Caravans with toilet and showers

Well firstly you cant use what you havent got.
It all depends on where you are going.
If only Caravan parks etc you probably dont need either.
If you, as we are, going to do the big trip you might have to learn to clench the cheeks if you havent got them.
Our van has seperate shower and toilet but in hindsight I think a full ensuite is a better idea. We certainly wouldnt be without either.
Nothing like being able to have a hot shower without traipsing along a cold camping ground in the early morning.
Others will differ no doubt but we like our comforts.LOL

We have had a shower/toilet van for about 9 years now, the first one was an old Golf and very small toilet shower our latest is a Tandem axle Viscount and has a much more usable unit.

Wouldn't be without it now.

Much more flexible about where to stay and how long. You will need dual tanks though as the shower goes through the water.

We bought our first van three years ago & it did not have a shower & toilet.
We have just updated to a van with these facilities, and it was the sole reason for the update. It's a bit poky, as shower & toilet are all in the same cubicle.
We mostly stay in van parks, but even so, it suits us as it saves me traipsing across to the amenities three or four time a night for a leak!! We only use it for #2's if we have to.(no other facilities)

The only criticism I have of it is that the waste water from the hand basin discharges into the toilet holding tank & consequently it fills it quickly. Being able to have a hot shower as well is a bonus for us. Waste water from the shower goes to normal sullage point along with kitchen sink water.

A different perspective. We have a 16ft van without shower/toilet. We do have a portapotti for nights, and a 12 volt handshower. As well as a L shaped dinette we have a 2 seater setee. Wouldn't be without it.
Discussed getting shower van before upgrading from camper trailer but decided that as we mostly plan to use caravan parks that the shower models didn't suit our needs because
1.Shower/toilet takes up a lot of space. Smaller vans with shower are very cramped and didn't want to go to a bigger van.
2. Lot of extra weight to drag around.
3. Extra cost including cost of maintenance.
4. Extra work (cleaning etc).
Recently upgraded to an almost new van. Didn't even consider shower vans. Very happpy with what we have.
Intersting to see the number of people with onboard showers in caravan parks using the parks facilities
Alan

higgo72,

We've just upgraded from a Jayco Penguin Offroad to a 16ft van with shower and toilet. We don't stay in van parks that often and prefer to camp in national parks, reserves etc. We got by with putting up a tent ensuite and porta potti which can be a pain when you're travelling from point a to b.

I guess the reason we upgraded was for the convenience and less set up and take down time. Also won't have to heat up any water for a shower when we pull in for the night etc.

Also we won't have to use some of those smelly and disgusting toilets we have come across!!!

Hi All

We have the Shower & Toilet, the Cook uses the Toot in the
Weee hours of the night, better than the Soft Shoe Shuffle to the
Amenities Block in the pouring rain, also we tow the van up the
beach, very handy when you are not in a Caravan Park, if its comfort
you want for your Cook, spend the extra Dollars you wont regret it.


Cheers
Daza

Hi again,
I posted a reply in followup to Teabags post basically agreeing with his points.
However, as you do I decided to discuss this point with my wife whom suggested that if we were at a different stage of our lives that we indeed would buy a tiolet/shower van.
My perspective was from having two teenage kids, being aged mid 40's ,both of us working fulltime, not much free time to go away and thinking our 10 yr old poptop was great for us.
In thinking about it more I believe that if you are going to buy a van then the tiolet shower combo is the way to go and would be a more attractive option at resale time for someone else.
Regards Alan.

G'day Higgo
I reckon it all comes down to the size of the van and your tow vechile in addition to points already made
Jamming a shower and toilet into small van means its just too cramped
If your buying a large ( over 19' van ) and have a suitable tow vechile then include the ensuite
We bought one without and so far so good , toilet = either porta pottie / bucket / or shovel depending on location

Shower we are still to perfect ( shower bag and water heated over camp fire or van park so far ) , can anyone advise on which 12 volt shower is ok
Garry

Thankyou for your help with this question.

Regards

Higgo