I have had an idea for a shower to put in a shuttle bus conversion I am planning and after watching seemingly endless bathroom videos I was about to give up. Then I saw this! EUREKA! HALLELUJAH! This is almost identical to what I was thinking! Thanks so much!
I live on a sailboat and when on anchor, a 5 gallon bucket becomes my hot water tank. In the summer a solar shower bag works really well, but in the winter heating water on the stove is one of the only two options. The second option is running 3 pots of water through the Mr. Coffee (no grounds of course) powered by an inverter. The tip here is once you know the ratio of hot water to cold it mixes better in the bucket if you put the hot water in first and then the pressurized cold. If you spray the cold towards the sides it stirs the entire thing and mixes from all the bubbles. A trick if you don't have pressurized water, or for a stratified solar bag. Use a bit of hose to blow bubbles into the bottom of the container. The bubbles will mix the entire bag/bucket/or square container.
Great job on the shower. Suggestion, before you step into the shower, run enough water through the hose until warm water starts to flow, catch it in a container to reuse. Then when you step into the shower and turn on the shower head you will already have warm water. I traveled for many years in a camper and could take a nice shower with 1.5 gallons of water. I just stumbled onto your channel and subed because of this video.
Excellent suggestion! Cold water sure wakes you up in a hurry! It's also good to run it a little in case there is some old water still in the pump from the last time you used it. Sometimes I get a little rust at first but haven't pinpointed the source. Thanks!
@@SlimPotatohead The rust you are getting is from the garden trigger gun hand piece. The spring inside is not corrosion resistant and with the water remaining inside for days after you use it , it can only rust. It won't take long and the trigger won't work. Some of the more expensive Hand Guns come with Stainless Steel springs. I like to control my pump electrically, that way it doesn't pump into a closed head that may shorten it's life. I run a waterproof switch to the handle and with this method I also find that I use less water as it's much quicker and easier to switch on and off especially if it's a switch you have to hold in the on position.. The added bonus is that, it's only noisy for the short time you actually use it as well as saving power if you are limited. Pump seems to work great, in fact too great if you are trying to minimize water use. Either a smaller pump or maybe much better would be some sort of restrictor or valve to limit the flow. But hey, these suggestions do make a simple system somewhat more complicated. Those small Whale Submersible pumps are great for this also, smaller, quieter, less power I'm sure too. Mine works great with electrical control on the hand piece. They also are not prone to problems if the water has debris in it whereas your type quickly will fail to work with any contaminant for instance if you use stream water. But it's early days for my Whale and time/use will be the deciding factor as to which really is the best for this situation. Good to see someone inventive to suit their own requirements.
I’ve been watching your videos on and off now for some time and never realized you had a hidden shower and toilet. It was something I even questioned (to myself) but figured you really liked to rough it. And you are right about the nasty showers and rest rooms at some campgrounds. So much better to use your own.
When i was building my bathroom at home i somewhat used the same "temporary" shower. Also a camping hose with a pump and 30 liters of water which was heated by the sun only (summertime). I actually liked it since it didn't use any gas and just minimal power to run the pump. Great it works for you this way. No day starts good without a shower!
Nothing better than a hot shower while camping. I made a shower out of a turkey fryer with a pump mounted under it. I can actually take a long shower with the amount of water in the fryer pot. It's fantastic. Anybody who camps with me uses it and they can't believe what a handy luxury it is and how long in duration it lasts. But like you said Slim, I've learned to turn it on and let the cold water clear the pipe before I get under it. Ha..... sometimes I don't tell friends and let em learn that for themselves. That's when you hear a "whooo!" at the shower area. Ha!! Great videos. The production is great as is the cinematography. I'm traveling through your adventures dude. 👍🏻
Always great to see your vids, SP. When I was researching shower options, I came across the Zodi outdoor shower... costs $300. It's essentially a 5-gal metal tank with a gauge that you pump to pressurize. I thought: "Wait, this is the same thing as an $80 garden sprayer from Canadian Tire!" So off to Canadian Tire I went. To heat it, I just take it down to the washrooms and fill it with their hot water which I may supplement by heating it up on the propane stove, or with water heated up on the fireplace. We have a dedicated shower tent... you can adjust the spray settings from coarse to mist and the inside of the shower turns into a warm and cozy steam sauna. Typically, we'll only use about half to 2/3s of a tank. My wife initially thought my idea was goofy. Changed her mind pretty quick after the first time we used it. It's great. Clothes and towels are within easy reach of the door. Not something you'd want to do inside though... the steam would damage the interior walls. We haven't used it often... we tend to stay at private campgrounds with better facilities. But, yeah, we've seen some pretty grotty showers too in our day. I've never given much thought to the soap/shampoo issue... maybe I'll look at some of those biodegradable soaps. Once, when I forget the shower, I just heated a big ass rock in the fireplace, dropped it into a five gallon pail of water, let it sit for ten minutes or so and 'bathed' right out of the pail. In a pinch, you do what you gotta do. I do like your shower stall rigging... might use the same idea but on the outside of the trailer.
Hi Mike, My first trip in the Aliner I used a garden sprayer. Guess the trick is to get a good size one, as mine keep running out of pressure half way through the shower. It is a great alternative to a permanent shower, especially if you are short on space. Thanks!
As a full time boondocker my setup is a 2.5 gallon solar shower bag, a five gallon bucket with a lid, and a zodi shower pump than runs on 4 rechargable D cell batts. Heat up the 2.5 gallon solar shower bag, then adjust with hot water from the stove or cold water on hot days, pour it into the 5 gallon bucket with a hole cut in the top for the zodi water pump and its ready.
I love your shower! We use basically the same concept at our cabin. It came with a pink bathtub built into the bedroom with a drain out the side of the cabin. The water just gets heated on the propane or wood stove. I have also used the black bag showers when there is enough sunshine to heat it up. Then I hoist it up on a pulley and it works pretty good! I have even been known, when at the cabin by myself, to place the black bag shower on the cabin roof and shower under the eaves. Good thing our cabin is in the middle of nowhere!-Sue
I made a basement shower 17 years ago when we first moved in to our house. Made out of pressure treated wood and the walls are plastic sheet just like what your shower uses. No mold, lots of hard water stains and it's still good enough for me :)
Thanks for the update. I bought my Aliner last week. I intend to incorporate many of your ideas. I'm downsizing from a MB Sprinter to a car and the Aliner. I'm looking forward to your videos. I think I have watched them all.
@@Budnbuf hi, I downsized so that I have something to drive other than my home. I can take the Mazda 5 and Aliner places I could not take the Sprinter. Like under my carport when I'm not on the road. I had the Sprinter for 14 years.
Hi Slim. I just began watching some of your videos which I really enjoy, but this one was of particular interest as I am creating an indoor collapsible shower for my cargo trailer that I am converting. If you don't mind, I am going to copy a few of the elements of your design. The pull up design is quite brilliant to me. I remember about a year ago I was looking at Aliners but they were frightfully expensive, even used. But I am way too tall and big to squeeze in that space, but it works great for a person your size. The world was not designed for the big and tall, but I am having great fun designing my cargo trailer to fit my size. Your videos are educational; fun and well presented. I will take time and view the rest. Thank You.
Hi Manny, Please feel free to use any ideas of mine as you like. I am more than happy to share! A cargo trailer is like a blank canvas, there's so many things you can do to customize. Have fun !
Slim....you are, in a word, brilliant! Your natural engineering prowess has inspired me to hit the road again with your type of RV, only I, too, require my own shower and on-board cassette toilet. Happy trails!
I do not have a trailer/camper yet but since I subscribed, I have learned a lot of good things about the Aliner. I am on a tight fixed income so hoping to someday find a fixer upper and apply what you have presented here :-)
I've been binging on your videos since last night when I first saw your Aliner. Wow! it's light, functional, pops up in no time at all, and withstands the elements (for the most part). Like many, I'm gaining knowledge, taking notes, and loving the beautiful travel videos you put out. Such an inspiration! Van or Aliner. I'm leaning toward the Aliner. Great Video(s)!!
1 - paint your tank black (or, one side of it) and set it in the sun to get warmer water. I use a camping gravity shower in the bush and this method works great. You could also pre warm your water in the boiling pot this way. 2 - Also, if you want to use your shower head more easily, fix the pvc bracket but cut a groove in the top of the horizontal pvc section so the head is held in place but the hose passes through the top slot. This way it will work like a normal shower massage head. 3 - I've had problems with the plastic sprinkler heads freezing and getting screwed up in some way. The metal heads of the same design are much more durable. I have used both over the years.
I loved it. I saw someone put a shower and T. in an Aliner. Looked ok but took up way to much room it was an all inclosed thing. That eliminates the one bed.
I agree about those public showers. Some are really ok and others are just so ugly. I like your idea of how you installed this and it certainly is worth it. Great video.
Heads up Slim, Amazon has a 3 gal showered set up where a 12v rechargeable lithium battery hooks directly to the 3 gal water tank, it’s much the same as yours but eliminates your exterior pump & 1 hose, a little space savings, check it out! Shalom!
Yes! I just started showering in one in pitch dark. It was my very first time. Suddenly there was a frog in there “singing” as I turned in the water! I got out of there so fast! OMG, it feels like yesterday but was 26 years ago!
Love your Channel. Such creativity both in video production and travel/trailer hacks and handy-ness. Thank you for all the great ideas and inspiration!
I want to thank you for your suggestion to use pool noodles cut in half in the spaces between where the sides meet the A frame. We have stayed in weather hooving in the 30's at night and it is much warmer inside our Aliner LXE! Happy Holidays to you! Now we're off to Big Bend National Park.
I've not got a folding trailer but came across your channel as looking at ways to make a fold-down bathroom in sprinter camper conversion. And now watching your other videos as I like your interesting ideas and style of presentation. You got a new subscriber :)
Hi David, Good to hear my ideas are helpful to you. I imagine a van would be perfect for a folding folder, either folding into the floor, roof, or even side. Many possibilities. Thanks!
Thank you for being positive in every situation you come across. And you have given me some good things to think about. I like the A liner and every video showing all seasons. Thank you a admirer.🕊💌🕊
Why don't you use a garden sprayer pump? The one I use has a shut off so once the line makes pressure the pump shuts off and only turns back on when it's needed to maintain pressure. Mine is 12VDC and would fit right in that box.
Great video! If you have enough electrical energy available you could add another heating element to your jug. Likely you could run the heating element unregulated, depending on the solar array setup - would save the energy lost in your regulation system. Finally, you could insulate your water tank for better efficiency - should help a lot in cold weather. Wrap the jug in a blanket or sleeping bag or put it in an ice chest while it’s heating.
Love seeing your a-liner videos! I just bought a 2015 Rockwood A194HW, which has a toilet and shower in it already. Haven't used it all yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
FWIW, we don't collect gray water when camping. Because there is no way to do so using a privy tent or outdoor shower... We use biodegradeable soaps / detergents so no negative environmental impact from them. Seventh generation dish soap, and Burts Bees soaps / shampoo / conditioner. The rule for generations has been simply to keep your gray water absolutely clear of any waterway, and use the safest soaps you can. I agree, campground bathrooms can be, and more often than not are revolting.
The myth about biodegradable soaps is that they are actually good for the environment. Somehow people think the environment is just dirt and plants and somehow forget the little creatures who live in the soil. Soap suds suffocate those that breathe through their skin, like insects. Please dispose of all soaps properly, either by dilution or dispersing over a wide area. Best of all, use a dump station. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead I hope I'm doing it right, my dishwater is a very small amount, and I disperse it on a rocky or sandy road, in as sunny a place as I can find.
Thanks for your videos! I recently purchased a used A-liner and can't wait to try some of your tricks and advice. Really appreciate the detailed instructions and where to purchase advice.
Hey Slim.I've been away for awhile partner, but as u know,I believe I'm one of ur early, loyal subs.I hope ur doing great. I come back to this excellent, instructional video.Kudos on superb, TH-cam content creation. May I suggest painting the blue hot water jug flat black for increased solar gain and incorporating a shower fold down segment.All the best Slim.You rock! Always be safe.Happy Trails. phil from nyc
Generally any Castile Soaps are good for the environment. Dr Bronners is another brand that is common but any organic natural oil soaps are beneficial too.
I’m 6’2” so this mod is out for me. Looks like I need the Aliner with pop up dormers. Some are coming with a shower setup from factory. I need to actually stand in one to see if it will work. I do appreciate your DIY approach to this. Also, Alabama state parks have some VERY nice shower houses if you are ever out this way.
I can see where someone taller would have an issue, but it's only for a couple of minutes to shower so it can be dealt with. Good simple working system you came up with.
You should replace that pump with a brushless impeller pump-motor. It doesn't blow up your hoses. Banggood has them for under $10 US. The one I saw will deliver up to 5 meters tall but stops against only 5 PSI of backpressure.
Awe thank you for sharing Slim ...brilliant idea but I would rather use a bowl and top and tail ...I couldn’t be bothered with the the hassle of this . I love your vids here ..I love that Aline . I wish we had these in the UK ...fabulous idea 😊
What a BRILLIANT idea and innovation! You have a great mind and ideas! 😇 Keep them koming! 😇😺 maybe the Aliner industry will get your idea, patent your idea.
I just discovered your channel. I like it. Watched a few episodes. Enjoyed them. Thanks. Your place looks fairly spacious. I'LL be in and out checking your channel. Keep up the good work.
You can go back and edit to add on-screen notes and/or link to updated videos (e.g. link the old to this one). You have to access them via the Creator Studio section of your channel dashboard. I had to do it a lot when beta testing games. I hope that helps!
That was a bright idea. I will do that on the cargo van when I start my vanlifing ! It can be placed under the bed/ couch and the shower will be at the back door area.you are a genius creative person . Thanks for sharing your artistic mind / ideas ... can’t wait for my final retirement day soon !!!! Where did you get that shower base ? What are the names of the clamps that holds the PVCs and where you got those ? Home Depot ? Thanks teresa/aseret”
Check out the original build videos, as they show constructing the floor. They're here: th-cam.com/video/NIoDB5Yf_MY/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/gRLlQeaaDwQ/w-d-xo.html. My very first videos! SP
For gray water I used a 1 gallon pail with a lid I put a hole in the lid for gray water and one in the bottom for draining, inside the pail I have pool filter sand and 2 filter pads to catch any food particles and soap scum. We only use biodegradable shampoo and dishwashing soap. I was amazed at the amount of food particles that is in the filter after a weekend. I do not use this in any campgrounds, I have a friend with a small farm and he allows us to camp there, and welcomes the extra water on his fields
Awesome! But you talked a lot about the shower but didn't mention the toilet. I'm curious, if the 'bathroom' area collapses into a bed at night, that would seem to make the toilet unaccessible in the middle of the night?
Hi Daniel, travelling solo is not an issue as I sleep in the front. As it is a small portable toilet it could be moved. Some actually slide them out from the compartment by the door. Lots of options! SP
A real neat design for the shower. The only question I have, It seems like you would have a lot of splatter, especially when washing your head and your bed is right there. Does your bead or seat get a little wet when you take your shower? It seems to me that it would be better to extend the plastic up to your sloping roof.
Just a though too--what about also getting a cassette toilet that can also fit into that area... maybe have it so it can slide under the bed when not in use, but that you can pull out and sit on in the shower area when you need to.
In the morning I use a hand pump shower on my yacht, it holds 20Litres, and I just boil one litre in my jetboil and add to 19 litres in the container and the temperature is great. Alternatively leave the black water container in the sun all day and it is good to go.
I have a much simpler shower with a 12V submersible fountain pump and a low-flow showerhead. Your solution would do a lot better with a low flow head instead of the garden hose sprayer. For me, a bucket of water, half cold, half boiling will produce a warm enough shower. About 3+ gallons are plenty for 2 people to shower and wash their hair (given, my wife has short hair). We have one of those little popup shower tents and a rubber mat (actually the cargo mat from my jeep needs to do double duty here) and it gives nice showers - wind is an issue though. Still my trailer can't fit a shower (small off-road teardrop trailer I can tow almost anywhere my Jeep goes) so this is the solution. I see your argument about other people's "filth", but I have to say we use simple Dr Bronner liquid soap - which biodegrades quickly and works just fine for everything. I also have a 30ft cord on my little shower, so I can plug it in the trailer or car without having to take the shower right there at the campground. Usually I put the tent a bit off to the side in the bushes. If push comes to shove, I have a small ATV 12V battery I used for tent camping back in the day and that one can power the shower anywhere I want it to. BTW; immersion heater on 12V? Not sure what the purpose of that is, but propane is always much quicker. The only argument I see for heating electrical on a solar panel is that you don't have to refill - but then, you miss charging your batteries while heating water and in my book that's more important considering a small 2 panel setup. I have 300W solar on my trailer (150 on the trailer, 150 portable plug in to supplement) and two batteries. That gives me arround 100Ah and that's not a lot depending on what you want to power - so for me a campfire or propane heats the shower.
I think a shower (whether home-made or built-in already) is a must especially if you're boondocking places where there aren't showers near by (if you're going to be camping of course for several days--I mean you could probably get by for a few days using cleaning wipes, etc, but after a few days you'd probably want a shower regardless). I'd say that if you're not going to be near a campsite with a bathroom and shower, you almost want to have a toilet and shower (preferrably inside especially if you're in areas where there might be wild animals around at night, like bears). And yes, whenever you're dealing with liquids that are under pressure, use a braided hose. Much stronger (which is why a lot of garden hoses, for example, are braided with a structure to help prevent bulging and rupturing).
I take 3 , one gallon plastic bottles and put them in the window facing the sun with a black towel, that water heats up , sometimes to much and need to add cooler water/ To each their own but I think gray water feeds the environment .....
Al Saves - read Slim's thoughtful comments about gray water. The soaps, even biodegradeable, affect the critters that live in the soil. Disperse gray water over a wide space or dispose of elsewhere, is what he suggests.
I have had an idea for a shower to put in a shuttle bus conversion I am planning and after watching seemingly endless bathroom videos I was about to give up. Then I saw this! EUREKA! HALLELUJAH! This is almost identical to what I was thinking! Thanks so much!
Hi Dona, glad you found it helpful. Over two years in service now and still works! SP
It's amazing how close it was to what I had in mind. I just could not figure out how. Thanks!
Dude, you are MacGyver. If you get a 3D printer, I'm convinced you'll make that Aliner fly.
I live on a sailboat and when on anchor, a 5 gallon bucket becomes my hot water tank. In the summer a solar shower bag works really well, but in the winter heating water on the stove is one of the only two options. The second option is running 3 pots of water through the Mr. Coffee (no grounds of course) powered by an inverter. The tip here is once you know the ratio of hot water to cold it mixes better in the bucket if you put the hot water in first and then the pressurized cold. If you spray the cold towards the sides it stirs the entire thing and mixes from all the bubbles. A trick if you don't have pressurized water, or for a stratified solar bag. Use a bit of hose to blow bubbles into the bottom of the container. The bubbles will mix the entire bag/bucket/or square container.
Great job on the shower. Suggestion, before you step into the shower, run enough water through the hose until warm water starts to flow, catch it in a container to reuse. Then when you step into the shower and turn on the shower head you will already have warm water. I traveled for many years in a camper and could take a nice shower with 1.5 gallons of water.
I just stumbled onto your channel and subed because of this video.
Excellent suggestion! Cold water sure wakes you up in a hurry! It's also good to run it a little in case there is some old water still in the pump from the last time you used it. Sometimes I get a little rust at first but haven't pinpointed the source. Thanks!
@@SlimPotatohead The rust you are getting is from the garden trigger gun hand piece. The spring inside is not corrosion resistant and with the water remaining inside for days after you use it , it can only rust. It won't take long and the trigger won't work. Some of the more expensive Hand Guns come with Stainless Steel springs. I like to control my pump electrically, that way it doesn't pump into a closed head that may shorten it's life. I run a waterproof switch to the handle and with this method I also find that I use less water as it's much quicker and easier to switch on and off especially if it's a switch you have to hold in the on position.. The added bonus is that, it's only noisy for the short time you actually use it as well as saving power if you are limited. Pump seems to work great, in fact too great if you are trying to minimize water use. Either a smaller pump or maybe much better would be some sort of restrictor or valve to limit the flow. But hey, these suggestions do make a simple system somewhat more complicated.
Those small Whale Submersible pumps are great for this also, smaller, quieter, less power I'm sure too. Mine works great with electrical control on the hand piece. They also are not prone to problems if the water has debris in it whereas your type quickly will fail to work with any contaminant for instance if you use stream water. But it's early days for my Whale and time/use will be the deciding factor as to which really is the best for this situation. Good to see someone inventive to suit their own requirements.
I agree. A self built indoor shower is a must. Thank you for the video !
I’ve been watching your videos on and off now for some time and never realized you had a hidden shower and toilet. It was something I even questioned (to myself) but figured you really liked to rough it. And you are right about the nasty showers and rest rooms at some campgrounds. So much better to use your own.
When i was building my bathroom at home i somewhat used the same "temporary" shower. Also a camping hose with a pump and 30 liters of water which was heated by the sun only (summertime). I actually liked it since it didn't use any gas and just minimal power to run the pump. Great it works for you this way. No day starts good without a shower!
Nothing better than a hot shower while camping. I made a shower out of a turkey fryer with a pump mounted under it. I can actually take a long shower with the amount of water in the fryer pot. It's fantastic. Anybody who camps with me uses it and they can't believe what a handy luxury it is and how long in duration it lasts. But like you said Slim, I've learned to turn it on and let the cold water clear the pipe before I get under it. Ha..... sometimes I don't tell friends and let em learn that for themselves. That's when you hear a "whooo!" at the shower area. Ha!! Great videos. The production is great as is the cinematography. I'm traveling through your adventures dude. 👍🏻
Bama Murdock ... would you be kind enough to post a video on how you made it and use it?
yea, that sounds pretty interesting!!!
Always great to see your vids, SP. When I was researching shower options, I came across the Zodi outdoor shower... costs $300. It's essentially a 5-gal metal tank with a gauge that you pump to pressurize. I thought: "Wait, this is the same thing as an $80 garden sprayer from Canadian Tire!" So off to Canadian Tire I went.
To heat it, I just take it down to the washrooms and fill it with their hot water which I may supplement by heating it up on the propane stove, or with water heated up on the fireplace. We have a dedicated shower tent... you can adjust the spray settings from coarse to mist and the inside of the shower turns into a warm and cozy steam sauna. Typically, we'll only use about half to 2/3s of a tank. My wife initially thought my idea was goofy. Changed her mind pretty quick after the first time we used it.
It's great. Clothes and towels are within easy reach of the door. Not something you'd want to do inside though... the steam would damage the interior walls.
We haven't used it often... we tend to stay at private campgrounds with better facilities. But, yeah, we've seen some pretty grotty showers too in our day.
I've never given much thought to the soap/shampoo issue... maybe I'll look at some of those biodegradable soaps.
Once, when I forget the shower, I just heated a big ass rock in the fireplace, dropped it into a five gallon pail of water, let it sit for ten minutes or so and 'bathed' right out of the pail. In a pinch, you do what you gotta do.
I do like your shower stall rigging... might use the same idea but on the outside of the trailer.
Hi Mike, My first trip in the Aliner I used a garden sprayer. Guess the trick is to get a good size one, as mine keep running out of pressure half way through the shower. It is a great alternative to a permanent shower, especially if you are short on space. Thanks!
Great ideas... part of the adventure make for the fun.
As a full time boondocker my setup is a 2.5 gallon solar shower bag, a five gallon bucket with a lid, and a zodi shower pump than runs on 4 rechargable D cell batts. Heat up the 2.5 gallon solar shower bag, then adjust with hot water from the stove or cold water on hot days, pour it into the 5 gallon bucket with a hole cut in the top for the zodi water pump and its ready.
I love your shower! We use basically the same concept at our cabin. It came with a pink bathtub built into the bedroom with a drain out the side of the cabin. The water just gets heated on the propane or wood stove. I have also used the black bag showers when there is enough sunshine to heat it up. Then I hoist it up on a pulley and it works pretty good! I have even been known, when at the cabin by myself, to place the black bag shower on the cabin roof and shower under the eaves. Good thing our cabin is in the middle of nowhere!-Sue
I made a basement shower 17 years ago when we first moved in to our house. Made out of pressure treated wood and the walls are plastic sheet just like what your shower uses. No mold, lots of hard water stains and it's still good enough for me :)
Thanks for the update. I bought my Aliner last week. I intend to incorporate many of your ideas. I'm downsizing from a MB Sprinter to a car and the Aliner. I'm looking forward to your videos. I think I have watched them all.
Why did you downsize? (I am thinking of getting a Sprinter over a Aliner.)
@@Budnbuf hi, I downsized so that I have something to drive other than my home. I can take the Mazda 5 and Aliner places I could not take the Sprinter. Like under my carport when I'm not on the road. I had the Sprinter for 14 years.
Hi Slim. I just began watching some of your videos which I really enjoy, but this one was of particular interest as I am creating an indoor collapsible shower for my cargo trailer that I am converting. If you don't mind, I am going to copy a few of the elements of your design. The pull up design is quite brilliant to me.
I remember about a year ago I was looking at Aliners but they were frightfully expensive, even used. But I am way too tall and big to squeeze in that space, but it works great for a person your size. The world was not designed for the big and tall, but I am having great fun designing my cargo trailer to fit my size.
Your videos are educational; fun and well presented. I will take time and view the rest. Thank You.
Hi Manny, Please feel free to use any ideas of mine as you like. I am more than happy to share! A cargo trailer is like a blank canvas, there's so many things you can do to customize. Have fun !
Slim....you are, in a word, brilliant! Your natural engineering prowess has inspired me to hit the road again with your type of RV, only I, too, require my own shower and on-board cassette toilet. Happy trails!
I do not have a trailer/camper yet but since I subscribed, I have learned a lot of good things about the Aliner. I am on a tight fixed income so hoping to someday find a fixer upper and apply what you have presented here :-)
You crack me up Slim (in a good way) you’re very ingenious! 👍😎
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Love your videos, Slim!
Nice job with the shower and visual was nice too!
I've been binging on your videos since last night when I first saw your Aliner. Wow! it's light, functional, pops up in no time at all, and withstands the elements (for the most part). Like many, I'm gaining knowledge, taking notes, and loving the beautiful travel videos you put out. Such an inspiration! Van or Aliner. I'm leaning toward the Aliner. Great Video(s)!!
thanks slim. now i know for sure i'll get an a-frame WITH a shower. another good informative video!
1 - paint your tank black (or, one side of it) and set it in the sun to get warmer water. I use a camping gravity shower in the bush and this method works great. You could also pre warm your water in the boiling pot this way. 2 - Also, if you want to use your shower head more easily, fix the pvc bracket but cut a groove in the top of the horizontal pvc section so the head is held in place but the hose passes through the top slot. This way it will work like a normal shower massage head. 3 - I've had problems with the plastic sprinkler heads freezing and getting screwed up in some way. The metal heads of the same design are much more durable. I have used both over the years.
I loved it. I saw someone put a shower and T. in an Aliner. Looked ok but took up way to much room it was an all inclosed thing. That eliminates the one bed.
Is it worth the hassle? . . . an emphatic "yes" from me! Thanks for the update, Slim. Happy camping . . .
Thanks for a follow up video. To many times we are left wondering how something really worked out. Great job.
Ingenious use of every-day household items to build a showering retreat!
I agree about those public showers. Some are really ok and others are just so ugly. I like your idea of how you installed this and it certainly is worth it. Great video.
Heads up Slim, Amazon has a 3 gal showered set up where a 12v rechargeable lithium battery hooks directly to the 3 gal water tank, it’s much the same as yours but eliminates your exterior pump & 1 hose, a little space savings, check it out! Shalom!
Love this vid! Thank you! Didn’t know you could have a shower in Aliner! Boom!
Yes! I just started showering in one in pitch dark. It was my very first time. Suddenly there was a frog in there “singing” as I turned in the water! I got out of there so fast! OMG, it feels like yesterday but was 26 years ago!
Thanks so much for this, you've made me completely rethink my shower solution in my van for the better!
great shower! Aliner shower is definatley a thinkers challenge
Love your Channel. Such creativity both in video production and travel/trailer hacks and handy-ness. Thank you for all the great ideas and inspiration!
I want to thank you for your suggestion to use pool noodles cut in half in the spaces between where the sides meet the A frame. We have stayed in weather hooving in the 30's at night and it is much warmer inside our Aliner LXE! Happy Holidays to you! Now we're off to Big Bend National Park.
Sounds like a great adventure..
I've not got a folding trailer but came across your channel as looking at ways to make a fold-down bathroom in sprinter camper conversion. And now watching your other videos as I like your interesting ideas and style of presentation. You got a new subscriber :)
Hi David, Good to hear my ideas are helpful to you. I imagine a van would be perfect for a folding folder, either folding into the floor, roof, or even side. Many possibilities. Thanks!
I love your ideas , Keep em coming.
Thanks for the update. You have a lot of good ideas and this is one of your best.
until today I always wonder where you shower. That is very ingenious. I give you thumbs up. Great videos.
That was awesome! Being creative.. you can make any camper your own.
I love it! - New to camping and we wanted to install a shower. Thank you for helping and doing the video!
Glad to have helped Lisa! SP
Good video
Here in the Uk people are staring to use hand pump up ,garden spray bottle for when no elect is available (Hozelock Portashower)
Thank you for being positive in every situation you come across. And you have given me some good things to think about. I like the A liner and every video showing all seasons.
Thank you a admirer.🕊💌🕊
Why don't you use a garden sprayer pump? The one I use has a shut off so once the line makes pressure the pump shuts off and only turns back on when it's needed to maintain pressure. Mine is 12VDC and would fit right in that box.
You are a very inventive guy. I really enjoy your videos and find them very useful for my Aliner. Thanks and keep them coming!
Great video!
If you have enough electrical energy available you could add another heating element to your jug.
Likely you could run the heating element unregulated, depending on the solar array setup - would save the energy lost in your regulation system.
Finally, you could insulate your water tank for better efficiency - should help a lot in cold weather. Wrap the jug in a blanket or sleeping bag or put it in an ice chest while it’s heating.
Love seeing your a-liner videos! I just bought a 2015 Rockwood A194HW, which has a toilet and shower in it already. Haven't used it all yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it?>
FWIW, we don't collect gray water when camping. Because there is no way to do so using a privy tent or outdoor shower... We use biodegradeable soaps / detergents so no negative environmental impact from them. Seventh generation dish soap, and Burts Bees soaps / shampoo / conditioner.
The rule for generations has been simply to keep your gray water absolutely clear of any waterway, and use the safest soaps you can.
I agree, campground bathrooms can be, and more often than not are revolting.
Yeah, I don't want chemicals on my skin either. Just use natural soap and it won't matter. Nature's Gate has good prices too.
The myth about biodegradable soaps is that they are actually good for the environment. Somehow people think the environment is just dirt and plants and somehow forget the little creatures who live in the soil. Soap suds suffocate those that breathe through their skin, like insects. Please dispose of all soaps properly, either by dilution or dispersing over a wide area. Best of all, use a dump station. Thanks! SP
@@SlimPotatohead I hope I'm doing it right, my dishwater is a very small amount, and I disperse it on a rocky or sandy road, in as sunny a place as I can find.
Oh, yay! The supermodel showed up for this shower scene! LoL
Loving your channel. I'm binge-watching right now. Hehe
🙃 - that was himself,
Rudimentary but functional. Cleverly hidden. Winner.
Thanks for your videos! I recently purchased a used A-liner and can't wait to try some of your tricks and advice. Really appreciate the detailed instructions and where to purchase advice.
Great idea. Looks like you can really make this into a nice little home.
I LOVE your innovations!! I can't wait to see what you do with your new RV; I think it (they) will be GREAT!! 👍😃👣
Excellent, Slim & thanks!
Looking forward to implementing your thoughts and design...
Cheers,
Tom in Medicine Hat
Silverfire makes skirted pots. Supposed to halve your fuel usage on gas stoves. Love your vids, you're making great use of space.
Hey Slim.I've been away for awhile partner, but as u know,I believe I'm one of ur early, loyal subs.I hope ur doing great. I come back to this excellent, instructional video.Kudos on superb, TH-cam content creation. May I suggest painting the blue hot water jug flat black for increased solar gain and incorporating a shower fold down segment.All the best Slim.You rock! Always be safe.Happy Trails.
phil from nyc
Welcome back Phil! Yes, a black jug would certainly help warm the water up in the sun. Thanks!
@@SlimPotatohead Slim, I am in need of your help. I have an Aliner that is in need of a new ceiling/roof. Have you done a video on this?
I'm so happy I found your channel! Many thanks for your awesome ideas!
The shower is the best. I’m doing that in my van now. Great video.
Great video! Keep it coming👍
Great ideas! Your idea got my brain turning on how I could use those broom holder brackets for function in my Prius (not for a shower-lol).
Awesome innovation. Gonna try a modification in an E350 bus
You are so helpful! Thank you!
Awesome series regarding your shower setup! Relatively new subber and I am beginning to binge watch.
Love your videos. Need to get a trailer.
Generally any Castile Soaps are good for the environment. Dr Bronners is another brand that is common but any organic natural oil soaps are beneficial too.
You beat me to it! Great minds and all that. 😉
So non organic soaps are bad for the environment but okay for my skin?
@@jonovak2294 yes they do!
I’m 6’2” so this mod is out for me. Looks like I need the Aliner with pop up dormers. Some are coming with a shower setup from factory. I need to actually stand in one to see if it will work.
I do appreciate your DIY approach to this.
Also, Alabama state parks have some VERY nice shower houses if you are ever out this way.
Dale, couldnt you just place the shower closer to the middle of the wall at its highest height? It doesnt HAVE TO be in the short corner like his.
Hey I recognize those mountains at 4:10! You’re in my town Las Cruces, NM! Under the organ mountains where you are is a good boondocking spot
Good eye, you are correct! SP
Very ingenious shower! Good job!
Really appreciate your creativity. Well done, great tips.
Thanks for the video! I am thinking about an a-liner one day. Have a great year.
Nice.. i have thought about it but not alone..
@@cherriemckinstry131 I like his new RV much better. I could not do it a long ether. :-)
I can see where someone taller would have an issue, but it's only for a couple of minutes to shower so it can be dealt with. Good simple working system you came up with.
You should replace that pump with a brushless impeller pump-motor. It doesn't blow up your hoses. Banggood has them for under $10 US. The one I saw will deliver up to 5 meters tall but stops against only 5 PSI of backpressure.
Your hard core slim. Very resourceful. Nice job.
Awe thank you for sharing Slim ...brilliant idea but I would rather use a bowl and top and tail ...I couldn’t be bothered with the the hassle of this . I love your vids here ..I love that Aline . I wish we had these in the UK ...fabulous idea 😊
Angela - what is "a bowl and top and tail"? Something specifically British?
Totaly cool idea. Well done. I think it's worth it 100%
What a BRILLIANT idea and innovation! You have a great mind and ideas! 😇 Keep them koming! 😇😺 maybe the Aliner industry will get your idea, patent your idea.
I just discovered your channel. I like it. Watched a few episodes. Enjoyed them. Thanks. Your place looks fairly spacious. I'LL be in and out checking your channel. Keep up the good work.
You can go back and edit to add on-screen notes and/or link to updated videos (e.g. link the old to this one). You have to access them via the Creator Studio section of your channel dashboard. I had to do it a lot when beta testing games. I hope that helps!
On the cheap I warm up some water on my butane stove and put it in a plant spray bottle, and once a week go to a truck stop shower!
Thats great and very ingenious, but at 6'4" and 265lb, That shower is a wee bit small for me. But I can modify your idea some to fit me. Thanks!
I agree with having private shower and toilet. Well done!
You make life seem fun again..
wow nude supermodel included in this update!!! hahahaaa thumbs up for that, lol.
That was a bright idea. I will do that on the cargo van when I start my vanlifing ! It can be placed under the bed/ couch and the shower will be at the back door area.you are a genius creative person . Thanks for sharing your artistic mind / ideas ... can’t wait for my final retirement day soon !!!! Where did you get that shower base ? What are the names of the clamps that holds the PVCs and where you got those ? Home Depot ? Thanks teresa/aseret”
Check out the original build videos, as they show constructing the floor. They're here: th-cam.com/video/NIoDB5Yf_MY/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/gRLlQeaaDwQ/w-d-xo.html. My very first videos! SP
Thanks a lot for your idea, it’ll save a lot of. Money to create that shower base . Could even do it myself !💝
For gray water I used a 1 gallon pail with a lid I put a hole in the lid for gray water and one in the bottom for draining, inside the pail I have pool filter sand and 2 filter pads to catch any food particles and soap scum. We only use biodegradable shampoo and dishwashing soap. I was amazed at the amount of food particles that is in the filter after a weekend. I do not use this in any campgrounds, I have a friend with a small farm and he allows us to camp there, and welcomes the extra water on his fields
Awesome! But you talked a lot about the shower but didn't mention the toilet. I'm curious, if the 'bathroom' area collapses into a bed at night, that would seem to make the toilet unaccessible in the middle of the night?
Hi Daniel, travelling solo is not an issue as I sleep in the front. As it is a small portable toilet it could be moved. Some actually slide them out from the compartment by the door. Lots of options! SP
Have you looked at the Beauer Expanding trailer. Bit pricey but not too bad.
A real neat design for the shower. The only question I have, It seems like you would have a lot of splatter, especially when washing your head and your bed is right there. Does your bead or seat get a little wet when you take your shower? It seems to me that it would be better to extend the plastic up to your sloping roof.
great video and real happiness of this DIY !
Just a though too--what about also getting a cassette toilet that can also fit into that area... maybe have it so it can slide under the bed when not in use, but that you can pull out and sit on in the shower area when you need to.
Guess you missed my very first two videos: th-cam.com/video/NIoDB5Yf_MY/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/gRLlQeaaDwQ/w-d-xo.html
Thanks, SP
In the morning I use a hand pump shower on my yacht, it holds 20Litres, and I just boil one litre in my jetboil and add to 19 litres in the container and the temperature is great. Alternatively leave the black water container in the sun all day and it is good to go.
Hey you can use the soapy water to wash the A frame.
I have a much simpler shower with a 12V submersible fountain pump and a low-flow showerhead. Your solution would do a lot better with a low flow head instead of the garden hose sprayer. For me, a bucket of water, half cold, half boiling will produce a warm enough shower. About 3+ gallons are plenty for 2 people to shower and wash their hair (given, my wife has short hair).
We have one of those little popup shower tents and a rubber mat (actually the cargo mat from my jeep needs to do double duty here) and it gives nice showers - wind is an issue though. Still my trailer can't fit a shower (small off-road teardrop trailer I can tow almost anywhere my Jeep goes) so this is the solution.
I see your argument about other people's "filth", but I have to say we use simple Dr Bronner liquid soap - which biodegrades quickly and works just fine for everything. I also have a 30ft cord on my little shower, so I can plug it in the trailer or car without having to take the shower right there at the campground. Usually I put the tent a bit off to the side in the bushes. If push comes to shove, I have a small ATV 12V battery I used for tent camping back in the day and that one can power the shower anywhere I want it to.
BTW; immersion heater on 12V? Not sure what the purpose of that is, but propane is always much quicker. The only argument I see for heating electrical on a solar panel is that you don't have to refill - but then, you miss charging your batteries while heating water and in my book that's more important considering a small 2 panel setup. I have 300W solar on my trailer (150 on the trailer, 150 portable plug in to supplement) and two batteries. That gives me arround 100Ah and that's not a lot depending on what you want to power - so for me a campfire or propane heats the shower.
Patate Maigre ... mon ami! Skinny Potato ... my friend. You are one of my favorite (favourite) Canadians!
Super cool idea!
Definitely a bathroom is worth the effort! Thanks for sharing your videos!
6' 3" ex power lifter, this wouldn't work for me at all. Being smaller in life is so much more convenient. Digging your videos Slim, just subscribed!
I think a shower (whether home-made or built-in already) is a must especially if you're boondocking places where there aren't showers near by (if you're going to be camping of course for several days--I mean you could probably get by for a few days using cleaning wipes, etc, but after a few days you'd probably want a shower regardless). I'd say that if you're not going to be near a campsite with a bathroom and shower, you almost want to have a toilet and shower (preferrably inside especially if you're in areas where there might be wild animals around at night, like bears).
And yes, whenever you're dealing with liquids that are under pressure, use a braided hose. Much stronger (which is why a lot of garden hoses, for example, are braided with a structure to help prevent bulging and rupturing).
That was good!!! Learned something too.
I take 3 , one gallon plastic bottles and put them in the window facing the sun with a black towel, that water heats up , sometimes to much and need to add cooler water/ To each their own but I think gray water feeds the environment .....
Al Saves - read Slim's thoughtful comments about gray water. The soaps, even biodegradeable, affect the critters that live in the soil. Disperse gray water over a wide space or dispose of elsewhere, is what he suggests.
Great video I love the shower. Nice work man.