Recreational Vans
A good shower in a camper van balances space, water use, comfort, and easy cleanup. Start by mapping your daily routine and honest water budget. Low flow heads typically run 1.2 to 1.8 gallons per minute. At five minutes, that is roughly 6 to 9 gallons per shower. Fresh tanks in most vans range from 20 to 40 gallons, so two people taking quick showers will shape your tank choice and refill rhythm.
Drainage and gray water capacity matter as much as fresh storage. A 10 to 20 gallon gray tank is common; just ensure the drain line is short, sloped, and accessible for cleaning. Use traps and venting to control odors. If you camp where ground discharge is prohibited, plan a reliable way to capture and dump gray water at proper facilities.
Moisture control is the difference between a pleasant rinse and a damp cave. A roof fan above the shower or a strong side vent pulls steam out fast. Waterproof walls, sealed seams, and a proper pan with a single, centered drain simplify maintenance. Materials like fiberglass reinforced panels, PVC cladding, and sealed marine plywood are proven in wet zones.
Water heating defines comfort and power draw. Instant propane or diesel hydronic systems deliver steady hot water with modest electrical load. Electric tank heaters work too, but ensure your battery and inverter can support the draw. As a rule of thumb, heating 10 gallons by a 50 degree rise takes around 1.2 kilowatt hours, not counting losses.
The enclosed wet bath combines shower and toilet in a single waterproof room. It is space efficient, easy to clean, and familiar to anyone who has used a marine head. A 24 by 32 inch footprint is a practical target in many high roof vans. Use a prefabricated pan or a custom pan with a gentle slope to the drain. Add a magnetic or retractable curtain to protect storage outside the stall, and mount toiletries on wall tracks to keep corners clear.
A dry bath separates the shower area from the toilet and sometimes the sink, keeping floors out of the spray path. It costs more space and materials but delivers home style convenience, especially for long trips or muddy seasons. To make it work in a van, keep fixtures compact, run wall niches for bottles, and select a folding shower door or curtain to save aisle space. A dedicated vent over the stall is a must to clear steam quickly.
If you want to preserve open floor space, consider a flexible system. A portable indoor shower pairs a curtained area with a quick connect hand shower and a small catch pan plumbed to the gray tank. Another option is an outdoor rear shower that uses the rear doors or a privacy screen. These choices are lighter, simpler, and ideal for rinsing after rides or hikes. Plan for colder weather by including an indoor backup or a way to warm the shower area.
Right size your tanks. Weekend travel is comfortable with 20 to 25 gallons of fresh water; extended trips often need 30 to 40 gallons. Balance gray capacity accordingly and include a tank level gauge you can trust. Pair the system with a low flow shower head and a shutoff at the wand to save water during lathering.
Choose your heater based on your power system and climate. Instant propane units provide continuous hot water with low electrical draw but require safe venting and proper air supply. Diesel hydronic heaters can serve both cabin heat and water through a heat exchanger, which is efficient for cold weather. Electric tank heaters are simple, yet they place demand on batteries and shore power. If you rely on solar, schedule showers when your batteries are healthy or near shore power.
Ventilation and finishes protect the shell of your van. A high cfm roof fan over the shower moves steam out fast, and a second fan in the living area helps cross flow. Use waterproof wall panels with sealed seams, corrosion resistant fasteners, and a mildew resistant sealant. A squeegee and microfiber towel will keep walls dry after use, extending the life of your finishes.
Practical details prevent headaches. Install an easily accessible service panel for valves and unions. Add anti scald mixing valves for consistent temperature. Insulate hot and cold lines to reduce condensation. In freezing climates, route lines inside the thermal envelope when possible and include a drain down procedure for winter storage.
If you are weighing options for a complete adventure van, explore our Recreational vans. For customers who want a fully planned interior with a proven shower layout, our Custom van build process turns your wish list into a reliable system you can count on. If you prefer to start with a vehicle that finances and then upfit, see our Mainstream vans for suitable platforms.
A well designed shower in a camper van should disappear into your routine. Keep the footprint compact, keep the plumbing simple, and keep steam moving. Match your heater to your power system and plan for the way you actually travel. When everything lines up, you get quick rinses after rides, warm showers on cold mornings, and a cabin that stays dry and clean.
Looking for a partner who has built water tight, low maintenance shower systems across Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster platforms We design and install complete van showers, integrate tanks and heaters, and validate every system before delivery. Share your travel rhythm, and we will spec the layout, water, heat, and ventilation that fit you best.
Strong next steps
Questions about layouts or tank sizing Reach out and we will map a solution that works on the road and at camp.
Ready for a van shower that works every day, not just on paper? Tell us how you travel and we will design a compact, low‑maintenance solution with the right tanks, heater, and ventilation. Start your build plan now and lock in an install date with OZK Customs.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com