Pressurized hot water at camp from a roof-mounted tank that solar-heats while you drive. Rinse off after a trail day, wash dishes, fill water bottles.
A pressurized water system is one of the small luxuries that transforms an overland trip. The RoadShower (Yakima's flagship) is a 4 or 7 gallon black aluminum tank that mounts to your roof rack, fills with a garden hose, pressurizes via bicycle pump or 12V compressor, and dispenses through a hose with a shower head or hose nozzle. The black tank solar-heats to 80-100°F on a typical desert day — actually warm.
For an XJ specifically: the RoadShower mounts to any rack with crossbars on 20"+ centers. Plan for the weight — a full 7-gallon RoadShower is 67 lbs of water plus 25 lbs of tank, sitting at the highest point on the rig. Mount it low and centered if possible. The Geyser Systems portable shower is a lighter alternative — it's a 4-gallon insulated tank that sits on the ground at camp and uses a 12V pump for pressure; less elegant but no roof weight penalty.
The budget alternative is a Sea to Summit pocket shower — a 10L gravity bag that you hang from a tree branch. It works fine for a quick rinse but you're heating the water on your camp stove. For full-time overlanders, the RoadShower is worth the money; for occasional trips, the pocket shower covers 90% of the use case for $35.
Honest framing: shower systems are a quality-of-life upgrade. If you're a "wet wipes and a beer" person on the trail, skip this. If you want to feel human after three days of dust, this earns its keep.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima RoadShower 4 (4 gallon, solar-heated) | Yakima | ~$350 |
| Yakima RoadShower 7 (7 gallon) | Yakima | ~$470 |
| Geyser Systems portable shower | Geyser Systems | ~$280 |
| Sea to Summit pocket shower (budget alternative) | Sea to Summit | ~$35 |
| Roof rack mounting hardware (depends on rack) | rack-specific | ~$50 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.