Compact Collapsible SHOWER In A Van - Part 1 of 2

Traditional showers take up a TON of space in van conversions. This collapsible shower system is a 100% self contained system that is designed to maximize space. All of the components collapse down into a 15" tall box while draining into the 22 gallon gray tank. Part one of this video consists of the shower pan, hot/cold plumbing, and draining the system.
Product links:
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- Shower Hose Connector: amzn.to/38lBdP4
- Fury RV Shower Head: amzn.to/2HdaeJy
- Plusnut Installation Tool: amzn.to/31OxKWM
- Plusnuts: amzn.to/31HAoNP
- SIlicone Adhesive: amzn.to/39hxB0m
- Gray Tank Motorized Valve Solenoid - amzn.to/2TvvU9n
seven_osavage

[@jerrypowell2359]

I want to thank you for something you did near the beginning of this video that almost no one ever does, but really should; you told us your height. This gives the viewer a valuable context while watching a build, and if it is feasible or practical for them to try. I've watched a LOT of build videos- for vans, trailers, shuttles, buses, etc., and 99.9% of them give no spatial relationship between the vehicle and the person(s) seen onscreen. So, thank you from all of us plus-sized and/or very tall viewers. It's important.

[@lexzan]

@jerry powell HERE HERE!!! Dude, I am 6'3" 260lbs and II never fit in anything lol. Thanks for saying this and thanks Seven O for dropping knowledge

[@sauldickson4079]

Alexander Sandoval LeDonne Except for a non-van vanlife build. I live in a box truck, which has plenty of room if you’ve ever been in one. Mine is a 17 footer with almost ten feet of height inside.

[@ShashanaCO]

I breathed a sigh of relief when you added the rubber edging 😂

[@koertdubois6781]

No kidding! :)

[@dsfregola]

For the shower curtain you could use a circle template rather than a square (for example a hula hoop) , attach it to the ceiling of the van with one magnet or one hook rather than 4. The shower head would be at the centre of your curtain in that way.

[@johntkomar9265]

DONT DRILL for your shower curtain. Place decreative metal plates on the wall & ceiling and use the welders magnets

[@maxzarges]

Seven, it's great to watch your "thought processes." There's a word for it... when learning "one" particular thing leads to the ability for future problem solving. Thanks for a perfect shower for a van. Max

[@Sunshine-qk1cs]

Wow! 😍 nice. Just be safe once the metal gets wet it becomes extremely sleeper with the soap. Maybe some teak wool mat will work. God Bless from SF 😎

[@Scrambler85]

I'm enjoying watching the build and your process. I'm 6'4" and was going to do approximately the same build but I wanted more headroom and square walls. So I special ordered a E350 cutaway van with a 6'10 ceiling with a 14' box that is 80" wide. A thumbs up video 👍

[@peggylacroix8601]

I love a guy who can build things and figure out problems! And so young too. You are going to be very successful in your life. I would be so proud of you if you were my grandson! (yes,I am that old)

[@carlavv5302]

Really cute comment

[@princesslavidia3287]

Peggy's a moron

[@davidwathen2004]

I’m going to do a similar shower idea in my conversion and I’m planning on mounting 4 round 2 inch anchor point tie downs to my ceiling and use them to hold my shower curtain. I’ve seen this done before in a Van and it’s nice, simple and clean approach. To me much better than the pvc pipe route.

[@koertdubois6781]

A buddy did this with parachute cord, to hold the shower curtain taught. Great idea!

[@lindarolin3941]

Being an RVer for probably 20 years I would hang 4 clips from ceiling that you can pop you shower frame into.

[@bedlamtom]

You're the first van lifer I've found in my area. You talk about places I know. Also I really like you talking out your train of thought.

[@ritadelitta424]

Love just watching you put it all together and saying ,"Please, please,please," really works 😂😂😂😂😂

[@elisabethm9655]

Very much like a magnet based mounting. I’m also glad you added that rubber edging on the pan ...beautiful design for the collapsible pan and I appreciate how you are conscious about protecting your vehicle from rust.

[@andreasmoll_0924]

You got one of the nicest ocean in front of your door. The image of paradise to me compared to where Im living. Never needs a shower in a camper.

[@chainsawcabinetshop492]

Your man did a nice job of fabricating the pan. For those who can not find a reasonably priced fabricator, you could make the pan out of plywood and then fiberglass the inside of the plywood. I did that 20 years ago for a 24" 30: shower pan that I made for a semi trailer to home conversion. there should be a picture on my page. It will be title "kitchen shower video" 4 years ago. I doesn't show much detail, but it may give you an idea.

[@kurtgremer]

Great videos as always I just got back from a cross country trip living out of a Volkswagen Jetta for a month. Make sure you have some pitch on your drain pipes. If you plan on doing any winter traveling you don’t want it to freeze under the truck.

[@damondehart4036]

Great project! You could build a strong square frame and mount it vertically on the wall above the shower with 2 lockable shelf hinges. (Amazon example: Sumnacon Sturdy Folding Shelf Brackets). Fold out the frame horizontally when attaching the shower curtain. Unlock and fold the frame vertically when not in use. Camouflage the frame with a picture mounted to the frame or attached to the wall within the frame. The frame and picture would look like a work of art.

[@knockknockbusted]

If possible, make the shower curtain really wide at the top so when wet, it doesn't stick to your body while you're trying to shower.

[@juliemac5604]

Yes, make sure your PVC square telescopes in and out. Otherwise you are going to be miserable.

[@Gantzz321]

this is why my idea is to get rid of the "RING' and just use magnets, you don't need to store a big ring when like that.

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

@@juliemac5604 I thought that too. I also thought just four hooks in the ceiling to line up with the rings in the shower curtains. And have two curtains that over lap where they meet to create access points. Take the shower curtain outside to dry...

[@MASH--kn1cw]

I love something's wrapped around me while I'm all soaped up...makes me feel like I'm in a seductive nightmare. 😳😔

[@singhmaster4]

How about using 4 clips? Put the curtain rings in the handle or find a way to secure it to all 4 corners on a clip. You will have less bulky things to store.

[@chriseudy4684]

Frank knows how to quote and produce!

[@maryferguson6226]

Mock up is very cleaver. I will now do this with cupboards I want to add across the back of my small motor home. Neat and clean manufacturing

[@avivamae5171]

Caulking the floors to seal them is a GENIUS idea! I will definitely have to copy you on that, so thanks! :) Great job and it's so nice to see you working through issues and problem solving rather than everything just going perfect. Awesome job!

[@jmjrosary4697]

You are a genius. Very admirable your clever work in your van palace. Have fun.

[@steepedinadventure]

Here’s an idea for your shower system. Step 1. mount the pvc shower rod to the underside of the handy dandy lid. Step 2. Mount a 1/2" x 1-1/2" Forged Steel Machine Bolt to the center of the lid. Make sure it’s balanced. Step 3. Secure a pulley to your ceiling and another pulley to the van wall. Step 4. Tie braided nylon rope to the machine bolt then thread the rope through the ceiling pulley and then the wall pulley. Step 5. Attach a pulley anchor so that when the shower curtain is up you can secure the rope in place to take your shower. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!

[@bretebey]

My biggest concern with storing the shower curtain in that pan is that it won't dry, and will lead to mold and mildew. If you do store it in the pan, be sure you lay out in the sun/wind before you store it (which implies earlier showers rather than later ones).

[@alanburns9466]

I would just put an exhaust fan directly above it so the whole van doesnt fill with humidity and the water would evap and be sucked out

[@herdfan697278]

Nothing like experiential learning to help one really gain knowledge pragmatically!👍

[@barricaderentals6655]

If you have not had it made yet, I would have that wheel well pitch inward toward the shower so that the water will not sit on top of that flat area. Otherwise, you may have to dry it off each time. ( just heard that it took 3 months...) My comment still stands for anyone reading the comments and thinking of doing this. Some sort of soundproofing on the outside of the pan so when traveling, you will not hear it and it will dampen the sound during the shower. They put soundproofing on the high end stainless steel kitchen sinks to dampen the sound of the water. I would make it simple for the shower curtain and just support it 4 ways on the ceiling (magnets) and add a metal coupler or something in 4 places on the plastic pipes and then secure that way. You know the rare earth magnets are very strong and should hold that up. (just countersink in the ceiling like you did when you installed the ceiling) only you would see them for this application. You could probably get a colored sharpie and color them so not so obvious. The shower head needs to be low flow or aerated or you will use all your water quickly. People like the Oyxgenics brand because it saves on water and has great pressure. You could just fashion a hanging bracket for it.

[@claire4301]

Another great detailed vid, ty again for sharing x

[@N2tech]

I would wrap the side of the shower pan with foam to avoid toe crunches. Great job.

[@Dulsanaya]

pool noodles cut on one side :D

[@petmom74]

Very nice. You have incredible skills and you're so damn young! Can't wait to see Part II.

[@cindyherget5196]

Still watching .... I love TAP plastic My dad also showed there and made many projects... I’ve been to all their Portland locations for the last 40 years. Excellent store for the creative mind of acrylics and such. Even the professionals run into a wall to think through problem solving.... then there’s me... the non professional that sometimes because the way I think creatively- I can think outside the “Profesional” box. I amaze myself all the time when I see a different use.

[@clauderousseau3305]

Wow! thanks for this pumbing 101 crash course! For the shower floor, I'll position the aluminium floor atop of a 10 deg. slanted 1.5 in rubber mat. then a teak cleat with the reverse inclined base will complete the floor to prevent remaining water requiring a squeegee pass after use. I also plan to keep a leaf blower charged in my garage to dry it off (and blow off snow on the solar ;-)

[@d-s-ll2378]

creative thinking, active doing, is all element of the DIY spirit.

[@donnacuddy3948]

You might want to consider a nylon shower curtain, It can be thrown in a washing machine and dries very well.

[@pamm2230]

It can be replaced rather cheaply and conveniently. The curtain can be hung with rings to a PVC rod system and hooked into brackets in the ceiling. The curtain rid can then be kept inside the pan for storage.

[@EvilTwin123]

Fabric shower curtain! Switch it out each week/10days with your laundry.

[@pamm2230]

@@EvilTwin123 Ah didn't think of those. Maybe even a combination of both would be good to keep everything dry and clean.

[@EvilTwin123]

@@pamm2230 Yeah, fabric fries quickly. Bunch it up wet and you get chance of icky 😷 buildup. 🚿 shower. Step out, dress 👗, wait 10mins to vent & dry then fold down. It's not like you're using that space immediately. Bed can stay flipped up.

[@pamm2230]

@@EvilTwin123 Dries

[@sarabegay6339]

😘 thank you, thank you. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out where to put a shower in my rig. Never thought under the bed, mine is movable too, and there's the bottom part of a closet right behind the bed to store all the stuff, even a hole all ready handy for a drain. Just measured the space and I can get 32"sq. Shwr pan in there.🎉🌟🤸

[@seven_o_savage]

Awesome! It saves sooo much space and is great for something like a shower that you can usually find but sometimes cannot

[@jannezack]

All you need for the shower curtain are 4 “D”rings or hooks screwed to the ceiling. You can use 4 caribeaners or shower curtain hooks to attach the square rod to the 4 hooks. For the shower head find a goose neck that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling with the shower head mount on it. Since the shower head is not really heavy you may be able to mount the shower head bracket by magnets then the only thing that is permanently affixed is the magnet.

[@elementgypsy]

yeah, hang from the ceiling, make it wider at the top than bottom

[@davidlundy5007]

I’m sure he is trying to keep everything about the shower hidden. That’s why he wants to use the magnets so he can remove them after showering.

[@EvilTwin123]

@@elementgypsy That's the same shape I like my women!! 🤣

[@EvilTwin123]

@@davidlundy5007 Four closed eye hooks on the ceiling. Four carribeaners that stay on the PVC frame (down hidden dwell). Lift the PVC frame, click 1234. Shower. Shake. Dry. Drop curtain. Easy sleasy.

[@gingerhitzke9185]

The cardboard mock-up is such a good idea!

[@speedybna5746]

I really appreciate you being detailed oriented and showing each step. 🙂🙏

[@Sjetton85]

A pull up wall coming out from the bottom is a heck of an idea!

[@ghaywood902]

I love this shower video. You are the only person I have found that is doing indoor shower in the van.

[@singmysong1167]

I forgot the title of the vid, but before this vid, I just watched another guy get interviewed for adding a unique toilet and quicky wet shower, with drain to the ground outside, on the back section of his minivan, that was a doable project also. Not as elaborate as this one though.

[@teddywarren71]

I really really admire your patience and persistence. Problem-solving is one of my passions as well, except with way more obscenities. Your doing a great job

[@bh2480]

Thank you for sharing your positive outlook on struggling with remodeling. You are inspiring to me.😌

[@pdacore]

For your curtain rods use the same diameter PVC as a standard broom handle. then just buy some broom storage clips. The kind that clamps your broom to the wall. I've seen others do this for collapsible showers in campers.

[@brendaswann7292]

I really appreciate the care you have taken with this video, and for sharing all the steps. I think, snap in brackets like those that a broom snaps into for the curtain rod. And a hinged fold down bracket with a snap in bracket for the shower head. Use some of the ceiling material to frame and form the ceiling mount, you have done such a beautiful job, I know you want it to look as good as it works. Wish I could send you a sketch, but think top down, not bottom up. The framed box could have an led light tape all round to give a nice lite look when in the shower. Good luck, and thanks for giving me some ideas for my shower build. 🇨🇦👏🏽🙏🏼🚌🙏🏼👏🏽🇨🇦, safe travels.

[@JC-dz1kk]

Talented, creative, patient, organized .....You got them all. 👍

[@gerimartinez8703]

Love it! Can’t wait to see the results 🙌🏻💙💪🏼

[@GregTheNomad]

dude i am thinking about converting a shuttle bus and ur build has given me some tips on hardware and ideas thanks for sharing this build

[@TheYankmchain]

VHB tape would have been a good use between shower pan bottom and ABS shim. Further, perhaps under the ABS as well. Your ingenuity throughout your entire build reveals many great best practices to follow!

[@theresasaunders8592]

Wish we'd known of your fabricator buddy before.... we were looking for someone to fabricate a galvanized steel shower surround for our van build. Nobody was interested because the job was too small. Oh well, maybe next time. Great videos! Thanks!

[@lauratibbles6598]

I have done a bunch of home plumbing but I wasn’t aware of the problem you ran into glad it all worked out you will figure out how to set your curtain I like your idea so just go with it

[@Dronerangerspro]

So true on install issues! I think my plumbing issues for my sink was more work than electrical. Subbed and will watch grey water tank.

[@AnnieGill7]

Good going! Thanks for sharing the process with us, it makes a big difference to see how you overcome the challenges.

[@lorinatzen]

I would also make a stand-in wooden draining platform for underneath (instead of the ABS cover) that way you can use the pan as a wet storage area, and leave it in there for less cold contact with your feet on the floor ;)

[@ianknight7165]

For your shower curtain. Use the same aluminum profile you used for your bed and create a system that slides up with quick lock/unlock points. And make a simple square from the same material and use the channels in the profile to hold the shower curtain. This could also house the holding bracket for the shower head.

[@josedelossantos2428]

Good job hard worker excellent installation you can learn from this Because you never know if you’re going to install the shower in the van.

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

So glad I found your channel! Peace.

[@aaronag7876]

Amazing video with clear =, well sometimes clear but shows your mindset of thinking of how to work out a problem without getting too angry with the issue. Thanks for sharing, I have made notes of this idea and will slight tweak it to fit my van fit out.

[@tom-ss2mn]

Im surprised that it was that difficult to find a fabrication shop that would build the shower pan. I used to work in a machine shop and we built all kinds of enteresting things. Some complicated, some easy. The shower pan just doesnt seem like a complicated build. To me it would have been fun to do

[@edged1001]

I enjoy your discussion of he design process involved in creating the shower. I feel too many KZbin creators skip over that part and simply waive their hands and like magic the shower appears. U will be subscribing.

[@kathrynb4683]

Glad you figured it out. Been there. I was lucky tho. I was so hesitant that I saw the difference in fittings while trying to explore how it would be done. Option 3 on the curtain.

[@labcoattheater6161]

Great build and video. Thank you!

[@alwaysbepreparedwithjeff3245]

Thank you for the news and updates.

[@Merlmabase]

Thanks for this truly comprehensive presentation of your design and experience. Invaluable for all of us. Keep up the great work, and good luck!

[@theresedignard4267]

Looks awesome. Great design. Usually local Community Colleges who teach welding will take on projects like your shower pan. Possible idea for the next van.....on sailboats, it is common to build a plywood enclosed, then fiberglass it, and finish it with gel Coat. Your projects and teaching and sharing is a cherished gift. I am inspired to do my own build thanks to you. Hugs and light...keep these videos coming.

[@leevaden8405]

Thanks for sharing! You are awesome for taking the time to share your failures and accomplishments!!!!

[@leewilson9226]

That's right it's going to take as many times as it takes. Quite an undertaking but another interesting idea for doing more things in a smaller area.

[@jes1111yta]

I'm planning a similar idea in my next build - it will be a "squat shower" - I got the idea from the Exploration Brothers (here on KZbin). Why do you need to stand up in your shower, particularly since you still need to "army shower" to save precious water? Thinking practically, if you adopt a squatting position it actually allows easy access to all the most important bits that need cleaning, right ;-)? So, for your setup (brilliantly done btw), you just need a fixed rail on the two sides and the back, and a hinged or clip-on front rail. Fortuitously, you have 8020 and the side panel of the adjacent cabinet to make it really easy! Less shower curtain to dry off, too.

[@crankyemoji2328]

Great video👍👍. Like the saying goes the scary is the fly in the ointment. Here’s The fly.1) don’t trip and fall because that corner or top of that pan can do you some real flesh damage.2)The humidity that you’re going to add taking a hot shower to the van capsule in a year.How much rust and potential black mold practically under your mattress will result. Having dry heat should help the problem but better get yourself an turbo exhaust fan. Since you have the plumbing you might consider having an external shower capability Under under the vehicle. Besides plugging in an external shower you can use it to wash the van, surfboard,etc. make a simple with just cold water.

[@shealynnlawrence6569]

Great video!! Very helpful

[@simonemueller7693]

I don’t care thank you very much for the people that put this together for him

[@thrixs2029]

awesome videos!! learning so much! thank you!

[@mfsolutions]

I love your attitude toward your fails and explaining the critical thinking process, pipe fittings for water, air, and hydraulics are crazy! I do a lot of plumbing and the straight pipe threads (NPS) may be an equivalent to the British Standard Pipe (BSP) as opposed to USA's National Standard Pipe (NPT). The popping of the shower bottom it due to heat stresses from welding. You can get a sheet of one side adhesive rubber backing that you find on the bottoms of kitchen sinks that will dampen the sound. Great job on the idea for drilling the hole!

[@edwardcarney7569]

Jarrod Tocci has a good design, he uses a cupboard that’s cut away and folds out allowing for the shower frame to sit inside the cubbyhole.

[@MJ-vf1im]

Does he have a video for this?

[@edwardcarney7569]

MJ I think he’s shown his design on his new van but seems to have not shown his final instal video. He’s gone for a recirculating system. I know he offers consultancy work too.

[@MJ-vf1im]

@@edwardcarney7569 Thank you!

[@gregjonesdfw]

Awesome videos and ideas!

[@rhondacook4302]

Wow...great design! There will be many copying this for their owns van. Very impressive!

[@PeaceChanel]

Peace… Salam... Shalom... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤v

[@LatinoGrande]

Great Job!! Thank you for sharing

[@TerriLynch]

Great idea

[@luisfematt370]

Good call on the one way valve, yes the sink could drain into the bathtub

[@wearefreesd3305]

Magnets on ceiling. Four of them to be exact.

[@williamchanning9055]

Nice to have you back, another impressive vlog..

[@laurajphillips]

Great Job!

[@kirelight6255]

I really appreciate your attention to detail and innovations thank you for sharing. Great videos!

[@watermark4609]

Instant subscribe when you say you're 6'5".

[@andreawisner7358]

"Plus nuts" for mounting. Welders magnet.

[@hmrubio1021]

Awesome shower pan. Next iteration: minimum shower drain is 2 1/2” diameter pipe.

[@Petelaosound]

Really cool

[@Petelaosound]

Amazing stealth shower 🚿

[@prestondanielgrant2152]

Everything he does I think "Hey, he should do that. And then he does it. And I cheers my monitor."

[@gisellegonzalez2628]

I have a tub that is held up with thin pvc tubes the rim inflates, I dry it out and put it away in its bag. 1 gallon Bug sprayer I’ve replaced the spray with a sink sprayer. Everything I’ve mentioned $50.00. I take my hat off to you for the buildout.

[@robertbangkok]

Excellent job, dude!

[@Vera-dc7my]

You are a great teacher. I learned a lot. You go into details and mention every item name and where you got it and why. Fantastic

[@leealmeida929]

Wow you are sooooo inspiring and patient, you have given me so much info & confidence to tackle my van shower :)

[@projectqueen610]

Tenacity..geat example. : ) "Just keep swimming." I'm thinking if you do the PVC ..perhaps do a 'T' from the rod you've made. Put a 3 to 5 inch piece that same diameter perpendicular to your rod (which starts your vertical). Then use a larger diameter in multiple sections down the span. The just place the smaller piece into the large one at the top. This way it could break down easily. All the fittings would be dry fit so you can just remove the to piece. Sit it in the pan then remove the sections and lay them down in the pan.

[@MamaBaer54]

A fabric shower curtain liner can be used alone and will dry much better than the vinyl and easily washable. Less likely to get mold and mildew. The entire system will need to be completely dry before you stow it all back in there. But I am sure you already knew that. Love your problem solving skills. You have a very analytical mind. I am taking notes from your videos to help me do my build.

[@JosephDR]

The popping effect when you step in the shower is called "tin canning." It's caused by the welding process. Metal distorts with the high heat of welding. If rubber was too smelly for you, perhaps a yoga mat.

[@keithbrookshire]

Putting the pan on stilts mostly worked out. I was shouting at you to just make a cardboard template of the pan and transfer it to the floor. I really like all the thought you're putting into each step. I'll be watching more of your build.

[@frankalvareziii8289]

well done thank you for finding solution!

[@mericapowerwashing6520]

I had a friend do a conversion. And what he did for his floating shower curtain was identical pan setup as your design, but instead of pvc piping for the shower curtain holder he used Alder Metal piping I believe is what it is called. from Lowe’s. It’s by the water heaters and plumbing section. And he Made a square identical as your pvc pipe one. .. and to fix it to the ceiling he had placed some strong magnets inside his ceiling behind the wood panels. So it just snaps to the wood for shower time strong enough to hold its own weight and not cause damage to the wood but also easy installed and removed, alzo during the day time the magnets in the ceiling were strong enough to hold a small hanging tv mount.. or a hanging flower pot was really cool setup he usually rocked . And he fixed the shower head mount to the meal square that pops to the ceiling on the center of one of the 4 sides. But that one side at a metal T that was threaded in both sides. So from the T was I believe a 6” rod that would swivel down and on the end of the T rod had the shower head bracket fixed to it... and for storage the T rod would fold flat.. I mean he later realized the Swiveling T was unnecessary and he could of just fixed it solid and it would of still fit in the pan perfectly. So he later made it a solid design. Becuase he made double use of the metal square. On the side Of his van he had made or fabricated or found a mount that the 6” rod from the T of the shower hanger would fit into. So he would take the assembly outside during camping events and it had Velcro tabs attached to it. And just like you use that Black sheet of plastic to make a level tool shelf. He had used a piece of wood. And he would transfer the assembly outside and the piece of wood would Velcro down and it would make a small outside table that he used for cooking, for board games, for his tv, for everything pretty much. And actually believe recently. He made some modifications to his van. And the bracket he uses outside as a table mount. He made made another mount higher rite on the other side of his inside shower setup about 7’feet from the ground. And added a Outside Rv shower access panel to the side of van since the plumbing was already there on the other side of the van panel he just Tied into it . So he can take beach showers outside or wash his gear before storage... very easy stuff to do and it may sound complicated but it’s all clever and Timless setup

[@juliemac5604]

Disciple 4Jesus would love to see some photos of this! Sounds genius

[@dyeaton1]

Great job.

[@moniquerossmccoy1314]

Truly cool! Great job 👍🏽