Hitchman Aquaroll 40L Review: The British-Made Water Carrier That Has Become a Caravanning Icon
- Caravan Coach
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Product Category: Fresh Water Carriers / Rolling Water Containers
Brand: Hitchman (F L Hitchman Ltd)
Prices Usually Range From: £55 - £70 (Premium/Original) | £40 - £50 (Economy)
Best For: Caravanners who want a reliable, durable water carrier that makes transporting fresh water from the service point effortless
Where to Buy: Available at Leisureshopdirect, Halfords, Go Outdoors, or major retailers like Amazon
Aquaroll 40L Water Carrier - Introduction
Walk around any UK caravan site and you will spot them everywhere. The 40L Aquaroll water carrier has become so synonymous with caravanning that the brand name has effectively become the generic term for any rolling water carrier. Ask someone to pass you the Aquaroll and they will know exactly what you mean, regardless of what brand they actually own.
Manufactured in Shropshire by F L Hitchman since 1953, the Aquaroll represents over 70 years of British engineering refined into what remains a remarkably simple concept: a barrel-shaped container with rubber tyres that rolls across the ground. This eliminates the back-breaking task of lugging heavy water containers from the service point to your pitch. When full, 40 litres of water weighs 40 kilograms, which is far too heavy to carry comfortably. The Aquaroll solves this with a gentle pull using the included handle.
The Premium/Original version tested here is made from 100% food-grade virgin material with UV protection to prevent algae growth. It comes backed by a 10-year container guarantee, reflecting the confidence Hitchman has in its build quality. An Economy version is available at a lower price point for those on a tighter budget, though it uses recycled materials and carries a shorter warranty period.
Key Features
40-litre capacity: Provides ample water for a weekend away without constant refilling, though longer stays or families taking showers may benefit from having two
Deep-rimmed rubber tyres: Provide excellent ground clearance and quiet operation across grass, gravel, and tarmac surfaces
Collapsible three-piece handle: Slots into either end and breaks down for compact storage
Dual filling points: Top opening for standard filling plus side neck for mains adaptor connection
UV-protected material: Prevents light penetration that causes algae and bacteria growth (Premium version)
Food-grade construction: Made from 100% virgin HDPE material safe for drinking water storage
Compatible with accessories: Works with optional filler tubes, mains adaptors, taps, and stands sold separately
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional durability with users reporting 15-20+ years of reliable service
Rolls smoothly even when full, with rubber tyres cushioning the load
Wide opening makes cleaning straightforward.
Extensive accessory ecosystem including mains adaptors, stands, taps, and storage bags
UK manufactured with readily available replacement parts
10-year container guarantee demonstrates manufacturer confidence
Cons:
Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
Bulky storage footprint during transport
Guarantee covers container only, not handles, caps, or accessories
Performance
In practical use, the Aquaroll delivers exactly what it promises. The large top opening accepts even chunky submersible pumps without difficulty, and the side neck allows connection to mains water adaptors on serviced pitches for a constant supply. An optional filler tube accessory is available separately for those who want splash-free filling from outdoor taps.
Rolling the Aquaroll across a typical caravan site presents no issues. The rubber tyres grip well on wet grass and roll quietly across gravel without the rattling you get from cheaper plastic wheels. At 40kg when full, you do feel the weight, but the handle provides good control.
The 40-litre capacity suits most touring needs comfortably. A couple using the caravan for cooking, washing up, and occasional showers can expect two to three days between refills. Families or those who shower daily in the caravan may find themselves making more frequent trips, which is why many owners eventually purchase a second Aquaroll.
Winter use requires some thought. The Aquaroll itself handles cold conditions well, but the contents will freeze in sustained sub-zero temperatures. Many winter tourers wrap theirs Aquarolls in specialist insulated covers and bring the submersible pump inside overnight to prevent ice damage.
Specifications
• Capacity: 40 litres
• Dimensions: 49cm (length) x 39cm (diameter over tyres)
• Weight (empty): Approximately 4.5kg
• Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), food grade
• Cap size: 80mm diameter
• Guarantee: 10 years (container only) for Premium/Original; 2 years for Economy
• Country of manufacture: United Kingdom (Shropshire)
• Included accessories: Three-piece collapsible handle
Why It's Recommended
The Aquaroll has earned its place as the default choice for UK caravanners through decades of proven reliability. While cheaper alternatives exist, the combination of British manufacturing quality, comprehensive spare parts availability, and genuine longevity justifies the price premium for most tourers. Users consistently report their Aquarolls lasting 15 years or more with minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
For new caravanners, the Premium/Original version represents a sensible investment. The food-grade virgin material and UV protection provide peace of mind about water quality, while the 10-year guarantee offers assurance that Hitchman stands behind their product. The Economy version serves budget-conscious buyers adequately, though the thinner walls and shorter warranty reflect the lower price point.
The wide availability of accessories from Hitchman and third-party manufacturers means you can expand functionality over time. A mains adaptor for serviced pitches, a stand with tap for use when not connected to the caravan, or an insulated storage bag for winter touring can all be added as your needs evolve.
Rating
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
