Staying clean while living in a van, truck camper, DIY build or any other type of RV doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the biggest questions people ask, especially those considering this lifestyle, is how to maintain hygiene, particularly when it comes to showering. Fortunately, there are more options than you might think. Popular YouTuber Dr. Hannah Straight tells you more in the video directly below. Or read on if you don’t have time for the video.
Having a satisfying, hot shower is undoubtedly one of life’s best luxuries—but it’s even more rewarding when you’re on the road or off-grid. Below are three reliable and realistic ways, says Dr. Straight, to shower when living in a van, truck camper, or similar setups. The best part? These tips keep you fresh without breaking the bank or wasting resources.
Showers at gyms
If you’re traveling in areas with access to towns or cities, joining a nationwide gym chain is a game-changer. Gym showers are a fantastic resource for van lifers or those living in DIY campers. A membership with gyms that have locations nationwide can give you 24/7 access to showers nearly everywhere you go.
But there’s more to this option than just staying clean. It’s also a built-in motivator to get those workouts in. It’s far too easy to lounge in your van or camper with a bag of chips, so pairing cleanliness with fitness is a win-win. Plus, as the temperature drops and outdoor workouts become less appealing (ever tried doing push-ups in the snow?), the gym provides a warm and comfortable space for exercise.
This is by far one of the easiest and most practical ways to access a proper hot shower while on the move. If you’re hitting the open road and plan your trip well, gyms are accessible, affordable, and totally worth it.
Built-in RV shower: convenient and cozy
Most RVtravel.com readers have a built-in RV shower. For ease of use, they’re the best. Many DIY builds or other RVs may come equipped with features like a hot water tank. Even a basic setup can get you fairly decent water pressure for a quick rinse.
One thing to keep in mind for an RV shower is water usage. A typical setup might include a 30-gallon freshwater tank and a smaller gray water tank. Using these wisely is essential, especially if you’re far from a water refill point. Long showers might be tempting (especially in colder weather), but they’ll quickly deplete your resources. Still, having an onboard shower is ideal for chilly nights or places where gyms aren’t an option.
Pro tip: Use the “auto-off” approach to save water (sometimes called a Navy shower)—turn it off while you lather up and then back on to rinse. It’s especially handy if you have long hair, though it may try your patience a bit when you’re working to get suds out!
Solar showers: low-cost, eco-friendly, and perfect for off-grid
When you’re smack in the middle of nowhere—whether it’s a quiet corner of a forest or the open desert—a solar shower is a gem. These portable bags use solar energy to heat up a few gallons of water, and they’re simple to use and store.
Here’s how a solar shower works: Fill the bag with water (up to 3 gallons), seal it, and leave it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours. Once it’s warm, hang it up using something like a roof ladder or a sturdy tree branch. A simple nozzle lets you control the water flow, and since it’s gravity-fed, no pumps or electricity are needed.
It’s worth noting that this method works best in warmer climates where the sun shines strong. Trying to use a solar shower in freezing winter conditions isn’t exactly ideal unless you’re ready to brave turning into an icicle!
Despite the small size and limited water volume, solar showers encourage you to be mindful of conservation. With 3 gallons, you’ll have enough water for a good rinse while still leaving plenty in your tank for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. And when you’re done? Simply fold the empty bag into a compact size and stow it away.
Do you have a different way of showering? If so, please leave a comment.
I really enjoyed learning about the “solar shower.” Great video shots!
🤔
Go to YouTube and read the comments. Priceless!
Hi, Tommy. I did just go read some of the comments. Several are impressed with the fact that there’s all that skin with no tattoos. But what did they think about the shower suggestions? (The what?) 🤔🤣 Have a great day.🤗 –Diane
The video of this young lady showering in a bikini was designed to drive subscribers to her channel. I watched it several times to be sure.
Looks like the picture was drawn by AI.
🤔 now that’s ingenuity first class
👍🤣 Yep, she has 368,000 subscribers and her 225 videos have more than 73 million views. So, join the crowd (literally).😉 Have a great day. (And quit drooling.🤣) –Diane at RVtravel.com
I carried a solar shower bag with me to Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Being in the 1st Infantry Division, having a hot shower every other day was extremely nice. Only the RAMF’s had shower facilities that they could rely on.
We did the same in Vietnam…but we did not have any such solar bag…we used a canvas shower bag with an attached shower head on the bottom which we hung up by a rope under a tree or home made shower stall built from discarded plywood. American ingenuity.
I used a pump up 3 gallon garden sprayer with the wand sprayer cut down almost to the handle. I painted it black. Fill it up with water, set it in the sun for while, and test the water temperature to make sure it isn’t too hot. Pump it up, and you have enough pressure to take a great shower. I had one when I was in the Army and didn’t have access to a shower. I have long hair like Hanna’s, and it gets all the shampoo and conditioner out with no problem.
Thank you for highlighting the video, RV Travel. Our rig has a water-saving feature that recirculates water into the fresh-water tank until the water becomes hot. If this is available as an after-market product, then it could be a valuable upgrade. The feature effectively increases the size of the gray tank by reducing the volume of water a single shower adds. Have a great day and safe travels