By Caleb — Head Van Designer — 2025-12-09
Quick verdict — Which van life shower is right for your van life setup?
If you’re searching for a reliable van life shower, start with how often you’ll shower, the climates you travel in, and whether you want the shower inside the van or mounted outside. A portable solar bag or gravity rinse is fine for weekend trips. For regular daily use we recommend a pumped 12V system with an inline heater or a small onboard tank + electric heater. From our builds and road testing, those solutions balance flow, heating, and ease of winterizing while keeping weight and complexity reasonable for a conversion van.
Types of outdoor shower systems (how they work and real‑world pros/cons)
Portable gravity & solar bag showers
What they are: 5–20L bags or jerry‑can rigs that sit in the sun to warm water or provide gravity flow. Good for quick rinses and ultralight setups.
Pros: Cheap, zero electrical draw, simple. Cons: Low flow, inconsistent hot water, poor for cold climates. I’ve recommended a solar bag to weekend campers more than once — it’s surprisingly handy for quick sandy‑beach rinses but not a daily solution.
12V pump + inline (tankless/on‑demand) water heater
How it works: A 12V pump pressurizes freshwater supply; a small inline tankless heater (12V or 120V via inverter) warms water on demand. This setup gives near‑shower comfort with relatively low footprint.
Electrical note: Expect 60–150 W draw for pumps and 500–1,500 W for electric heaters (tankless). Plan battery + inverter to cover peak heater draw or choose a propane instant heater for lower electrical demand.
Propane/instant water heaters
These deliver strong flow and hot water without heavy inverter loads, but require safe venting and clearance. They’re a favorite when you need reliable hot water in cold weather—pay attention to CO safety and installation clearances.
Built‑in tank + small onboard electric heater (12V/120V)
Onboard tanks with a small electric or 12V heater are convenient and safe inside a wet‑bath layout. They add weight and require space but simplify plumbing and avoid high surge currents if sized properly.
RV‑style internal wet baths vs external mounted showers
Integration tradeoffs: A full wet‑bath gives year‑round comfort and privacy but costs space. An external mounted shower saves interior real estate and can be simpler to maintain—choose based on how important an all‑weather bathroom is to your lifestyle.
Enclosures and privacy solutions that actually work
Pop‑up shower tents
Best for occasional use: lightweight and fast to set up. Anchor with guy lines or sandbags for wind; ensure vents to avoid condensation.
Folding/fabric privacy screens
Quick to deploy around the van’s curbside—good for stealth parking and campgrounds.
Permanent fold‑down enclosures & DIY mounting frames
Use marine‑grade aluminum and stainless fasteners; mount to reinforced ribs or floor rails and detail penetration seals with compatible butyl or marine sealant.
Plumbing, mounting, and installation best practices
Water source options
Common sources: jerry can, onboard freshwater tank, or municipal hookup. For mounted external showers plan a fill port that’s easy to access—placing it near the kitchen or side door reduces routing length.
Hot water routing & insulating lines
Minimize exposed runs. Insulate with closed‑cell foam and consider heat tape for lines that remain exposed in cold weather. Use PEX or reinforced hose rated for your pressure and temperature range.
Drainage & gray‑water management
Options include a portable gray tank or direct dump to campground facilities. Legally and ethically, always disperse gray water where allowed—use biodegradable soap and avoid dumping near water sources. A common portable gray tank size for van showers is 20–40L.
Mounting an exterior shower unit
Fasten to structural points—frame rails, reinforced body studs, or a roof rack crossbar. Use stainless hardware, backing plates, and multiple seal layers. After any penetration, pressure‑test for leaks and inspect after the first few drives.
Electrical needs
Match pump and heater draws to your house battery and charging plan. Example brief sizing: a 12V pump (4–8 A) + 500 W tankless heater (if electric) will need a 1500–2000 W inverter for safe operation. Consider propane instant heaters to avoid large inverter sizing.
Winterizing outdoor showers (and keeping them usable in shoulder seasons)
Freezing is the biggest enemy. Key tactics that work in the field:
- Drain and blow out lines after use (air compressor or pump reverse).
- Install heat tape on exposed lines and tanks where practical.
- Move valves and flexible fittings inside cabinetry when possible.
- Use insulated covers for tanks and a heated tent or indoor warm‑water rinse for quick use days.
Temporary winter setups
Insulated pop‑up tents with a small safe heater (rated for outdoor use & never left unattended) can extend your shoulder‑season shower window. For frequent cold‑weather use, favor an internal wet‑bath or propane instant heater designed for low temps. When in doubt, plan for easy draining and quick disassembly so a sudden freeze won’t ruin fittings.
Real‑world build examples and cost/time estimates
Three starter builds to match different needs:
- Budget rinse kit — Portable solar bag + privacy tent. Parts: solar shower bag, quick‑connect hose, folding shower mat. Cost: $40–$120. Install time: 10–30 minutes. Best for weekend users.
- Balanced mid‑level — Mounted 12V pump + 1.5–3L inline tankless heater or small tank + 12V electric heater, side‑mounted shower head and folding privacy screen. Parts & electrical: pump, heater, small tank or jerry can, wiring, fittings. Cost: $2–$3. Install time: 4–12 hours (DIY) or one day shop install.
- Full conversion wet‑bath — Integrated freshwater tank, dedicated drain to gray tank, built‑in electric or propane heater, shower pan and foldable door. Cost: $4,000–$12,000 depending on materials and finish. Shop install: several days to a week.
Quick data snapshot:
| System | Typical cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Solar bag | $40–$120 | Occasional rinse |
| 12V pump + inline | $2–$3 | Regular van life |
| Integrated wet‑bath | $4k–$12k | All‑season comfort |
Maintenance, safety, and sustainability
Anti‑microbial tips & filters
Use inline sediment and carbon filters on freshwater inlets and flush your system periodically. Run a vinegar flush quarterly in non‑metallic lines to control buildup.
Propane & electrical safety
Install CO and propane detectors, keep propane appliances vented per manufacturer specs, and have a certified tech inspect any propane heater before winter. Check electrical connections, fuse sizing, and wiring routing annually.
Gray‑water minimization
Low‑flow showerheads (1.5–2.0 GPM) cut water use dramatically. Consider stop‑gap rinse techniques (bucket rinse, quick lather) to reduce gray‑water volumes when boondocking.
FAQ
Can I install an outdoor shower on a van myself, or do I need a pro?
Many exterior shower setups (portable kits, mounted rinse showers, 12V pumps with inline heaters) are DIY‑friendly if you have basic plumbing and electrical skills. Major integrated wet‑bath conversions, propane heater installs, or structural mounting to the van body are best handled by a pro or experienced builder. If you’re unsure, book a consult so we can scope the work and recommend a safe path.
How do I keep an outdoor shower from freezing in cold weather?
Drain lines after use, install heat tape on exposed runs, insulate tanks and valves, and where possible route plumbing through insulated cabinetry. For regular cold‑weather showering, favor an internal wet‑bath or propane instant heater designed for low temps.
Is a portable solar shower good enough for daily use?
Portable solar bags are inexpensive and useful for occasional rinses but offer limited hot water and low flow. For daily showers, a pumped 12V system or propane/instant heater gives better comfort and efficiency.
What are my options for managing gray water from an outdoor van shower?
Use a portable gray tank sized for your typical volume (20–40L common), dump at approved disposal sites, or connect to campground sewer where available. Always use biodegradable soaps and follow local rules for dispersed camping.
Can a conversion van have an 'RV‑style' shower without taking up too much space?
Yes—compact wet‑bath designs, folding shower trays, and vertical storage let you integrate an RV‑style shower in many vans. There are tradeoffs in storage and plumbing complexity; we can help lay out options that fit your chosen Sprinter or Transit floorplan.
Next steps
If you want a recommendation tailored to your van, travel style, and budget, we can help. Whether that’s a balanced mid‑level mounted system or a full wet‑bath, we design practical solutions that last and are straightforward to maintain.
Ready to scope your build?
Book a consult
Caption: A side‑mounted shower head with folding screen—an efficient compromise for couples who want off‑grid rinses without losing interior space.
Related reads: Van conversion with shower: real layouts that work, Ford Transit shower installation, and Foundation builds for durable platforms.
