The question comes up in almost every van life talk: "Does your van have a shower?" For some people, a camper van with shower ability is a nice extra. For others, it's a must-have that decides whether van life is even possible. After nearly a decade of building van conversions in Colorado, we've learned that shower systems can make or break the van life experience. When done right, they provide incredible convenience and freedom. When done poorly, they create ongoing problems and regret.
This complete guide covers everything about vans with showers, from design choices to real-world results. It helps you see whether a shower system makes sense for your van life goals and how to put one in the right way.
Why Camper Van Showers Matter More Than You Think
Freedom and Flexibility
Longer Off-Grid Ability: A steady shower system allows you to stay off-grid longer without needing to find campgrounds or gyms for basic hygiene needs. This freedom to explore remote areas for long periods is one of van life's greatest benefits.
Weather Freedom: When it's too cold, windy, or buggy for outdoor showers, having an inside option keeps you comfy and clean no matter the weather.
Privacy and Comfort: Your own shower means privacy, steady water heat, and known products—extras that become more worth it the longer you're on the road.
The Social and Practical Benefits
Longer Trip Ability: Multi-day trips become more comfortable when you can clean up the right way without cutting trips short to find bathrooms.
Professional Look: For van lifers who work from afar or need to keep a pro look, steady shower access is key for video calls and client meetings.
Health and Hygiene: Steady access to proper hygiene spots supports both body health and mental well-being during long travel.
Types of Van Shower Systems
Wet Baths: Maximum Functionality in Minimum Space
What is a Wet Bath? A wet bath brings together the shower, toilet, and sink in one compact space. When you shower, the entire room gets wet—hence the name.
It's the most space-efficient way to include full bathroom facilities in a van.
Wet Bath Advantages:
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Maximum functionality in minimal space
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Easier to waterproof than separate facilities
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Efficient use of plumbing systems
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Familiar to RV users
Wet Bath Considerations:
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Everything gets wet during use
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Requires good ventilation to prevent mold (This Old House)
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Daily maintenance needed to keep dry between uses
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May feel cramped for larger individuals
The Vansmith Approach: Our wet bath designs make the most of space while making sure of proper water sealing and airflow. We've learned which parts and methods work well in van use.
Separate Shower Compartments: Luxury and Convenience
Dedicated Shower Space: Some larger van builds include their own shower spaces that don't serve many jobs. This approach gives the most true shower feel but needs a lot of space.
Separate Shower Advantages:
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More spacious and comfortable shower experience
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Other bathroom facilities remain dry
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Easier to keep clean and organized
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Better long-term durability
Separate Shower Requirements:
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Significant space allocation needed
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More complex plumbing and waterproofing
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Higher cost and complexity
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Usually requires long wheelbase vans
Convertible Shower Systems: Smart Space Usage
Multi-Use Spaces: Changeable systems turn part of the van into a shower when needed, then change back to other uses. This might involve curtain systems, moveable parts, or clever design that allows spaces to serve many functions.
Convertible System Benefits:
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Space efficiency with shower capability
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Flexibility for different activities
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Lower cost than dedicated shower rooms
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Creative solutions for space constraints
Implementation Challenges:
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More complex setup and breakdown
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Potential for system failures
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Waterproofing challenges
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User convenience may be compromised
Design Considerations for Van Showers
Water System Requirements
Hot Water Needs: Shower systems need steady hot water, which means putting money into proper water heating. Options include:
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On-demand tankless heaters
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Storage tank water heaters
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Combination heating systems
Water Capacity Planning: Showers consume significant water. Plan for:
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Fresh water storage (typically 20+ gallons minimum)
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Gray water collection and storage
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Water pump capacity for adequate pressure
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Refill and dumping logistics
The Vansmith Standard: Our vans with showers include right-sized water systems that support easy shower use without constant worry about tank size.
Drainage and Gray Water Management
Proper Drainage Design: Shower areas must drain all the way to prevent standing water, mold, and odors. This calls for:
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Adequate floor pitch toward drains
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High-capacity drain systems
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Proper trap design to prevent sewer gases
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Accessible cleanout capabilities
Gray Water Factors: Shower use creates a lot of gray water that must be caught and dumped the right way:
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Larger gray water tank capacity
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Accessible dump valve placement
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Legal disposal location planning
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Tank monitoring systems
Ventilation: The Critical Success Factor
Why Air Flow Matters: Shower use creates massive amounts of moisture that must be taken out fast to prevent:
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Mold and mildew growth
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Condensation problems throughout the van
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Unpleasant odors and air quality issues
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Damage to interior finishes and belongings
Proper Ventilation Design:
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High-capacity exhaust fans in shower areas
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Make-up air pathways for proper airflow
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Dehumidification systems for humid climates
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Adequate air circulation throughout the van
The Vansmith Advantage: Our shower systems include full air flow planning based on years of real-world results.
Waterproofing: Where Many Builds Fail
Critical Waterproofing Areas
Floor Systems: Van shower floors must be completely waterproof with proper drainage. This requires:
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Marine-grade waterproof flooring materials
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Proper subfloor waterproofing
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Sealed penetrations for drain lines
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Adequate floor pitch for complete drainage
Wall and Ceiling Protection: Shower areas need waterproof wall and ceiling treatments:
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Moisture-resistant wall materials
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Proper vapor barriers where needed
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Sealed penetrations for fixtures
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Appropriate finishing materials
Key Change Areas: Where shower areas meet the rest of the van, water sealing becomes vital:
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Threshold waterproofing and sealing
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Door and curtain sealing systems
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Floor transition waterproofing
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Proper material transitions
Professional vs. DIY Waterproofing
Why Pro Install Matters: Water sealing failures can destroy entire van builds. Pro install makes sure:
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Proper material selection and compatibility
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Correct installation techniques
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Comprehensive system testing
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Warranty coverage for waterproofing systems
The Vansmith Difference: Our shower installs include pro water sealing systems tested in real-world use. We've learned from early errors and built rock-solid methods.
Van Shower Layout Options
The Vansmith Shower-Equipped Layouts
DUO and DUO XL Shower Options: Our couple-based layouts can fit shower systems in a few setups:
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Wet bath designs for maximum efficiency
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Convertible shower areas for flexibility
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External shower connections for outdoor use
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Combination systems for multiple options
FAMILY Layout Shower Integration: Family vans require more robust shower systems:
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Larger capacity water and waste systems
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More substantial ventilation requirements
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Durable finishes for family use
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Easy maintenance and cleaning access
Space Allocation Strategies
Short Wheelbase Shower Solutions: Fitting showers in shorter vans requires creative solutions:
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Wet bath configurations
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Convertible space designs
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Compact fixture selection
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Multi-purpose area planning
Long Wheelbase Shower Luxury: Extended vans allow for more comfortable shower designs:
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Separate shower compartments
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Larger shower areas
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Additional storage and amenities
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More comfortable access and use
Real-World Performance: What Actually Works
Customer Feedback on Shower Systems
High-Satisfaction Designs:
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Properly ventilated wet baths in moderate climates
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Well-designed external shower systems for warm weather use
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Simple, reliable plumbing systems with quality components
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Easy-to-maintain finishes and fixtures
Problem Areas We've Learned From:
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Inadequate ventilation leading to mold issues
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Complex systems prone to failures
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Insufficient waterproofing causing damage
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Undersized water systems limiting usability
Climate Considerations
Dry Climate Use: Shower systems work great in dry places where moisture control is easier and outside drying is steady.
Humid Climate Issues: Very damp areas need stronger air flow and drying to prevent problems.
Cold Weather Factors: Winter use needs freeze safety, enough heat, and control of moisture in cold weather.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Regular Maintenance Requirements
Daily Care:
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Ventilation after use to prevent moisture buildup
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Squeegee or towel dry surfaces
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Check drain function and clear any blockages
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Monitor water levels and system performance
Weekly Maintenance:
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Deep clean all surfaces and fixtures
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Check and clean ventilation fans
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Inspect waterproofing and sealing
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Test all plumbing connections
Monthly System Checks:
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Water system sanitization and flushing
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Gray water tank cleaning and maintenance
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Ventilation system cleaning and service
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Complete waterproofing inspection
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Drainage Problems:
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Clear blocked drains promptly
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Check and maintain proper floor pitch
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Inspect and clean gray water systems
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Verify adequate venting
Ventilation Issues:
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Clean fan filters and impellers
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Check for blocked air pathways
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Verify adequate make-up air supply
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Consider additional dehumidification
Waterproofing Failures:
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Address leaks immediately to prevent damage
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Re-seal problem areas with appropriate materials
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Consider professional waterproofing system upgrade
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Monitor for recurring issues
Cost Considerations for Van Showers
Initial Installation Costs
Basic Wet Bath System: $3,000-$5,000
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Simple shower/toilet combination
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Basic fixtures and plumbing
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Standard ventilation system
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Waterproof finishes
Premium Shower System: $8,000-$15,000
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Separate shower compartment
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High-end fixtures and finishes
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Advanced ventilation and heating
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Luxury materials and features
The Vansmith Value: Our shower systems provide pro install and proven dependability that make the cost worth it through years of trouble-free use.
Ongoing Operational Costs
Water and Waste Management:
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Increased water consumption requiring more frequent fills
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More frequent gray water dumping needs
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Potential dumping fees at facilities
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Water heating fuel consumption
Maintenance and Supplies:
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Cleaning supplies and materials
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Ventilation system maintenance
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Periodic waterproofing maintenance
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Fixture and fitting replacement
Alternative Shower Solutions
External Shower Systems
Outdoor Shower Benefits:
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No interior space requirements
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No ventilation or waterproofing concerns
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Lower cost and complexity
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Natural drainage and drying
External Shower Limitations:
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Weather and privacy dependent
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Limited cold weather usability
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Requires suitable locations for use
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May not meet all hygiene needs
Hybrid Approaches
Indoor/Outdoor Combinations: Many successful van life setups combine multiple shower options:
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External showers for fair weather
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Interior capability for challenging conditions
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Gym and campground facility planning
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Portable shower systems as backups
Making the Shower Decision
When Showers Make Sense
Long Off-Grid Travel: If you plan to spend weeks off-grid, shower ability turns very useful.
Full-Time Van Life: Daily shower access greatly boosts quality of life for full-time van dwellers.
Family Travel: Families with children often find shower ability key for real-world and hygiene reasons.
Professional Needs: Remote workers may need steady shower access for a pro look.
When to Skip the Shower
Weekend Warriors: Short trips may not justify the space and complexity of shower systems.
Warm Weather Travel: External showers and natural water sources may provide adequate alternatives.
Gym Membership Plan: Some van lifers prefer gym passes for shower access and workout spots.
Budget Constraints: Shower systems add major cost and extra work that may not fit all budgets.
The Vansmith Shower Advantage
Proven Design and Installation
Real-World Testing: Our shower designs are based on years of client feedback and use data.
Professional Waterproofing: We use boat-grade parts and methods that prevent the failures common in DIY installs.
Integrated Systems: Our shower systems are built to work smoothly with water, electric, and air flow systems.
Comprehensive Support: We provide ongoing help for upkeep and problem-solving throughout your van life journey.
Quality Materials and Components
Marine-Grade Components: We use parts built for boat use that handle moisture and movement.
Reliable Fixtures: Our fixture picks put long-term dependability over first cost savings.
Professional Installation: Our team has the experience to install systems correctly the first time.
Warranty Coverage: Our installations include warranty coverage that protects your investment.
Ready to Explore Shower-Equipped Van Life?
A camper van with shower ability can change your van life experience, giving you the freedom to stay off-grid longer and the comfort of private spots wherever you travel. However, shower systems are complex installs that need skill in waterproofing, ventilation, and plumbing systems.
The key to good van shower systems is knowing the give-and-take between space, extra work, and ability, then putting in systems that match your actual use patterns and trip style. When done right, van showers provide amazing value and convenience. When done poorly, they create ongoing problems and expensive repairs.
Whether you're certain you want shower ability or still weighing the options, The Vansmith team can help you see the real-world effects and setup plans that make shower systems work. Our experience with hundreds of shower installs means we know what works, what doesn't, and how to design systems that improve rather than complicate your van life adventure.
Ready to explore whether a van build with a shower is right for your adventure style? Check out our collection of van builds with showers and see how proper planning and pro install create shower systems that actually work in real-world conditions at The Vansmith. Your shower-equipped adventure awaits—let's make it work perfectly!
