Recreational Vans
A slide out shower tray turns dead space into a functional wash zone that appears only when needed. It typically tucks beneath a bed platform, bench, or galley cabinet, then glides out on bearings or heavy duty slides. The tray contains splash, directs water to a drain, and routes it to a gray tank or portable container. This approach keeps floors dry, preserves aisle space, and supports real hygiene on long trips.
Compared with a fixed wet bath, the tray avoids permanent wall enclosures and bulky doors. It pairs well with a stowable curtain or soft wall that clips to ceiling points and a raised lip that prevents slosh. The result is a compact, low weight bathing solution that also doubles as a gear wash station for muddy boots, pets, or bikes.
Water control makes or breaks performance. A centered or offset drain should sit at the lowest point with a gentle floor taper for quick evacuation. Linear drains handle higher flow and are easier to clean, while traditional round drains can be lighter and simpler. Flexible hose routing needs smooth bends to prevent air locks, plus an accessible trap or waterless valve to block odors.
Your gray water destination might be an underslung tank with a vent line and manual valve or a portable container positioned behind the tray. Add a debris screen to catch hair and grit, and consider an inline check valve if the tank sits above part of the hose run. The goal is fast drain, no standing water, and no smells.
A workable footprint starts around 24 by 30 inches for an elbow friendly stance. Taller users may prefer 24 by 36 to reduce shoulder rub. A tray lip between 1 and 2 inches contains splash without becoming a trip hazard. For privacy, a ceiling mounted curtain track or magnetic curtain that seals to the tray rim creates a quick stall effect. A compact teak or composite floor grate improves footing and airflow while the tray dries.
Control the environment with a nearby roof fan to pull steam out and a heat source that tempers cold water shock. Warm lighting helps night use and reduces shadows that make small spaces feel cramped.
Common tray materials include stainless steel, aluminum with a durable coating, and glass fiber reinforced composite. Stainless is tough, cleans easily, and resists heat from hot water. Composites can be lighter and warmer underfoot. Whatever the choice, prioritize rigid structure, sealed seams, and a non slip surface. Corrosion resistant slides with a high load rating protect against flex and vibration. Soft close is nice, but more important is slide stability when the tray is extended.
Seal all perimeter joints and ensure the tray returns to a fully seated position to prevent rattle. Avoid porous edges that can wick moisture. Keep plumbing runs short and serviceable through an access panel.
A slide out shower tray pairs with either a portable pressure sprayer, a 12 volt pump and handheld shower head, or a quick connect hose from an exterior water port. For hot water, consider an on demand propane heater with proper ventilation or a compact electric heater if battery capacity allows. A mixing valve near the hose outlet prevents scalding and reduces water waste.
Beyond personal showers, the tray shines as a multipurpose wash bay. Rinse trail dust from gear, clean a pet after a river day, or spray off a muddy chain. Because it stows cleanly, it does not dominate the living space between uses, which is critical in compact vans and truck campers.
Dry time matters. Use a squeegee after each shower to remove standing water, lift the grate, and run the fan until surfaces are dry. Choose rounded internal corners that do not trap grime. A weekly vinegar rinse helps control mineral buildup if you often use hard water. Periodically check slide hardware for grit, and keep seals clean to prevent sticking.
A dedicated storage pocket for the curtain keeps moisture away from fabrics and mattresses. If you store soaps in the tray, secure them so they do not slide and leave residue on the floor.
Water plus motion equals risk, so non slip texture is essential. A low threshold makes entry stable, and a removable mat adds traction. Make sure ventilation keeps humidity down to protect cabinetry and wiring nearby. If the tray shares space with a power system cabinet, add a splash guard and confirm electrical components have proper enclosures.
Noise matters on the road. Slides that lock open and closed prevent chatter. Felt or rubber bumpers at contact points soft seat the tray in transit. With thoughtful details, the system stays quiet, odor free, and durable over thousands of miles.
When you are ready to turn these principles into a dialed installation that fits your floor plan and power system, we can help shape the right approach for your rig. Explore our recreational vans to see how compact bathing integrates with storage, power, and sleep.
At OZK Customs, we design and build slide out shower tray solutions inside complete custom vans or as part of a partial upfit. If you want a one to one layout built around how you travel, our team will engineer the tray, drainage, ventilation, and finishes that match your goals. See our custom build van page for how a tailored process works, or browse mainstream vans for finance friendly platforms ready for upgrades. Talk with our team to map your space, water system, and storage so your shower is clean, quick, and easy every time.
Tell us your travel habits, passenger count, and gear list. We will design a compact shower that drains right, dries fast, and fits your layout. Start a consult and let OZK Customs build a smarter space.
Ready to add a compact shower that actually works on the road? Tell us how you travel and we will design a slide out shower solution that drains cleanly, dries fast, and fits your layout. Start your build consult now and let OZK Customs turn your van into a cleaner, more capable rig.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com