Introduction: Portable Bike Washer
Being a mountain biker who lives in an apartment in a rainy part of the world, I frequently find myself in need of a way to hose down my bike at the trailhead. It's also nice to have a way to hose off shoes and digging tools when I come back from a day of working on the trail.
My solution was to buy an RV pump, some hose fittings, stick them in a box, and wire it all up to jumper cables.
Some important considerations:
1. I tried using a 12v accessory plug. The current draw from the pump first blew a fuse, and when I put foil over the fuse it melted the spring inside. That's why I opted to use jumper cables instead.
2. FUSE IT! Make sure you put a fuse in front of the switch, especially since this clips directly to the battery!
3. I just cut up old jumper cables for the battery clips.
4. Use quick release connectors on the pressurized side. You don't want to be trying to screw down a hose in 45 degree rain.
5. Don't use quick release connectors for the feeder because it only takes a tiny air leak to ruin a feeder line.
6. The line going into the water can MUST be stiff and straight, otherwise it just curls up inside the can and won't reach the water.
7. I got that awesome little nozzle at Home Depot. Use It! It's surprisingly efficient. I'm amazed at how much washing I can accomplish with just 7 gallons of water!
8 Comments
8 years ago
Also, you can get a 12 volt utility pump at Harbor Freight for $39, draws 5 amps maximum, which you could use existing car wiring with. It comes with garden hose connectors. I realize you already have the RV pump, just thinking of something more cost effective and less of a burden on the typical vehicle electrical system.
8 years ago
They are called EC3 connectors, very easy to use, handle 10 or 12 awg wire very well and conduct 30 amps, more than 10 times what most accessory adapters deliver. They aren't very expensive. I use them extensively for solar power.
8 years ago
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=161386316031&alt=web
9 years ago on Introduction
Also, for those interested, that awesome nozzle is called a Bulls-Eye. http://www.bullseyenozzle.com/ I got mine at Ace Hardware.
9 years ago on Introduction
It's too bad it draws too much current for the accessory plug. Now you need to run a dedicated heavy-gauge wire to the back of your car to accommodate it without having to pop your hood.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Yes, but what would I use for a connector? The other thing I was thinking I could do is find a lithium battery pack that could supply sufficient current....
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
What about a wrecking yard? There must be some cars out there that have disconnect plugs for starter motors, or something, right?
9 years ago
Very cool