Camplux 5L Portable
Amazon customer rating as of
Tankless Geek editorial score: 3.7/5
The Camplux 5L (model AY132) is the ultra-portable camp heater: 34,000 BTU/h, up to 1.32 GPM (5 liters/min), about 10 pounds with a folding handle, powered by two D-cell batteries. Its standout trait is a very low 3.0 PSI startup pressure — low enough to run off a small 12V pump or even a gravity water bag — which is exactly what you want for tent camping, van life, or rinsing off away from any water hookup. It's CSA-approved with flame-failure, anti-freeze, and overheat protection that cuts gas above ~176 °F.
This is a single-task heater: one warm shower, camp dishes, or hosing off a muddy dog or sandy feet. At 34,000 BTU it delivers its 1.32 GPM only with warm inlet water; in cold conditions the deliverable flow drops toward roughly 0.8 GPM — fine for a camp rinse, not a household. Like every Camplux portable it is strictly outdoor-only and unvented: never run it inside a tent, RV, or enclosed space because of carbon-monoxide risk.
Key Features
Best Use Cases
Our Verdict
The go-anywhere camp-shower heater: light, cheap, and happy to run off a pump or gravity bag thanks to its 3 PSI startup. Ideal for tent camping, overlanding, and quick outdoor rinses. Don't ask it to do household duty, keep it outdoors and ventilated, and drain it in the cold.
Technical Specifications
| Input | 34,000 BTU/h (propane) |
|---|---|
| Max flow | Up to 1.32 GPM (5 L/min) |
| Startup pressure | As low as 3.0 PSI (pump/gravity-friendly) |
| Temp range | 50–140 °F |
| Weight | ≈10 lb, folding handle |
| Safety | CSA-approved; flame-failure, anti-freeze, overheat cutoff |
Specifications verified against the linked source documents. See Sources below.
How much hot water you'll actually get
Usable flow drops as incoming water gets colder. Figures are calculated from rated output (34,000 BTU × 0.8 UEF) and labeled as such — not bench-tested by us.
| Temperature rise | Typical scenario | Usable flow |
|---|---|---|
| 35 °F | Warm climate (75 °F in → 110 °F) — capped at max | 1.32 GPM |
| 45 °F | Mild climate (65 °F in → 110 °F) | 1.2 GPM |
| 60 °F | Cool climate (50 °F in → 110 °F) | 0.9 GPM |
| 70 °F | Cold water (40 °F in → 110 °F) | 0.8 GPM |
Usable flow at a 110 °F target: BTU × thermal-eff ÷ (ΔF × 500), capped at the 1.32 GPM maximum (non-condensing ~80%). Cold inlet water drops output to a camp-rinse trickle.
Pros
Cons
Buy it if…
- Tent camping, backpacking base camps, and overlanding
- Low-pressure setups — 12V pump or gravity water bag
- Quick outdoor rinses: dishes, dogs, sandy/muddy gear
- Budget buyers wanting the lightest portable hot water
Skip it if…
- Anyone needing more than one small fixture at a time
- Indoor, tent, or RV-interior use (outdoor-only, CO risk)
- Whole-home or cabin-shower duty (step up to the 16L)
Installation Requirements
Professional vs DIY
Fully owner-installed for camping and off-grid use — just follow the propane and ventilation safety rules; never run it in an enclosed space.
Gas and electrical work should be done by a licensed professional, and most installs require a permit and must meet local building codes — DIY work can void the manufacturer warranty. Always confirm the unit's own manual for exact clearances, venting, and sizing.
What owners report
Themes summarized from retailer customer feedback (4.2/5 Amazon customer rating, 892 ratings, as of 2026-08-23). These are owner opinions, not our own bench testing.
With ~892 reviews it's a well-liked camping staple — owners love hot water at a tent site or trailhead with minimal fuss.
The 3 PSI startup is repeatedly praised for working with a small 12V pump or a gravity bag where other heaters won't light.
At about 10 pounds with a folding handle, owners find it easy to pack and carry for camping and overlanding.
Reviewers are clear it's for a single rinse or shower — expecting household flow leads to disappointment.
Camplux 5L Portable FAQ
Will it work with low water pressure?+
Yes — that's its specialty. It starts at about 3.0 PSI, so it runs off a small 12V pump or even a gravity-fed water bag, which most heaters can't do.
Can I use it inside a tent or RV?+
No. It's an outdoor-only, unvented propane heater. Using it in a tent, RV interior, or any enclosed space risks carbon-monoxide poisoning — always use it in open air.
Is 1.32 GPM enough for a shower?+
For a camp shower, yes. It delivers 1.32 GPM with warm inlet water and about 0.8 GPM in cold conditions — plenty to rinse off, but it's a single-task heater.
How is it powered?+
Two D-cell batteries handle ignition — no electricity required — and it connects to a propane cylinder and a water source such as a pump or gravity bag.
Product sources
Specifications verified 2026-08-23. Manufacturer documents are treated as the primary source for model specifications. Retailer pages are used only for customer ratings and owner-feedback themes.
- Camplux AY132 official product page (accessed 2026-08-23)
- Camplux 5L (AY132) — Amazon listing (accessed 2026-08-23)
- Camplux 5L 1.32 GPM — Tractor Supply (accessed 2026-08-23)
Price range from leading retailers
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