I’ve been running the Ontap Jerry Can Portable Shower on my VW Crafter setup, and overall it’s been a solid addition to the van. At around $235 AUD, it’s priced well for what it delivers — and honestly, I considered building a DIY setup myself, but the price and quality just wouldn’t add up. This one is worth buying.

Real-World Use

I mainly use it for rinsing off after surfing, and this is where it really shines. The water volume is surprisingly good — not just a light sprinkle, but enough pressure and flow to properly wash salt and sand off your body and wetsuit. After a long session in the surf, having that kind of rinse makes a huge difference.

I’ve also been using it after MTB rides, and it works great there too. There’s enough water flow to clean mud off your shoes, legs, and gear without feeling underpowered. It’s not a pressure washer, obviously — but for a portable shower setup, it has plenty of volume to get you properly cleaned up before jumping back into the van.

On overnight camping trips, it’s been surprisingly handy for cleaning dishes as well. Having running water on demand makes washing up quick and easy instead of juggling water bottles or buckets. It’s simple, efficient, and just makes camp life smoother.

The water nozzle itself is great. It gives you solid control over the spray, feels durable in hand, and delivers a consistent stream that makes rinsing quick and efficient — whether you’re cleaning yourself, your gear, or your dishes.

I mounted it externally on my van ladder, which worked really well. It keeps everything accessible, doesn’t take up interior space, and makes it easy to grab and rinse down without climbing into the van covered in salt or mud.

What I Liked

Strong, consistent water flow
Great water nozzle with solid spray control
Enough volume to clean shoes and body after MTB
Perfect for post-surf rinses
Handy for cleaning dishes on overnight camping trips
Compact and simple design

It does exactly what it’s designed to do — portable, reliable water on demand.

What I Didn’t Love

My biggest gripe is the power setup. You have to plug it into your 12V power source in the van, and rolling up the cord every time is honestly a bit of a pain. It works fine, but it adds an extra step that feels unnecessary.

I’d love to see the power system integrated into one all-in-one unit — something fully self-contained without having to manage cords each time.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s a solid product that does the job well. For van life, surfing, MTB, camping, or even rinsing muddy gear, it’s practical and dependable.

If you were thinking about building a DIY setup yourself, save yourself the headache — the price and quality of the Ontap Jerry Can make it worth buying outright.

Check it out here: Ontap Jerry Can Portable Shower – $235 AUS

Ontap Jerry Can Portable Shower Review