Buying an RV is a significant achievement that brings many joys. You now have the chance to bring home with you anywhere and explore hidden treasures in the lap of nature. But wait a minute - before you take that rig on the road, we say take a closer look at your RV’s shower area. It is well-planned and functional, or does it require some modifications to serve the desired purpose?

Well, there’s no denying that maintaining hygiene is paramount during travel adventures, especially in the confined spaces of an RV.Planning and installing a shower in an RV is crucial to enhance overall comfort and ensure personal hygiene on the go. So, if you are having trouble with your existing RV shower or newly bought RV, here are the top 5 ideas to improve or upgrade your RV shower - stick around to learn practical tips and tricks!

Top 5 Ideas to Create Space-Efficient and Functional RV Showers

Use Compact Shower Modules

Unfortunately, most RVs are tiny living spaces; thus, you need to dial down your setup, or else you will have a hard time fitting essential things or, even worse, navigating. Compact shower modules are your best shot at maximizing the available space.

As the name suggests, the shower modules are designed to fit in compact spaces. They are usually a one-piece shower cubicle with an internal measurement of 770mm x 750 mm. The width of these types of RV showers can be cut to a maximum of 880mm, and the depth can be cut to a maximum of 800mm.

CompactRV shower installation is mainly done indoors. We recommend you install yours before the ceiling goes in for proper positioning and ventilation. Don’t also forget to drill a hole in the floor for the drainage pipe. Take measurements to ensure you don’t drill the important things, or consult with an RV remodeling professional to make an informed choice.

Consider Foldable/Retractable Shower Enclosures

Foldable shower enclosures are more like compact shower modules and are perfect for those who want to go the extra mile in maximizing their tiny living space. Unlike the one-piece cubicle that remains there after installation, foldable shower enclosures can be folded, giving you room to use the shower space when not in use.

FoldableRV shower installationis much easier than one-piece cubicles since all you need to do is drill a hole for the draining pipe and a shower mount. The shower enclosure features a gutter area, which allows you to shower on uneven surfaces. It also has stainless steel plumbing features that don’t rust once they are in contact with water.

Lastly, this RV shower also comes with curtains for setting up the shower for privacy. It’s that easy! Once you have had a refreshing shower, you can remove the curtains, pack them into a magnetic mesh bag, and hit the road. Not to worry, the shower has a drip edge that allows every single drop of water to drip back into the gutter area. This means you don’t have to worry about slippery floors or water splashes.

Wet Bath Vs. Dry Bath Designs - Choose Wisely

The amount of space you have should guide you on which design you should pick.

For those who are off the trail, a wet bath simply means that you will have your toilet and shower in the same space, while a dry bath implies you will have your shower and toilet in separate spaces.

Now, Class C RVs and Class A RVs usually have dry baths because they have more space. However, those who own Class B RVs and have limited space find wet baths the most suitable designs. However, there is still hope for those who yearn for dry baths in tiny living spaces.

There are hybrid-style wet baths that allow RV owners to enjoy the comfort of dry baths in compact spaces, all thanks to a pivoting wall. The wall is pivoted at one side, providing access to the sink and toilet, while the other provides a large shower area. This ensures your toilet and sink remain dry even after having a shower.

How About Outdoor Shower Installation?

How would it feel to shower outside with cool breeze air gently touching your skin? If it sparks your imagination, you should consider outdoorRV shower installation. It brings you closer to the outdoors, saves you space, and eliminates the necessity for capturing gray water.

Outdoor showers may be an ideal option if you have limited space. With your RV rear annex rod and a curtain attached between the rear cargo doors, you can create a temporary outdoor shower and enjoy a hot or cold shower.

Consider Customizable Shower Installations

Want to go bigger or smaller than your existing shower? Well, consider customizable RV shower installations. More often than not, RV bathrooms come with standard measurements, which can limit your personal needs. If you want a bigger bathroom space, you can custom-make one. Just ensure you use the same bathroom floor to avoid costly damages. Do some floor shopping for the additional space.

The advantage of customization is that you can create a shower space that caters to diverse travel requirements. Got many shower products that are out of place? You can add a few storage cabinets. How about water-saving features? Get some in place to conserve water on the go! Truth be told, you can pursue many bespoke RV shower ideas so long as you have a well-thought design and expertise to bring the vision into reality.

RV Shower Installation - Important Design Features and Considerations

Waterproofing Solutions

The last thing you want is to blow out your money toinstall a shower in an RV only to have it destroy your rig with mold and mildew. You want to ensure the rig is free of moisture. Ensuring you have good ventilation is the safest way. If not, ensure you dry the residue water with a microfibre towel and leave the bathroom door open.

Space Optimization

Your bathroom needs more than a shower head. You have towels, shower products, and other essential items. Having spaces to store them can make your experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Consider installing storage cabinets to ensure they are within reach. Other space optimization options include magnetic strips over the sink to hold metallic essentials and extra shelving under the sink.

Water Efficiency

RVs are no place to shower like there is no tomorrow. You are relying on a 70-100 gallon water tank, which can easily run out if you don’t watch your water usage patterns. If that’s an issue, opt for a water-saving faucet pull-out head and hose kit for RV trailers.

Another alternative is installing an eco-hot system that flushes the cold water from the water lines and pushes it back to the freshwater tank.

DIY Vs. Professional Installation

Installing a shower RV is no easy job. One single mistake can result in lots of costly issues. While it’s tempting to watch a few videos and do the installation by yourself, it’s not guaranteed you will do the right thing especially if it’s your first time doing DIY. Professional installation, however, guarantees that you will have a well-installed one that’s both aesthetically pleasing, functional, and an ideal fit for your unique RV lifestyle. Plus, if the job is not done right, you will have someone to hold accountable!