Recreational Vans
A dialed outdoor shower setup turns dusty trail days into comfortable evenings. It starts with clear goals. Are you rinsing off after surf sessions, deep cleaning after muddy rides, or taking full daily showers on the road? Your answer determines storage capacity, pump choice, heater type, and how you manage drainage.
Water budgeting comes first. A quick rinse uses 1 to 2 gallons. A conservative shower runs 2 to 4 gallons. Two travelers who rinse daily and shower every other day may need 15 to 25 gallons for a long weekend. If you frequently boondock, plan for 20 to 35 gallons. Shorter trips near reliable fill stations can manage with 10 to 20 gallons. Pair the tank size with realistic refill points you trust.
Flow and pressure shape the experience. Common 12 volt diaphragm pumps deliver 1 to 3 gallons per minute at 35 to 55 psi. A handheld sprayer feels comfortable at 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute, which stretches your tank while still rinsing soap. Many shower wands include flow restrictors or a pause trigger, which cuts waste without reconfiguring plumbing. Use flexible PEX or reinforced hose with quality clamps, and add an in line strainer before the pump to catch sediment.
Heating options vary by climate and power profile. Portable propane water heaters provide fast heat with low electrical draw, but require careful ventilation and safe propane handling. Electric heaters need significant battery capacity and charging to be practical, especially for repeated use. A heat exchanger tied to the engine can provide hot water after driving. Some travelers combine methods, using engine heat for free warmth on arrival and a propane unit for stationary days.
An outdoor shower setup should be simple to deploy. Many rigs use rear door mounts with quickconnect fittings that click into a coiled hose and sprayer in seconds. Side mount boxes can hide valves and a hose reel for a clean look. Magnetic or suction cup mounts hold a shower head where you want it, and a foot friendly mat keeps feet off gritty ground. Quickconnects reduce drips and make winterization easier.
Privacy is easy to add. Door mounted curtains, slide out rails, or pop up enclosures offer coverage in campgrounds and trailheads. Choose fabric that dries quickly and store it in a breathable bag. A floor basin or mat helps control splash and directs runoff away from your campsite.
Drainage and environmental care matter. Soap, even biodegradable varieties, should not enter streams or lakes. Wash at least 200 feet from water sources and disperse water over a wide area so soil can filter it. In some areas, a portable gray basin is required. Know local rules and carry a lightweight catch system for sensitive zones.
Filtration improves pump life and water quality. A sediment prefilter protects the pump and heater. If you fill from uncertain sources, consider a carbon filter to reduce taste and odor. For drinking water, use a dedicated filter system and keep it separate from the shower line to avoid cross contamination.
Controls and safety add confidence. A thermostatic mixing valve can stabilize temperature, especially with on demand heaters. Incorporate a pressure relief valve near the heater. Place manual shutoffs where you can reach them with wet hands. Use color coded lines for hot and cold to simplify service.
Materials tolerate movement and vibration best when routed cleanly. Keep lines away from sharp edges, exhaust heat, and moving parts. Add soft loops for expansion near the heater and pump. Isolate pumps on rubber mounts to reduce noise. Use marine grade clamps and secure every run at reasonable intervals to prevent chafe.
Cold weather is the stress test for any outdoor van shower. Insulate hot and cold lines that run near the exterior. Add low point drains and a simple winterization port so you can flush with air or RV antifreeze. Detachable hoses store inside where they do not freeze. Quickconnects let you remove the sprayer and stow it dry.
Power planning ties the system together. A typical 12 volt pump draws 3 to 7 amps while running and cycles as needed. On demand propane heaters usually need minimal 12 volt draw for ignition and controls. Electric heaters require substantial battery capacity and charging through alternator, shore power, or solar. Match heater choice to your energy budget and resupply plan.
Finally, think about serviceability. A removable access panel near the pump and valves turns a future fix into a quick task. Label lines, use union fittings where appropriate, and keep a small kit with spare clamps, hose segments, and a backup sprayer head. A little planning upfront pays off when you are far from town.
A thoughtful outdoor shower setup begins with clear requirements, then works backward to the right components. Balance tank size, pump flow, heater type, and storage. Consider where you will mount the hose and sprayer for quick deployment, how you will contain splash, and how you will drain responsibly.
Pick a tank that matches your travel rhythm. Rectangular tanks tuck under benches or along walls, while custom belly tanks conserve interior space. Add a level gauge so you are not guessing. Place the fill point where you can access it at a busy gas station without moving gear. Include a vent to stop burping during fills and an easy low point drain for service and winterization.
Temperature control shapes comfort and safety. Propane on demand units heat quickly with modest electrical use but require mindful placement and ventilation. Electric units are clean and quiet but battery hungry. A mixing valve smooths fluctuations. In shoulder seasons, insulated lines and a warm sprayer head keep the experience pleasant.
Use quality components and thoughtful routing. Keep plumbing serviceable, label critical parts, and mount pumps with vibration isolation. Protect wiring with proper fusing and gauge. Add a GFCI protected circuit if any outlets are near wet areas. Test for leaks before final panels go on and keep a small tool kit for road fixes.
Now, if you prefer a turn key path with clean routing, tested components, and a tidy handoff, professional help saves time and protects your investment. A well engineered system should deliver a predictable shower every time, tolerate rough roads, and be easy to service years down the line.
OZK Customs builds reliable outdoor shower setups inside complete van builds and partial upfits. Our team sizes tanks to your real water use, matches pump flow to fixtures, integrates safe heating that fits your power system, and winterizes the whole package for your climate. We design for quick deployment at camp, intuitive controls with wet hands, and drainage that respects the places you visit.
If you are planning a complete custom build, explore our approach and see how water systems integrate with power, storage, and layout. For shoppers who want a finance friendly platform as a starting point, our mainstream vans offer solid foundations for a future shower and hot water system.
Tell us how you travel, how often you shower, and what climate you chase. We will map your outdoor shower setup around tank capacity, pump flow, heater choice, and winterization that fits your route. Share a few details and we will send a clear plan and quote.
Ready for a clean, no fuss outdoor shower on your next trip? OZK Customs designs and installs reliable water systems, hot shower solutions, and exterior plumbing that just works. Tell us how you travel and we will engineer a setup that matches your power, storage, and climate needs. Start your build plan now and step into hot water on day one.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com