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[Camper_Dan]

Greetings All,

I was recently asked to post about my shower setup, and decided that it would be a great topic to share with everybody.  Not just my own shower setup, but various methods of keeping clean as well. 

My setup is very cheap, but also very effective.  I have a low top van, so this requires me to either shower while seated, or shower outside if I wish a standing shower.  My shower curtain rod is a hula hoop from a dollar store, and my shower curtains(2), and shower curtain hooks are also from the dollar store.  I think my total cost was like $5 or $6.  I also got rope from the dollar store to tie to the hula hoop to allow it to easily be hung anywhere.  I hang it from a luggage bar that runs the width of my van, and it also doubles as the privacy curtain for my toilet.

I use a storage container to catch my shower water, but any container can be used to catch the water, just make sure the sides are high enough so you can tuck your shower curtain into it, so you're keeping all the water trapped.  My storage tote is large enough for a small stool or 5 gallon bucket for a seat, with room for my feet in front.  If you're able to stand, you could possibly go smaller.

For water I use a hand pump weed sprayer, that I modified by swapping the original hose and nozzle, with an 8 foot hose and a kitchen sink sprayer nozzle.  The kitchen nozzle gives a great shower, and is easy to start & stop the flow of water to conserve your water supply.  I spray painted the sprayer black, and can place it in the sun for solar heated hot water, or if that's not available, I can heat water on my campstove, or over a campfire.

I am mostly a city dweller, and water the shrubbery at local parks with my sink or shower water.  They appreciate it, so it's a win/win.  I can also use this water system with my sinks, and have even washed my whole van with it.  I have also used it to wash off sand at the beach or clean muddy shoes or boots.  It's small, cheap, and very verstatile.

I can also stretch that luggage rod between my open side or rear doors, and hang my shower curtain there for an outdoor standing shower.  It can also be hung from a tree if you're boondocking.  I don't believe in gym memberships for showers, or public toilets.  Having your own is so much better.
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While we're at it, lets discuss some other options...

Personally, I don't have any built in sinks.  I use two dollar store rectangular dishpans for my sinks, and trigger spray bottles for my water.  This allows me to easily use them both inside and outside without duplication.  Regardless of what type of sink, or wateer delivery you have available, a wash cloth and some soap and water will allow you to keep clean without a shower.  If weather permits, I can take a quick shower outside with my swimsuit on, using just my spray bottles.

If I'm boondocking, I might also wash both myself and my van in the rain...  Nothing like a natural shower in nice weather.  Don't over look the possibilities of lakes and streams in good weather either.  Always make sure  your soap is environmentally friendly.

Wet wipes are another great option.  They have so many uses, and they're also cheap. 
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Getting my own toilet & shower was one of the best upgrades I ever did.  No more disgusting public toilets or showers, or having  to pay for  them or hunt for them.  I will NEVER be without my own again!

As a side note, they also have instant pop-up toilet/shower tents available.  If you're around other people, and want your toilet and/or shower outside, these can be a perfectly acceptable way to accomplish this.  I have some friends that travel with a teardrop trailer, and they set one of these up right beside it, even in parks with restrooms, so they have their own private facilities.  Call it glamping, cheating, or whatever you like, but having your own private facilities available wherever, and whenever you want is heavenly.
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Oh, hey, I almost forgot... I have a 7 gallon water jug that I use to store my gray water in until I can dump it.  I typically siphon the water into that jug, because thaat helps prevent spills inside my van.  Of course that jug has a good tight lid, so I never need to worry a spills.  You don't want water sloshing out of an open container while you're traveling.  I'm always very careful to never spill any liquids in my van.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions or post your own solutions.

Cheers!

Dan

[Otter]

Camper Dan
This answers all my questions and more.
Thanks.