Does it make sense to have a shower in a motorhome?

Does it make sense to have a shower in a motorhome? Advantages and disadvantages

When travelling in a motorhome, campers have the advantage of exploring the world while enjoying the comfort of their own home. In order to remain as flexible as possible on a camping holiday, the question quickly arises as to whether a shower should be installed in the mobile home or whether it would be better to use the washrooms at a campsite or a public toilet. In this guide, you will find out whether it makes sense to have a shower in your mobile home and the advantages and disadvantages of having your own launderette in your campervan.

What are the advantages of a shower in a motorhome?

Independence and flexibility

With a shower in your motorhome, you are no longer reliant on access to public toilets or the washrooms at a campsite. So you save money and, if permitted, you can shower anytime and anywhere, giving you greater independence and flexibility on your camping holiday.

Hygiene and comfort

Camping holidays are often accompanied by many activities. With a shower in your motorhome, you can freshen up immediately after a strenuous day in the great outdoors without having to go to a campsite or public toilet first.

Time saving

Having your own shower in your motorhome saves you time, as you don’t have to leave the vehicle to shower. This is particularly practical if you have a tight schedule or want to set off quickly early in the morning. You can also avoid queuing in public washrooms by having your own shower in the campervan.

Privacy

A shower in a motorhome gives you much more privacy. Not all campsites have individual showers, so you should expect to have to share your shower room with several people. You don’t have this problem with a shower in your own four campervan walls.

What are the disadvantages of a shower in a motorhome?

Space requirement and additional weight

A shower takes up space in the motorhome or camper that could be used for other purposes. Depending on the size of the vehicle, installing a shower can restrict the space available for other purposes. In addition, campers and motorhomes are not allowed to exceed their gross vehicle weight rating and are therefore often very restricted in terms of making further modifications to their vehicle.

Water supply

A shower in a motorhome consumes water. If you want to use it, you must therefore ensure that you have sufficient water supplies or access to a water source. You may also need to carry a certain supply of water with you when travelling. This also adds weight.

Wastewater disposal

The waste water from a shower must be disposed of properly in the motorhome. This requires either a connection to an external waste water pipe or the use of an internal waste water tank. Disposing of the waste water can mean additional work and maintenance.

Costs

Installing a shower in a motorhome can be expensive. You will need to factor in the cost of purchasing the shower unit, remodelling the bathroom and possibly installing a hot water system. However, once you have installed the shower, you will at least save yourself the cost of using public toilets or accessing campsites.

Danger of mould

One risk that many campers underestimate when installing the shower is the high humidity and associated risk of mould in the motorhome or camper. To prevent too much moisture from building up in the camping home after showering, additional preparations should be made, such as an adequate ventilation system. A mesh mattress base can also help to prevent moisture build-up, as it allows air to circulate under your mattress.

Shower in the motorhome – yes or no?

So does a shower in a motorhome really make sense? A separate shower undoubtedly offers many advantages in terms of flexibility, comfort and privacy. At the same time, the disadvantages such as space requirements, additional weight and the cost of installation should be taken into account. Before you decide to install a shower in your motorhome, you should therefore consider your individual needs and travelling habits. If you often camp outdoors for long periods where there is a lack of shower facilities, a shower in your motorhome may well be a worthwhile investment. If you are less likely to appreciate these advantages, you should perhaps think again about installing a shower system.