Camping Van Shower

Intro: Camping Van Shower

I could not find a portable camping shower that would be suitable for my van which requires to contain the water, so I made one.

It's not perfect, consider it a prototype.

A 210 litre drum was used with a Hozelock portashower.

STEP 1: Cutting the Drum

I cut the top off and a section out for the seat/entrance. Most measurements were guesstimates.

STEP 2: The Seat

The seat was made from left overs of a pallet.

Two strips of wood on the out and inside. Outside legs are touching down on the floor.

The seat was then screwed to the legs.

The drum became quite flimsy after the top came off, the seat is surprisingly sturdy.

STEP 3: Drainage Tap

Using a hole saw I cut out the hole for water butt tap. The shower does require tilting to drain it all out.

STEP 4: Frame Work for Shower Curtain

The shower is quite bulky so for storage purposes I wanted the arms to fold down.

I used the locks shown in the images, this didn't really work, there is too much play in the lock and bracket the arms droop inwards, one of them pretty much just fell back down.

For the time being I added a screw lower down and used cable ties, not great but does the job.

STEP 5: Adding the Curtain

I added screws to the outside of the arms at the top and used the hoops on the curtains to hang it up.

When sat inside the shower you have to sit on top of the curtain on the seat.

Fill the portashower when hot water and it's ready to go.

I placed the portashower between my legs.

STEP 6: Finished

Like I said it's not prefect and pretty cramped once inside the shower but does the job.

All my camping gear such as a blow up mattress, sleeping bag, the portashower are all stored inside the shower when not in use to save space.

Any feedback is appreciated or if you know of a portable shower or unit that is purchasable let me know!!!

Thanks

Comments

[pbates123]

Great idea using the barrel! As f1dd13r suggested below that is what I did for my camper. I hang the hula-hoop from the ceiling and used two shower curtains and a rubber made tub to collect the water. Because my camper has a water system I used a submersible pump to pump out the water, of the tub, while showering. Using the barrel won't work for me it is just to big. But it solves a problem I have. The curtain sometimes pulls out of the tub then I have a small flood. The high walls of the barrel keep the curtain inside. Very creative great work!

[camalo171]

I really like this idea. I'm building a camper out of a truck bed trailer with a shell, but someday, I'll build another one using an enclosed utility trailer, and this shower would be perfect in it

[bbqandbeer]

If you ever want to treat yourself to a good ol' hot shower while out camping or what not, I must insist you check this little gem out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TXOJQ4

I have an outdoor shower similar to what you made, great job BTW! I have it hooked up to my regular water hose and a 15# propane tank. What I really love about this unit is that it works better off of low pressure rather than high.

So what does that mean for you? Is since you probably won't have a water tap on hand, all you need is a container of water and a cheap pump that can move at least 25psi.

It almost instantly turns cold water to warm or scalding hot with the flick of a button.

[Lordii]

I checked it out and its pretty cool. The portashower only cost me £26 though, it holds pressure well and is really efficient. The only downside is I may require having to heat the water myself but I'm pretty sure you can purchase 12v kettles now which will do the job.

[bbqandbeer]

Electric kettle, been there done that. Boil up a quart of hot water, mix half with 2 quarts of cold water to wash, the rest to rinse, etc... repeat....

Then I got that propane unit. Its a game changer.

[seamster]

This is a pretty neat idea. After backpacking or road-tripping several days without a shower, I'm sure I'd be more than happy to use this set up! :)

[Lordii]

You can purchase pop up shower/changing room tents but they have no bottom, which is okay for outdoor use. I went to an event with no showers but I wasn't overly keen on showering outside in a public carpark haha

[f1dd13r]

If you had a hoolahoop at the top, the curtain could be swished back and forth