AEV Bumper Water Tank: Gravity Spigot

[MattJ]

I've always wanted to use the water tanks in my AEV rear bumper, but couldn't stand the thought of hassling with the hand-pump dispenser that is required to squirt the water out of the tanks. So I spliced a spigot onto the connector hose at the lowest point. The spigot tucks up inside the bumper with a velcro strap when not in use. I've tested it a few times. No leaks. Capacity of the tanks is around 4 gallons.

[del_TJ]

Your jeep pees now?

[MattJ]

Yes! I'll have to fill the tanks with lemonade one of these days just to take some good photos . . .

[MattJ]

Actually, I just came up with a BETTER idea! Maybe my next project should be to build a monshine still.

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

Actually, I just came up with a BETTER idea! Maybe my next project should be to build a monshine still.

for after the driving is done for the day, obviously...

are there two or more separate tanks, or are they one large tank? I'm thinkin whiskey in one, and rum in another...

[MattJ]

Actually, I just came up with a BETTER idea! Maybe my next project should be to build a monshine still.

for after the driving is done for the day, obviously...

are there two or more separate tanks, or are they one large tank? I'm thinkin whiskey in one, and rum in another...

The ideas just keep getting better and better on this one . . .

I didn't mention it in my post, but there ARE two separate tanks with my configuration. Due to the t-junction I installed, the fluid pressure isn't strong enough to allow me to fill both tanks from one side. So I had to drill a cap into the other side tank and fill it separately. The spigot drains from the right side first, since it has a built in air vent. Then I loosen the cap on the left side and it drains out the spigot next.

Perfect for a cocktail combination as you suggest!

[pirahnah3]

Im with Dan on the uses for the two tanks hehehe

Looks great, I always thought it was a great use of the space especially as a more expedition type vehicle where you need to be able to take a bunch of things with you.

As for the vent, what about adding a pressure relief valve to the fill cap you added to allow it to auto drain when needed.

[MattJ]

Im with Dan on the uses for the two tanks hehehe

Looks great, I always thought it was a great use of the space especially as a more expedition type vehicle where you need to be able to take a bunch of things with you.

As for the vent, what about adding a pressure relief valve to the fill cap you added to allow it to auto drain when needed.

Another good idea . . .

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

Though with a pressure relief valve, you could be susceptible to accidental drain if for some reason the drain valve gets broken while wheeling. The back pressure as it’s currently designed could prevent the tanks from draining out quicker.

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

With the right fittings, you could pressurize the tank with an onboard air system, and a sprayer attachment to the drain hose for sink/shower duty.

[RalphTomaccio]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5DBpzoKIMo

[MattJ]

A pressurized system was actually my initial plan. I even traded several messages with someone who posted a YouTube video of how to do it with an onboard compressor and the AEV tanks. It was a great design that allowed him to connect a hose and spray down his Jeep on the trail after mud runs. My plan was to use a portable compressor and install a spare tire valve on the AEV bumper tanks, but I ultimately decided a gravity spigot would be almost as good. One person mentioned that a portable compressor might pump contaminants into my water tanks, and that was the advice that convinced me to give up on a pressurized system.

Here's a link where I solicited some engineering advice a few weeks ago:

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threa ... me-advice!

And here's the YouTube video that got me started on this concept:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSqvijxMC5Y

[MattJ]

Well, I learned that a 1/2" CTS (copper tube sizing) is 5/8" outside diameter, which is exactly what I was looking for! Here are the photos of the upgraded t-junction. I still have to fill both side tanks separately, but this upgrade looks a lot cleaner and actually wedges inside the bumper very snug.