SandyCats TrailWash: A Portable Scepter Jerry Can Camp Shower Water System – Overview & Detailed Real World Review
If you’re someone who loves to go off the grid and enjoy the great outdoors, then the SandyCats TrailWash (a battery operated water system) is a must-have for your gear collection. Compared to other similar products on the market, the TrailWash stands out for its versatility, portability, and ruggedness.
What I love about this product is that it’s a lid-only system. It can easily adapt to the traditional Scepter canister that many of us already use. SandyCats has taken the traditional lid and added an internal pump, external battery, and quick disconnect accessories to make this shower system even more functional and convenient.
One of the biggest advantages of the TrailWash is that it doesn’t require an external air pump to pressurize the tank, making it incredibly easy to use. The included accessories offer a ton of options depending on your needs, and the mobility of the unit allows you to shower away from your vehicle and not leave a muddy mess. Plus, the ability to heat up the water by boiling makes being outdoors much more enjoyable.
Find It Online
- SandyCats TrailWash Battery Operated Camp Shower: Check Price
- Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container (sold separately): Check Price
SandyCats TrailWash Review
Available Accessories
When purchasing the SandyCats TrailWash system, you’ll have a variety of configurations to choose from.
First and foremost, you’ll need to select the color cap – Sand, American Green, or Black. Next, you can select accessories – the Faucet, Hosecoil, and/or Shower.
Faucet
This accessory is a must-have in my opinion. It’s a small adapter that provides running water in seconds, making it incredibly convenient for washing hands, filling a dog bowl, or transferring water between units. The barb fitting at the end allows you to attach other hoses if needed, and the built-in on-and-off valve is a great feature. What surprised me the most about this accessory was how easy it was to use and the impressive flow rate.
Hosecoil
This accessory is the most versatile of all the options. The coiled hose offers flexibility and length in a small package. The attached nozzle provides a variety of options such as shower, jet, flat, open, and more. Even with its restricted flow rate to conserve water, it still provides a good stream of water.
Shower
Lastly, this accessory adds an extra bit of luxury to your outdoor experience. The attachable suction cup allows you to mount the shower head on your vehicle and there’s an on-off valve to conserve water. The quick disconnect fitting makes it easy to switch back to the other accessories.
Overall, each accessory has its own unique benefits and can be mixed and matched to fit your individual needs. The TrailWash system provides a variety of options to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable and convenient. So, whether you’re in need of running water, a versatile hose, or a relaxing shower, the SandyCats TrailWash has you covered.
Accessories Review
It’s clear that SandyCats has put a lot of effort and attention into designing and crafting each of the TrailWash accessories. The quality of the quick disconnect fitting is exceptional and speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that has gone into this product.
Out of all the available options, the Hosecoil is potentially the best accessory due to its versatility and usefulness for a variety of tasks, whether it’s showering, cooking, or cleaning. The faucet is also highly recommended. It makes tasks like filling pots or washing hands a breeze with its convenient design.
While the shower head accessory is not as essential as the other two, it adds an extra level of luxury to your outdoor shower experience. However, depending on your individual setup, it may not be necessary.
Overall, the TrailWash system with its carefully crafted accessories is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to upgrade their off-road or outdoor shower setup.
Build Quality
Upon initial scrutiny, one may question the value proposition of this product, prompting reactions such as “That is an expensive cap,” “What do you mean I still have to purchase the canister?” and “I can build my own overland shower”. While these sentiments are understandable, it is only upon closer inspection that you’ll realize the product’s superior qualities.
The bulkhead fitting of this product is of an exceptional standard, featuring a satisfying click that ensures a secure attachment of each accessory. The plastic used in the bulkhead possesses sufficient flexibility, reassuring its durability. Furthermore, the bulkhead is not proprietary, allowing for the creation of custom accessories.
The pump in this unit also sets it apart from other offerings. SandyCats has invested significant time in testing and selecting a German-made pump that delivers on its advertised flow rate of 10 L/min or 2.5 gal/minute. The high flow rate is necessary to maintain pressure in the system, and the pump’s replacement can be easily sourced from Amazon if needed.
Finally, the unit’s cabling and overall fit and finish exhibit impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The product’s hand-assembled construction ensures that there is no excess adhesive overflowing around the edges, and the cable heat shrink lengths match. Additionally, the position of the bulkhead, air valve, and cable is evenly spaced and strategically placed on the cap.
Overall, the product’s meticulous construction exudes quality and leaves a lasting impression on the user.
Potential Improvements
Upon initial use, the product in question proved to be a high-quality solution for on-the-go showering needs.
However, there are areas in which it could benefit from further development. Specifically, the battery mounting solution. While versatile, it could be improved with an attached box or bag to keep the unit as one cohesive unit. Additionally, the inclusion of an extension cable with a traditional 12V plug would allow for the use of a portable camping battery unit.
The shower attachment included with the product, while useful, leaves something to be desired in terms of quality. The shower head itself tends to bulge and leak, and a mount designed to utilize the normal spray nozzle instead could have functioned just as well.
Finally, the provided bag size is somewhat cramped when attempting to store all three accessories and the lid of the unit. I found it easiest to use the bag with the lid and two accessories or to leave the lid on the scepter can and use the bag solely for accessories.
It is worth noting that the ability to purchase the accessories separately is not currently available on the product’s website.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the TrailWash Battery Operated Camp Shower is a top-notch product that offers excellent value for its cost. While there may be other options on the market, many can’t compare to the TrailWash in terms of durability, versatility, and convenience.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality camp shower system, the SandyCats TrailWash is definitely worth the investment.
The SandyCats TrailWash system is a remarkable product that stands out in its category. It offers portability and unmatched versatility that truly enhances outdoor experiences. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, it is a testament to the commitment of a small American business that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction.
I will continue to be an advocate of the SandyCats TrailWash. I strongly recommend it, especially to those who already own scepter cans and seek to maximize their utility in the great outdoors.
