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Why Skipping the Built-In Shower in Your Campervan Just Makes Sense

Camping brings peace, freedom, and a chance to reconnect with nature—but it also brings questions about comfort, particularly hygiene. One common concern, especially among new campers or RV shoppers, is whether a built-in shower is essential. In reality, even many RVs that do have showers rarely use them.

The Truth About RV Showers

Ask anyone who owns a large RV or a Class B campervan with a built-in shower, and you’ll likely hear the same story: “We don’t use it.” Why? Because using an onboard shower means draining your water supply, creating moisture buildup, and needing to clean a cramped, wet space afterward—all for a less-than-comfortable experience. In smaller rigs like Class B campervans, those wet baths almost always become glorified closets.

If you've had a Class B with a shower, you already understand. If not, talk to a few owners and you’ll hear consistent feedback: the space is better used for storage, systems, or additional functionality. The reality is that the majority of campers, especially those in micro RVs like the Mini-T Campervan, choose better, easier alternatives.

Better Shower Alternatives for Campers

Campground Showers
Most established campgrounds offer clean, regularly maintained shower facilities. Some even feature private stalls or full five-room restroom buildings. These showers are more spacious, better ventilated, and more practical than trying to wash up in a cramped van.

Truck Stop Showers
Surprisingly luxurious, truck stop showers are a favorite among road travelers. Facilities like Love’s, Pilot, and TA Travel Centers offer private, clean showers with provided towels and soap. The small fee is worth the comfort—no mess in your campervan, no moisture issues, and no water limitations.

Hotel Day Use & Gym Showers
Many travelers take advantage of hotels that offer day passes for access to pools and showers. It’s a great way to refresh after a few days in the wild. Similarly, nationwide gym memberships—like those with Anytime Fitness or Planet Fitness—offer consistent, quality shower access all across the country.

Portable Shower Solutions
From solar-heated bags to battery-powered pump systems, portable showers are a smart, lightweight solution for those venturing off-grid. Set up in a privacy tent or under a tree, these options let you bathe comfortably without consuming your campervan's water supply.

Outdoor RV Shower Attachments
Some RVs come with exterior shower ports. These are ideal for rinsing off after hikes, beach days, or cleaning gear—without tracking dirt inside. They’re not a full bathing solution, but they serve their purpose well.

Bathing Wipes & No-Rinse Products
When water is scarce or convenience is key, bathing wipes and no-rinse cleansers step in. These products are designed to refresh and deodorize without water, offering a hygienic solution for days between traditional showers.

Space Matters in a Campervan

Removing the built-in shower from a Class B campervan like the Mini-T opens up space for what matters most—efficient storage, better power systems, or simply a more comfortable and open layout. After all, a small camper only works if it’s functional, not cluttered with unused features.

Final Thought

For many new to the RV world, the idea of a built-in shower sounds essential—until they experience the reality. With so many better alternatives available, the absence of a shower in compact campervans isn't a drawback. It’s a practical design decision that puts usability and efficiency first.

When it comes to small RV travel, less is often more. And in the case of showers, less is smarter.

Happy camping!

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