Camper Showers: How Do They Work?

Camper showers are a welcome addition to any camping trip, allowing you to take a warm shower anywhere you roam. However, they come with certain limitations and adjustments that you should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the inner workings of a camper shower, from water heating and tank capacity to drainage systems and showerheads, so you can make the most of your shower experience while on the road.

Water heating

Water Heaters in Campers

Most campers and RVs are equipped with compact water heaters that function similarly to residential water heaters. These heaters use propane, electricity, or sometimes diesel to heat water for showers and other purposes. The water is heated on-demand or stored in a small tank, typically ranging from 6 to 12 gallons in capacity.

Heating Time

The time required to heat water in a camper shower depends on various factors, including the size of the water heater, its power source, and the amount of water to be heated. In general, water heaters in campers take around 10 to 20 minutes to heat water sufficiently for showering. Larger and more powerful heaters will heat water faster and provide a more substantial volume of hot water.

Tankless Water Heaters

Some modern RVs feature tankless water heaters, which provide an almost infinite supply of hot water by heating it on demand. These heaters use propane to heat water as it flows through, eliminating the need to wait for a tank to refill and reheat. However, they may struggle to keep up with multiple simultaneous hot water demands.

Water Conservation

Due to the limited water capacity in campers, water conservation is essential. RV showerheads are typically designed with flow restrictors and stopper valves to reduce water usage. Adopting showering techniques like "military showers," where you turn off the water while soaping and shampooing, can significantly reduce water consumption.

Planning and Maintenance

When camping without full hookups, planning your water usage is crucial. This includes considering the number of people showering, the size of your water tanks, and the availability of water sources and dump stations. Regular maintenance of gray and black water tanks is also necessary to prevent odours and tank issues.

Water supply

Camper showers can be a very different experience from showering at home. The water supply for a camper shower will depend on the type of camper you have and the facilities available at your camping location.

Water is brought to the shower of an RV through a hose that is hooked up to the water intake connection located on the outside of the vehicle. The hose connects to a water source, which could be a built-in freshwater storage tank or a direct connection to an external water source, such as a municipal hookup or an RV park's fresh water system.

If you are getting water from an outside pressurised source, you will need to install a pressure adapter in the hose line to prevent potential damage to your plumbing or bathroom fixtures due to excess pressure. This is done by partially opening the valve to the water connection, which prevents excessive pressure buildup while also keeping the hose firmly in place.

The size of the water tank will vary depending on the RV, but it is important to monitor the water levels, especially if you are not connected to a water source, as you will need to keep your showers as short as possible to conserve water.

Modern RVs may come with tankless water heaters that use propane to provide an almost infinite amount of hot water. However, other RVs use water heater tanks that typically store 6 to 12 gallons of hot water. Once the hot water supply is used up, you will need to wait for the tank to reheat. Therefore, it is recommended to turn on the water heater 15 to 20 minutes before taking a shower and to take quick, short showers to conserve hot water.

Water Usage

Camper showers usually have water-conserving showerheads with a shut-off valve to control the water flow and temperature. This allows you to turn off the water while applying soap or shampoo without ruining the perfect temperature you have set. Taking "military showers" or "Navy showers" is a popular method among RVers, which involves wetting your body, turning off the water to lather up, and then turning the water back on to rinse off, thus conserving water.

Water drainage

In an RV, the shower, sink, and toilet drain into holding tanks known as "grey water" and "black water" tanks, rather than into a city sewage system. These tanks are located underneath the RV and must be manually emptied by the owner when they reach capacity. The grey water tank collects water from the shower and sink, while the black water tank is for toilet water, keeping human waste odours separate.

The grey water tank can be left open if the RV is connected to a sewer, but if not, it must be kept closed. This tank fills up quickly when the shower is used, so it's important to check the tank levels before showering to avoid overfilling. If there is no sewer connection, the RV must be driven to an RV dump station to empty the tank.

The black water tank requires more maintenance than the grey water tank. It should always contain an RV holding tank treatment product to mask odours and break down toilet paper. This tank should be kept closed, even when near a sewer connection, and only emptied when it is 3/4 full to ensure a faster and more complete emptying.

To empty the tanks, connect a sewer hose to the RV's sewer connection and the sewer connection at the RV dump station. First, open the valve for the black water tank and allow it to empty, then close the valve and open the valve for the grey water tank. The grey water will help clean out any remaining black water from the sewer tube. Once complete, close the valve, disconnect the sewer hose, and store it for later use.

It is also important to regularly clean the shower and remove any hair or residue to avoid a blocked drain.

Water conservation

• Understand your water system: Know how to turn on the hot water heater, how long it takes for the water to heat up, and the temperature settings available. This will help you plan your shower and avoid wasting water while waiting for it to heat up.
• Conserve water: Opt for quick showers and use water-saving techniques such as turning off the water while lathering and rinsing. The "Navy shower" or "military shower" method is popular among RVers, as it significantly conserves water and energy. It involves turning off the water flow between lathering and rinsing.
• Use a water-conserving showerhead: Look for a showerhead with a shut-off valve that allows you to turn off the water at the head without affecting the temperature. This will help you save water and maintain your desired temperature.
• Plan your water usage: If you're camping without hookups, allocate a certain amount of fresh water for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, and showering, based on the number of people camping. Ensure your freshwater tank is full, and your grey and black water tanks are empty before heading out.
• Soap up before starting the water: One of the best water conservation tips is to lather up with soap before turning on the water. This will help you avoid running the water unnecessarily.
• Use a basin for washing dishes: Instead of letting the tap run endlessly, use a basin or tub filled with water for washing dishes. Start with the cleanest items and finish with the dirtiest to conserve water.
• Empty grey tanks regularly: Grey water tanks fill up quickly when the shower is used, so be sure to empty them before your trip and track your water usage to avoid backups.
• Reuse grey water: Consider reusing grey water for irrigation or other purposes. In some states, it is allowed to empty grey water on the ground as long as it doesn't contain food particles.
• Choose eco-friendly products: Opt for eco-friendly and biodegradable soaps and shampoos to reduce the environmental impact of your greywater disposal.
• Install a drain strainer: Catch hair and prevent clogs by installing a drain strainer in your shower. This will help you avoid plumbing issues and conserve water.

Bathroom type

Camper showers vary depending on the type and size of the RV. There are two types of shower setups: a dry bath and a wet bath. In a dry bath, the toilet and shower are separate, while in a wet bath, they share the same space.

Dry Bath

A dry bath is similar to a residential bathroom, with the toilet and shower in separate areas. This setup ensures that the toilet area remains dry when the shower is in use. Larger RVs, such as Class C and Class A motorhomes, typically have dry baths due to their spacious interiors.

Wet Bath

In contrast, a wet bath combines the toilet and shower in a single compact space. The entire area, including the toilet, is designed to get wet during shower use. Wet baths are commonly found in smaller RVs, such as camper vans and trailers, where space is limited.

Hybrid Bath

Some RVs, like the Winnebago EKKO, feature a hybrid-style bathroom with a pivoting wall that transforms the space. When the wall is swivelled to one side, it provides access to the sink and toilet in a dry area. When pivoted to the other side, the wall hides the sink and toilet, creating a large wet area for the shower.

RV Shower Usage

Regardless of the type of bath, there are some key considerations when using an RV shower:

• Water Conservation: RV showers usually have restricted water flow to conserve water. The average showerhead uses two gallons of water per minute, so it's important to keep showers short and efficient.
• Water Heating: Many RVs have limited hot water supplies, with tanks ranging from 6 to 12 gallons. It's crucial to plan shower times accordingly and consider options like tankless water heaters for longer showers.
• Ventilation: Moisture buildup can lead to mould and mildew issues. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and keeping the bathroom door open after showering.
• Tank Maintenance: RVs have separate grey and black water tanks for shower and sink water (grey water) and toilet water (black water). These tanks need to be emptied and maintained regularly to prevent odours and tank issues.

Frequently asked questions