Van Life Essentials: How to Build a Shower

IIt's really very simple (and cheap) to stay clean when you live in a car, van or RV, even if you don't have a shower. In this video we show you how. These are Amazon links to the products you see in this video. I am an Amazon affiliate so by clicking on these links I make a small percentage of your purchase, but it costs you nothing--even of you buy something different.
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Thanks for watching!

[@irhonda31]

Good demos, and nice touch to have a woman set up so that we gals can see how feasible it is for us. Plus, Debra is so pleasant to watch and listen to. Thanks again!

[@tallouse2146]

You can also get a shower curtain or tarp at the dollar tree and Velcro works really well

[@U2JEN2U]

I made a camp shower out of a pesticide sprayer. It also doubles for washing my dishes, hands, muddy shoes etc. BTW I use 1/2 gallon to wash my hair and body. I go through 2 gallons every 4-5 days or so.

[@michelleayres5608]

That's a great idea!

[@charofheart37]

I really love watching all the videos I can. ❤️ I admire the many people that have or are giving interviews and filming their experiences, it's very encouraging. My husband and myself have tried some camping/boondocking before we knew about RTR and other nomads. We will be making it permanent as well in another year. He was blind when we first started and I was helping as girlfriend and caregiver, now we are married and I have also become handicapped. So it is very comforting to know about the caravan and others with their life strugglings. Blessings to all of you!

[@lmchoisser]

Tarps are frequently free at harbor freight!! You can get any harbor freight coupons on your phone. I really like free 😘.

[@hangemhigh5489]

I've got several of their free 25' measuring tapes from cutting the coupons out of the catalogs they send me.

[@dorisdittrich1717]

2021NO MORE FREE AT @HorrborFreight 😢

[@authordebradickinson]

It is always such fun doing videos with you Bob. I hope I get to do many, many more. Thank you for all you do my friend. Big hugZ to you and Happy Holidays!

[@johnnybloggs2494]

+Debra Dickinson You are gorgeous Debra. And you have such a positive attitude & lively nature. You should do more videos love.

[@authordebradickinson]

Ahhh, thank you Johnny! Check out my new channel! :))

[@johnnybloggs2494]

+Debra Dickinson I am loving your channel & your blogs. I'm reading your 'I'm Not Lost. I'm Exploring' post on your 1st blog 'Living In Grace'. And it seems you are the country belle who makes hearts go aflutter & the loner kid at the same time. The kind of lady I'd invite for a wine tasting round if time, distance & luck would allow. Aah the world of what ifs? :)

[@CheapRVliving]

The more the better Debra!

[@stringbender57]

Johnny Bloggs - Back off Johnny...she is mine! ❤️ Just kidding 😂. I too think Debra is such a sweet soul with a positive attitude and I would love to visit with her over a cup of coffee etc. and become friends. She is very charming on video, and as you suggested, she should do more videos. She is a good ambassador for the vandwelling community. Her and Bob work very well together! 🚐💨

[@ryanferris7841]

I’ve said it before and I will say it again!! You folk are living the dream in my opinion!!! stress free life is the key to absolutely happiness 👍

[@aquarianspeak]

there is always stress just different stressors

[@Jessjustleft]

I have a hatchback and I put the tarp over the top and sides using magnets

[@shahnazbutt2804]

Plz can u post coz it shall help me

[@deneseweatherby7378]

That's what she needs then she wouldn't have to go over the top and save lots of time. Plus tarp would go down further on her legs.

[@seanpatrick5925]

That's what I do with my Pathfinder. I bought flat disc magnets from Amazon and just use those with my lifted hatchback. Works great!

[@BlueChrysalis]

Thank you for these great videos. And for keeping it *real*. I am still in the "wow! I wanna do this" phase. I have a wee Honda Fit but I want to start with some weekend camping. Baby steps. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@roseannerainwatersmith12]

My husband is getting ready to retire in 2020, and I really really want to travel, so I'm binge watching your videos and learning so much! You are making it easier to know what will work for us. Thank you so much!

[@moonspider5128]

Have you been able to go for it? If so, how has it been? :)

[@martytrout6252]

I would not be worried about the top being covered, would be a lot quicker to just do back and sides.

[@Tzuriah]

Marty Trout It would be longer that way too.

[@pupcamper58]

Thanks for the video Bob on showering. Years ago I had a pop-up camper and I used one of those Ozark shower tents for both the hidden restroom with porta potty and if anyone wanted to use it as a shower they could. It held up for several years and worked very well so I really liked it. Of course I bought a travel trailer and so I have a indoor shower that I use. I wouldn't hesitate to carry one of the shower tents with me though you never know when you might need one if something happened to your black tank or your indoor bathroom. thanks again, Cheryl

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Cheryl!

[@angieroyall1516]

How bout a cheap $4.99 shower curtain liner, rings and a stick, duck tape two pockets on each corner and drop a rock in each. There you go.

[@CheapRVliving]

Good idea Angie

[@juliadawnyel4331]

$ store and bottle spout sprayer

[@herronsonya7041]

I thought the same thing about the shower curtain!

[@brucehalleran1149]

See and raise: 7 x10 white shade tarp folded over the rod, spring clips on door edge. Factory tint windows. Given that the rod is swiped from the side door screen room

[@brucehalleran1149]

That is zero extra pieces/costs for shower stall if I have the big tarp pitched and am not fighting the unsupported bug room.

[@customcraft1]

I like that she still wants to have the luxuries of the nice soaps and conditioners.

[@CheapRVliving]

She's still a girl!

[@authordebradickinson]

Thanks customcraft1. Bob is right. ;))

[@brucehalleran1149]

Quality of life doesn't have to come at high cost.

[@ronmoore3987]

Really all this talk about organic this and that when all the trucks and planes and stinking moo-cows are Makin the grade. Now everybody gasses up and then after Mexican food gas is Goin out the tailpipe, where in the world's the smog test Fer all that.Honest who can keep up with that smack ?

[@gaymiller09]

I have just enough space in which to set a small, inflatable kiddie pool on the floor of my minivan to use as a tub. I sit in it and pour water over myself, recapturing the water from the pool for reuse. Since it is inflatable, I inflate it to whatever shape will fit. I hang my solar bag from closet rod extended across van. When finished, I slide it to door, lift up one end to pour out on ground. Then I pull forward so I don't step out into a puddle. Privacy is covered cuz my windows are covered and I can lock myself in. While water's in there, I wash my laundry. Pool can be used to bath pets, too. Or set it outside and cool off in it, if you have an endless supply of water. Folds up to nearly nothing.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks GG, that s a wonderful tip!

[@authordebradickinson]

That is a great idea GG Prepper! Thanks! I see that you have long hair like mine. Does it work well for that too? I'm concerned I would drown everything in my van by the time I got through washing my hair. I'm not a "dainty" washer evidently. LOL.

[@gaymiller09]

I usually wash my hair independently from my body. I use a plastic tub I get from Dollar Tree. I hate water waste so I pour the water over my hair while holding my head over the tub. Then I figure out where else I could use that water....maybe washing wheel wells.

[@authordebradickinson]

GG Prepper thanks again! A great idea. 👍🏼

[@beckyrose9135]

Great idea!

[@disciplechildofgod7789]

3 gallons of water is still cheaper than paying for a shower. I have seen showers for $5-$8. Putting a tarp on top is probably more for privacy to keep someone from coming along and videoing overhead. I would feel more secure with a tarp overhead. I imagine a shower is taken in a remote spot without other people being around. Bob does address personal issues with living off the grid. I have learned a lot. Good job Bob!

[@antoniostubbs9962]

Got to get flip flops, you won't need a floor or matt.

[@juliadawnyel4331]

Use. Bunggy cord put showercurtain on works great

[@lorijones9579]

Bob, you are totally awesome.

[@piahess9738]

Hello,I like the Ozark shower tent it looks easy to put up,and gives one total privacy.Also has a floor,and the water can flow out the bottom of the floor.Would be nice as a privacy potty tent to.Wish it was cheaper,but you get the good quality which is good.The tarp idea is good to as long as the clips stay on if there are high winds.One could use more clips for holding strength.I would want the tarp to go all the way to the ground for total privacy.Thanks for the great idea's.Have fun travelling.Be well with your pup there.

[@mrmelodypopsicals7374]

Tarp better to floor in case dropping soap

[@authordebradickinson]

Great idea Suppleskin! Thanks!

[@antoniostubbs9962]

No need for flooring just a pair of flip flops and soap in a squeeze bottle

[@wandasantiago9220]

Thanks Mr. Bob for sharing with us that information. My husband and I are thinking of becoming part of that life. And you are our inspiration.

[@kleen1982]

A tension shower rod would work better than the wooden rod she's using.

[@drrhousley]

I wouldn't care who saw me we are born without any cloths on its natural even better if you're in the middle of nowhere

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

If we were supposed to have clothes on we'd be born with them on or, have hair on our bodies like animals do.

[@seanpatrick5925]

I got caught pooping last week on an old Forest Service road. Ooops, and I hope they enjoyed the show, lol. And yes, bagged and packed it out.

[@davidgrant1693]

hi im dave from new york upstate been living in a camper4 years i have low power internet , would love to say i been watching your how to live in what ever you have learned alot thanks going to change a lot soon keep on helping people like me to learn how to live happy thanks from the bottom of my heart

[@KelliepbAclecticChannel]

great video going to part 3 👍 👍 👍 👍 I love Ozark equipment

[@Rebekahdavignon]

Sorry - In an average home, showers are typically the third largest water use after toilets and clothes washers. The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons (65.1 liters) and lasts for 8.2 minutes at average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute (gpm) (7.9 lpm).

[@northtexas4110]

Well this is a really doable shower enclosure! I like smart and simple. Thank y'all!

[@BrandonDKirkwood]

Awesome and straightforward with a dash of humor video as always Bob :)

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Brandon, I try!

[@Rebeccamyst]

Really enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Am now shopping for a shower enclosure. Was considering this one at WalMart. Thanks!

[@Camp_Runamuck]

They make a very cool shower tent that fits on the back of the Westfalia's goes on in 15 seconds. Couldn't live without it

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Rhonda Waldron the back door on a Westfalia pops up it's not barn doors

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Rhonda Waldron www.busdepot.com/ahg

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Rhonda Waldron bus depot sells all kinds of vehicle tents manly used with VWs

[@Camp_Runamuck]

I would call bus depot and ask them but it should

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Rhonda Waldron I have a few videos with my shower room I attached one on this thread

[@kevinbateman4001]

why bother putting the tarp up over the doors? just hang it over the bungee cord and use the spring clips to hold it in place, so much easier I think.

[@RobertWitham]

I used this type of shower enclosure on a van once while visiting with a friend who had it set up. It worked surprisingly well, and it definitely is a cheap and easy solution when you need a bit of privacy.

[@CheapRVliving]

Very true, thanks Robert!

[@12sisters1bride7]

You know,i would just thread that pole through the tarp loops,clip the sides,take my shower.the windows?at that slope i wouldnt care and most nomads have window covers.seems a little less time consuming.thanks for starting a good ideal👍🏿👍🏿

[@juliadawnyel3648]

$treefor shower curtain harbor freight for cheap tarps

[@moggridge1]

Lovely lady! And good advice 👍

[@UncleBuckle50]

Keep up the great work Bob...... We never want to see you "ALL WASHED UP"

[@CheapRVliving]

I agree with you their Ron!!

[@bluskydreamr1]

The lady in this video was such a sweetheart❤ Another great video!

[@sueg2658]

I live in stick and bricks, in the Ca drought, I take a 3 gal shower. Gotta save our water. Great video❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Sue, for the comment and doing your part to conserve.

[@jimdye7431]

great job on the videos, very informative. the nomad lifestyle has been attractive to me for some time, i would like to get into it in about a year.

[@authordebradickinson]

Good for you James! Never give up. KOKO!

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

This is really awesome and practical information. Thanks for posting.

[@bannlaughlin3544]

I think that you could use the shower tent inside box campers and/or tall vans when you use your mini swimming pool to catch the water I love the ideal. God bless

[@CheapRVliving]

This is a great idea in theory, most people opt for storage instead of taking up valuable space inside to bathe. Sponge baths take up very little space.

[@feyafern7234]

So nice to see Debra again, and it looks like there's actually a lot of room to move around in her shower. Nice set-up, great video.

[@authordebradickinson]

Ahhh, thanks Ericka! I have fun making videos with Bob. I joke all the time that it's the biggest shower I've ever owned! LOL.

[@cindyc-thedogsandme.]

Great video. I was looking at these on amazon wondering how they work. Thanks Bob. Cindy

[@CheapRVliving]

They work pretty darn well!

[@axemanfishing2703]

I call my shower tent a poop tent LOL.. Multiple purpose goodness. Another excellent video Bob and thank you Debra for the tips.

[@rexannam2646]

About the instructions 😂😂!! Sometimes all you need are the pictures! I rarely use instructions myself due to the fact that most are written by folks who don't write in English very well. As a retired laboratory manager, I found it to be true even among scientific laboratory manuals!!! Hats off to ya, Bob!!!

[@Michele-sq9zf]

Too much work..And you have to store everything...buckets...wipes...water...cleaner...really??lmfao

[@scottwall4669]

Greg, Tent stakes are of ZERO value in hard pack desert where Bob is standing. One hit with the hammer and they bend. One gust of Arizona wind, which is every day out there..and your tent will wind up in New Mexico. Shower enclosures are great if you are there, otherwise you have to take down when you are done. The stakes provided will not hold the tent down..and if you use those Home Depot monster nails for stakes the tent will rip. Best bet I have found is a few heavy rocks inside, each corner until you take it down. Lots and lots of bushes at QZ!!!! I walk off or bicycle a ways from folks and outside shower is the order of the day. Rubber trampers are not interested in seeing the ball park frank anyway. Thinking that tent would be nice in cold wind.

[@CheapRVliving]

Once we get a wind storm, just take it down, don't even fight it. But in normal dessert winds, good rebar stakes will do the job. In the National Forest, they work great.

[@juliadawnyel4331]

Can get at thrift store use velco to close

[@rainedyani8505]

She really needs to use eco-friendly products.

[@driftkrinsky6537]

Yes, if it's going straight on the ground, you're right. That's a lot of plastic drinking bottle waste too just for showers.

[@8188jlpc]

Wal-Mart sells 24 in square mats that interlock, pack of 6 for $15, that you put together like a jigsaw puzzle and can make as large or small a shower mat you need and the water drains between where the mats interlock. They are black and made of "EVO" (?) recycled material and dry fast, just disassemble and go

[@billharden1767]

Very good. Private and personal enough.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Bill!

[@lindasanders6777]

I don't like the bright blue and bright green tarps. They scream "hey! Look over here!" to anyone passing by. Harbor Freight has camouflage tarps. I bought a larger one for 10.00 recently.

[@robinmontana6837]

Thanks to the both of you for demonstrating shower tips. Like the idea of using the van doors and a tarp.

[@CheapRVliving]

Cheap, simple and easy, what's not to love!

[@authordebradickinson]

Me too Robin, it works great! Thanks!

[@beerdrinker6452]

Interesting. I have often wondered how many gallons it takes to boondocks shower. I am a man with short hair. I was guessing 3 gallons, but now I know 1 gallon would be sufficient. Thanks.

[@CharlieM-u8w]

Perhaps another small tarp to cover the back inside of things as you shower , you can have your clean cloths covered and towel as you shower ... I think i would hang the tarp so i could see over for someone with a bad intension possibly ...just lower the support dowel to the middle of the doors or as needed . I dont want to not be able to see . Thanks Bob . I just add another thought . 😀👍👍😀

[@chrispaulick]

Would not a shower curtain across the back be enough with the windows covered? Seems like you could hinge a telescopic pole to top of door that would swing out with shower curtain on it.

[@kevinhagberg1579]

Why do people complicate this? Not going to set stuff up in a parking lot. I just wear a swimsuit and reach into it to wash my bits. Dr. Brommers rules.

[@grandmasmagic3858]

how do you safely shower on such stony ground..?? me, I'd be falling all over the place..also if you're stopping long enough in one spot that shower would make a great toilet as well..have a port-a-loo and you can sit on it as you shower..

[@Sexxxyism]

I use a watering can to shower. It is a very inexpensive, low tech way to conserve water.

[@antoniostubbs9962]

Miss Marilyn I like the pump spray bottle Idea

[@angeladawn805]

Zipper fails: if it's a YKK zip, it's not likely to happen. That being said, most of the time, if the teeth are intact, it's the zipper head that needs dealing with (as it's a movable part) so if you look carefully at the side slot of the zipper head (this goes fir clothing too) you may see that it's opened up with repeated use, and a gentle squeeze with pliers will restore the zipper head. Best to repair than landfill :)

[@katkohler]

Short hair probably would not take even a gallon to wash, but that’s just me. I might use heavy duty magnets instead of clips.

[@priscillawrites6685]

Step-on pressure pump makes sense. Thanks for mentioning. Nice shower enclosure with a hook to hang a water bag!

[@weeb9332]

I really appreciate all the simple but practical ideas you present on your channel.

[@roymiller6749]

Bob could you please tell me how many people are actually living in cars SUVs and vans? Not to include campers or trailers or pop-ups.

[@sassygrrl32]

If you're a city dweller like me none of this works really. Its truck stop, gym or sponge bath. As I've gotten older I have no qualms about washing my hair, etc. in a busy restroom with women coming and going. I do the important stuff in a stall. I've heard of some people that go to the beach & use the showers there with their bathing suit on. It would take time to get used to it.

[@donnaleecriss8692]

I think you r having far too much focus on showering. Bucket clean keeps u clean when shower is available enjoy

[@keithwright4921]

Hi man,how do you spell that Zodi shower pump, Regards, Keith

[@kimberlyrappo5846]

Seems like a dollar store shower curtain, close pinned to the bungee and then clipped or magnet, would be much easier and cheaper.

[@whatsupman26]

Just 2 more clips and the bottom of the tarp won't accidentally lift with the wind.

[@juditreble2238]

question about pooping, if you are boondocking, and you use bucket method for pooping is there a trash can to take it too or do you take it to town to the trash? I wouldn't want to store poop. that is my hang up

[@toniking6159]

Personally, I would make it lower, so no one can see not even my legs. But that's just me.

[@bonniepage4835]

What about dodge caravan where the hatch goes up…any ideas on shower faculty with that!

[@Liz76522too]

I wonder if you could use a hula hoop outside a small car, all I have right now is a vw beetle.

[@starr6465]

Could a plain old heavy duty shower curtain work ?

[@FranfromFL]

If you use the tent for a shower, where do you put your towel and clothes so they don't get wet while you are showering? How do you dry off and get dressed if it is all wet in there?

[@juliadawnyel3648]

$store shower curtain bungies curtain rings and I reuse gray water to rinse off feet and other things no waste

[@bonniepage4835]

Hope to see you all soon… I’m chewing at the bit to get on the road for sw AZ

[@sarahjackson6714]

Thanks Debra,, and Bob you always go that extra mile

[@authordebradickinson]

That's so nice, Sarah. Thank you!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I think for me a regular shower curtain would be easier to wrangle lol.

[@mvblitzyo]

what simple idea thanks nice lady .. and wayne ..

[@debbiewollard9056]

You could have longer enclosure on the sides if you leave the top open - no one can see there...

[@grammyto2grandboys375]

/so many options,,,,how can you learn what is best?

[@videomagictv6403]

Really like that portable shower set up has a few pockets to hold your bottles or that hook top center for (like you say) a solar shower bag....very cool.

[@CheapRVliving]

It's a very good one! Better than most.

[@GlendaNorris-qx3in]

Thank you for all the information

[@magma9138]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@rolandorich4014]

Id just get a real shower curtain

[@pedieasuncion4277]

Senora you are classy good luck out there

[@timmyles314]

Wonderful advice .

[@aquarianspeak]

I hope she does use earth friendly products

[@ruthmcgill4612]

Why not a showe curtain?

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Great idea! I can do the same with my Tahoe 😊 Something I have absolutely loved is my 2 gallon weed sprayer. Since the Casita only has a 16 gallon fresh water tank and I only want to boondock, I've been practicing water conservation and the weed sprayer rocks! I use it for doing dishes, washing my hair and taking showers. Although others have spent the money for a kitchen sprayer, I just use the hose with no attachments and have been so happy with the pressure. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@CheapRVliving]

Weed sprayers work very well!

[@connieadelsburg570]

@@CheapRVliving I was thinking the same thing

[@sophialove7245]

probably a dumb question, but what is RTR ?

[@sophialove7245]

oh, I saw your link below. RTR= Rubber Tramp Rendezvous

[@janetgreen4440]

Your the Best Bob!

[@AveryCreates]

Your channel is such a valuable resource. I've considered trying vandwelling for a year (to see if it's for me. If it's not, that's a year of saving money for a house) as of less than a week ago. I'll be honest, without resources online I would probably be too scared to try. I'll be 28 this year and have been frightened into living a very structured, "safe" life by brainwashed parents. Within the next month or two I'll be entirely debt free, so the time to making a change is fast approaching. So thank you very much. Your videos and chats are so comprehensive and helpful. I appreciate all that you do. I'm aiming to buy a van to convert late winter/early spring (saving up money now), and I have a lot of time to learn. I want to be confident every step in the way. Much love from PA.

[@ryafc16]

On the otger hand, Equal opportunity not equal outcomes is what america can offer. Serge brin elan musk bill gates the list is long of self made success.

[@nesquick9164]

My husband and I use to lived in our suburban for a year and a month. We would pay monthly (40.00 a month planet fitness) And all we did was take showers/use restroom mostly showers. It's very convenient for you if you live in your vehical in the city but if it's far in the middle of nowhere then this is the way to go.

[@janeyjarvis4390]

Thank you this is so handy!

[@seniortraveller7188]

I have a 3M X 3M DD tarp , I used it when I did hammock camping. Now I upgrade to car camping, so I set it up as a fully enclosed tipi (no ground sheet) for outhouse. It works fine.

[@mariomegee6105]

HAY You guys Thanks for your idea's and Great Company👍company😌, too helping us👼on wheels.

[@kennethlaw5216]

I've used a bilge pump and a bucket, put a hose on the bilge pump on the end of the hose you put a plastic on/off like you put on a garden hose then it goes into a normal shower head. get wet, shut the shower head off, soap up, turn it back on, rinse off, done. the bilge pump hooks to a car battery with a quick jumper. we used it all week camping we started the car a few times to keep the battery charged. now for the enclosure, we just bought a cheap blue tarp, stapled it to some lathe, stick the lathe in the ground, good to go.