Outback Shower FAQ

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Product Overview

The Outback Shower is a portable propane-powered hot water system designed for camping, overlanding, van life, hunting, and off-grid adventures. It features a built-in lithium battery, portable water pump, and instant hot water heating system.

The Outback Shower is designed for:

  • Outdoor showers
  • Washing dishes
  • Cleaning gear
  • Pet washing
  • Camp cleanup

*This appliance is intended for washing and cleaning purposes only and is not designed to supply drinking water.

No. The Outback Shower does not have a built-in water tank. The included pump is designed to draw water from an external water source.

Common water sources include:

  • Jerry cans
  • Collapsible water containers
  • Buckets
  • Pressurized campsite water hookups
  • Garden hose setups

Heating & Water Temperature

The unit uses propane gas to instantly heat water as it passes through the heat exchanger.

The unit is designed to provide a temperature lift of up to 55°F above the source water temperature.

Example:

  • 60°F source water = up to 110-115°F outlet temperature
  • Maximum outlet temperature is limited to 122°F for safety.

The unit is designed to work with source water temperatures of:

  • 60°F or below (ideal)
  • Maximum recommended inlet water temperature: 86°F

*can remove water reducer in shower head for warmer climates

Common causes include:

  • Very cold source water
  • Gas set too low
  • Using a pressurized water source without reducing flow

For best performance:

  • Increase the gas setting
  • Recycle water back into the source container and run it through the unit again
  • Lower the water flow rate (when using garden hose or pressurized system)

    (Video)

If the inlet water is already warm, the unit may exceed your preferred shower temperature.

Try:

  • Lowering the gas setting
  • Using cooler source water
  • Removing water reducer inside of Shower Head
  • Recycle water back into the source container and remove gas when at desired temperature
  • Increasing water flow (when using garden hose or pressurized system)

Yes. Temperature is adjusted using the gas control knob located on the front of the unit.

Water Sources & Hose Connections

Yes. The Outback Shower can operate from a standard garden hose or pressurized water source using a garden hose quick connect setup.

When using a pressurized water source:

  • You must manually control water flow
  • Slower flow generally produces hotter water
  • Faster flow reduces temperature lift

For best results:

  • Start with the shower head turned OFF
  • Power on the unit
  • Hit the start button
  • Turn the shower head ON to start ignition
  • Adjust flow of water and gas until desired temperature

The pump can draw water from lakes or rivers, however clean water is strongly recommended. For best results, we recommend collecting the water in a container first and then drawing from that source. This helps reduce the chance of debris, sand, or sediment entering the pump and system.

Avoid:

  • Mud
  • Sand
  • Debris
  • Salt water

*Using dirty water can damage the pump or heat exchanger.

No. Salt water should never be used with the Outback Shower.

The Outback Shower pump operates at approximately: 0.5 gallons per minute

Propane & Gas Questions

The unit is designed to work with:

  • Standard 16 oz / 1 lb propane bottles
  • Refillable propane cylinders using a propane hose

Yes. Larger propane tanks can be connected using an appropriate propane hose.

Yes. The Outback Shower has a built-in gas regulator and should only be used with the supplied regulator system.

The maximum recommended gas hose length is: 59 inches.

No. The Outback Shower is for outdoor use only.

Battery & Power

Yes. The unit includes an integrated lithium-ion battery pack.

Yes. The Outback Shower can operate while connected to DC or AC power.

Approximate charging times:

  • 25% charge: 1 hour
  • 50% charge: 2 hours
  • Full charge: 4–5 hours

If the unit is stored for long periods:

  • Recharge the battery every 3 months
  • Store in a dry, ventilated area

No. The Outback Shower is for outdoor use only.

Setup & Operation

Basic setup:

  1. Connect propane
  2. Connect the pump hose
  3. Submerge the pump in clean water
  4. Connect the shower hose
  5. Turn the shower head switch ON
  6. Press the power button
  7. Press START

Yes. The shower head includes an ON/OFF flow switch.

When water flow stops:

  • The burner automatically shuts off
  • The pump continues running

When water flow starts:

  • The unit will reignite

*note: allow enough time for the unit to reignite before turning the switch back to the OFF position.

No. The Outback Shower must remain upright during operation.

The unit includes a tilt safety switch that will shut the appliance down if tilted or operated on an unstable surface.

Error Codes & Troubleshooting

E1 = Flame not ignited

  • Allow the unit to full ignite before messing with water flow, shower head ON/OFF, etc.

*shutdown completely and start again

E3 = No gas detected / burner not lit

  • If this is your first time starting your unit or it has sat for an extended period it needs to be primed with gas.
  • Shut the unit down completely and start again.
  • Repeat 2-4 times until unit ignites and flame symbol is illuminated

E4 = Water outlet sensor failure

E6 = Unit over-temperature

E7 = Water temperature exceeded 122°F

*ignition will stop until water temperature reaches 110°F and reignite on its own.

E8 = Tilt switch activated

*shutdown completely and start again

Storage & Maintenance

To properly drain the system:

  1. Disconnect all hoses
  2. Hold hoses vertically to drain water
  3. Make sure the shower head switch is ON
  4. Tilt the unit forward and sideways to drain remaining water

Yes, but the unit must be fully drained first to prevent freeze damage.

Use:

  • Warm water
  • Mild soap
  • Soft cloth

Do not:

  • Submerge the unit
  • Use bleach
  • Use abrasive cleaners

Warranty & Support

  • 36-month limited warranty on the appliance
  • 12-month warranty on the integrated battery pack

  • Customer Service: contact@kakaduusa.com
  • Warranty: Form

No Dramas Guarantee

If our gear doesn’t do what we say, we’ll make it right.

Easy Returns

Return within 30 days for a full refund.

80 Years of Innovation

We have a proud heritage as one of the largest outdoor leisure businesses in Oceania.

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Our US-based team is here to help you explore further, and play longer, with confidence.