By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we join Bob Wells of CheapRVLiving, our reader’s favorite budget RV channel, for his evaluation of five portable showers that campers, van lifers, and those without a shower in their RV can use on the road.
Four of the five portable showers in the video rely on air compression, either a manual pump or a small compressor, to make the showers spray. To me, the fifth option, a good solar shower, does the job and is even simpler. I have used them and find they work well, although Bob is not a fan. However, I would get one like the model at this link (still cheap) instead of the super cheap one he has in the video.
Here is what Bob reviewed besides the above-mentioned solar shower:
Scotts garden sprayer: Yes, this is an ordinary garden sprayer, but it works well as a portable shower. However, Bob says the hose is short and the wand is long, as with all garden sprayers, so showering can be a little challenging. He says Home Depot has the parts to convert the wand to shower head, but why bother when there are better options?
CLICIC Pressure Sprayer with 7 Spray Modes: Bob loves this one, especially because it has a 6-foot-long hose and a nice shower head. It was his #2 pick of the list.
WADEO Foot Pump Blue Camping Shower: This one folds down and packs away small into its own carrying case, a big advantage when space is at a premium. It has a foot pump; however, Bob says you have to pump it a lot and the pressure is not all that great. Therefore, he does not recommend this one. (It’s currently unavailable on Amazon.)
B.TAWD Portable Electric Camping Shower: This one has a small USB rechargeable compressor, so no pumping is involved. This was Bob’s favorite. He called out the long shower hose, the fact that the shower head has several different settings for different uses, and the way that it compresses down to pack away in its own small storage bag.
Be sure to watch the video as he shows how each of these portable showers works and what kind of water pressure you can expect from each.
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Kudos to Bob Wells.
He has made it possible for so many folks of diminished means to survive with dignity!
He has also helped us pretend Vagabonds with innumerable tips tricks and reviews!
I purchased a pump up sprayer at Home Depot many years ago, I use the foaming head directly attached to the handle. It has about 4 ft of hose so we put it on the portable toilet or a stool. It holds about 3 1/2 gallons of water, plenty for a shower and can be used for rinsing the dog, feet or dishes. We’re not camping this trip and I don’t remember the brand name but I know Home Depot doesn’t sell this brand anymore. I don’t know if you can attach the spray heads to the handle with other sprayers but may be able to shorten the wand. The foam head prevents that stinging sensation when you run low on water.
I used the bag on my sailboat. Fill the bag half full and lay it on the cabin top all day (if full it doesn’t get warm enough), then haul it up a flag halyard and enjoy a warm shower at the end of the day. Perfect for a boat, not so much for an RV.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 Have a great Independence Day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂