Van dwelling shower

[grandpacamper]

Been trying to figure out a shower, first looked at a privacy tent. I finally think I have the answer. I can open my back doors & with two brackets on each door frame near the top to hold 2 PVC pipes for cheap shower curtain rods located front & back. Then I had to think of a rack for my water source I can put 2 3.5 gal buckets up in the roof rack. I can then place the end of the electric shower pump I have coming from Amazon in one of the buckets.


The buckets should be painted black but I found a source online that has black buckets & lids with collapsible spigots for stacking that would work perfectly. I can use one of my 2'x4'composite tables folded flat for the shower base. I will get a shower mat to protect against slipping, it gives me a window at each side high enough for privacy & the curtains should prevent prying eyes or water damage to the inside of my van. I need to use 3.5 gal buckets, one has to think about physical ability, 5 gal would be almost too heavy. The sun would warm the water enough.


Two shower curtains, $16 - one PVC pipe $5 - 4 brackets <$8 - 2 buckets with lids <$15 - shower apparatus $23.50 - composite table $0 - shower mat $10 - shower curtain rings $11 - total estimated costs <$90 complete. Less than the commercial tent, apparatus & buckets would be. And high enough for my 6'2" frame to get squeaky clean. Even have enough room for a poly chair or stool for comfort while scrubbing. See images of the buckets, lids, shower apparatus & revised layout.

 

[TrainChaser]

GrandpaCamper: As soon as you've got it set up, WE NEED PICTURES!

 

[MazdaGuy15]

Sounds like you want to do something like this guy


I also thought this was a cool shower set up

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I bought that exact same shower/pump from Amazon and it was a piece of junk. Watched a video review of it and it looked great. However, mind was either defective or video misleading. Hope you have better luck.

The rear van shower set up is the best there is in my opinion, it's almost like the doors were made for it.

 

[Reducto]

I'd suggest having a rod or something else to hold the bottom of the curtain down. It doesn't take much wind to make them go flying, usually right as someone walks by!

 

[grandpacamper]

Thanks the rod on the bottom is a great idea, I have changed from PVC rods decided 2 tensions rods would be better, then I don't need to drill holes for the brackets. As for the shower apparatus, I was going on the advice of my shed dwelling daughter whom uses one. She claims it works, but like with everything you buy it's still a crap shoot, I've bought things based on good reviews that turned out bad & bought things, then read bad reviews but still using the item. Go figure. Thanks to all.

 

[bullfrog]

I always thought a small wooden pallet or tote with attachments for the bottom of the shower curtail would be great as it was always windy at shower time, maybe some small rods with bungees.

 

[John61CT]

Artificial fibre welcome mat, sturdy shower curtain with a weighted bottom.

 

[DrJean]

Too much effort? Get a solar shower bag for $10... sun will warm it in a few hours, or keep it in your bed to warm it etc

Many people take the shower between the back doors with a curtain.


A cheap "solar" shower can be made with a clean milk gallon jug. Use the handle to tie it up, poke a hole in the near bottom corner the size of the stream of water you want (larger means the water empties faster) and the size of a stick or dowel (1/2 inch works for me).... when you're ready for water, pull the stick and put it back in to soap up.... then pull it and rinse...etc. repeat as needed Some people like hotter showers and paint the clear jug black, or keep it in a black bag in the sun. I take a 3 minute shower (TMI?) and the initial cold is a real challenge

Others use a form of "bug sprayer" (new of course) that you pump up and release the handle to spray.

 

[Van-Tramp]

Yep, A $10 solar shower will do the trick without all the hassle or space being taken up.