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Water bladders for camping are one of the simplest ways to carry extra water without fitting another permanent tank to your caravan, camper or 4WD.

They are especially handy when the tap is not close to your site, when you do not want to pack up the caravan just to refill the tanks, or when lifting full jerry cans is no longer practical.

The setup I use is simple:

First, I fill the Fleximake water bladder through a B.E.S.T. water filter.

Then, when I get back to the caravan, I use a 12V water transfer pump to move the water from the bladder into the caravan tanks.

That is the important difference:

Filter when filling the bladder. Pump when emptying the bladder.

This guide walks through the full water bladder camping setup, including the hose, filter, pump and Flat Out fittings that make the process easier.

Watch The Water Bladder Camping Setup

Video 1: Filling The Fleximake Water Bladder

In this video, I show how I fill the bladder from a tap using a tap adaptor, drinking water hose, B.E.S.T. water filter and standard garden hose fittings.

This is the part of the process where the filter is used. The water is filtered before it goes into the bladder.

 

Video 2: Pumping Water From The Bladder Into The Caravan Tanks

In this video, I show how I transfer water from the bladder into the caravan tanks using a 12V water transfer pump.

This is the part of the process where the pump is used. The water is already in the bladder, so the pump simply moves it from the bladder to the caravan tank filler.

Why Use Water Bladders For Camping?

A camping water bladder gives you flexible water storage without committing to another fixed tank.

For families, that can mean extra water for dishes, showers, handwashing and longer stays at camp.

For grey nomads, it can mean less lifting, less walking back and forward with jerry cans, and fewer times you need to move the caravan just to get closer to a tap.

For 4WD touring, a vehicle water bladder can sit in the back of a ute, wagon, canopy or cargo area so you can collect water and bring it back to camp.

Campalot stocks the Fleximake range of water bladders from 60L up to 200L, so you can choose a size that suits your vehicle, available space and camping style.

The main benefit is flexibility. Fill the bladder when you find a suitable tap, bring the water back to camp, then pump it into your caravan tanks when you are ready.

The Simple Process: Fill First, Pump Later

The setup is easier when you split it into two separate jobs.

Filling the bladder

Tap > Flat Out tap adaptor > drinking water hose > B.E.S.T. water filter > Fleximake water bladder

Pumping into the caravan tanks

Fleximake water bladder > hose > 12V water transfer pump > hose > caravan tank filler

I prefer this method because the water is filtered before it goes into the bladder. When it is time to transfer water into the caravan tanks, the pump setup stays simpler.

Gear Used In This Setup

Here is the basic gear I would use for this water bladder camping setup.

• Fleximake water bladder, from the 60L to 200L range
• Drinking water hose, such as Flat Out hoses
• B.E.S.T. water filter
• Flat Out Brass Fittings Essentials Pack
• Fleximake PWP-06 12V water pump for a compact setup
• Fleximake PWP-17P pressure water pump for a higher-capacity setup
• Flat Out Brass Caravan Tap Dust Cap
• Flat Out Premium Brass Hose Plug Set

You do not need to overcomplicate the setup. The key is having the right fittings before you get to the tap.

A bladder, hose and filter are only useful if you can connect them cleanly and control the flow.

How To Fill Water Bladders For Camping Through A Filter

This is the filling process I recommend.

1. Lay the Fleximake water bladder flat and make sure it is properly supported.
2. Connect the Flat Out tap adaptor to the tap.
3. Connect your drinking water hose.
4. Fit the B.E.S.T. water filter inline before the bladder.
5. Connect the hose to the bladder using the standard garden hose attachment.
6. Open the bladder breather slightly so air can escape while the bladder fills.
7. Use the shut-off valve to control the water flow.
8. Stay with the bladder while it is filling.
9. When water starts coming out of the breather, stop filling the bladder.
10. Close the breather.
11. Turn the tap off before disconnecting.
    
12. Cap or plug the hose ends before transport.

Do not turn the tap on and walk away.

A water bladder needs to be watched while it fills, even if you are filling it slowly.

Important: Do Not Leave The Bladder Filling Unattended

A water bladder is not something to connect to a tap and forget about.

When filling the bladder, open the breather slightly so air can escape. Keep an eye on the bladder as it fills. Once water starts coming out of the breather, stop filling and close the breather.

I had a customer who was slowly filling a bladder during a first rinse process outside. They walked away and forgot about it. The bladder burst.

Luckily, it happened outside and no damage was done, but it is a good reminder: stay with the bladder, control the flow and stop filling as soon as water comes out of the breather.

A customer’s bladder after being left filling during a first rinse. It shows why you should stay with the bladder and stop filling when water comes out of the breather.

Where The Caravan Water Filter Goes

For this setup, I use the B.E.S.T. water filter when filling the bladder.

That means the filter sits between the tap and the bladder.

The flow is:

Tap > hose > B.E.S.T. water filter > bladder

This keeps the pump stage simple. When you get back to the caravan, the water has already gone through the filter, so you can connect the bladder to the 12V water transfer pump and move the water into the tanks.

Only fill a drinking water bladder from a water source that is suitable for drinking. A caravan water filter is part of a cleaner setup, but it is not a reason to use unsafe or unknown water sources.

Where Flat Out Hoses And Brass Fittings Help

The small fittings are what make this process easier.

The Flat Out Brass Fittings Essentials Pack works well with this setup because it gives you the key pieces you are likely to need at the tap or bladder end.

Tap adaptor

The tap adaptor helps you connect your hose setup to the tap.

This is the fitting you do not want to forget, especially at caravan parks, showgrounds, farm stays or campgrounds where taps are not always set up the same way.

Hose coupler

The hose coupler is useful when the tap is just out of reach and you need to join more than one hose.

If you have ever parked just a few metres too far from the tap, you know why this matters.

Shut-off valve

The shut-off valve gives you better control over the water flow.

This helps when filling the bladder, checking the breather, disconnecting fittings or trying to avoid a wet mess around the car or van.

Dust cap and hose plug set

The job is not finished when the bladder is full or the caravan tank is topped up.

Use the Flat Out Brass Caravan Tap Dust Cap and Flat Out Premium Brass Hose Plug Set to help keep fittings cleaner and reduce drips after pack-up.

It is a simple habit, but it keeps the tunnel boot, canopy or storage box tidier.

How To Pump Water From The Bladder Into Caravan Tanks

Once the bladder is filled and you are back at the caravan, the next step is to transfer the water into the tanks.

This is where the 12V water transfer pump comes in.

1. Lay the Fleximake water bladder flat and stable.
2. Connect the bladder outlet to the inlet side of the pump.
3. Connect the pump outlet to the hose going to the caravan tank filler.
4. Place the hose into the caravan tank filler.
5. Connect the pump to 12V power.
6. Turn the pump on.
7. Watch the tank filler, breather or overflow.
8. Turn the pump off before the bladder runs empty.
9. Disconnect the pump and hoses.
10. Drain the hose ends and cap or plug the fittings before packing away.

Do not leave the pump running unattended.

Stay nearby, keep an eye on the tank filler, and turn the pump off before the bladder is empty.

Which 12V Water Transfer Pump Should You Use?

For this setup, I generally recommend one of two Fleximake pumps.

Compact setup: Fleximake PWP-06 12V Water Pump

The Fleximake PWP-06 is the smaller, compact option.

It suits a simple water bladder transfer setup where the main job is moving water from the bladder into the caravan tanks.

If you want a neat, easy-to-store pump for this specific job, this is usually the one I would start with.

Higher-capacity setup: Fleximake PWP-17P Pressure Water Pump

The Fleximake PWP-17P is the higher-capacity option.

It suits campers and caravanners who want more flow or may want to use the pump as part of a broader off-grid water setup.

If you want a stronger pump option for a wider range of water jobs, this is the one I would consider.

4x4 Water Bladder And Vehicle Setup Tips

A 4x4 water bladder or vehicle water bladder can be a good option when you need to collect water away from camp and bring it back to the caravan.

Before filling the bladder, think about where it will sit.

A full bladder is heavy, so do not plan to move it by hand once it is full. Set it up in the position where it will travel before you start filling.

Common positions include:

• Ute tray
• Canopy
• Wagon cargo area
• Rear footwell
• Camper storage area

Keep the bladder flat, supported and away from sharp edges.

Also remember that water adds weight to your vehicle, so stay within your vehicle and caravan weight limits.

Setup Tips For Families

If you are camping with kids, the main benefit of a water bladder is having extra water without constant refill runs.

A few simple habits help:

• Fill the bladder before the afternoon rush.
• Keep kids away from hoses, power leads and pump connections.
• Use the shut-off valve so you can control the flow at the bladder end.
• Keep hose ends off the dirt.
• Pack caps and plugs where you can find them.
• Carry enough hose length for awkward taps.

For family camps, the goal is not just carrying more water. It is making the refill process calmer and less messy.

Setup Tips For Grey Nomads

For grey nomads, the biggest advantage is reducing lifting and repetition.

Instead of carrying full jerry cans back and forward, you can fill a bladder, bring it back to the van, then let the pump do the transfer work.

A few tips make the process easier:

• Keep the pump, filter, fittings and caps in one bag.
• Use the same setup order every time.
• Label hoses if that helps you avoid mistakes.
• Keep a spare tap adaptor on hand.
• Do not rush pack-up.
• Cap and plug fittings before storing them.

The more repeatable your setup is, the easier it becomes on the road.

Common Mistakes With Water Bladders For Camping

A good water bladder camping setup is simple, but a few small mistakes can make the job messy or frustrating.

Leaving the bladder filling unattended

Do not connect the bladder to a tap and walk away.

Open the breather slightly while filling so air can escape. When water starts coming out of the breather, stop filling the bladder and close the breather.

Leaving a bladder on slow fill can still overfill it.

Forgetting to open the breather while filling

If air cannot escape, the bladder may not fill evenly.

Open the breather slightly during filling, then close it once the bladder is full.

Forgetting the tap adaptor

A water bladder, hose and filter are not much help if you cannot connect to the tap.

Keep your tap adaptor in the same bag as your hose and fittings.

Not carrying a hose coupler

Sometimes the tap is just out of reach.

A hose coupler lets you join more than one hose when you need extra length.

Trying to fill without a shut-off valve

A shut-off valve makes it easier to control water flow at the bladder end, especially when filling through a filter or disconnecting the hose.

Letting hose ends touch dirt

Keep hose ends, filter fittings and bladder connections off the ground where possible.

Cap or plug them before transport.

Forgetting to check pump direction

When transferring water into the caravan tanks, check the pump inlet and outlet before switching it on.

If the pump is connected the wrong way, it will not move water properly.

Running the pump after the bladder is empty

Stay nearby while pumping into the caravan tanks.

Turn the pump off before the bladder runs dry.

Packing wet hose ends loose in the tunnel boot

Use dust caps and hose plugs to help keep fittings cleaner and reduce drips after pack-up.

Recommended Campalot Water Bladder Camping Setup

If you want to build this setup, split it into two parts: the fill kit and the transfer kit.

Fill kit

Use this when filling the bladder from a tap.

• Fleximake water bladder
• Flat Out drinking water hose
• B.E.S.T. water filter
• Flat Out Brass Fittings Essentials Pack

Transfer kit

Use this when pumping water from the bladder into the caravan tanks.

• Fleximake water bladder
• Fleximake PWP-06 12V Water Pump or Fleximake PWP-17P Pressure Water Pump
• Drinking water hose
• Hose coupler if extra reach is needed
• Flat Out Brass Caravan Tap Dust Cap
• Flat Out Premium Brass Hose Plug Set

The right setup depends on how you travel, how much water you need to move and where the bladder will sit in your vehicle.

If you mainly want a compact bladder-to-tank transfer setup, look at the PWP-06.

If you want a higher-capacity pump for broader water transfer jobs, look at the PWP-17P.

Build Your Water Bladder Camping Setup

A water bladder is only part of the setup.

The real difference comes from having the right hose, filter, pump and fittings ready before you need them.

For a simple touring setup, start with a Fleximake water bladder, add a B.E.S.T. water filter for filling, carry the right Flat Out fittings, then choose the 12V water transfer pump that suits how you camp.

That gives you a repeatable process:

Fill the bladder cleanly.

Transport it safely.

Pump it into the caravan tanks without lifting heavy jerry cans.

FAQs

What are water bladders for camping used for?

Water bladders for camping are used to carry extra water for caravans, campers, 4WDs and base camps. They are useful when the tap is away from camp or when you want to avoid lifting and pouring heavy jerry cans.

Is a camping water bladder better than jerry cans?

It depends on how you travel. Jerry cans are simple and easy to separate into smaller loads. A camping water bladder is useful when you want to carry more water in one flexible storage option and transfer it with a pump.

Can I use a 4x4 water bladder to fill caravan tanks?

Yes, a 4x4 water bladder can be used to collect water and bring it back to the caravan, then transfer it into the tanks with a 12V water transfer pump. Make sure the bladder is supported properly in the vehicle and that you stay within your weight limits.

Do I need a 12V water transfer pump?

If the bladder is sitting in your vehicle and you want to transfer water into the caravan tanks without lifting it, a 12V water transfer pump makes the job much easier.

Should I filter water before it goes into the bladder?

For this setup, I filter the water before it goes into the bladder. The B.E.S.T. water filter sits between the tap and the bladder, so the water is filtered during filling.

Where does the B.E.S.T. water filter go in the setup?

The B.E.S.T. water filter goes inline between the tap and the bladder when filling. Once the bladder is filled, the pump can then transfer the water from the bladder into the caravan tanks.

Can I use Flat Out hoses with a Fleximake water bladder?

Yes, this setup uses drinking water hose and standard garden hose attachments. Flat Out hoses and fittings work well because they make the tap, filter and hose connections easier to manage.

What fittings do I need for a water bladder camping setup?

At minimum, you want a tap adaptor, drinking water hose and suitable hose connections for the bladder. A hose coupler, shut-off valve, dust cap and hose plug set also make the process easier and cleaner.

What size water bladder should I choose for camping?

Choose the size based on your vehicle space, how much water you need, and how much weight your setup can safely carry. Campalot stocks Fleximake water bladders from 60L up to 200L.

Should I open the breather when filling a camping water bladder?

Yes. Open the breather slightly so air can escape while the bladder fills. Stay with the bladder while filling. When water starts coming out of the breather, stop filling, close the breather and turn the tap off.

How do I stop hose fittings dripping after pack-up?

Drain the hose ends where possible, then use dust caps and hose plugs before storing the fittings. This helps keep your tunnel boot, canopy or storage box cleaner after filling or transferring water.