RV Shower Solutions: Space-Saving Ideas for Bathing Comfortably in Your Home on Wheels
Hitting the open road in an RV offers the perfect opportunity to travel and live comfortably without being tied down to one location. While RVs provide many of the amenities of a home, including a bedroom, kitchen, and living area, one challenge is finding an effective shower solution in the compact space. For Canadians who want to enjoy bathing during their RV travels, there are several clever shower options to create a comfortable oasis amid your home on wheels.
Compact Shower Stalls
One of the most space-efficient options for showers for RVs is to install a narrow shower stall. By choosing a stall with a smaller footprint, you can still enjoy a standing shower while preserving precious space in your RV. Models like corner shower stalls or rounded/oval stalls take up less floor space versus a standard rectangular stall.
For further convenience, look for a shower stall equipped with useful features like shelving, seating, storage baskets, or built-in soap/shampoo dispensers. Aim for a durable material like fiberglass, acrylic, or porcelain that resists mildew and cleans up easily in the moist RV environment. Proper ventilation and waterproofing are also key when installing a shower stall in an RV.
Collapsible Shower Walls
Another space-saving solution is to install collapsible shower walls that tuck away neatly when not in use. These flexible shower walls mount permanently in the bathroom and fold flush against the wall. When you’re ready for a shower, simply pull out the partition to cordon off the stall.
Collapsible shower walls are typically constructed out of water-resistant materials like vinyl, plastic, or fiberglass. Look for sturdy models with weighted bases or articulated arms to hold the partition firmly in place when showering. Make sure the plumbing and shower head are designed to accommodate a folding partition wall. When not in use, collapsible shower walls conserve precious space in compact RV bathrooms.
Curtained Showers
For quick showers for RVs, consider using a simple curtain to delineate the showering area. Shower curtains on tension rods offer an ultra-affordable and easy option to bathe in your RV. Choose from vinyl, cloth, or plastic curtains, favoring mildew-resistant materials that withstand humidity and frequent use.
Install several secure anchor points throughout the shower area to hang the rods and curtains. Make sure the shower head location accommodates showering while the curtains are drawn. Wrap-around or corner curtains help contain splashes. While curtains don’t offer full privacy, they’re a handy, minimalist showering option for RVs short on space.
Outdoor Showers
Taking showers outside your RV is an invigorating way to enjoy bathing while conserving interior space. Outdoor RV showers allow you to feel refreshed right in nature. Set up a portable shower enclosure outside your RV and connect it to the onboard plumbing system. Or install an exterior showerhead and use freestanding privacy walls or curtains when needed.
When bathing outdoors, look for shower platforms or mats to provide a slip-free surface. Propane water heaters come in handy to ensure comfortable water temperatures. For Canadian climates, outdoor showers work best during the warmer months. You’ll also need to account for wastewater drainage from outdoor showers when parked. With the right preparation, outdoor RV showers offer a serene bathing experience close to nature.
Detachable Handheld Showerheads
Installing a flexible handheld showerhead with an extended hose is an easy way to transform existing sinks or bathtubs into makeshift showers in an RV. Look for a sturdy showerhead that securely docks when not in use to prevent leaks or damage while traveling. Make sure to install water barriers around the sink/tub area to contain splashes and moisture.
When shopping for a handheld RV showerhead, favor models with adjustable settings for massage, rain shower, jet spray, and more. Opt for at least a 5-foot flexible hose to allow freedom of movement. Install convenient hooks near the bathing area to hang showerheads at desired heights for adults or kids. For a minimalist RV shower solution, a detachable handheld model optimizes sink and tub spaces.
Slide-Out Outdoor Showers
For RVs with slide-out rooms, installing a slide-out outdoor shower is a smart, space-saving idea. The shower walls integrate seamlessly into the exterior RV wall. When parked, simply slide out the shower walls to create an instant bathing area outside your RV.
The benefit of slide-out showers is that they conserve interior RV space when stowed. The shower walls retract flush with the side of your RV for easy traveling. Once parked, you gain a roomy shower area complete with shelves, drains, a fitted shower floor, and other amenities. Slide-out showers also allow you to enjoy the feeling of bathing outdoors without fully disconnecting from your RV.
Maintaining Your RV Shower
Whatever shower solution you choose, be sure to follow proper maintenance tips to keep it working smoothly on the road. Check plumbing connections and seals regularly for leaks to avoid water damage. Securely stow collapsible and slide-out shower walls before traveling. Allow moisture to air out and use absorbents or fans to deter mold and mildew.
Clean RV shower walls, floors, tracks, and curtains regularly with appropriate bathroom cleaners. Applying water-repellent sealants also helps prevent soap scum and hard water build up over time. Avoid harsh abrasives or corrosive cleaners that could damage RV shower materials and plumbing. By keeping up a simple maintenance routine, your RV shower will stay fresh and functional for enjoyable bathing anytime during your travels across Canada.
Enjoy Refreshing Showers on the Road
With clever RV shower solutions like compact stalls, folding walls, outdoor setups, and more, you can enjoy comfortable bathing no matter how small your RV space. Look for durable, easy-to-maintain shower options suited to the Canadian climate that seamlessly fit your RV lifestyle. A properly equipped shower lets you start each day refreshed as you journey across the beautiful Canadian landscape. Just because you’re on the go in an RV doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice invigorating showers and relaxation during your trip.