Eccotemp L5 Tankless Water Heater w/ EccoFlo 12V Pump and Strainer - Portable Camping Shower Gear Review (2026)

What it is

The Eccotemp L5 is a portable propane tankless water heater rated at 1.5 gallons per minute, running on a standard 20 pound propane tank and lit by electronic ignition powered by two D-cell batteries. This bundle pairs the heater with Eccotemp's EccoFlo 12V diaphragm pump and strainer, which pulls water from an open source like a jug, tote, or barrel instead of requiring a pressurized hookup. The package also includes a 3-spray shower head, a gas regulator and hose, mounting hardware, and a garden hose quick connect, giving campers everything needed to plumb a working shower at a site with no water pressure of its own.

Fit for the job

This setup is built for car camping or overlanding where campers bring their own water supply rather than tapping into a campground spigot. The EccoFlo pump is the key piece that makes that possible, drawing water from a low or unpressurized source and pushing it through the heater at up to 3 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, more than the heater's own 1.5 GPM rating needs. Eccotemp lists an operating pressure range of 20 to 80 PSI and a usable output temperature range of 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the unit includes a 20 minute automatic safety shutoff.

What the pump requires

The EccoFlo pump runs on 12 volts, so it needs its own power source at camp, typically a car battery, a dedicated 12V battery, or a portable power station with a 12V output. This is worth planning around before a trip, since the heater's D-cell ignition and the pump's 12V draw are two separate power needs rather than one battery running everything. Campers who already run a 12V setup for lighting, a cooler, or a power station at their site will find this easy to add in, while anyone without an existing 12V source needs to budget for one specifically to run the pump.

Build and value

Eccotemp backs the L5 with a 1-year warranty on parts and the heat exchanger, a fairly standard length for portable propane water heaters in this category. The bundle costs more than the heater alone would, but buying the pump and strainer separately would likely cost close to the same total, so the kit pricing is reasonable for anyone who knows they need both pieces. Compared with simpler solar shower bags, this setup is heavier and takes longer to set up the first time, but it delivers genuinely hot, pressurized water on demand rather than lukewarm water that depends on sun exposure, which matters for cold-weather trips or evening showers after dark.

Bottom line

The Eccotemp L5 with EccoFlo pump suits campers who want a real hot shower away from hookups and are willing to manage a propane tank, batteries, and a 12V power source for the pump. It is a more complete and more capable setup than a gravity shower bag, at the cost of more parts to carry and more setup at camp. Campers who only need occasional lukewarm rinses may be better served by a lighter solar shower, while anyone doing extended off-grid trips or regular cold-weather camping will likely appreciate having genuinely hot, on-demand water at camp.

Frequently asked questions