Water is life on the road—and after building 300+ adventure-ready vans in the Colorado Rockies, we’ve learned that a bulletproof water system isn’t just about convenience. It’s about freedom. The difference between turning back early and pushing deeper into the backcountry. Between confident off-grid adventures and constantly worrying about your next water refill.
Key Takeaways
When we designed the Flatiron’s water system, we had one goal: create a setup that works as hard as you do. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Essential components engineered for reliability – No over-complicated systems that fail when you’re 50 miles from civilization.
- Real-world performance insights from 300+ builds – We’ve tested these systems everywhere from Death Valley to the Canadian Rockies.
- Practical maintenance tips from Colorado’s brutal terrain – Because your water system needs to handle everything from alpine freeze-thaw cycles to desert dust storms.
- The signature 2-in-1 design that works for serious adventurers – An outdoor shower that actually makes sense, not just a gimmick.
Contents
Breaking Down the Flatiron Water System Components
Fresh Water Storage Solutions
The heart of any van water system is storage, and after testing everything from 10-gallon weekend setups to massive 40-gallon behemoths, we landed on 24 gallons of fresh water capacity as the sweet spot for the Flatiron.
That 24 gallons is enough for 5–7 days of comfortable off-grid living for two people. This means you can stay out longer without turning your van into a water hauler that struggles on mountain passes.
The Flatiron also includes a dedicated rear outdoor shower outlet for full shower use, giving you both the quick-rinse flexibility of the sink faucet and the option for a full shower when you want it.
Just as important as size is placement. We mount the tank low and centered for better weight distribution. That keeps the van stable on winding mountain roads, where poor balance can turn confident cornering into white-knuckle driving.
Design matters too. Our rectangular tanks maximize every cubic inch of the Sprinter platform, unlike round tanks that waste valuable space you could use for gear or food.
And because van life doesn’t stop when the temperature drops, the Flatiron’s tanks come with insulation and freeze protection. In Colorado winters we’ve tested these systems hard — they’ll handle moderate cold, but for serious deep freezes, nothing beats proper winterization. That’s why we give every owner simple guidance to keep their system safe when temps plummet.
Gray Water Management
Gray water is one of the most overlooked parts of a camper van water system — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Some builds skip it entirely, creating environmental and legal problems. Others overcomplicate it with clunky setups that are a nightmare to service.
The Flatiron strikes the right balance with an integrated gray water tank system that’s simple, effective, and designed for easy access. No crawling under your van with a flashlight just to empty it — our placement allows for quick, clean maintenance, so you spend more time on the trail and less time under the chassis.
It also helps you stay compliant wherever your travels take you. Gray water disposal rules vary: in some National Forests, responsible dispersal may be acceptable, while other areas require tank stations. Our system makes it easy to handle either scenario.
But beyond compliance, gray water management is about stewardship. By using biodegradable soaps, minimizing waste, and following Leave No Trace principles, you’re protecting the same wild places that make van life possible. The Flatiron’s system is designed to make that responsibility easier to meet — without compromising your freedom.
Water Delivery and Pressure Systems
The 12V water pump is the muscle behind your water delivery, and we’ve spec’d ours specifically for reliable pressure at mountain elevations. Many van conversions use pumps designed for RVs at sea level—great until you’re trying to get decent water pressure at 9,000 feet.
Our distribution manifold design ensures consistent pressure to all fixtures, whether you’re using the indoor faucet, outdoor shower, or both simultaneously. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about system reliability and preventing pressure fluctuations that can damage components over time.
The Flatiron’s Signature 2-in-1 Sink Shower Feature
The exterior-accessible faucet isn’t just a cool feature—it’s a game-changer for how you’ll use your van. While the Flatiron does include a dedicated rear shower outlet for full shower experiences, the gooseneck faucet serves a different purpose entirely.
Think of it as your quick-access water station—perfect for those moments when you need pressurized water but don’t want the setup time or water usage of a full shower.
Most outdoor shower setups are afterthoughts: clunky add-ons that barely work and eat up valuable storage space. Our faucet integrates seamlessly with the main sink system while giving you instant outdoor access. It’s the difference between a 30-second rinse and a 5-minute setup.
We tested it hard in Colorado conditions—muddy mountain bike rides, dusty desert days, freezing mornings. The faucet had to deliver real pressure for cleaning, hold up under extreme temperatures, and stay reliable after thousands of uses. It passed every test.
By building it directly into the Flatiron’s compact, 144″ layout, we kept the system simple, efficient, and durable. No wasted space. No gimmicks. Just a thoughtful design that makes your van more usable every single day.
Real-World Performance: Customer Stories and Lessons Learned
“Geotrek provided a great experience before, during, and after purchase. Trevor and team answered my million questions and made suggestions based on use. The pickup process was enjoyable, and the follow-up after purchase has been wonderful.” – Adam
After 300+ builds, we’ve learned a thing or two. Customer feedback from diverse climates and usage patterns provides insights impossible to gather from controlled testing.
Flatiron vans have seen it all — from Alaska to Central America, Death Valley heat to Rocky Mountain snow, weekend getaways to year-long journeys. Those miles validate our design choices and highlight where we can keep improving.
System modifications based on that feedback reflect our commitment to continuous improvement. When issues or ideas come in, we analyze them and roll upgrades into future builds. It’s not just about fixing problems — it’s about making good systems even better.
And nothing proves reliability like the people who live full-time in their vans. Couples who’ve put a year or more into their Flatirons have given us the ultimate stress test, showing which features matter most and how the system holds up under constant use.
