We Ditched the Water Jug for a Beer Keg (Here’s Why)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to upgrade your camper or van water system by replacing a traditional water jug with a stainless steel Corny keg. This change not only offers a more durable and cleaner solution but also helps reduce plastic waste. We’ll guide you through the setup process, including sanitizing the keg, filling it with drinking water, and integrating it with your existing Dometic faucet.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before starting, ensure you have the following items:

• Corny Keg: A stainless steel keg designed for beverages.
• Tap: A dispensing tap for the keg.
• Sanitizing Solution: Such as Star San.
• Water Filter: ITEHIL Water Filter for clean drinking water.
• Dometic Faucet: For dispensing water.
• Dometic Jug: If you plan to use it for additional storage or backup.

Step 2: Choose the Keg Placement

Decide on a suitable location for your keg within your camper or van. Consider the following:

• Accessibility: Ensure the keg is easy to fill and dispense from.
• Space: Make sure it fits well without obstructing other items or pathways.
• Ventilation: If possible, place it where it can breathe to avoid pressure build-up.

Step 3: Sanitize and Clean the Keg

It’s crucial to start with a clean keg to ensure safe drinking water. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Sanitizing Solution: Mix the Star San according to package instructions.
2. Sanitize the Keg:
   • Open the keg and pour the sanitizing solution inside.
   • Swirl it around to coat all surfaces.
   • Let it sit for the recommended time (usually a few minutes).
3. Rinse: Empty the keg and rinse it with clean water to remove any residual sanitizer.

Step 4: Filter and Fill Water

To fill your keg with drinking water, use the following method:

1. Connect the Water Filter: Attach the ITEHIL Water Filter to your water source.
2. Fill the Keg:
   • Position the keg under the filter spout.
   • Open the filter to fill the keg with fresh water.
   • Ensure you fill it to an appropriate level, leaving space to avoid overflow when the keg is pressurized.

Step 5: Connect the Dometic Faucet

Integrate the Dometic faucet with your new keg system:

• Install the Faucet: If not already installed, mount the Dometic faucet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Connect to the Keg: Use appropriate tubing to connect the faucet to the keg’s tap. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully replace your traditional water jug with a Corny keg, enhancing your camper's water system. This setup not only provides a cleaner and more durable option but also contributes to reducing plastic waste. Consider this upgrade for a more sustainable and enjoyable van life experience. For further enhancements, explore additional filtration systems or portable water solutions.