How to Choose the Right Shower for Your Camper Van Build
Ashley Creason- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
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Whether you’re living on the road full-time, heading out for weekend escapes, or somewhere in between, staying clean on the road matters. And while not every traveler prioritizes a hot shower, we’ve found that for most of our clients, having a reliable way to rinse off—whether it’s a quick spray or a full indoor setup—makes vanlife feel a whole lot better.
But what type of shower is best for your van build? It depends entirely on how you travel, where you park, your budget, and how much space you’re willing to give up for a rinse.
At Limitless Van, we offer three main shower configurations in our custom van builds:
Rear Door Outdoor Shower
Hide-Away Interior Shower
Full Floor-to-Ceiling Interior Shower
Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the setup that’s right for your adventures:
Rear Door Shower Setup for Camper Van Conversions
Simple. Rugged. Effective.
This classic vanlife solution keeps things minimal while still giving you the function you need. Just open the rear doors and rinse off with a view! (Shower curtain optional. 😉)
In our Limitless Van builds, the rear shower is integrated with the van’s main heating system—Rixen’s—for consistent hot water, which is a must when it’s cold outside.
For DIYers, a popular option is the Joolca Hottap—a propane-powered portable water heater that connects to your water source and delivers hot water anywhere, no built-in system required. (This is actually what I use in my own van.)
Why we include a rear shower in every van build:
Our clients lead active lifestyles. A spray-off shower isn’t just about staying clean—it’s about rinsing off muddy boots, sandy bikes, or the dog who couldn’t resist the lake. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in daily use and long-term value.
Rear Outdoor Shower PROS:
Simple & Affordable – Minimal plumbing, lower cost, most DIY friendly.
Space-Saving – Minimal interior space sacrificed.
Great Views – Rinse off with the sunrise or under the stars.
Multi-Purpose – Rinse off bikes, gear, dogs, or boots.
Range of Movement – Fully stretch out and reach all your nooks and crannies. The space between your rear van doors is large enough for two and bigger than any interior van shower I’ve seen!
Rear Outdoor Shower CONS:
Weather-Dependent – Not ideal in rain, high winds, or extreme cold.
Limited Privacy – Even with a curtain, it’s not stealth-friendly.
Drainability – Without a gray water holding tank, you’re limited in where you can shower. It’s important to use biodegradable soap and always follow Leave No Trace principles to avoid contaminating natural areas.
Setup Required – You’ll need to open the doors and set up a curtain (if using one).
Best For: Budget builds, outdoor adventurers, minimalist setups, tall travelers, and anyone who doesn’t mind a little exposure.
Hide-Away Interior Shower for Camper Van Builds
Discreet. Functional. Clever.
We’ve seen a few different hide-away showers, but we use and love the Tetravan folding shower. In fact, it is one of our favorite upgrades—ideal for those who want privacy and weather protection without sacrificing valuable van real estate. It can be mounted flush inside cabinetry or directly to your van wall and folds out into a full-height shower stall with a drain pan and waterproof curtain. This setup is especially well-suited for shorter wheelbases like the Transit 148" or Sprinter 144", where maximizing interior space is key.
Fold-Away Shower PROS:
Compact Design – Folds up and out of the way when not in use.
Privacy – Shower discreetly, no matter where you're parked.
Use Anytime – More convenient than outdoor setups and not dependent on the weather
Fold-Away Shower CONS:
Setup Required – You’ll need to unfold the pan and attach the curtain each time.
Higher Cost than Outdoor Options – But less than a full wet bath.
Tight Quarters- The narrow curtain doesn’t allow for much wiggle room.
Drainage Considerations – Requires plumbing and a gray tank.
More Complex Build – Not as DIY-friendly as a rear shower.
Moisture Management – You’ll need to vent and dry the area after use, and the curtain can take time to dry—important for preventing mold.
Best for: Anyone who values privacy and convenience without the footprint of a full shower.
Full Interior Shower Stall for Camper Van Conversions
The Ultimate Vanlife Luxury
This is the all-in option—a fully enclosed, waterproof shower stall inside your van. Often combined with a toilet in a wet bath layout, this setup brings the comforts of home to the road.
And when you’re not using it as a shower? Many of our clients double this space as a drying zone for wetsuits, snow gear, or damp towels. Just add a collapsible hanging rod and you’ve got instant indoor gear storage—perfect for active adventures in any season.
The fully enclosed shower is actually our founder Ryan’s personal favorite setup—especially in a Transit 148" Extended or Sprinter 170" where space is less of an issue—thanks to its convenience, comfort, and everyday usability.
Full Interior Shower PROS:
Total Comfort & Privacy – Shower anytime, anywhere.
Great for All Weather – No worries about cold, wind, or stealth.
Adds Resale Value – A big plus for buyers used to RV amenities.
Ideal for Full-Time Travel – Especially if you’re off-grid and want the option for daily hot showers.
No Setup Required - Just hop in and relax!
Bonus Functionality – Can double as a drying room with a rod for hanging wet gear.
Full Interior Shower CONS:
Takes Up Space – Significant interior footprint.
More Complex Install – Higher skill level required for DIY.
Most Expensive Option – More plumbing, more materials, more labor.
Height Limitations - In Sprinters, if you're over 6', expect to crouch a bit while taking a shower. The Transit offers a couple more inches of headroom.
Best For: Long-term travelers, winter adventurers, and anyone building on a Transit 148" Extended or Sprinter 170 who wants the ease and luxury of a full interior shower.
We Build to Fit Your Life
At Limitless Van, we regularly build all three shower types—each one tailored to match our clients’ unique travel styles and priorities. Whether you’re after a minimalist rinse post-ride or a full hot shower after a day on the slopes, we’ll help you strike the right balance of comfort, space, and performance. If you're looking for a builder with real-world experience designing showers that work in all conditions, you're in the right place.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Camper Van Shower
There’s no single “right” shower choice for vanlife—just the one that best fits your priorities. For some, a rinse is all that’s needed. For others, especially those venturing far from civilization for long stretches, an indoor shower becomes a non-negotiable.
I’ve used a rear spray-off shower in my own Transit since 2020, and it’s been everything I need. But if the Tetravan had been available at the time, I probably would’ve added it. It hits that sweet spot of privacy, convenience, and smart space use.
Wherever you land on this decision, Limitless Van is here to bring it to life. We specialize in combining rugged trail rigs with high-end off-grid homes on wheels—so you can stay clean, warm, and comfortable no matter where the road takes you.
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