Many people are surprised to learn that most RVs do, in fact, have fully-functioning showers. Granted, they differ from traditional showers found in sticks-and-bricks homes in several ways, including size, water demands, and comfort level, but showers are accessible nonetheless!
In standard Class A and Class C RVs, showers come as a standard amenity. For some Class B’s and smaller trailers, however, showers are often not an included feature due to lack of space.
But even if you’re planning on living or camping in a smaller trailer without a shower included, there are still plenty of alternative options to try!
So, let’s dive in to RV shower options!
Showers Versus Wet Baths
As stated, Class A and Class C RVs typically have showers already installed as a standard feature. Class B vans may have showers, however that will depend on the particular size and design.
If you’re thinking of purchasing an RV with a shower, there are a few things to keep in mind: First, your overall shower experience will differ from a “normal” shower.
Why?
Due to a lack of space in an RV, showers are truncated in size, and there is no bath option. Basically, you’re trading luxury for functionality.
Second, you’ll need to say “goodbye” to long, hot showers if you’re boon docking or living off grid; Water is a premium resource in RVs. An average fresh water tank can hold anywhere from 20-100 gallons, most ere on the lower end. And the average American uses 17 gallons of water for an 8 minute shower.
Mindfulness when it comes to water usage in an RV is essential. Once the water runs out, RVers need to take a trip to an RV station, dump the grey water tank, and refill the fresh tank.
Unless you want to make a trip to the station every few days, you’ll want to conserve as much water as possible.
Wet Baths
Instead of traditionally designed showers, in which the bathroom and shower itself are in separate areas of the RV, another option available is a wet bath.
Essentially, wet baths contain a shower, toilet, and (sometimes) sink, all within the same structure. Such a design saves space in small trailers and converted vans, allowing for cleanliness and the conservation of space.
Image: smallrvlifetyle.com
Although a wet bath’s compact setup might take some getting used to, they are still a functional option that provides a full bathroom and means to keep you clean!
RV Shower Alternatives
When boon docking, trying to save water in your RV, or living in a smaller trailer without a shower, there are a few other options to help keep you clean while on the road.
Let’s face it, nothing quite beats a warm shower in your own RV, but it’s good to have multiple methods of keeping clean, just in case.
Body Wipes
There’s no getting around this one: Body wipes are a staple for every RVer and van lifer. Even if an RV has a fully-functioning shower, body wipes are still a life saver in many situations.
For one, in a Class C RV, most beds are situated above the driver’s seat, and the ceiling slopes downward. Heat rises, so when the sun beats down on the roof, it can create a lot of heat, moisture, and make sleepy RVers sweaty and… well, smelly.
And considering that RVs and vans provide some tight living quarters where heat and moisture tend to thrive, having various cleaning methods on-hand is simply a necessity.
Personally, we always have a few packs of body wipes and a mini-spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Castile Soap.
On hot days- especially in the summer heat- we dampen our body wipes with our DIY Dr. Bronner’s solution and give ourselves a good wipe-down! We prefer tea tree liquid soap as it is a natural antibacterial and antifungal, not just masking odors, but also killing the bacteria that creates an unpleasant odor.
This option is great if you can’t shower every day, buying you a bit of time- but know that it does have its limits. Eventually, you’ll want to take a real shower!
Solar Camping Shower
Solar camping showers are popular among the camping crowd, as well as some RVers.
There are many types on the market, all with a similar design: Sturdy bags which hold approximately five gallons of water, made to hang so that the shower is “gravity fed”.
Camping showers are surprisingly effective! We’ve used our own five gallon Summer Shower Bag on many occasions, mostly at the beach.
To use: Simply fill up the bag with water, and hang- black side towards the sun- for a couple hours. There is a temperature gauge that will indicate how warm the water is, and then you’re ready to shower!
Although the Summer Shower Solar bag holds five gallons of water, that is more than enough- I’ve found I use about two gallons for a full shower, leaving three gallons unused!
The water really does warm to a very comfortable temperature, and makes for a surprisingly comfortable experience.
Gyms, Truck Stops, and Beaches
Other shower options include using gym showers, paid showers at truck stops, and even the public showers at the beach.
Gyms
Gyms are a popular way for many van lifers to shower while on the road. Paying for a annual gym membership is required in order to use the facilities, but membership ensures consistent shower access.
Warm showers, and a workout, are available if you’re willing to pay for a membership. Some popular gyms to check out are:
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Planet Fitness
- LA Fitness
- Crunch Fitness
- Equinox
- Cross Fit
Truck Stops
Truck stops are rest areas that typically include a small convenience store, spots for truckers to catch some shut eye, and paid shower stalls.
For RVers on the road, a truck stop can serve the same purpose.
Showers at a truck rest area are meant for truckers who travel extremely long distances, and need a place to clean up, eat a meal, and take a load off, before hitting the road again.
As such, the showers are used often, by many. Thus, the upkeep and cleanliness of many truck stops might surprise you!
Upon arrival, make sure to park your RV or van somewhere out of the way of the trucks so as to not disrupt their access and exist pathways- be courteous to those for whom the truck stop exists!
Once parked, purchase a shower ticket- normally at the front counter. A typical truck stop shower will cost between $10-$15. Although that might seem a bit steep for a shower, know that you’re getting a clean, warm shower, with full amenity access: A toilet, sink, counter, outlets for a hairdryer, and complimentary shampoo/conditioner and soap.
You will need to bring some of your own shower accessories, including:
- Towel
- Shower Robe
- Shower Sandals / Flip-Flops (protect your feet from fungus and bacteria!)
- Hair Brush
- Hair Dryer
- Tooth Brush, Toothpaste
- Deodorant
Luckily, if you’re out of any personal care items, you’ll typically be able to purchase more at the truck stop’s convenience shop.
I’d recommend having a waterproof shower bag to carry the smaller items. We use a travel shower bag to keep all of our shower items, from shampoo bars, Q-Tips, deodorant, shavers, and other odds and ends.
Not only does this help with organization, but also ensures we keep everything together if showering outside of our RV.
Beaches
Most public beaches have a shower area accessible for sun-loving beach goers. Unlike most other options, however, these showers are limited…
Showers found at beach sites don’t provide any privacy, that means your swimsuit must stay on while bathing. This could prove uncomfortable.
And forget about warm water: Public beach showers are really just meant to give visitors a way to wash off salt and sand, not provide a long, warm, luxurious bathing experience.
The good news, is that a cooler shower on a truly hot day feels great… otherwise, beach showers are functional but not necessarily optimal.
If you do find yourself at a beach shower, make sure to use biodegradable, “earth-friendly” shampoo and soap; Help keep the environment free from toxic, man-made chemicals, especially being so close to the ocean.
Wrap Up
Most RVs do come equipped with either a full shower, or a wet bath, making an RV a true home on wheels!
Water conservation is of utmost importance if “onboard” showers are used, as fresh water tanks can hold only a limited amount of water.
When trying to save water- or in a smaller Class B or travel trailer in which a shower is not installed- there are other shower options available, such as: Body wipes, solar showers, gyms, truck stops, or even beaches!
Whatever your RV type and lifestyle, there are plenty of showering methods available. Keeping clean on the road shouldn’t be a worry!
