This week’s question of the week was, “Do you use the shower in your camper?”
With 186 responses to this question, we had to split up the entries into wet bath, dry bath, and no bath. Today we’re publishing the wet bath confessions. Next week we’ll have the dry bath and no bath responses.
Who would have known that such a taboo subject would be so popular? Or that so many folks would want to confess their truck camper shower habits?
Wet Bath Truck Camper Confessions
“I have a wet bath. We use the toilet, but usually shower at campground facility. The shower is too small for me to stand up in and the granddaughters don’t like the shower curtain.” – Howard Bisco, 2007 Ford F150, 2012 Palomino 1251SB
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I have shower and use it. That is why I have one. You should see what microscopic things that grow on public shower floors. No thanks.” – John S, 2012 Chevy 2500HD, 2012 Lance 855S
“I have a wet bath. We bought this particular camper used for two reasons, to see if we liked this type of vacationing and because it had a bathroom with a shower. We found that we love this type of vacationing and our camper, but the shower stall is also the floor space in front of the toilet, and is too small to shower. We use it as a bathroom only and a closet for our jackets etc. We have to use the public showers.” – Carol Anne, 2008 Ford F250, Alpenlite Cimmaron XL250
“I have a wet bath. Yes I use my shower everywhere I go. In my mind it’s what separates me from a fancy tent. It allows me to go beach camping and to other areas and stay clean. If I didn’t have a shower, I would most likely just stay home!” – Bryan Moffitt, 2013 Ram 1500, 2014 CampLite 6.8
“I have a wet bath. I use my shower four mornings every week during the months of September through November and April through June in the New England area. It is a God-send, and it makes the camper what I really need, a completely self-contained, yet cost-efficient and unobtrusive home on wheels.
I teach Physics in a high school that is a very long drive from my home. On days when I have a lot of evening grading and lesson planning to do, I just boondock in the school parking lot for the night and gain about ninety minutes per day of productivity. I also save lots of gas money that would have been spent commuting back and forth each day to home. I sleep in the camper, eat all my meals in it, and shower and dress for work each morning, four days per week.
This Travel Lite carries thirty gallons of fresh water, plus the six gallons in the hot water tank. That provides easily enough water for four to five carefully metered showers. I’m 6′ 2” feet tall, and fortunately this old camper model came with a raised bathroom skylight that lets me comfortably stand while showering. The ceiling fan in the shower quickly clears out the steam within just a few minutes after showering, so all the residual moisture is pretty much removed by the time I’m dressed and ready to step out and go to work.
The hot water heater is more than adequate for two showers in a row, which occurs when my wife and I travel together using the camper.
There are just two issues I have. First, the grey water tank is far smaller than the fresh water supply, so I have to dump it mid-week and well before the black water sewage needs dumping. This is an unnecessary nuisance. More grey water capacity for folks like me who boondock a lot would be a real blessing.
Second, the wet bath in this camper contains what may appear to be a very nice counter and sink, but I never use them at all. They take up a lot of room in what could be a larger and more comfortable shower stall, and the chip-board base on which the counter laminate is bonded has absorbed moisture from showers and is crumbling from underneath.
The in-bath sink and counter space may look nice in a dealer showroom, but they are a negative for my real world use. I can brush my teeth and wash my hands in the kitchen sink! Thoughts about upgrading to a newer camper model have been almost entirely dashed by the sad conclusion that newer three-quarter ton truck (and short bed) truck camper models don’t carry adequate fresh or grey water capacities for my daily showering requirements. So, I’ll just make some repairs on some rotted wood roof damage that has occurred over the years in the bathroom ceiling to keep this reliable, comfortable, and versatile old camper going!” – Reed, 2007 GMC 2500 HD, 2000 Travel Lite
“I have a wet bath. My wife has used it quite a few times. I have just a couple of times. I am like 6’1″ with broad shoulders and it is just tight in there for me with the shower curtain, short door, etc. But, it works in a pinch. Really, that is all that counts. Our next truck camper will be a hard side and hopefully have a little more room in the bath bath with a full door.” – Mike and Dawn Shropshire, 2014 Ram 2500, 2014 Palomino SS-1251
“I have a wet bath. Yes, absolutely! It is convenient, efficient and I am often off the grid camping. I would prefer it if it were a dry bath, but it was not available in this model (and we bought our camper used). If given the choice, we would definitely purchase a camper with a dry bath (easier to give the grandkids a scrub in a tub than in a wet bath set-up).” – Rob, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 2010 Northern Lite 10-2 QC Special Edition
“I have a wet bath and use it occasionally. It’s better than no shower.” – Hill Trekker, 2002 Dodge 2500, 2004 Lance 920
“I have a wet bath but I do not use the shower. I never even unwrapped the shower curtain. I’ve never used the shower inside, but use the outside shower every now and then. We usually make it to a friend’s house every three or four days. If we boondock for a long time, we use the outside shower, I promise.” – Rob Harris, 2007 Silverado 2500, 2012 Northern Lite Sportsman
“I have a wet bath. Since we bought a new shower head and flexible hose to replace the factory one, we love it. Now we don’t have to share our shower with the mosquitoes, spiders, and moths! My only complaint is the small grey tank!” – Allan Riley, 2004 Dodge 2500, 2008 Northstar 8.5 Arrow
“I have a wet bath. I want a shower every morning. I use it off grid. In campgrounds, I still use it. It’s like being at home. There’s no need to tramp to the bath house carrying all my goods. If I didn’t want a shower, and toilet, I’d have bought a camper without one. I use the outside shower one-fifth of the time when I’m away from others. I love my camper!” – Bill Strickland, 1996 Ford F250, 1999 Lance 845
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we both use it daily and find it very functional.” – Brad and Dori Basile, 2008 Ford, 2013 Arctic Fox 865
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use my shower regularly. I’ve managed to teach myself how to shower with the shower head on trickle mode and I can usually manage two to three showers before the fifteen gallon grey tank is full. I’ve had more luxurious showers than this in my life, but a meager shower is better than no shower!” – Brennan Nance, 2001 Ford F350, 1996 Lance Squire
“I have a wet bath. Where else can you potty and shower at the same time? Just kidding! I can stand up in the shower, which is much nicer than our old camper where you did have to sit to shower, and much, much nicer than our camper before that, that didn’t have a bathroom. Progress is wonderful!” – Dan Zell, 2005 Ford F-350, 2010 Lance
“I have a wet bath. My wife and I do use our shower, and we use it religiously. We are avid campers and fishermen and do a lot of boondocking along streams. We also stay at primitive campgrounds without any facilities.
After a hard day of fishing, between the smell of salmon eggs, dirt and dust, or smoke from the campfire all over our bodies, it’s nice to unwind the day with a nice hot shower to refresh our worn out and stinky bodies. There’s nothing better than crawling into bed with clean sheets and a clean body for a good night’s sleep, only to wake up the next morning and do it all over again.
We have put a couple accessories in our shower such as a permanent shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel fixture to house our favorite cleaning liquids. We also have a custom cut shower mat topped with carpet that we place on the floor after showering, thus preventing wet feet in the middle of the night when using the restroom.” – Kevin Helstowski, 2008 Toyota Tundra, 2006 Lance Lite 815
“I have a wet bath. Yes we use it. Sometimes, in hot weather, we will use the outside shower to save on the cleaning and humidity of the wet bath. I would sacrifice storage to have a dry bath with a shower in a non-slide, short bed camper. We could get by without the pantry and closet next to the bath.” – Rob, 2009 Ram 3500, 2008 Lance 845, just sold
“I have a wet bath. We have only used our camper for boondocking. We have never stayed in a campground of any type that had showers or hook-ups available. Every other day we take a quick military-style shower in our truck camper. The alternate day is a sponge bath. The rest of the time, we use the shower area to hold a hamper for dirty clothes and so forth. The size of the shower is barely adequate for us, and we’re not large people. I suspect that tall or heavier people wouldn’t be able to use it at all. Even with us, there is almost no room to turn around. There’s only around eighteen inches between the stool and wall, so personal flexibility is a requirement.
We also have an outside shower, but unless you’re really out by yourself, taking the materials needed to put a privacy screen means finding more storage space for these items. Just can’t win!” – Phil Rodacy, 2012 GMC 3500, 2006 Okanagan 90W
“I have a wet bath. It’s too small, cramped, and messy. Everything gets soapy wet and has to be cleaned and dried up afterwards. I use the campground showers now, reluctantly. On our 1998 2500 series Bigfoot 10.6 with a dry bath, the shower was used daily when camping.” – Maaja Sutak, 2012 GMC, 2015 Northstar Liberty
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we too have showered across the country in Walmarts, rustic campsites, and of course, on the rare occasion when we have full hook-ups.
We have a low water oxygenated shower head that is very satisfying, even for a short shower. We replaced the wooden bathroom door with a curtain that is on a swing out rod, which converts the hallway into a dressing room. We’re very good at squeegeeing the room dry when we’re done.” – Don and Sue Graf, 2008 Ford F350, 2013 Arctic Fox 865
“I have a wet bath. Yes we use the shower. It works for us. I fill the sink with a quart or so of water, wet down the body, and turn the water off. Soap down, and use the water to rinse. Done. I use maybe a gallon per shower.” – Jim, 1994 Ford F250, 2000 Bigfoot
“I have a wet bath. I have only had the camper for a year, and the shower has not been used yet. I will use it when the need arises.” – Burt McPherson, 2010 GMC 3500, 2013 Adventurer 86FB
“I have a wet bath. Yes, if we have water and sewer hook-ups, it’s much more convenient than gathering up your stuff, carting it to the campground shower where you might have to wait, and then discovering you forgot your shampoo. We’ve also used it during a prolonged electrical outage at home! We don’t use it when dry camping because I’d fill the gray tank in a day, but sometimes the outside shower will do just fine.” – Donna , 2011 Ford F250, 2007 Lance 915
“I have a wet bath. We did not use it at first. State Parks are too humid and we are sweating by the time we get back to the camper. Now we take showers in the camper with the air conditioner. We wet ourseves down, fill up the sink with water, turn the water off, lather up and then rinse.
It’s great to shower in the camper without having to carry your towel and soap to the showers. I always feel so much cleaner.” – Marcus, 2011 Chevy 3500, 2011 Chalet Ascent 95S
“I have a wet bath. We have not used the shower because the campgrounds that we use have clean shower facilities. We do use the toilet though, at night and first thing in the morning – and #1 only.
Even if there was not shower plumbing, I would still want that area for the toilet. We have a cassette toilet. Since we only use use the camper on weekends, I like the cassette since I don’t have to worry about black-water plumbing or tanks. I don’t have to empty the cassette until I am leaving or get home. It is very simple and sanitary.” – Lance Martin, 2015 Ford F250, 2014 Palomino HS-6601
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we do use it mostly when dry camping or while visiting friends or family. We also use park facilities to save on trips to the dump and water stations. I especially like having one after sitting around the fire and after applying bug repellent before I turn in.” – J Kevin McCarron, 2013 Ford F350, 2013 Northern Lite 10-2 CD Special Edition
“I have a wet bath. I wouldn’t dream of not using it. Avoiding public rest rooms and showers is a no brainer! Most of the campground rest rooms are decent, but some not so decent. Avoiding the smell alone is enough for me, not to mention health risks.” – Eric and Linda Anderson, 2001 Dodge 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 990
“I have a wet bath. We use campground facilities when they’re available to save on water and propane, so we really haven’t yet had the opportunity or the need to use the camper shower inside or outside (we have both).
That said, logistically, it has to be a bit of a challenge given the small space. And showering sitting down would appear to be the only realistic option.
We do use the toilet at night or when public facilities are not available. We also use the bath for storage while we are underway, but always move things out when we stop to camp.” – Mary, 2010 Ford F-250, 2013 Northstar Liberty
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use it because there is no other place to shower. It’s too small, and I don’t like shower curtain cling. I do not use it for storage. I use it to shower.” – King, 2002 Chevy 2500, 2005 Summerwind 806
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use the shower regularly. I race my Porsche Boxster at race tracks all around California. Many do not have showers or you wouldn’t want to use the showers they have! So, after a forty-minute race in a fire suit and helmet, you’re a sweaty mess. One of the main reasons we chose the 86FB was that I fit in the shower, even though I’m 6’3″ and 240 pounds!” – Chuck Krause, 2011 Ford F250, 2012 Adventurer 86FB
“I have a wet bath. We do use our shower, especially when there are no hook-ups. We are especially grateful for the shower after a hike when we plan to continue driving or eating at a restaurant. If we’re at a campground with a nice clean shower facility, we do take advantage of that. It is nice just to stand under hot streaming water.” – Janet Bromley, 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500, 2010 Eagle Cap 850
“I have a wet bath, which is multi-tasking at its best. You and your bathroom both smell better!” – Mark and Sheryl Anderson, Chevy 2500HD, Lance 855S
“I have a wet bath. I do not use as it’s too much trouble to move everything. Also, my grey holding tank is only eight gallons. I have used it a couple of times.” – Ronald Day, 2008 Chevy 2500HD, 2005 SunLite 865
“I have a wet bath and use it most of the time. It’s clean and easy to get to. When I need a longer shower to wash my hair, I use the campsite shower. I wish I had a dry bath, but I would not give up my two recliner chairs in my new camper for the extra space in the bathroom.” – Nina Giles, 2012 Ram 3500, 2014 Adventurer 116DS
“I have a wet bath. My wife enjoys the privacy and convenience of having our own shower. Only drawback is that we really need to conserve water when we don’t have full hookups.” – Gerry Minor, 2009 Ford F150, 2006 Palomino 1231
“I have a wet bath. Great shower.” – Craig Kvam, 2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500, Arctic Fox 9.5
“I have a wet bath. We use the inside shower. It works great and it’s easy. We also use the bathroom for storage while on the road. It’s a double duty space. I also use the outside shower, but only while boondocking. I recently bought a shower enclosure for it.” – Gary Pavone, 1995 Ford F350, 2001 Lance 810
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we use the shower. We like having the shower, but would prefer it had fiberglass walls and just a little more room. We bought this model camper because of its low weight and understand the compromise we made. We always dry it off with a chamois after we shower.” – Dave Neumann, 2010 Toyota Tundra, 2011 Adventurer 80GS
“I have a wet bath. We use it, but don’t drop the soap because there’s not a lot of room to bend over.” – Jeffrey Plante, 2008 Ford F150, 1997 Shadow Cruiser
“I have a wet bath. The shower is probably the best feature of the camper. Depending on the outdoor activities of the day, nothing beats the refreshing feeling of a nice hot shower. I am always amazed how little water you need compared to what we use at home and get the same results.” – Steve Durrant, 2001 Ford F250, 2001 Lance 865
“I have a wet bath. My wife only had one prerequisite when I was camper shopping, an on-board bathroom including a toilet and shower. We also have an outdoor shower, which probably gets slightly more use due to our frequent beach visits. Due to water conservation concerns, we don’t use the shower as often as Gordon, but about every other day does it, if we’re out that long.
We are slender folks who have no issues with the tight space, but others might, not that I’m suggesting anything other than solo occupancy!” – Mark Obert, 1999 Ford F250, 1999 Lance 920
“I have a wet bath. All of my three campers since 1980 have had wet baths. I enjoy a shower anytime while camping, after participating in a sporting event, or after work to attend social functions and, more importantly, for sanitary ease of cleaning. I really like the 89RB shower. It’s more than double the size of my previous campers.” – Vic, 1997 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 2014 Adventurer 89RB, previous campers 1997 Adventurer 810WS, 1980 Vanguard 810
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we use it all the time. It’s not perfect, but it’s better then no shower. I do wish it was bigger.” – David Jewell, 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, 2006 Alpenlite 800
“I have a wet bath. My wife required it as a product attribute for a camper. Now I use it more than she does. It’s cramped, but it works for me. I prefer it to the showers provided at the campgrounds.” – Christopher Chapman, 2006 Ford F350, 2003 Lance 815
“I have a wet bath. I have never used it since we got it. We camp in campgrounds, so we use the showers supplied by them. We also have an outside shower with hot water, which works well for sponge baths. Since it is a wet bath there is no extra space by not using it.” – Richard Musso, 2008 GMC 2500, 2010 Lance 1040
“I have a wet bath. Why have a fully self-contained truck camper if you’re not going to use it? When we are in a campground with showers we will use them. Most forest service and park campgrounds don’t have showers, so we use the one in the truck camper.” – Erwin Greven, 2002 Chevy 2500HD, 2002 Lance 921
“I have a wet bath. Absolutely! That’s one of the reasons we have a camper! We shower pretty much every day. Getting a larger bath was a large part of the decision to purchase a new camper last year. Our new Eagle Cap has a great wet bath.” – Bill Tex, 2006 Chevy Silverado, 2013 Eagle Cap 850
“I have a wet bath. We have yet to use the shower in the 2012 Lance. We normally use the campground showers. We rarely dry camp but, if we did, we would use the shower. We did use the shower once in a while in previous campers. We don’t gain any space by not using the shower since it’s a wet bath.” – Ron M, 2014 Ram 3500, 2012 Lance 850
“I have a wet bath. I always use the camper shower whether in a campground or boondocking.” – Jock Weir, 2008 Ford F350, 2014 Northern Lite
“I have a wet bath. We have not used our shower. We have only had the camper since January of 2014. I suspect we will one day use it, but it is rather tight.” – Sam, 2002 Ford F250, 1995 Shadow Cruiser
“I have a wet bath. We were tent campers for years, and now we are truck campers. We love our shower, and always use it. It’s way better than some of our baths on kayak trips in the thirty-eight degree waters of Lake Superior.” – Bernie Langreck, 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 990
“I have a wet bath. We use our truck camper shower because it is convenient and easy to use.” – Charlie, 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2008 Bigfoot 15C9.5
“I have a wet bath. We never miss a daily shower, in the camper or in a campground shower house. The camper is clean, close, and warm and the campgrounds have limitless hot water. It always depends on how clean the showers are, and in the fall, how cold it is.” – BW Gamsby, 2008 Tundra, 2008 Lance 825
“I have a wet bath. I used both the wet bath and outdoor shower, depending on how remotely I’m camping (whether I’m alone) and the weather. There’s nothing like a quick shower or two to freshen up during a week long hunting trip!” – Calin Brabandt, 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, Pastime 840LT
“I have a wet bath. Yes Siree! If I can’t use it, I don’t have it. It’s the best place to wash my hair and the rest of me gets refresh at the same time. Voila!” – Jake and Sylvie Mathis, 1994 Dodge Ram, Northern Lite 9.6Q
“I have a wet bath. My family uses the truck camper shower for the following reasons; it keeps the bathroom clean, we like to boondock, and it’s a great alternative to the outdoor shower.” – Ian Fleming, 1995 Ford F350, 1998 Lance 945
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we use our shower. I had to get rid of that sticky ugly cheap plastic curtain and replace with a fast drying cloth curtain that needed to be altered.
We took a full house-sized curtain and doubled it to make a six hook instead of twelve hook curtain. We hemmed a three inch double-lined bottom with fourteen ounce glass ovals [Dollar Tree for one dollar per pouch] into each half, for weight, with separate dividers to keep the ovals from moving.
We did not sew both long side ends so drying would be faster. Then we applied self stick Velcro material to the cloth curtain and to the door opening edge, so the curtain would be tight during showering. Our finished size was 35″W by 64”H.
Now the curtain does not stick or leak. The overhead Fantastic exhaust fan on low does not move the curtain whatsoever. We leave the vent open and the curtain dries quickly while traveling down the highways. Showering is a must in our small motorized apartment.” – Bob and Linda Robinson, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 2010 Travel Lite 960RX
“I had a wet bath. It was used, but very seldom. My wife used it a lot more as she hates campground showers in general. Me, well I used it a few times. I used it one time when it was about twenty degrees out and the showers were closed. Water capacity was an issue, but not the main reason.
I’m not an average sized guy. Think NFL linebacker sized, about 6’2”, 265 pounds. So, a wet bath with the toilet taking most of the floor space pushes you to the corner. I used more water rinsing the walls, then me. You get the point.
We mostly used the wet bath as a laundry hamper, a hanging area for extra or wet clothes, cases of bottled water, whatever didn’t fit somewhere else, or was wet.” – Jim Plesko, 2006 Chevy, Gone but not forgotten camper
“I have a wet bath. We boondock most of the time and it can be hot and dusty. A shower is great. We use the inside shower, or outside shower, and we also use a solar shower. We also have a Katadyn Base Camp water purification system to refill the water tank if the need arises.” – Dave Erickson, 2011 Ford F350, 2006 Arctic Fox 990
“I have a wet bath. While things are a bit tight in our wet bath, we still like the privacy and cleanliness aspects versus some of the park facilities we’ve stayed at. It’s just the lack of hot water that becomes a nuisance.” – Dave, 2013 Dodge Ram 3500, 1992 Lance
“I have a wet bath. We absolutely use our shower! We often camp with no services, so shower or stink! A lot of campgrounds don’t have the cleanest showers, if you know what I mean. We have neighbors who don’t use the bathroom or cook in their trailer.” – Roger Geisinger, 2013 Chevy 3500, 2013 Northern Lite 10-2 CD
“I have a wet bath. We used the shower every day we camped. Our two children were young and having the wet bath was a plus. We could hose them off.” – Sam Esposito, 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, 2000 Lance 1010
“I have a wet bath. A lot of places we camp don’t have showers. We are very frugal with the water.” – Russell Erbe, 2013 GMC 3500, 2012 Lance 992
“I have a wet bath. Yes we use it. We paid for it, so we use it. Lose weight if you can’t move around.” – Bevin, Toyota Hilux, Northstar
“I have a wet bath. This is our second truck camper with a wet bath. The first was a Real Lite, which we took to Alaska. Now we have an Arctic Fox with a slide-out. We shower all the time. The Arctic Fox has a little more room, but both were easy to wipe down.” – Lee Erickson, 2008 GMC 2500HD, 2009 Arctic Fox 811
“I have a wet bath. On occasion use the shower at our destination, but usually we use for it for the storage of extra water, a hose, containers, etc. when traveling. We also hang towels for drying.” – Bob Cooke, Dodge 2500, 1966 Avion C-10
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use it! The convenience of a shower is part of the freedom of camping. I don’t go to the neighbor’s house to shower when I have one in my house. We quickly learned to conserve water so the grey water tank doesn’t fill up.
I always joke that I can brush my teeth, and use the toilet and shower without moving much! While it is small, I would rather have the extra space for things like food and clothes.” – Peggy Sego, 2005 Dodge 3500, 2011 Lance 992
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use it to clean-up when other facilities are not available. I love it and the convenience it provides. Once I figured out the ergonomics, it became quite easy to get in, clean-up, and get out. The camper gets used more since it has a shower.” – Tim, 2013 Ford F-350, 2014 Wolf Creek 850
“I have a wet bath. I love the shower in the camper, especially after a day of dusty tractor pulling or ten hours on the road. It is extremely small in there and I’m not a small size guy.
I sit on the toilet to wash the top half and stand up to get the bottom half. It’s a great way to start the day as well. Not a taboo subject. Glad to see you asked the question.” – George Randall, 2012 Ford F350, 2000 Lance 915
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use mine fairly frequently. The places I camp tend to be fairly dirty/dusty, and there are no other shower facilities available. In addition, I cannot spill grey water on the ground. I’m limited to the water I have on hand which means I take short showers; get wet, turn off water, lather up/shampoo, rinse quickly.
My average shower in these conditions is probably only one to two gallons. On the rare occasions when I have full hook-ups, I still use my shower. I think it works just fine.” – Mark Siminoff, 2005 Dodge Ram 3500, 2004 Alpenlite Saratoga 935
“I have a wet bath. I use my shower, granted it’s not a lengthly stay in it. Limited holding tank capacity makes for a quick shower. Being a submariner, I learned how to conserve water and still get the job done.
Recently my hot water tank went bad in my house. I had to use the camper for a couple days. On the road, I keep my fishing poles, and the bucket with the drain hose in it.” – Larry Kelly, 1999 Ford F350, 2015 Palomino 8801 Backpack Edition
“I have a wet bath. I’ve had several truck campers (we are in between campers right now) and I can’t say I ever showered in any of them. I’ve always used the shower at the campground or bathed in a stream or creek.
There were two reasons for this. One, the truck campers I owned didn’t have very big holding tanks on them, and two, I’m 6 foot 4 inches tall and didn’t fit very well in the showers of the campers I’ve owned. So it was always more comfortable to use the campground shower or bathe outdoors.” – JT, 1998 GMC K2500, in between campers
“I have a wet bath. We use the indoor and outdoor showers when facilities are not available. I’m 6’2” and the indoor shower has enough room without feeling like you are a sardine. If conditions permit, the outdoor shower is the choice – no fuss, no mess, no cleanup. The only thing extra that we store in the bathroom is a fold-up clothes hamper. So, if we are using the shower, it obviously has to be removed. Typically, when finished showering, we squeegee the walls and floors so that it is ready for the next function (whatever that is).” – Woody Flickinger, 2003 Dodge 3500, 2012 Arctic Fox 1140
“I have a wet bath. Like you and Angela, we use the shower almost daily, depending how much water we have. When boondocking, if we have spot and water source, I will also rig a solar shower.
Although a little less convenient (because of wiping it down), we prefer a wet bath. It gives us more cabinet and counter space. I’ve also installed an outside shower and am currently installing a new kitchen sink and faucet; a double bowl about two inches deeper with a pull out faucet.” – David Pracht, 1994 GMC K3500, 1987 Lance LC900
“I have a wet bath. My wife and daughter use the shower quite often. I have not. I am 6’4″ tall and around 300 pounds. Just standing in it my shoulders touch both walls. I suppose, if I had to, I could make it work, but if a shower house is available, I’ll be using it.” – Mark McBee, 1999 Dodge Ram 3500, 1983 Lance 700 (remodeled)
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we very much like it over public showers. I don’t need to wear shower flip flops, or find a dry place to set clothes. I also don’t have to deal with a stall being available or no hot water, etc.
On the other hand, using the truck camper shower, if you heat your water that consumes propane, and you can’t enjoy letting the water run. We are doing the navy shower to conserve water and gray tank capacity. And it is cramped quarters for us big guys.” – Ken Sanders, 2001 Ford F350, 2011 Host Everest
“I have a wet bath. I do use the truck camper shower. I use it if there is no other shower available because the pressure is not strong. I do enjoy longer showers. I don’t mind the drying of the shower after taking one.” – Helen Scurzi, 1991 Chevrolet 3500, 2008 Lance 9’11”
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use it to be clean and fresh after hiking or riding horses all day. I prefer the outside shower over the inside shower, but I don’t always have the luxury of using it. There’s not a lot of room in the wet bath, but a fast hot shower is better than no shower. ” – Michele Bigelow, 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2013 Northstar Igloo U
“I have a wet bath. We use our shower every time we go camping. There is a comfort factor to having your own private shower that you have
cleaned and take care of.” – Chris Adams, 2010 Ford F250, 2012 CampLite 8.5
“I have a wet bath. We replaced the original shower head with The Body Spa with Oxygenics amplifying technology. My wife and I can get a shower each day for four days while we’re out camping. I also enjoy a morning shower. And, yes we have had a few showers in Walmart parking lots.” – Rik Osborn, 2004 Dodge Ram 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 990
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I use it. I would prefer a dry bath, but it is not too bad to use. I dry camp mostly.” – Vince Marolla, 2000 Ford F350, 2005 Lance 881
“I have a wet bath. I use it primarily to hose off my four and seven year old after a day of playing in the dirt, when nice campground showers are not available. I have used it to take sponge baths, but not full blown showers. My biggest complaint is the temperature controls. I seem to get either scalding hot or freezing cold.” – Alison Eden, Chevy 3500, Northstar
“I have a wet bath. No, we have never used the shower in the last four campers that we have had. We would have to move the stuff off the sink counter and, with the space (or lack there of), there does not seem to be much room. We might have to try it.” – Rick Jones, 2005 Chevy 2500HD, 2013 Wolf Creek 850
“I have a wet bath. We use our shower. We installed a thermostat in the shower line and that is one of the best additions possible.” – Robert, 2006 F350, 2003 Lance 921
“I have a wet bath. I absolutely do use it. When I decided to buy a truck camper, I looked for an old Coachmen because of the floor plan. The bath is near the front, and the closet door opens to form a larger bath area. It’s very roomy. With a good water heater, you get a great shower.” – Bob, 1995 Ford F350, 1972 Coachmen Knight
“I have a wet bath. No, I don’t use it. It’s too much hassle with cleanup and our holding tanks are small.” – Mark Larson, 2014 Ram 3500, 2013 Lance 865
“I have a wet bath. No, I do not use it. The space is too small, and there is too much hassle to deal with the water heater. What I would like is a better designed wet bath that doesn’t waste space, and an instant water heater.” – Gary, 1996 GMC K2500, 1982 Shadow Cruiser 9.5
“I have a wet bath. No matter how long we go for, whether it be five, ten, or twenty-five days, I use the shower daily. We camp mostly in RV parks so there is shore power and city water to hook-up to.
Yes, I could use their showers, but what a hassle. You have to get dressed, gather your stuff, walk to the facility, hope a stall is available, get undressed, shower, get dressed, and remember to bring your soap bar with you! If I know we’re going to dry camp, I’ll carry about thirty gallons of water (I have a forty-five gallon tank) so we’ll have plenty for showers, toilet, and dish duty.
I use the abbreviated method when camper showering; soak down, turn off water, wash hair, rinse, soap up, rinse, and finished. We have a shower curtain that covers the door and the toilet that keeps that area dry.
I turn on the vent fan when drying which helps evaporate moisture. I designed a clothes line that hangs off the rear ladder and is accessible by just opening the door and hanging the rubber floor mat and towels. It works well unless rain or snow greets us for the day.
Our grey tank is only thirty-two gallons, so I’m more concerned with that filling up (it’s only overflowed once). That’s why I like the short shower method. I do wish manufacturers would make larger tub enclosures for wet bath designs to be able to take a bath (6″ sides instead of 3”). There’s no storage area for our shower!” – Roger Odahl, 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 2004 Eagle Cap 950
“I have a wet bath. Yes, it’s one of the best advantages of having the camper. I generally don’t stay in campgrounds and, even if I did, I know
where my shower and toilet have been, unlike some public bathrooms!” – Eric, 1983 Chevy K30, 1999 Coachmen 115RD
“I have a wet bath. I most definitely use it! There’s just something special about taking a shower in my camper. It always feels goods and I have plenty of hot water. I can’t think of a better way to start my day in the woods.” – Sue Surateaux, 2002 Silverado 2500HD, 2008 Arctic Fox 811
“I have a wet bath. I use it when I need to. It’s okay, but it could be bigger. I am 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.” – Jack Shambaugh, 2004 Ford F250 , 2010 Palomino B1500
“I have a wet bath. No, we do not use the shower. It’s much easier to go to a campsite with showers than it is to clean the shower in the camper. In the future I plan to get a dry bath camper.” – Frank Makin, 2000 Ford F250, 2000 Bigfoot 9.6
“I have a wet bath. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t imagine not using it. With the big tanks in the Lance 992, I can get two adults and one child through a four day boondocking trip on the beach and still have a touch of water left. It’s analogous to people I know who won’t use their toilet. Uh, why? I paid a lot of money for my home away from home and I expect to use it like one.” – Sean, 2006 Ford F350, 2008 Lance 992
“I have a wet bath. Yes, I definitely use my shower. The main reason I upgraded to a larger truck camper was to have a shower inside. I primarily boondock camp and quite often combine camping with off-road events or dual sport motorcycle riding, both of which require a shower at the end of the day.” – Harold Sumpter Jr., 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 2007 Host Rainier
“I have a wet bath. We do not use the interior shower. We treat the room as a two piece bath. We do, however, use the outside shower for rinsing off mud, mosquito spray and the like, from ourselves and our Border Collie.” – Tricia Mason, 2009 Ford F350, 2009 Montana Ponderosa 9.5
“I have a wet bath. I used the shower once inside to see if I could. But at 6’3″ it was kind of hard to do. However, with swimming shorts, I use the outside one a lot.” – James, 2003 Dodge, 1999 Fleetwood
“I have a wet bath. Yes but only navy showers and only if we’re in a public place. If in a remote location, I like the convenience of the outdoor shower but again, navy showers are used to preserve water.” – Tim, 2012 F350, 2013 Lance 992
“I have a wet bath. Yes we do use our shower. We boondock mostly. The shower is a little cramped since it’s only a 8.5′ camper.” – Les Brush, 2002 Dodge 2500, 2008 S&S 8.5 FDSC
“I have a wet bath. Yes, but they are the world’s shortest showers. Guess it’s called a military shower. I wet myself down, turnoff the water, shampoo hair, and spread shampoo over rest of body (especially smelly parts). Then I turn the water back on, and rinse. If I am not washing our hair, we use body wash rather than bar soap.
I haven’t measured it, but I’d guess two to three gallons are used, if that. The primary reason for using the smallest a amount of water is that there is nothing worse that having the gray water back up through the shower drain floor! Talking of which, we put three Dri-Dek panels on the floor of the bathroom. This eliminates scuffing the floor and keeps your feet drier.” – Derek Jones, 2006 Ford F250, 2013 Lance 865
“I have a wet bath. This is the first camper we’ve had with a shower. Our trip in June was the first time we had a chance to use the shower and only our second trip in the camper. We are out in the dirt in our UTV, on mountain bikes or hiking each day, so we definitely get dirty and sweaty. We found that we didn’t take a shower every day (a wet washrag can do wonders along with a sink for washing your hair each day), but the second evening it was a thing of beauty to get actual showers.
We changed out the shower head to one of the oxygenated ones and it was amazing! I had tried the OEM shower head on our first trip (even thought we were staying in an RV park) just to see how it all worked and was sorely disappointed by the water flow that seemed to bend well before it would have had a chance to wash my legs off. With the new shower head, it felt like a shower taken at home (except for the stop and start cycles to conserve water), and going to bed squeaky clean was wonderful!
I understand the need for storage, but we have already found the old adage to be true, you bring along about two to three times more stuff that you ever use. I’d rather have the shower available or I just might fill the space with stuff I really didn’t need to bring anyway.
A dry bath would be nice for the space and the ease of cleaning, but I’d hate to give up the floor space it would consume.” – Tracy Schuster, 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500, 2012 Lance 992
“I have a wet bath. I use it sometimes, although I much prefer a clean and hot campground shower. My wife will not use a campground shower and also is not happy using the one in the Arctic Fox.
She states that everything she brings into the shower gets wet. Also, there is almost no storage for things like cosmetics. She must go in and out of the bath area several times with the various needed things, such as dry towels after showering. This has been the most serious problem we have experienced with truck camper use. The rest of the truck camper functions very well.
Our next camper will be a dry bath. We would love to know how others have dealt with this problem. I plan to take a survey at the next Northeast Truck Camper rally. As someone has said, “Happy wife, Happy life.” – Bill Mayer, 2005 Ford F350, 2007 Arctic Fox 990
“I have a wet bath. Yes, we use our shower. We keep the the showers short to conserve water. It’s nothing like getting clean when you are out at the beach or in the mountains. We do like it, and it’s plenty large enough!” – David Huber, 2002 Ford F250, 2008 Host Bachelor
“I have a wet bath. Since I only boondock, I mostly use a solar bag shower, or the outside shower if there’s no sun. I am thinking it would be nice to have more shelf storage in the bath area, since our Lance has almost no storage for small items. This should not to interfere with the use of the toilet.” – Bill Close, 2014 Ram 3500, 2012 Lance 850