I am over 45, but I was shocked to learn I had body parts I did not know existed until I stepped into the tiny cubicle of our RV Shower. The tiny square may be 18 inches by 18 inches, which does not leave much space if you are claustrophobic. Fortunately, I have learned the trick to taking a shower in under three minutes which is how much hot water you have.
You see, I love long, hot lazy showers almost as much as I love lying in a bathtub for over an hour at a time. Living in the RV through the work week has made me realize just how precious those moments at home in my normal bathtub are.
To take a shower in an RV requires a bit of planning. Your time will be very limited before icy water will cascade down upon you. If you do not make the proper preparations, you will never make it, and worse, you could find yourself standing in a puddle of yucky, stinky grey water.
Drain the Waste Water Tanks Before you Get Into the Shower
An RV has two tanks to hold your waste water. One is for the grey water which comes from your kitchen sink, bath sink, and shower. The black water tank holds the contents from the commode. If you drain your tanks before you step into the shower, you will not get a nasty surprise before your shower is finished.
Gather All Of the Things You Need to Shower With
Have your clean towel, shampoo, soap, washcloth and everything else close at hand. RV bathrooms are not known for their spacious cupboards, so if your towels are stored elsewhere, be sure and have them handy before you strip off to get in. Have your soap and your shampoo inside the shower stall with you. If you have to open the door to retrieve something, you will drip most of the water onto the bathroom floor.
Keep you towel handy for when you get out. It seems that no matter how long or short I shower, there is always a lot of water on the bathroom floor when I get out. Be sure to have your towel ready to dry you off and do the floor when you are finished.
Start the Water After you Strip
The water may last five minutes. The trick to taking a shower in an RV is to get in and out as fast as you can. Unfortunately, it is normal to have a trickle rather than a spray from the shower head. What is even more normal is for the trickle to last less than five minutes. So, get in as quick as you can. Shampoo, rinse, wash, rinse and get out. That is the way I do it. I cannot stand icy water in the shower, though I am sure some do.
Turn Off the Water before Getting Out of the Shower
If you turn the water off before you get out, you will have a few less puddles to contend with, though you will still have some. Be careful as most floors have linoleum and are very slippery when wet. Believe me, there is not enough room to slip and fall in the tiny bathrooms in an RV, but I have succeeded in landing in a heap on the floor more than once. I have yet to crack my skull, though I have sure wounded my pride.
Dry the Floor Thoroughly
Now that you are out and almost dry, be sure to mop up the floor. Try to find place where you can stash all of your supplies before you go and dress.
Go Dump the Tanks Again
Now that you are all sweet and clean, it’s time to dump the grey water tank again. Otherwise, whoever washes the dishes will find a shower full of yucky water to contend with. The RV tanks are suppose to hold 25 to 30 gallons, and I know that trickle does not amount to that much water, but it seems every time I shower in the RV, I need to dump the tank or I end up swimming in the bad stuff again.
That is how I learned to shower in an RV. Believe me, there is nothing better than getting back to the ranch so that I can have a real shower.
