Can You Put a Shower in a Van?

What a van shower actually takes

A shower in a van is absolutely possible, but it is more than a sprayer and a curtain. Think in systems: water storage, water heating, drainage, ventilation, and surfaces that will not absorb moisture. Start with how you travel. Long boondocking trips push you toward lower flow fixtures and bigger tanks, while campground stays can lean on hookups and simpler layouts. Space matters too. Every square foot used for a shower is space you do not have for gear or seating, so design to your priorities.

There are four common approaches:

• Fixed indoor wet bath: a fully enclosed compartment with a door or curtain, waterproof walls, a shower pan, and a fan above.
• Modular indoor stall: a compact pan and curtain that deploys when needed and stows to open the aisle.
• Outdoor shower: a rear or side sprayer with privacy shelter, great for rinsing off dirt and keeping humidity outside.
• Recirculating shower: a closed loop that filters and reheats water for long runtimes, requiring careful filtration and sanitization.

Water use is your governor. A typical efficient showerhead flows around 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute. Navy shower technique two short rinses with the water off while soaping can keep total use near 2 to 4 gallons per person. Since water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon, a 30 gallon fresh tank adds roughly 250 pounds, so capacity and weight balance must be planned together.

Water heating, tanks, and power planning

Hot water in a van usually comes from one of three sources:

• On demand propane heater: compact and efficient, it provides unlimited hot water while the burner runs, with proper venting and gas safety.
• Diesel hydronic system: ties into a vehicle compatible fuel source, can also preheat the engine or feed radiant heat loops.
• Electric heater: compact but power hungry, better for shore power or large battery banks with robust alternator and solar charging.

Fresh and grey tank sizing sets your autonomy. Many compact layouts run 20 to 30 gallons of fresh and 10 to 20 gallons of grey. Larger builds might push beyond 40 fresh, with upgraded suspension to carry the load. Grey management is critical. A dedicated grey tank with a trap and vent reduces odors. Some builds add a small sump with a strainer to lift drain water to the tank if a low profile pan sits above the floor.

Your pump and plumbing shape the experience. A 3 to 5 gpm 12 volt pump with an accumulator tank smooths flow and reduces cycling. PEX lines with quality fittings resist vibration. A mixing valve or thermostatic control prevents temperature swings. Add quick shutoffs and service access so maintenance does not require wall removal.

Power ties it together. If you plan to heat water electrically, expect significant draw and size your battery, solar, alternator charging, and inverter accordingly. Even with propane or diesel heat, fans, pumps, and control boards need 12 volt power. Ventilation is non negotiable. A roof fan above the shower or a strong nearby fan pulls humidity out before it can condense behind panels.

Build materials, waterproofing, and safety

Inside a van, water migrates relentlessly, so materials and sealing make or break the build. A dedicated shower pan with a curb contains splash. Many builders use fiberglass pans, welded plastic pans, or sheet metal with a factory style drain. Walls can be finished with FRP panels, PVC sheet, or marine grade coatings over rigid board, all sealed at seams with high quality sealant and backed by a continuous waterproof membrane.

Slope the pan to the drain and include a trap. Use corrosion resistant hardware and stainless fasteners. If your stall is modular, consider a collapsible basin or a floor drain hidden beneath a removable grate in the aisle. Add a non slip floor surface and a grab point for stability. Insulate any exterior facing plumbing, route lines away from the coldest cavities, and install a low point drain for winterizing.

Ventilation prevents mold. Pair a fan with an intake path so moist air moves out quickly. Keep wiring and wood out of the wet zone or protect them behind waterproof barriers. If you choose a recirculating system, understand filtration: multi stage filters, UV or heat sanitation, and regular maintenance are required to keep water safe.

Layout tradeoffs and real world use

Showers consume some of the most valuable space in a van. A fixed wet bath gives privacy and convenience but shortens the galley, reduces storage, or changes bed size. A modular unit keeps the aisle clear and only deploys at shower time. Outdoor showers preserve interior space, keep humidity outside, and are perfect for rinsing bikes and pets, but they are weather dependent.

Think through your routine. If you want trailhead rinses and occasional quick indoor use, a compact stall and a low flow head might be perfect. If you plan months off grid, you may want larger tanks, a diesel or propane heater, and a door that closes to keep steam contained. Plan weight distribution so full tanks do not overload one corner, and confirm fasteners tie into the van’s structural points.

Campsites and regulations matter. Discharge grey water only where permitted. Use biodegradable soaps and capture water in a tank when required. Good habits keep public lands clean and your rig welcome at more places.

When to go outdoor only

Outdoor setups often satisfy minimalist travelers. A rear door sprayer, quick connect hose, mixing valve, and a pop up privacy shelter pack small and deploy fast. With a water heater and a roof or rear awning for shade, the outdoor option delivers hot water with none of the interior humidity. For cold climates and shoulder seasons, add an indoor backup plan even if it is a stowable basin and curtain.

Bringing it all together with a professional build

A van shower is a system that touches every part of a rig. Done right, it feels like home. Done poorly, it introduces leaks, odors, and heavy condensation. If you want a shower that fits your footprint and your travel style, a professional design that couples waterproofing, plumbing, tank sizing, power, and ventilation will save headaches.

OZK Customs designs and builds full adventure vans and partial upfits that integrate showers into a complete living system. Our team evaluates tank placement, vent paths, and heater types to match your routes and seasons. Explore our core services on recreational vans, see how a custom build van comes together, or consider finance friendly options on mainstream vans.

We are based in Fayetteville Arkansas, a central spot for nationwide pickups and shakedowns on the trails and backroads. Tell us how you camp, ride, and travel, and we will engineer the right shower solution inside a cohesive, durable van.

• Share your must haves and travel rhythm.
• We will map water, power, and ventilation around your layout.
• Your custom shower will feel effortless day one.

Looking for next steps? Start a conversation and we will put a plan in motion that fits your timeline and budget.