SHOWER VAN CONVERSIONS
Stay fresh anywhere with built-in van showers
From fully enclosed interior stalls to space-saving bench showers and convenient exterior rinse stations, our shower-equipped van conversions keep you clean and comfortable no matter where the road takes you. Custom-built in Boulder, Colorado for Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans.
Camper van conversions with built-in showers. Bench, enclosed, Tetravan, and exterior shower options. Hot water on demand. Boulder, CO.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a wet bath and a dry bath?
A wet bath combines shower, toilet, and sink into one waterproof enclosure. A dry bath separates the shower from the toilet, giving more room but taking more floor space. Wet baths suit standard-length vans; dry baths usually need an extended wheelbase.
How much water does a van shower use?
With a low-flow showerhead and water-saving technique, most people use two to three gallons per shower. A 30-gallon tank supports daily showers for two people for three to five days.
What kind of hot water system do you install?
We typically install tankless, on-demand water heaters that heat water only when the faucet runs. They are compact, efficient, and eliminate the energy waste of keeping a tank hot.
How do you handle gray water?
Shower and sink water drains into a dedicated gray water tank beneath the van, plumbed with proper slope for gravity flow. A valve lets you dump at designated stations.
Does an indoor shower cause moisture problems?
Not when designed properly. We install dedicated ventilation, use waterproof wall panels, and seal every seam. Post-shower ventilation for 10 to 15 minutes prevents condensation and mold.
How big does my fresh water tank need to be?
We recommend at least 30 gallons for regular showering. Most of our shower builds carry 30 to 40 gallons, balanced against the added weight of a full tank.
Shower options for every van lifestyle
Enclosed interior showers
Full privacy and hot-water comfort in a sealed, waterproof stall with lighting and ventilation built in.
Convertible bench showers
Most PopularA padded bench by day that transforms into a full shower with zip-up curtain walls, saving every inch of living space.
Exterior shower
A handheld sprayer mounted outside for rinsing off gear, pets, and sandy feet after a day of adventure. Connect to your water heater for warm rinses on demand.
Tetravan fold-away shower
A rigid metal enclosure that mounts flat against the wall and unfolds in seconds into a fully enclosed, waterproof shower stall. Zero permanent footprint.
Compact convenience with a convertible bench shower
Our innovative bench shower hides a full-function shower within a sleek bench design. When you need it, the seat lifts and zip-up curtain walls snap into place to form a watertight cubicle. Shower, fold it away, and reclaim the living area — ideal when every square inch counts.
Post-adventure practicality with an exterior shower
Exterior showers are a game-changer for active van life. Perfect for rinsing off after a hike, cleaning muddy gear, or washing up under the stars, they bring the comforts of home to the great outdoors without taking up precious interior space. With simple setup and storage, an exterior shower keeps your van’s interior clean no matter where your journey takes you.
Full privacy in a space-saving design
Our enclosed bench shower gives you the privacy of a traditional bathroom without sacrificing living space. The fold-out design tucks neatly away when not in use, and the sealed floor pan ensures zero leaks into your cabin. Hot water on demand, proper drainage, and room to move — everything you need for a refreshing shower after a long day on the trail.
The Tetravan shower — full enclosure, zero footprint
The Tetravan shower is the ultimate space-saving solution for van life. This ingenious fold-out enclosure mounts flat against the wall when stowed, then unfolds in seconds to create a fully enclosed, waterproof shower stall. Paired with our tankless hot water system and gray water drainage, it delivers a real shower experience without permanently dedicating floor space. Perfect for builds where every inch matters.
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Van conversion showers: comfort meets freedom on the road
At The Vansmith, we believe adventure shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. That’s why we build van conversion showers that give you the freedom to rinse off a muddy trail or kickstart your day with a warm, private shower — no matter where you’re parked.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, we’ve been crafting custom van conversions since 2016. As outdoor adventurers ourselves — skiers, bikers, hikers, and climbers — we know that a hot shower isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. Whether you’re exploring mountain backroads or living on the road full-time, a well-designed shower system makes all the difference.
Three shower styles, one perfect fit
Our shower systems are hard-working essentials that keep you clean, comfortable, and truly self-sufficient on the road:
- Fully enclosed interior shower: A sealed stall that delivers real at-home privacy and hot-water comfort. Choose this if a daily private shower is non-negotiable.
- Convertible bench shower: By day it’s a padded bench; when you need it, panels snap into place to form a watertight cubicle. Shower, fold it away, and reclaim the living area.
- Rear-door exterior shower: Mounts at the back doors with a curtain for semi-privacy. Frees up cabin space and works great for post-adventure rinses.
Not everyone needs an onboard shower — some clients prefer campground facilities and use the saved space for extra storage or batteries. Whatever your priorities, we’ll build the layout that makes the most of every inch.
Key components of our van shower systems
Water heating: We offer tankless on-demand heaters, propane or diesel systems, combo heaters, and engine heat exchangers — all optimized to conserve power while delivering consistent hot water.
Water pump: Premium variable-speed pumps built for RV and marine use, with quiet operation and optional filtration for drinking water.
Waste water: Gray water holding tanks sized to match your travel style, with tank monitors and heated tanks for cold-weather camping. Everything is professionally installed with proper venting and sealed connections.
Ready to Start Your Build?
Our team in Boulder is ready to help you design the perfect van for your lifestyle.
Or call us at (303) 414-6834 · info@thevansmith.com
Frequently asked questions
What shower options are available for camper vans?
We offer three main options: a fully enclosed interior shower stall for maximum privacy, a convertible bench shower that folds away when not in use, and a rear-door exterior shower for quick rinses after outdoor activities. Each option is tailored to your van size and travel style.
How much does it cost to add a shower to a van conversion?
Adding a shower system typically ranges from a few thousand dollars for a basic exterior setup to significantly more for a fully enclosed wet bath with hot water. The final cost depends on the type of shower, water heating system, tank size, and plumbing complexity. We walk you through every option during the design phase so there are no surprises.
How does the plumbing work in a van shower?
Fresh water is drawn from an onboard tank by a 12V pump, heated by a tankless water heater, and delivered through a low-flow showerhead. Used water drains by gravity into a gray water tank mounted beneath the van. All connections are sealed and vibration-rated for life on the road.
How much water capacity do I need for regular showers?
We recommend at least 30 gallons of fresh water for regular showering. With a low-flow showerhead, most people use two to three gallons per shower. A 30-gallon tank comfortably supports daily showers for two people for three to five days between fill-ups.
What type of hot water heater do you install?
We typically install tankless, on-demand water heaters that heat water only when the faucet runs. They are compact, energy-efficient, and eliminate the waste of keeping a tank hot around the clock. We also offer propane, diesel, and combo heater options depending on your power setup.
How does gray water drainage work?
Shower and sink water drains into a dedicated gray water tank beneath the van, plumbed with proper slope for gravity flow. A dump valve lets you empty the tank at designated stations. We size the gray water tank to match your fresh water capacity so you never run out of drainage room.
Can I use my van shower in freezing temperatures?
Yes, with proper winterization. Our four-season builds include insulated plumbing lines, heated tanks, and bypass valves that let you drain the system when temperatures drop below freezing. The diesel heater keeps the cabin warm enough for comfortable showering even in winter.
Should I choose a shower or skip it to save space?
It depends on how you travel. If you boondock frequently or value self-sufficiency, an onboard shower is a game-changer. If you mostly stay at campgrounds with bathhouse facilities, you may prefer to use that space for extra storage or a larger kitchen. Our convertible bench shower is a popular middle ground — full shower functionality that folds completely away.
