Why a Thoughtfully Designed Campervan Bathroom Changes Everything
There’s something magic about washing off a long day outdoors — whether it’s standing barefoot in a river with soap made from nettles, or finally jumping under a warm stream in a well-built van shower after a muddy hike.
I’ve done both — the cold dips and the campsite slogs. I’ve queued for chilly push-button cubicles in wet flip-flops, and I’ve towelled off under hazy morning light in one of our own vans, hot water steaming up the windows. And I can say this with confidence:
Having your own beautiful, functional, properly-built shower setup in your campervan is a total game-changer.
Let’s Talk Real-Life Van Showers
You don’t need an onboard shower…
- Until the weather turns.
- Or you’ve been wild swimming with the kids.
- Or the dog rolls in something unspeakable.
- Or you’re five days into a road trip and the nearest campsite is shut.
The ability to step into your own space — one that feels warm, clean, and thoughtfully designed — is one of those vanlife upgrades that pays for itself in comfort alone.
What Makes a Bhode Wet Room Different?
At Bhode Vans, we don’t just throw in a plastic tray and a curtain and call it done. Our showers are built like the rest of our vans: with care, intention, and quality materials that last.
Here’s what goes into one of our all-electric wet rooms:
Stainless Steel Shower Trays
These aren’t flimsy, off-the-shelf plastic trays.
We work with a UK fabricator to supply bespoke stainless steel shower trays, powder-coated to your chosen RAL colour. They’re:
- Incredibly durable
- Easy to clean
- Tailored to fit the space perfectly
- Fully sealed and designed for long-term use in a mobile setting
They feel solid underfoot and look the business too.
Trelino Composting Toilet
We often integrate the Trelino composting toilet into our wet room builds using clever cabinetry or tambour roll doors. It’s:
- Compact and good-looking
- Odour-free when used properly
- Waterless, so perfect for off-grid life
- Far easier to manage than a cassette setup
Beautiful Fixtures & Finishes
It’s not just about functionality — it’s about how it feels to be in the space.
- Brushed brass or matte black fixtures that feel solid in the hand
- Tambour roll doors for lightweight, flexible storage
- High-grade wall panels or microcement finishes
- Soft, calming colours — always tailored to the rest of your van
This isn’t a utility cubicle. It’s a small, serene room that happens to be on wheels.
Lighting That Feels Good
We use soft, indirect lighting in our wet rooms — because standing under a clinical spotlight isn’t anyone’s idea of relaxing.
Our solutions include:
- Warm-tone downlights
- Wall-mounted sconces
- Diffused strip lighting where space allows
The result is a space that feels inviting, never harsh — even first thing in the morning.
The Experience Matters
- When I use one of our showers, it doesn’t feel like a compromise — it feels like a reward.
- It’s standing in a warm space after a cold sea swim.
- It’s knowing the kids can clean off without dragging sandy towels across the van.
- It’s not worrying about the dog splashing half the Peak District across the floor.
- It’s boiling the kettle, flipping on the lights, and having a moment of peace — water hot, door losed, world outside.
So, Do You Need a Shower in Your Van?
That depends.If you’re mostly on sites, happy to use shared facilities and don’t mind a rinse in the lake — you’ll get by.
But if you’re building a van to be truly self-sufficient, to travel further, stop wilder, and stay longer — having your own wet room brings a kind of ease and flexibility that’s hard to overstate.
Thinking of Including One in Your Build?
We’d love to help you design a space that feels like you. Whether you want a hidden mini-shower behind a tambour door, a full walk-in wet room, or something in between — we can tailor it to suit your layout and travel style.
Because a good shower shouldn’t just be something you endure.
It should be something you look forward to.
👉 Take a look at our builds
👉 Chat to us about your wet room ideas
