DLM Distribution

Why Most RV Showers Go Unused—Even in Luxury Models

The Illusion of the Onboard Shower

When you picture a luxury RV or even a well-equipped mid-size motorhome, chances are the built-in shower is part of the appeal. But here’s the truth from long-time RVers and full-timers alike: most onboard RV showers—yes, even in the biggest, most luxurious rigs—rarely get used. The reason? Water limitations, humidity, cleaning hassles, and, quite simply, better alternatives available almost everywhere you travel.

In fact, owners of smaller rigs, such as Class B campervans, often find that built-in wet baths turn into glorified closets. Those who’ve had one usually say the same thing: “We used it once, and never again.”

Water Supply and Tank Limitations

The average RV shower uses 1.8 to 2.5 gallons per minute. That means a typical 6–8-minute shower can quickly consume 14–20 gallons of fresh water—far more than many RV tanks can support for extended off-grid use. This also fills the gray tank just as fast, often after just two showers.

That’s why most RVers resort to the “navy shower” method: water on to rinse, off to lather, then back on briefly to rinse again—saving water but sacrificing comfort.

Even in Class A RVs with 75–100+ gallon tanks, water rationing is still necessary when not hooked up, making the full-sized shower more of a visual feature than a practical one.

Maintenance and Moisture Buildup

Beyond water usage, onboard showers add cleaning chores and humidity to your RV living space. Every use means wiping down walls, managing steam, drying out damp corners, and checking for mold. Many RVers simply find the routine to be more trouble than it’s worth—especially when better options are available at campgrounds or stops along the way.

In Class B campervans, the issue is compounded. Wet baths take up valuable square footage and create tight, awkward spaces that often become storage areas instead.

Real RV Owners Agree

Ask around and you’ll hear consistent feedback:

     “We’ve had full hookups almost everywhere we’ve been, but still use the campground showers.”

     “We tried using the RV shower a couple of times and realized it just wasn’t worth it.”

     “The shower’s now a linen closet.”

Even RV forums and blogs echo the sentiment: built-in showers sound like a good idea, but in real-world use, they fall short—especially when traveling often or staying off-grid.

Better and Easier Alternatives

Campground Showers
Available at most state parks, RV parks, and national forests. Often well-maintained and offer more space than any onboard shower. Some even provide private shower rooms or recently renovated facilities.

Truck Stop Showers
Facilities at places like Pilot, Flying J, and Love’s are clean, private, and surprisingly comfortable. They usually include towels and toiletries and offer a refreshing experience—no cleanup required in your RV afterward.

Hotels and Gym Showers
Many hotels allow day-use access for a small fee, and national gym memberships like Planet Fitness or Anytime Fitness are a smart move for frequent travelers who want access to reliable showers across the country.

Portable Showers and Outdoor Setups
Solar bags, portable privacy tents, and battery-powered shower kits are compact, affordable, and perfect for occasional off-grid showers. They give you flexibility without wasting water or dealing with indoor moisture.

No-Rinse Products
When water is scarce or you're on the move, wipes, no-rinse soaps, and dry shampoos help you stay clean with minimal effort and no mess. They’ve become standard gear for many RVers.

Space Is Valuable in a Campervan

In smaller RVs—especially Class B campervans—the cost of a wet bath isn’t just water or maintenance. It’s space. That square footage could be used for better storage, kitchen prep, sleeping comfort, or an upgraded power system.

Once you’ve traveled in a campervan with a wet bath, most realize the same truth: they’d trade that shower for more usable space in a heartbeat.

Final Thoughts

RVers don’t need a built-in shower to stay clean on the road. In fact, most RV showers go unused because they simply don’t make sense for how we actually travel. From campground and truck stop showers to gyms, hotels, or even a quick solar rinse outdoors, smarter alternatives are everywhere.

The takeaway? When you're shopping for a campervan or small RV, don’t let the absence of a shower be a dealbreaker. Instead, see it for what it really is—an opportunity to make room for the things that actually get used and enjoyed every day.

~DLM-Distribution, Home of the Mini-T Campervan