Walk around any campsite or caravan park and you can see people pulling along a little plastic rollable barrel. The first time you see one you think it’s a little odd and wonder what on earth they are – but they’re probably one of the most useful things to have while caravanning.

What is an Aquaroll?

As I said, it’s the little rollable barrel water carrier thing! Seriously though, it’s a convenient water carrier that means you don’t have to lug around barrels or other containers where you don’t have easy access to water on-tap. Especially useful at more remote campsites and locations, or where you don’t want to walk too far for fresh drinking water.

Made by FL Hitchman, they’ve been around since the 1960’s, but the more recent versions obviously have an updated design and features. They’re made in the UK, in Shropshire and is the UK’s #1 selling rolling water container.

Pros and Cons of an Aquaroll

Pros

Convenient: An Aquaroll water carrier is a great way to transport water, especially if you’re going to be spending time in an area where there’s no running water. It can be attached to your caravan using the mains water adapter too.

Durable: The Aquaroll is made from high-quality materials, so they’re built to last and they have a 10 year guarantee.

Safe: The container is manufactured from 100% food grade virgin material*. The material also provides UV protection* which prevents light getting in and causing algae to build up.

Easy to use: Just fill up the Aquaroll and you’re good to go. No pumps or complicated set-ups required. And can even keep the kids entertained as helpers.

Cons

Price: An Aquaroll can be a bit pricey, depending on the size and features you’re looking for.

Weight: An Aquaroll can be quite heavy when full, but then that’s why it’s rollable.

Overall, an Aquaroll water carrier is a great option if you’re looking for a convenient and durable way to transport water.

* The economy model doesn’t come with these features

Frequently Asked Questions and Tips

What Aquaroll sizes are available?

The Aquaroll now comes in just one size (the 40 litre water carrier, weighing 4.5Kg), but there are 3 variations available. These are:

What’s the difference between the Economy and Original Premium Aquaroll?

There are a couple of differences, which may affect which one you go for, these are:

  • The Original is made from virgin polymer material and the Economy is made from recycled polymer.
  • The Original comes with a 10 year container guarantee and the Economy comes with a 2 year guarantee
  • The Original has thicker walls than the Economy model
  • The Original containers come in matching colours and the Economy comes in different colours
  • The Original has UV colour protection and the Economy doesn’t.

What are the dimensions?

The dimensions are useful if you’re fitting it into a tight space in your caravan or your storage sizes are limited. The dimensions are: Length 49cm x Depth 39cm. And it weighs approximately 4.5Kg

What is the filler opening size?

60mm diameter

What do you get in the Aquaroll box?

You get the Aquaroll itself, a handle (which comes in 3 parts), and a filling tube. This contains everything you need to get started rolling your own water.

How do I keep the Aquaroll water carrier clean?

It’s really easy to keep it clean. The manufacturer recommends to use bicarbonate of soda, but you can also use a water tank purification treatment like Puriclean because it can clean more than just the container – you can use it on the taps, pipes, tanks, etc.

Is there a mains water adapter for the Aquaroll?

Yes, it’s probably a good accessory to have as it’s an easy and safe way to maintain a constant supply of water to your caravan. You can get one from Amazon or GoOutdoors.

Can I get a replacement Aquaroll handle?

If you’ve been a bit too excessive with your rolling or driven over your handle you can easily get a genuine Hitchman replacement handle from a number of suppliers and they simply attach in 3 parts. You can buy the original handle here.

Storing the Aquaroll

The best way to store an Aquaroll is in the manufacturers purpose-made Aquaroll bag. It helps to keep the inside of your caravan clean (if the Aquaroll has been rolling in the mud), and prevents the rubber ‘wheels’ from marking the interior. It also has some extra room to store some of it’s accessories too.

Are there any alternatives to an Aquaroll?

You can see a lot of cheaper versions (eg when a local supermarket has a one-off summer selection of random outdoor products!), but they tend to be lower quality and less well made.

Conclusion

So is the Aquaroll worth it as a water carrier? It’s a resounding Yes from me. I’ve seen Aquarolls from the 70’s and 80’s still used in caravan parks today. The Aquaroll is the original and the best. There are a lot of imitations, but the Aquaroll will last you forever. For the sake of a few extra quid you can save much more in the long run over a cheaper version.