Whether you’re a full time vanlifer or a weekend warrior, one of the biggest challenges of vanlife is staying clean while on the road. Permanent showers are an option, but they’re expensive and take up valuable space. Modular van showers, on the other hand, are ready when you need them and stowed away when you don’t. The best choice depends on your travel style, location, and personal preferences. In this post, we’ll break down the top van life shower ideas and water systems to help you find the perfect setup for your adventure.
1. Choose Your Shower
Campground Essential: The Outdoor Shower
Meet the Rear Door Shower Screen - simple, magnetic, and easy to set up. Just swing your rear doors wide open, attach the screen, and enjoy a refreshing rinse in the great outdoors.
PROS:
- Quick & easy setup
- Excellent price point
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No install required
CONS:
- Not great for colder weather
- Requires rear doors to be open
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Not ideal outside of campgrounds & wilderness camping
BEST FOR: Summer Adventurers & Campground Goers
Enhanced Privacy: The Indoor Shower
Ideal for those who want enhanced privacy is The Venture Clean Shower Set. This premium indoor shower option gives you the ability to shower anytime, anywhere. Simply attach the shower to your van’s l-track mounts, and enjoy a comfortable rinse wherever you park.
PROS
- Use in all seasons & weather conditions
- Total privacy & security
- Shower anywhere (parking lots, friend's driveway, etc)
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Light install required
- Best paired with a roof fan for ventilation
BEST FOR:
- All seasons travelers
- Those who value enhanced privacy & security
- Vanlifers with travel companions (pets or human)
EXPLORE NOW
2. Dial In Your Water System
Now that you've picked your van shower out, it's time to talk water systems. There’s two main systems we’ll focus on today:
Integrated Van Water System + Shower Head
If your van already has a built-in water system with a tank, pump, and faucet, you’re halfway there. You can easily convert your existing sink faucet into a shower head with a few easy steps:
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Unscrew the faucet head.
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Attach a 1/2″ brass nipple.
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Connect the shower head and hose.
(Shower head, hose, and brass nipple can be found at most home improvement stores for $15–$30.)
Heating: Pairing this setup with a small inline water heater can keep showers warm all year round.
Standalone Water System
If your van doesn’t have a built-in system, a portable solution like the BeachBox Shower Tank is perfect. Simply add water to the tank, hand pump to pressurize, and enjoy 4 - 5 minutes of pressurized showering. These systems are budget-friendly, zero-install, and work seamlessly with either an indoor or an outdoor shower setup.
Heating: Add hot water (not boiling) to the BeachBox for an ultra comfortable shower experience.
3. The Verdict
There's no wrong choice when it comes to modular shower systems. Regardless of which option you choose above, you’ll save space – and thousands of dollars – compared to a permanent van shower install.
Still have questions? Please reach out to our dedicated, in-house customer service team at info@vanessential.com. Happy trails!
