Showering on the Road in Your RV

There’s nothing like a long, hot, steamy shower after a long day … unless you’re in the RV! An extended soapy karaoke session is just fine in the sticks and bricks but a shower in the rig is all about efficiency. Sure, you could always use the shower facilities at your campground but sometimes this just isn’t an option. Besides, who doesn’t prefer the privacy and cleanliness of their own bathroom, even if it is on the go? 

RV Showers

Most RV showers are compact but still provide enough room for comfort. On average, an RV shower will use around 30 to 35 gallons of water per day - which is important to keep in mind as you will need to replenish every drop into your freshwater tank then out again from your grey water tank. Keep in mind that your home hot water heater likely has a capacity of 40 to 50 gallons, while your RV water heater will typically only hold 6 to 10 gallons. Most families will stagger their shower schedules throughout the day to allow the tank enough time to reheat but, if you’re dead set against cold showers, an on-demand or tankless hot water heater might be the perfect solution for your TT.  RV tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand as soon as you turn on the faucet. As the water begins to flow, the sensor tells the burner in the heater to make hot water. Since there’s no need to be “holding” water with an on-demand heater, there’s no storage tank to take up precious space or need to be winterized. 

RV Shower Head

Another key component to RV showering is a good shower head. RV shower heads are designed to use less water than typical ones, without sacrificing too much pressure. Many shower heads designed for motor homes and campers have a water-saving shut-off valve built right into them, allowing for quick stops and starts without adjusting the water temperature. You may also want to consider investing in an RV shower head with a hose. This makes everything easier, from rinsing sandy feet to washing muddy dogs or even just cleaning the RV shower itself!

RV Shower Pan

RV shower pan is the industry term for the floor of your shower – aptly named because the raised sides make it resemble a pan. These raised edges help keep water in the RV shower and direct water to the drain. Newer RV’s typically have shower pans made of fibreglass or acrylic, with older models usually having painted or ceramic coated metal. When taken care of, a good shower pan can last the life of the RV. If it doesn’t, RV Part Shop has a great selection of replacement RV shower pans in a variety of shapes and sizes. 

RV Bathtub

While it is not unheard of, it is much less common to see a rig equipped with an RV bathtub. This is mainly a space issue but again, it comes down to efficiency. The cost and effort to heat an entire tub full of hot water is prohibitive in an RV, not to mention that every drop of water you use will need to be replenished into your freshwater tank and drained from your grey water tank.

Another RV shower option that can usually be found in more compact designs is the RV wet bath. This option combines the RV toilet and the shower in one unit with the entire fixture covering your RV  shower walls, floor, and sometimes ceiling.

RV Bathroom Accessories

Many newer motorhomes and travel trailers have designed their showers to include an RV roof skylight. Not only does this add natural light to the RV shower but it also adds more headroom. The main complaint with RV skylights is that it can be difficult to block out the light and subsequent heat. Don’t worry - RV Part Shop has you covered again with a selection of RV skylight covers! 

If your RV bathroom has a vent or fan, be sure to use it during and after any showers. By allowing for airflow, you can help get rid of mould and mildew-inducing moisture - one of your RV’s worst enemies. 

Just like every other area of your rig, space is at a premium in the RV shower. RV Part Shop has a great selection of RV shower accessories to help keep you organized and save space. The line of Staytion RV bathroom products by Thetford is super handy with self-draining features and suction cups to make moving and cleaning worry-free!

Stop dreading another icky campground public shower and start using your RV shower for what it was intended for - showering! If you still have questions or need replacement or upgraded fixtures and parts, RV Part Shop is here to help! Take advantage of our fast, free shipping* option to your home or directly to your RV site. Need help navigating our massive selection of items? Give us a call toll-free between 9 AM and 5 PM EST at 877-607-4446 or drop us a line at customerservice@rvpartshop.ca