Table of Contents Show
There are lots of reasons RVers choose small campers. Whatever your reason, if you’re looking at smaller RVs and wondering if you’ll be able to have the convenience of a shower toilet combo, the answer is yes!
A shower toilet combo is in many smaller RVs, so travelers don’t have to venture to a bathhouse or find a public shower. This amenity comes in handy during short weekend camping trips.
Let’s learn more about what a shower toilet combo is and the pros and cons of this type of bathroom. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Shower Toilet Combo in an RV?
It’s a bathroom where the shower and toilet are together in the same space without any separation. It’s also known as a wet bath.
This means everything gets wet when taking a shower. Usually, these spaces are much smaller than standard RV bathrooms.
Vintage RVs, small campers, and Class Bs will usually have a shower toilet combo to maximize space. Occasionally there will be a sink, cabinet, towel rack, mirror, or other features depending on the size of the space.
How Does a Shower Toilet Combo Work?
When it’s time to shower, close the bathroom door and make sure it locks in place so that all of the water stays inside the wet bath. You take a shower just like you normally would.
It’s completely safe for the entire wet bath to get soaked. Even the toilet paper is in a waterproof case.
Most shower toilet combos have a removable shower head, which is easier to use when in a compact space. A shower toilet combo is a great option in a small space because you still have the amenities of a full bathroom.
Do Wet Baths Get Everything Wet?
Yes, a wet bath gets everything from wall to wall and floor to ceiling wet. Although a strange idea in America, many European hotels actually have wet baths.
When you take a shower, the toilet is usually under the shower head. Depending on the size of the wet bath, you may have more room to turn around or move about. The water will drain when you finish showering, and eventually, the room will dry out.
Keep in Mind: If your camper doesn’t have a shower, truck stop showers will become your new best friend. If you haven’t used one yet, you’ll want to read this guide to truck stop showers!
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Wet Room?
The space-saving nature of a shower toilet combo is the number one advantage. Going away for a weekend in a Class B camper van makes it convenient to have access to a toilet and shower without losing a lot of space.
Usually, a wet bath is in the rear of a Class B, so it’s easily accessible from the outside, too. When you already don’t have a lot of room, you don’t want a bathroom taking up even more space, especially when that’s not where you plan on spending most of your time.
The convenience of having a place to shower and use the bathroom saves time. And when you’re only going camping for a weekend, you want all the time you can for outdoor activities.
If you have to run to a bathhouse or drive to a local gym, it shortens the weekend fun. It’s also convenient to hang up wet clothes.
If you’ve gone kayaking for the afternoon and need to hang up your swimsuit, a wet bath is well suited for clothes to dry.
Finally, clean-up is easy in a shower toilet combo. You simply wipe everything down since it’s already wet. Spray bathroom cleaner all around after taking a shower and use the showerhead to rinse off the walls and get the dirt out of the crevices along the edges.
Usually, people with wet baths keep their bathrooms cleaner than RVers with traditional bathrooms. It’s just easier to clean.
Shower Toilet Combo Cons
However, if you plan to travel for extended periods, a wet bath may be too small. If you’re looking to spend months traveling the country, you might want to upsize to a camper or motorhome with a full bathroom.
You also have to make sure the toilet paper cover is secure. If it’s not, all of your toilet paper has now gotten soaked and won’t be usable.
Another hassle is constantly having to dry it. If you don’t reduce moisture in your RV, it can lead to problems like mold and mildew. You have to wipe the wet bath dry after using it. It’s not difficult to dry, but it’s an inconvenience to spend time doing that after every shower.
Finally, there isn’t much storage in a wet bath. Some larger spaces will have a cabinet or place to put toiletries, but other bathrooms simply have a shower and toilet. You have to get creative about where to store your toiletries, towels, and other items.
Keep in Mind: Not everyone loves having a wet bath. Be sure to read 5 Reasons to Avoid an RV Wet Bath before you buy an RV with one!
Which RVs Have a Shower Toilet Combo?
As already mentioned, vintage RVs, small campers, and Class Bs commonly have a shower toilet combo. These types of RVs are smaller, so the manufacturers don’t want to take up additional space with an oversized bathroom.
Airstreams like the 16-foot Basecamp, the 16-foot Caravel, and the Class B Winnebago Solis and Boldt feature a wet bath. You’ll notice this is a common trend among smaller RVs.
Is a Shower Toilet Combo in an RV Worth It?
If you need a small RV because of your budget or because you want to visit off-road locations, or because you want to fit into national park campgrounds, a wet bath is a great amenity.
It provides a shower toilet combo to maximize the space and increase convenience. Wet baths are also easy to clean and keep clean.
So the next time you’re looking at small trailers or Class Bs, check out the shower toilet combo space and consider whether or not it will fit your camping needs.
Will a wet bath be in your future?
