We love using our RV outdoor shower—especially for those times when our grandchildren come camping with us. It’s a quick and easy way to remove sand, dirt, and debris and keep it out of our RV’s interior. RVing friends regularly use their outdoor shower to bathe their dogs, while others never use their RV outdoor shower at all.
Do you use your RV outdoor shower (poll below)? Perhaps it might be more tempting to make use of it if you added some upgrades.
Upgrading your RV’s outdoor shower can make it a luxurious and practical space, perfect for rinsing off after a day of adventure. With the right products, you can create an outdoor shower experience that’s not only functional but also comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s how to improve your RV outdoor shower setup, with references to where you can find the necessary items.
Longer shower hose
One of the simplest yet most effective upgrades for your RV outdoor shower is installing a longer shower hose. This gives you more flexibility and ease when rinsing off, whether you’re washing your feet after a sandy beach day or cleaning off outdoor gear.
Where to find it: Look for longer shower hoses at RV supply stores like Camping World or online retailers such as Amazon. Both offer a variety of lengths and materials to suit your needs.
Water-saving shower head with good pressure
A water-saving shower head is a must-have for RVing. It helps to conserve water without sacrificing the pressure you need for a good shower. Look for models specifically designed for RV use, which balance water conservation with strong water flow.
Where to find it: Brands like Oxygenics are popular among RVers for their efficient yet powerful shower heads. The brand is available at RV stores like Camping World or on Amazon.
Privacy enclosure
Privacy is key for a comfortable outdoor shower. You can install a simple privacy enclosure or room divider to create a secluded space. There are pop-up shower tents or portable dividers that are easy to set up and take down.
Where to find it: There are many options available on Amazon or at sporting goods stores like REI.
Add bamboo seat and mat
A bamboo seat like these offers a comfortable place to sit while showering or changing, and it’s durable enough for outdoor use. Pair this with a bamboo mat for a natural, slip-resistant surface underfoot. Bamboo is an excellent material for outdoor showers because it’s resistant to water damage and is quick drying.
Where to find it: Check out bamboo seats and mats at home goods stores like Target or online retailers.
Shower product container
Keeping your toiletries organized and within reach is essential. A magnetic container can adhere to the metal exterior of your RV, providing a handy place to store shampoo, soap, and body wash. If your RV exterior is non-metallic, opt for a suction cup holder instead.
Where to find it: You can find magnetic containers at hardware stores like Home Depot or online at Amazon. For suction cup holders, look at retailers like Target or Amazon, where you can find options designed for bathroom use that will work perfectly outdoors.
Additional upgrades
To further enhance your outdoor shower experience, consider these additional upgrades:
Quick connect hose fittings: These make it easy to attach and detach your shower hose, especially useful if you switch between different hose attachments. Available at RV supply stores and online (these are the ones our own Nanci Dixon highly recommends).
LED showerhead: An LED showerhead that lights up with the flow of water can be a fun and practical addition, especially for nighttime showers. These are available at stores like Walmart or on Amazon.
Portable water heater: If your RV outdoor shower isn’t already equipped with hot water, a portable propane water heater can be a game-changer. Check out options from brands like Camplux on Amazon.
Your turn
Improving your RV outdoor shower doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few well-chosen upgrades can make a big difference.
Do you use your RV’s outdoor shower when RVing? Vote in today’s poll and then explain your vote in the comments below.
##RVDT2469
Our outdoor shower is in between two slides. I was thinking of using a tension shower curtain rod so we can have privacy, and a bamboo or teakwood floor mat to control mud. But we’re never in a place long enough to use it!
Only use it to wash my dog
I would probably use it if there was a bracket on the RV for hanging the shower head. I need two hands to take a proper shower.
We never used the one in our old RV, which we had for 13 years. All I ever did with it was winterize it. Our new RV doesn’t have one – good riddance.
Due to install design, water pressure is reduced to a trickle. I have used it to clean stuff outside that I do not want to bring in the coach.
But, basically worthless.
We use it mainly to wash off dirt from our dogs feet, and to clean other items before storing them. The most helpful use is to connect it to our fresh water hose when it’s cold outside, then run hot water through it for about 5 minutes. Makes it so much easier to coil up!
Used it once to clean the dog. Basically, the ground under the dog became muddy and created a different issue. I could convert it into an outside water tap, but just putting a Y on the park spigot is just as convenient. Our inside shower is a decent design and more convenient than setting up an external shower booth.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 We rarely use ours. DW tried to use it a year, or so, ago and it sprayed her. I added teflon tape to the end of the hose and replaced the shower head to eliminate that problem, but we seem to have few uses for it in general. When we go to Alaska next, we likely will use it to bathe dog #3. We probably will find greater need in Alaska and while traveling for the four, or so, months that will require. Thanks again for all the suggestions! Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Except for reading the comments, I don’t know a soul that uses these things. The only time I touch ours is when we’re winterizing. Frankly, I’d like to remove it altogether!
I removed the shower head and installed a threaded garden hose adapter.
Now I can use a garden sprayer to give a cleansing rinse to my slinky, elbow and/or macerator at RV dumps lacking water. Grey is okay but clear is dear.
We also use it as an outside water source for windshield washing instead of trying to use the sink. Spray the mop, scrub, rinse, repeat.
Great Idea. Thanks. Gives us hot water outdoors.
That is a great Idea.
We have owned 5 trailers with outdoor showers. In all these years I used it once! And that was to wash a chili pot that was too large for the indoor sink.
Perhaps if we were beach people we might use it more. I will use it for the dogs if they get muddy but that’s rare.
Outdoor shower…great for cleaning fish…and fish only.
I use the outdoor shower to clean the gas grill after each use. And to wash out the sewer hose in the rare instances when a dump doesn’t provide water.
I don’t use my outdoor shower to shower. I use it to rinse off my griddle Camping World is a dirty word.
We have only used the outdoor shower if our dog got into something really gross. Once it was rolling in my sisters horse pen!
I also use the outside shower to wash my dogs! Because I show my dogs, I have an adjustable grooming table with metal arm and collar. They appreciate the warm water, I appreciate not having to kneel next to the bathtub to wash them and not having the hair to clean up inside!
We made sure both our RVs (first a Class B and now a Class C) had outdoor showers built in to the side of the RV. The reason? We travel with 2 dogs that need washing every now and then. An outdoor shower can work for doing the dishes outside too since it delivers hot water. That can save food and stuff going down the sink drain and filling the grey tank too soon too.
Thanks for all you do,
Jim
I use mine only when at nudist resorts, or when boondocking and can shower naked. It might be the greatest feeling in the non-sexual world.
I’d do the same if my wife liked nudist camping. Do you have a family to share the experience the openness with?
My 20” Road Ranger has no outside shower, but I’d use it if it did.
A couple times a week, but never for showering. I wash my hands after dumping!