Bathroom van conversion

A bathroom changes the way a van travels. It adds privacy, comfort, and independence, but it also consumes space, water, and power. The best bathroom van conversion treats every inch like real estate and every gallon like a budget. Start by defining your use case: daily showers or occasional rinse, off grid weeks or serviced campgrounds, solo travel or family trips. Those answers shape layout, tank capacity, and system complexity far more than a diagram ever will.

Space first, water second: plan with real measurements

Most high roof vans give you enough height to stand, but width and length are tight. A compact wet bath often fits in a footprint around 24 by 32 inches, which preserves aisle flow. Keep a 24 inch corridor so two people can pass without shoulder bumps. Place the enclosure on the driver side to leave sliding door sight lines open, and align it with wheel wells to prevent odd cavities you cannot use.

Layout math that pays off on the road

• Weight of water is 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a 20 gallon fresh tank adds about 167 pounds.
• Keep heavy tanks low and near the rear axle to protect handling.
• Use a pocket door or curtain to avoid swing clearance that steals living space.
• Aim for one continuous plane on floors and shower pans to avoid toe snags.

Shower and toilet choices that travel well

Showers come in three practical flavors. The indoor wet bath is a sealed stall with shower and toilet combined. It is space efficient and easy to clean if surfaces are smooth and non porous. A modular shower uses a pull out pan or collapsible tray that sets up fast and stores away when not in use. An exterior shower off the rear doors is light and simple, but needs wind shelter and warm weather.

Wet bath, modular setups, and rear showers

• Indoor wet bath: best privacy, reliable in any weather, requires ventilation and waterproofing.
• Modular interior: saves space, works for occasional use, needs careful drainage planning.
• Rear exterior: fastest install, great for rinsing gear, seasonal comfort varies.

Toilets define storage and maintenance. Cassette units are compact and dump at a standard restroom, but need frequent emptying. Composting toilets separate liquids and solids; they reduce odors when vented correctly and extend intervals between service, but they require install depth and a fan. Portable toilets are simple, movable, and ideal for short trips; they still need regular emptying and secure brackets while driving.

Tank sizing depends on your shower habits and crew size. Low flow shower heads can deliver a comfortable rinse around 0.9 to 1.5 gallons per minute. A quick navy shower might use two to four gallons. Plan fresh and grey capacity with at least a two to one ratio if you also use water for cooking or dishes. Typical builds carry 20 to 30 gallons of fresh water and 10 to 20 gallons of grey, vented with a loop that exits above roofline to prevent odors.

Materials, moisture, and maintenance

Waterproof surfaces and airflow keep everything pleasant. Use non porous wall panels such as PVC or FRP, sealed with marine grade tape and urethane. A single piece shower pan with proper slope avoids standing water. PEX plumbing with push fit fittings is reliable and serviceable on the road. Add flexible isolation mounts to pumps to keep noise down at night.

Ventilation, power, and heat loads

Ventilation is not optional. A roof fan near the bath pulling at 100 to 150 CFM will evacuate steam quickly. If you choose an on demand water heater, compare the power or fuel draw: 12 volt electric units have high battery demand, while diesel or propane heaters move the load off your battery but require proper combustion air and exhaust routing. In cold regions, route lines inside the thermal envelope and add heat pads or glycol loops to protect tanks from freezing.

Smart details simplify upkeep. Use rounded inside corners for easy wipe downs. Keep all valves and unions accessible behind a removable panel, not buried under cabinets. Install a drain trap sized for the low slope of a van and vent the grey tank to avoid gurgle and smell. For cleaning, vinegar solution keeps mineral deposits off glass, while gentle surfactants preserve sealants.

A bathroom van conversion should feel intuitive, quiet, and sturdy after a long day outside. Doors should latch without rattles. Floors should dry fast. Fans should move steam without whistling. When these pieces fit, you get a morning routine that runs as smoothly in a trailhead lot as it does in a driveway.

Now, if you prefer a bathroom that arrives dialed, tested, and ready to use, a professional install saves guesswork and rework. OZK Customs designs complete systems that integrate layout, plumbing, ventilation, and power with the rest of the van. From compact wet baths to modular showers, every element is measured to fit your platform and travel rhythm.

• Want to explore proven layouts and finishes? See our Recreational vans.
• Ready for a ground up build that includes a bathroom? Visit Custom build vans.
• Looking for a finance friendly platform we can upfit? Explore Mainstream vans.

Tell us how you travel, how often you shower, and what storage you need. We will spec a right sized bathroom, price the install, and schedule your build so you can roll out with confidence.