How To Shower In An RV: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, fellow traveler! Steph here, and if you’re like me, you’ve taken the adventurous leap into the RV lifestyle. But let’s be real, living on the road has its quirks, and showering is one of them. After numerous road trips and campsite stays, I’ve mastered the art of the RV shower and I’m here to share that knowledge with you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it!

1. Conserve Water: The Golden Rule Water is the essence of life and, while on the road, it’s precious. Always remember to turn off the shower while lathering up. Wet your body, turn off the water, soap up, and then rinse off. This method not only conserves water but also ensures you won’t run out midway through rinsing.

2. Opt for a Quick Shower Face it, an RV shower isn’t the time for a luxurious soak. Think of it as a pit stop, efficient and effective. Aim to be in and out within five minutes or so. It’s a skill, trust me, and you’ll get better over time.

3. Use Biodegradable Soap We’re all here for the great outdoors, right? Using biodegradable soap ensures that we’re not harming the environment. Especially if you’re dumping your gray water in nature, this is a must-have item in your RV bathroom.

4. Get a Shower Head Upgrade Most RVs come with pretty basic shower heads. Investing in a water-saving, high-pressure shower head can make all the difference in your shower experience.

5. Manage Temperature Wisely Hot water can run out quickly. Start with lukewarm water and gradually adjust as needed. Remember, it’s a quick shower, so you won’t have to bear the cold for too long if you’re economizing on the hot water.

6. Dry Off Inside I’ve seen many campers hop out of the shower while still dripping. But trust me, drying off inside prevents a wet mess in the rest of your RV and keeps you from tracking in dirt and debris.

7. Empty and Clean the Gray Tank Regularly A clogged gray tank can lead to a host of problems, including a bad odor. Make it a habit to empty and clean it frequently.


FAQs: How to Shower in an RV

Q:How much water does an average RV shower use? Most RV showers consume about 6 gallons of water for a quick shower. Remember to use water judiciously to ensure it lasts.

Q:Can I take long showers in my RV? It’s possible, but not recommended due to limited water storage and the capacity of the gray tank.

Q:Do I need a special soap for an RV shower? It’s advisable to use biodegradable soap, especially if you dump your gray water in nature.

Q:What if I run out of water mid-shower? It’s always a good practice to check your water levels before hopping in. But if you do run out, have a backup plan like bottled water to rinse off.

Q:How often should I clean my RV shower? Regular cleaning, at least once a week, helps keep mold and mildew at bay, ensuring a pleasant shower experience.


Embarking on an RV journey is exhilarating, and while adjusting to the smaller living space can be challenging, it’s all part of the adventure. Embrace the experience, adapt to the quirks, and always remember, the open road awaits!

Safe travels and happy showering!

Follow Us
Latest posts by Steph & Doug (see all)

We absolutely love creating articles that help people get to where they want to go a little faster. Quick Help Support designed to do just that. If you would like us to write a specific guide please feel free to contact either Doug or Steph directly on our contact form or join our forum to ask the QHS community.

Index