Van Life Essentials: How to Build a Shower
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- 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!
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
You can also get a shower curtain or tarp at the dollar tree and Velcro works really well
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.
That's a great idea!
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!
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 👍
there is always stress just different stressors
I like that she still wants to have the luxuries of the nice soaps and conditioners.
She's still a girl!
Thanks customcraft1. Bob is right. ;))
Quality of life doesn't have to come at high cost.
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 ?
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!
Have you been able to go for it? If so, how has it been? :)
Tarps are frequently free at harbor freight!! You can get any harbor freight coupons on your phone. I really like free 😘.
I've got several of their free 25' measuring tapes from cutting the coupons out of the catalogs they send me.
2021NO MORE FREE AT
@HorrborFreight 😢
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!
+Debra Dickinson You are gorgeous Debra. And you have such a positive attitude & lively nature. You should do more videos love.
Ahhh, thank you Johnny! Check out my new channel! :))
+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? :)
The more the better Debra!
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! 🚐💨
Thank you for showing women who are brave enough to live, and be free of any societal rules of what women "should" be and do!
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
Thanks Cheryl!
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.
The lady in this video was such a sweetheart❤ Another great video!
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.
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.
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.
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 . 😀👍👍😀
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.
I have a hatchback and I put the tarp over the top and sides using magnets
Plz can u post coz it shall help me
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.
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!
I really appreciate all the simple but practical ideas you present on your channel.
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.
Thanks GG, that s a wonderful tip!
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.
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.
GG Prepper thanks again! A great idea. 👍🏼
Great idea!
I live in stick and bricks, in the Ca drought, I take a 3 gal shower. Gotta save our water. Great video❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Sue, for the comment and doing your part to conserve.
Thanks to the both of you for demonstrating shower tips. Like the idea of using the van doors and a tarp.
Cheap, simple and easy, what's not to love!
Me too Robin, it works great! Thanks!
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!
Perfect set up
Liked the magnets covered in cloth idea.
Me too
Very good. Private and personal enough.
Thanks Bill!
great video going to part 3 👍 👍 👍 👍 I love Ozark equipment
When we were doing bathroom renovations we just used a couple of watering cans. Boiled some water mixed it with cold. Used half a can to get wet. Soap yourself up and then rinse off with remaining 1 and a half cans.
I bought a popup camper and this is good information about shower enclosures. I did not know that anyone made a shower enclosure. Glad to know that Ozark Trail makes a shower enclosure.
Awesome and straightforward with a dash of humor video as always Bob :)
Thanks Brandon, I try!
I call my shower tent a poop tent LOL.. Multiple purpose goodness. Another excellent video Bob and thank you Debra for the tips.
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
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.
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. 😊😊😊😊😊
Weed sprayers work very well!
@@CheapRVliving I was thinking the same thing
Hope to see you all soon… I’m chewing at the bit to get on the road for sw AZ
Thank you for all the information
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.
Bob Thank You for replying so kindly to all of our comments. This is why you have so many loyal followers on this channel and growing. Some other channel owners think they are above replying back. Also you make such helpful and well thought out videos this is why your channel is growing so quickly. If we all refer new people to your channel this channel will grow even quicker.
Thanks Chad, I just always try to hold onto the idea that this is first and foremost a service to others.
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.
It's a very good one! Better than most.
Now I am aware of these shower tents, but I'd consider using PVC pipe and a tarp. The tarp can be secured with homemade PVC clips, alligator clips and/or rope threaded thru grommets which can always be added if the tarp lacks them. And one can build any shape or style of frame for the structure they want and break it down and pack the parts with bungee cords, paracord, and whatever fasteners they want to use.There are two books on PVC projects by Tom Forbes that demonstrate various ways to create structures and there are numerous other books and online tutorials that explain how to make frames for portable sheds, play houses for kids and so on.Your videos are very informative and provide a lot of options and creative problem solving.
Thanks for your suggestions Frank! Great ideas. And thanks for watching!
Lovely lady! And good advice 👍
Thank you this is so handy!
This is really awesome and practical information. Thanks for posting.
Really enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Am now shopping for a shower enclosure. Was considering this one at WalMart. Thanks!
Bob, I have a tear drop trailer and I have this potty / dressing room for about 7 years now. works great
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 :)
Debra and Bob Once again another fantastic video. Thank you for your time. Debra, you look wonderful and happy.
Hi Carole! Thank you for the kind words! I def am happy. This life suits me. :)) Thanks again!
Thanks Carole, you are very kind!
what simple idea thanks nice lady .. and wayne ..
What a great way to shower! Taking care of your skin is so important for good health! Thanks for sharing!
living in a van--cant stand up. I really don't think this is a good thing for your body---
Thank Chris, you are so right!
Mark, that's why that other in bad weather we live OUT of our vans less than in them.
I hate to keep saying this, but, you know the best people! You are one of the luckiest men on Earth. Hope to meet you during my travels, but it's a big country. Maybe someday. 😁
Mark, you are right, if a man's wealth is determined by his friends, then I top Bill Gates hands down!
Awhhh, thank you both. HugZ to you Mark! Love you Bob!
Your the Best Bob!
Great way to add a room to your van or car too! Thanks!
Great video. I was looking at these on amazon wondering how they work. Thanks Bob. Cindy
They work pretty darn well!
love your videos
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👍🏿👍🏿
Tarp better to floor in case dropping soap
Great idea Suppleskin! Thanks!
No need for flooring just a pair of flip flops and soap in a squeeze bottle
Keep up the great work Bob...... We never want to see you "ALL WASHED UP"
I agree with you their Ron!!
Bob I just love your channel! Thank you so much for all your help. I came across your death video and it sat with me. Thank you again.
Very resourceful and inventive!
Very helpful. Thank you!
My first self built shower setup for a van was an overly complex foldable plywood room that would tuck into the van when not in use and took about 10 minutes to set up and take apart. Took me a little while to realize that a tarp setup like this was much more plausible and multipurpose. I also in an effort to hold the bottom of the tarp to the ground zip tied a 6 foot 2x4 to the bottom of the tarp. I never tried the portable room type due to being a nuisance trying to find somewhere to store it (as I stored the tarp setup and 2x4 on the roof when not in use) and it being inconvenient as far as stealth camping.
wow, fantastically easy! thanks for sharing Bob.
Thank you!
your videos are great. Thanks Bob
Thank you Melinda!
Great idea!!! Easy roomy shower!!
LUUUV IT THANK YOU. . . . . you are living my dream, woman.
Maybe you should be living it! Small steps taken every day will get you there.
Awhhh, thanks w rice! Sorry I'm just now seeing this. Never give up on your dream. KOKO!
Didn't even think about using a dowel and a spongy cord on the rear doors of the van.... I was trying to figure how to use my tarp as a canopy on the doors when they are open and to help to block out the sun on hot days...I do alot of casino parking lot camping with my dog when the wife is feeding the slot machines.... and this will help a lot....... Thanks
I bought 2 of the magnet door screens for the side of the van and they work perfect keeping the bugs out when both doors stay open....I use clips on the top and large magnets on the sides to hold the screens on.......No velcro.... doesn't work in hot weather.....
Yes it works great for ventilation and getting shade.
Another very good idea, thanks!
Carolyn thank you so much for your Video. Love you what a wonderful lady so kind !!
Bless her heart! Darling!
Why, thank you Susan!
Love Debra... Love Bob... I use a utility tent with a tarp on it lol! I have used the back doors when I had my transit van... But I like this as an awning... Debra you could stand on the step and then your legs won't show.... But not very safe I guess...
Thumbs up... ENJOY.... THE SIMPLE LIFE
Thanks!
what a great and simple idea
Simpler is usually better.
I would lower the tarp, no need to cover overhead. I would think. Awesome information!!
I think the issue was covering the windows.
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).
I love your Cchannel and I love your videos. Thank you so much for making them!!
$store shower curtain bungies curtain rings and I reuse gray water to rinse off feet and other things no waste
Go, girl, go!
Seems like a dollar store shower curtain, close pinned to the bungee and then clipped or magnet, would be much easier and cheaper.
The dog's all excited! LOL!
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.
Thank you for this info
You are most welcome Marlene. I hope it was helpful.
wow thats brilliant cant wait to do this thaanks Bob
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.
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.
Can get at thrift store use velco to close
I think for me a regular shower curtain would be easier to wrangle lol.
Very good information. But I would have adjusted the tarp and not have it covering the overhead.
Great video as usual, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Looks like it fights back starting at 20:13
Indeed!
You've always got great content ! !
Thanks for Sharing!
Love these videos.
Great idea!
Is that shower tarp on the van a square or a rectangle? It looks like it would be longer with the grommet to the sides, not up and down.
Re: toilet/shower tents. Do you really need a roof in the desert? Maybe you could put poles in the ground and attach a tarp for privacy? Fasten the flap at the front for empty, on the inside for occupied.
That’s really all you need for a bucket toilet, with the added advantage of good ventilation and headroom. And with the open ground, you could always add support overhead for a solar shower.
You could even reuse some of your failed tent poles and material. Just some cheap ideas.
Jon
Ah, someone pointed out that the desert ground is extremely hard. Maybe a pile of rocks at the bottom of the poles would hole them upright, with the added stability of the clamped on tarp. I figured a Velcro strap would hold the tarp flap door closed on the outside and inside.
Jon
You could do all that but why reinvent the wheel? To me, I just do what's easiest and I think this is.
Why do all that work of gathering rocks? Do I really want to risk my shower blowing over while I'm in it?
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?
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.
Wouldn't it be better to rig the tarp so the sides are inside the doors instead of outside? It would keep the doors from getting wet. Might need a few more spring clips or maybe some strong magnets to do the job. Someone else I saw used a wooden mat about 18" square with open slots to keep your feet out of the dirt/mud. I think it was made of teak so it wasn't hurt by exposure to water. They kept some shower shoes handy to step into when they were done.
Hi David, I'll let Bob answer the inside v outside the door question. He has far more experience and knowledge on such things, but for me personally it is a matter of convenienc, ease and secure attachment. My doors don't get wet. I would LOVE to have one of those teak mats. It is on my wish list. I do have a pair of shower shoes I use - a must for me, especially when I use public showers (truck stops, etc.). I hope this helps!
Funny....I was just watching your Mail, Propane, Laundry video when I got an alert that you had answered my comment! Good video with Bob. I subbed your channel. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks David! That means a lot to me. Happy Holidays!
David, it looks to me like it would just add more complications to a very simple process.
Part 1 was great and I replied and then thought of something else ... Good ol swimming, for some reason I find cold showers uncomfortable but I can swim in some pretty cold water for a pretty long time ... can't use soap etc but feeling clean afterwards is accomplished.
Even without soap I just feel really clean and if it is Salt Water ... just a quick Freshwater rinse (usually available on the beach)
PS Soap and Salt Water don't mix or work together at all ... but plain ol Saltwater and time cleans you up, just need to rinse off the salt to be comfortable
What about dodge caravan where the hatch goes up…any ideas on shower faculty with that!
Good info
if i was going to stay in the same place for a while. i wud set that up and use it for extended space set up the potty and leve it ther unless it was cold that is
If you hook up a multiple pulley system to get a mechanical advantage over the weight of the shower bag 4 to 1 and it would be like hoisting 10 lbs.on a 40 lb bag.
Very true, but would be out of sync with the KISS principle we try to live by.
Everything I would put together would have to be weight/force advantage because I have back problems so every time I stand up I have 5 to 10 minutes of standing time..I need to get things done fast and easy. With a bit of forethought that is no problem.
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..
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.
I wonder if you could use a hula hoop outside a small car, all I have right now is a vw beetle.