We use RVs for camping and travelling and they are more and more popular. Bigger RVs offer you all the comfort of your average house; you’ll find beds, tables, chairs, and a bathroom. Everything you have at home, just a little bit smaller. What makes, in my opinion, the biggest difference between an “budget” level DIY camper van and a full blown RV is the bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most crucial parts of an RV, not because it is so important to maintain good hygiene even during our camping trips, but because it makes you really feel like at home in your RV. There is nothing better that taking a hot shower after a day of playing outside. A bathroom enables you to actually live in your van/RV for an indefinite amount of time. However, the bathroom in RVs is not the same as in your home. They are compact and have a limited water supply. So many people are considering whether they need to change RV shower heads. This article will cover whether it is safe to use a regular shower head in an RV and what factors you need to consider.
Using A Regular Shower Head In An RV/Camper van
The simple answer is yes if you’re wondering if you can use a regular shower head. You can replace it with any standard shower head, even the ones you can find in commercial spaces. You need to remember that regular shower heads’ flow rate is higher than the stock shower head for RVs. This means it consumes more water quicker than the stock ones. Most homes don’t have any issues regarding the water supply. On the other hand, RVs use a water tank where water is stored for toilets, sinks, and bathrooms. In most cases, RV owners must limit their water consumption and try to save as much as possible. Using too much water is a waste of money and time. If you are not parked somewhere where you can be hooked on to the unlimited water supply you will have to find a place to refill every time you run out. If you are somewhere far away, it might take quite a bit of driving and exploring to find a place to fill up your water tank.
This is why, while it is possible to use a regular shower head, using ones made for RVs is much more practical.
Stock RV Shower Heads vs. RV Shower Head Replacement
Stock RV shower heads are good, but at the same time, it doesn’t provide an excellent user experience. It does what it is meant to, but it can’t do anything more. If you compare stock RV shower heads to regular ones, stock ones can save you water. However, it doesn’t go the extra mile when conserving water. As mentioned above, saving water is essential for the environment and your trip as you have a limited supply. One of the ways to conserve water is by changing the shower head.
Another issue most people complain about stock RV shower heads is the quality of the material. It is usually made of poor materials, making it more prone to wear and tear. On the other hand, RV shower head replacement offers more than the stock ones. Some of them can save you more water by allowing you to control the flow rate. It also matches the bathroom’s aesthetics, especially when beautifying your RV from the inside.
Key Features To Consider When Replacing RV Shower Heads
When buying a replacement for your RV shower heads, you need to consider some things.
Handheld
We all know that the bathrooms in RVs are small. There is not much space to move around. This means when you use the shower, instead of the water directly hitting your body, it could splash on walls. It may seem a little, but you’d be surprised by how much the total consumption is after your trip. The amount is enough to wash a few pieces of clothes.
Switch
Evaporation is the process of turning liquid into gas. If you prefer hot water when taking a shower, you may need a water heater. When it is left on, it processes your water supply. Instead, look for a shower head with a switch that only heats up the amount of water they need. You’ll be able to save water from evaporating.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the most crucial factor when looking for replacement shower heads. The higher the flow rate is, the more gallons of water are consumed. We usually measure the flow rate by gallons per minute (GPM).
For instance, your average shower time is five minutes. If your shower head has two GPM, you’ll use around 10 GPM every time you shower. On the contrary, if you reduce the flow rate by 1.5 GPM, you can save around 2.5 gallons per shower.
Sum Up
Your RVs bathroom is where the most water can be wasted and due to the limited water supply in your RV, you need to use it differently. Unlike your home, you have to do your best to save water. You’ll have no worries about running out of water for taking a shower while on a camping trip. Changing the shower head is a great idea to save water and keep your RV’s water tank from the critical level. You just have to ensure that the replacement does not consume more water than it used to because the idea is to save, not use more.