you actually need (no point in boiling-hot water if you'll just mix it with cold). Also, when possible, shower in “warm” parts of the day so the inlet water isn't icy cold – the water heater won't have to work as hard (this isn't always possible in the UK, we know, but even keeping your water container in the sun can raise its temperature a few degrees). If you're curious about how these units stack up against, say, an electric home boiler or other systems, our post on Are Outdoor Water Heaters Energy Efficient? dives into a comparison. In short, Camplux tankless water heaters tend to use fuel frugally – the Nano 3Pro even has an “A” energy rating (79% efficiency) under EU standards, and others are similar or better. Plus, you're only heating what you need, where you need it, which is eco-friendlier than heating a whole tank and wasting water. By following good maintenance practices and efficient usage habits, you'll not only save on fuel, but also reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying hot water off-grid.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Outdoor Hot Water Solution
In conclusion, understanding the specifications of Camplux water heaters helps you match the right model to your outdoor lifestyle. Whether you need the ultra-portable ease of the Nano 3Pro, the all-inclusive setup of an AY132Max, or the high-capacity comfort of an F10 Pro, there's a Camplux for every adventure. These units are designed with campers in mind – they're lightweight, quick to install, and packed with safety features to give you peace of mind. With instant hot water at your fingertips, you can elevate any camping or caravanning trip to a new level of comfort. It's no wonder so many outdoor enthusiasts are choosing Camplux as their go-to solution for hot showers on the go. To learn more about what sets Camplux apart from the competition and the brand's commitment to quality and safety, check out Why Choose Camplux for Your Outdoor Heating Needs? Here's to enjoying the great outdoors with all the warmth and convenience of home – happy camping and stay warm out there!
