Over 190 Truck Camper Magazine readers expose their bare assessments on outside showers. As we reveal, some swear by outside showers, while others swear at them.
For those who stick by their outside showers, the primary purposes range from washing dirty dogs, to washing dishes, to rinsing off salt water, sand, and dirt. Maybe after reading this article the outside shower will be viewed as a more versatile tool. Then again, it might be off with the outside shower heads!
“I don’t use it often, but like having it for washing dirty shoes, kids, and dogs, especially when dry camping. I use it like my garden hose.” – Ron Williams, 1997 Ford F250, 2003 Lance 1010
“I have only used the outside shower one time. This was just before going to bed and I needed to put the fire out. I was too lazy to get the big pot from inside the camper, so I stretched the hose from the shower to spray on the fire. It worked great for that but, except for a mud run or to wash my Jeep, I can not see us using it to get clean.” – Ron Tennyson, 2013 Dodge Ram 3500, 2014 Arctic Fox 865
“I use the outside shower because it beats going in an ice cold lake. I have had one on my fifth wheel for years and use it all the time. It’s nice to rinse off before going to the inside shower.” – Ron Perkins, 2015 GMC 2500 HD, 2010 Travel Lite 800SBX
“Yes! We use our outside shower often. We use it almost every day we are camping or whenever we need a shower. We don’t have an inside shower in our small pop-up camper. We love having a small camper, and trying to fit a shower inside seems excessive. But it sure is nice to get clean at the end of the day.
We built a privacy surround made of a light shower curtain and PVC pipe that hangs on the side of the camper to use, if needed, but most of the time we are in the boonies and it doesn’t matter. We have a little washable mud mat that makes the floor.
My wife had to talk me into getting this feature but, as usual, she was right. And I use it at least as much as she does. I highly recommend outside showers.” – Alan Dickman, 2006 Tacoma, 2015 Four Wheel Fleet
“We have never used the outside shower on this camper or any previous one. They have all had outside showers that never got used. In my opinion, they are just a problem with another penetration of the camper’s skin to allow heat or cold inside. They are a vulnerable point for water lines to freeze in the winter. I would rather it not be there.” – Randall Rice, 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 2015 Bigfoot 2500 10.4
“Yes I use it some. Mostly it’s to aid in draining my fresh water tank quicker. I would be fine without it. It’s another easy place to freeze up, but it was not an option I could delete. That being said, I never used the outside shower in our Northern Lite as it was just so-so. I really like the set up on the Arctic Fox much better and find it useful. It has a quick connect and a coiled detachable water hose with a spay nozzle on the end that actually puts out some water pressure.” – Matt Arnold, 2013 Ram 3500, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“It’s ironic I that just de-winterized my camper and the only leak was the outside shower handle cracked. I have never used it and would forgo it in the future.” – Joe O’Brien, 2001 Dodge 2500, 2003 Northstar Laredo
“I never used the outside shower, and probably never will. If they would offer it as something else, we would choose the something else.” – Scott Vallie, 2015 Dodge 3500, camperless, sold it pending a new Host Everest
“It’s a must. I don’t have to run inside to wash my hands, and sometimes my feet. The interior of the bathroom stay cleaner. I also use it to wash fruits and vegetables while cooking outside.” – Richard C Raymond, 2005 Silverado 3500, 2007 Winter Creek 11.5RS
“Yes. We do a lot of off-road backcountry camping. No campground means no showers, so it is essential. It’s also perfect for a wash off after a day on the sand.” – Bruce Seaton, 2008 Ford F350, Four Wheel Eagle
“We have never used our outside shower, would never get it again, and would gladly entertain removing it!” – Charlie Coushaine, 2001 Ford F350, 2012 Chalet DS116RB
“I just used it this weekend when my good dog, Pepper, found something dead to roll in. The outside shower was the fix!” – Becky Tedrow, 2004 Ford 250, Lance 825
“We’ve been from Texas to Alaska and back among other long runs. I took the time to get a nylon pop-up enclosure and built a little duck-board for the shower. We’ve used it less than a dozen times, but each time it has been much appreciated.
We use a lot of national forest and state parks that lack showers. We often spend weeks in the southwest desert. We used a sun-shower bag before the Palomino, so we think it’s pretty fancy! Why do they mount them so low? It would be much more useful if it were at head height.” – Don Henschel, 2003 Ram 2500, 2007 Palomino
“Our outside shower is used specifically to give our dog, Toby, a bath. My wife and I have never used the shower and have no intention of doing so. If we were to purchase a new truck camper, that option would not be under consideration.” – Warne Todd, 2000 Ford F250, 2005 Lance 981
“Yes. We have and use our outside shower. We travel with our GSP (pointer) and she needs an occasional wet down after some of our hikes. It’s nice to have warm water available. She just stands there and gets cleaned up. It makes the inside of our camper easier to keep clean.
The other use is to rinse out the dump hose when we have to use a dump that has no water available. The down side with my unit is that it’s a weak point in my camper’s design. It is not properly heated and can be a freeze point when we are out in below freezing temperatures. It is something I am going to solve this year.” – Wes Hargreaves, 2016 Ford F450, 2006 Snowbird 108DS
“No, I do not use the outside shower. I would love to have the extra space in the compartment to store other items like cables, wiring, etc.” – Rita Eshman, 2005 Ford F250, 2013 Adventurer 86FB
“We have used the outside shower on occasion, but probably not enough to justify its existence. We dry-camp often, and like the idea of not steaming up the camper. I bought a small lightweight nylon camping shower stall with a folding wood floor that easily sets up right next to the camper shower outlet. We find that we’re not in one place long enough, or don’t get dirty enough, that a quick sponge bath inside the camper manages to at least keep the flies away! Here’s another waterless option that we haven’t tried yet.” – John and Marylou Wells, 2011 Chevy 3500, 2012 Chalet Ascent S100F
“We have never used the outside shower. I have no need for one, and I would rather use the space for storage.” – Thomas Emerick, 2011 Chevy 3500, 2012 Arctic Fox 990
“There are two circumstances where we have used outside showers while using RVs. One, bathing a dirty fur companion (dog) that decides to roll in something disgusting or that running through mud is fun. And two, rinsing/washing outdoor cookware (pots/pans) into a dishpan. Our outside shower has a bypass valve that makes winterizing easier.” – S. Frank Lucatorto, 2006 Ford F350, 2013 Lance 1172
“Of all the years that our various trailers and fifth wheels have had outside showers, my family has used it a handful of times. However, on our new truck camper we have modified the coiled hose that came with the camper. The outside shower now has a shower head and we plan on using the outside shower fairly often in place of the inside shower when we are camping out in the boonies. I’m not one to go days without cleaning up. I like my showers, so I am willing to stand outside and clean up if necessary.” – Pam Conner, 2015 Ford F350, 2015 Arctic Fox 1150
“We have never used it in the four years since we’ve purchased the camper. For us, a camper without an outside shower would be fine. Our outside shower leaks since it froze and cracked. The previous owner told us he had replaced it once in the past. We will probably bypass the outdoor shower and not replace it.” – Curtis Grams, 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD, 2003 Palomino Maverick M-8801
“We use it every time we camp at the beach. The hatch with the shower head stays open the entire time for stuff/kids to get the sand rinsed off. We can use up 30 gallons in two days just with the shower. We usually have to carry another 30 gallon tank of water just so we have enough for a three day weekend, like for this Memorial Day. You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do to battle the sand getting in the camper with two young kids.
Now that the OCD wife has an outside shower, I can’t imagine going to the beach without it.” – Shawn Dykes, 2000 Ford F250, 1995 Shadow Cruiser M-11
“Outside showers have been in our last two truck campers. They are a total waste of space and money for us. If we ever order a new camper that will not be on our list!” – Pete Clark, 2006 Dodge 3500, 2008 SnowRiver 10-2 RK
“We owned a 1987 Shadow Cruiser for ten years and never used the outside shower as a shower, but did use it as an outside faucet. I just got back into truck camping from a fifth wheel and I’m looking at the outside shower with much the same questions as you pose. I’m thinking at the end of the season if I haven’t used it that I will bypass the plumbing to disable it. I’ll find some other use for the outside compartment.” – Tom Burns, 2005 GMC 2500, 2006 Northern Lite
“All the time! It’s one of our favorite things about our rig and well worth it. It is also good for rinsing off dirty feet or shoes. We use our inside shower much less, I guess since it’s not as fun.” – Nancy Arnold, 2004 Ford F250, 2004 Hallmark Ute
“Yes, we do use our outside shower, but not a lot. If it’s option to have an outside shower or not, I would still like that outside shower to be on the camper. We mostly have used it for a quick spray down of our dogs when they’re muddy. Other times we use it is when it’s very hot outside. It is a fantastic cooling off station to spray water over our head and body on those hot days. My vote on the outside shower is a thumbs up.” – Rich Bain, 1999 Chevy 3500, 12-foot flatbed, 2010 Adventurer 810WS
“I like using the outside shower. I use a plastic water heater drain pan to stand on to avoid making a muddy mess. There’s nothing to clean up. I would not forgo one in the future.” – Jeff M, 2015 Ford F350, 2015 Adventurer 89RB
“We have only used our outside shower a handful of times. When it becomes the most used is when we plan trips to the ocean. It’s so easy to wash off all the sand that has accumulated on everything! Our daughter uses it when she comes camping with us to rinse off their dog if they have been walking him through the woods where there was water and mud. We don’t use it much, but it’s always good to have on hand when needed. I wouldn’t want to go without one.” – Richard Luczynski, 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 2015 Lance 1050S
“Yes! As soon as the weather is warm enough, we use only the outside shower. We camp in places that don’t have hookups most often, so this greatly extends the time between RV dumps. We can shower every day without filling our grey water tank.
I made a shower rod out of Pex pipe by fastening a 3-inch diameter suction cup to each end. I did that by drilling a hole for the screw that comes on the end of the suction cup into the end of a Pex end-cap. A third suction cup with a light chain goes a few feet higher on the camper wall and supports the center of the Pex pipe.
Carol sewed some magnets into the sides of a shower curtain to hold the curtain in place – onto the jack next to the shower and the truck box. Carol also found a suction cup rack for shampoo and soap.
Previously we had a shower tent, but this setup goes up more quickly and looks better when not in use.” – Paul Kroeker, 2008 Ford F-350, 2008 Okanagan 85SL
“We used it once when we were camped on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore. We were isolated and didn’t feel like unloading the stuff stored in our shower. However, we now have a dog that loves getting dirty. I now see a long future for our shower.” – Jim and Cindi Goodrich, 2006 Chevy 3500, 2009 Lance 1191
“I use it on every camping trip, mainly because I boondock. There is no inside shower in my camper. Even if I had an inside shower, I would want the outside shower as well.” – Bill Haynes, 2006 GMC 2500HD, 2005 Palomino Bronco 1250
“I never do. I have given serious thought to removing it entirely; one less thing to winterize and it’s a place to have a potential leak.” – Dennis Glow, 2003 Ford F350, 2015 Travel Lite 860SBX
“Yes, and we love it. When dry camping in National Parks or Forests with limited water, we use wipes and wash our hair outside with a biodegradable soap, when needed.” – Jake and Sylvie Mathis, 1994 Dodge Ram 2500, 2003 Northern Lite 9Q
“Yes, I do for dog washing and for rinsing off after hiking or swimming. I also use it for rinsing off the grandkids after beach time, and washing dishes so grey water tank doesn’t fill too quickly. It can be a make shift outdoor kitchen with running water. The possibilities are endless.” – Donna Stahl, 2006 Ram 2500, 2014 Travel Lite 890
“So far the outside shower is the only one I have used. Having just switched from an older bare bones pop-up truck camper, and being a stubborn old single coot, I’m one of the rare people who thinks a bathroom in a truck camper is a giant waste of space and weight. I use mine as a storage room and would gladly have purchased a camper with only an outside shower and a satellite toilet, but I could not find any in my area.” – Terry Gfeller, 2015 Ram 2500, 2013 Lance 865
“I never use it and could do without it in the future.” – Jean lo Landau-vogt, 2015 Ford F350, Northstar 12STC
“I use it during the summer when quad camping. We get back from the woods/desert covered in dust/dirt. We wear our bathing suits under our riding clothes and lather up outside. It feels so good to be clean after riding, and the grey water tank does not get filled up.” – Donald Leddy, 2002 Silverado, 2002 Fleetwood Angler
“I have never used an outside shower, so we would forgo one in the future.” – John Cook, 2006 Ford F250, 1994 Lance Squire
“The only time I use the outside shower is to wash off muddy and sandy foot wear. The outside shower is not a big selling point for me with a slide-in camper.” – Dan Griffin, 1998 Dodge 2500, Scamper pop-up
“Like you, we seldom use our outside shower. We certainly don’t use it for the purpose RV salespeople suggest. Since we often camp in northern Minnesota, the mountains of Montana, or other areas we share with bears, we will never clean fish near our camper. We don’t need to see the wildlife that close.
Would I pick a delete option for an outdoor shower? No. They aren’t that much trouble to drain and fill with RV antifreeze. If it’s standard equipment, I may want to use one sometime to rinse mud from boots.” – Philip Tron, 2009 Chevy 3500, 2012 Lance 1050
“I used the outside shower one time and even then, I didn’t have to. I was at the beach and was covered with sand, but I had been at the beach for many days and there was sand inside the camper anyway. I could have just used the inside shower. The effort to winterize the outside shower takes less than one minute while I’m winterizing the entire camper. I don’t plan to bypass water flow through it since I might use it one more time.” – Fred Patterson, 2013 Ford F350SD, 2002 Lance 1161
“Do I use the outside shower? Absolutely. For everything but showering; washing hands, filling the dog’s water bowl, rising off the dog, etc. It is a fantastically handy feature. In fact, part of setting up camp is to pull the shower head out and hang it for easy use. But I’ve never showered with one.” – Mark Joslin, 2006 Ram 3500, 2005 Lance 1181
“I use the outside shower for showering outside where warmth and privacy allow, and even more to access water without getting into the camper. I use it fairly frequently in warmer temperatures.
I would prefer to have this feature! Ideally it would have an inside shut-off to completely bypass the outside shower in winter, thus reducing winterizing efforts.” – John Ryder, 2006 Silverado 3500, 2015 Bigfoot 1500 Series
“Yes, all the time. It’s not always used to shower, but also cooking outside, washing dishes, cleaning fish, and washing sand off feet. No, I would never consider giving it up.” – Kenneth Wright, 2006 Dodge 2500HD, 2011 Travel Lite 890
“We love our outdoor shower! I throw on my swim suit and wash away. There’s is something about an outdoor shower I love. You feel extra clean. Also we have a small eight gallon grey tank. Traveling with a five year old and three dogs, having warm water on the exterior comes in handy. Another alternative way we use it is for dishes. We even custom installed a curtain rod holder made from stainless and PVC fittings. We have yet to perfect the shower curtain staying still, but will try fishing weights on our next trip.” – Kaleena McGarry, 2003 Chevy HD 2500, 2000 Lance 835
“I use it more than the inside shower. The inside is a little crowded, so it seems easier outside. I also don’t camp around a lot of other people very often so that makes it a little easier.” – Scott D, 2001 Ford F350, 1997 Lance 185
“Our dog knows when that little door is open, she best go hide. We find it it be useful for dogs, but haven’t used it for much else. It’s handy to have and winterization isn’t a factor, so I would get another.” – Jay Knight, 2009 Chevy 2500, Northstar Adventurer
“I have used it quite a few times and can’t imagine what I would have done without it in several situations. The most crucial time was for my 65 pound, curly haired dog who had gotten into some yucky form of muck or worse.
Twice its been to wash off my legs after getting them very dirty when a campground shower wasn’t available. I also find it handy for a dish washing or to fill the dog’s water dish. I place a small folding table below the outside shower with a basin and drying rack on it. The dog’s water bowl is below it. When the weather is hot I prefer to set up an outdoor kitchen rather than adding heat and humidity to the inside of my camper. Having said that I do hate winterizing it and once I had a leaking one and have daydreamed about not getting one.” – Michele McLeod, 2013 Ford F150 HD, 2000 Travel Hawk 9.5
“We have never used our outside shower. We could certainly do without it.” – Tom Andersen, 2006 Ram 3500, 2003 Lance 1121
“It is used only to clean shoes of goop . I do not need an outside shower.” – Ed Chauvaud, 1999 Ford F250, 2014 Northern Lite 9-6Q
“I have never ever used it in all the campers I have owned. These days with modern truck campers I see no need for it unless camper itself has no bathroom.” – Mel M, 2012 3500 Ford, 2012 Northern Lite 10-2
“When I had my Bigfoot camper, we would use the inside shower, often even if we were somewhere that had showers. But that camper was so big I couldn’t get to places I wanted to go. I never needed, or used, the outside shower.
With the pop-up camper I use the outside shower everywhere we camp that doesn’t have showers, except if it’s freezing cold weather. Then I set up the inside shower and run the furnace. On my pop-up, using the outside shower is pretty convenient.” – David Schmitt, 2007 Ford F350, 2014 Four Wheel Camper Grandby
“We do a lot of remote camping in The West and use the outside shower often. We also use the shower for washing off muddy boots, fishing equipment, and the dog. I built a teak wood 24-inch square platform to stand on and a 4.5-foot circle shower curtain for privacy and wind protection. That is easy to put up and take down.” – Fred Stanley, 2012 Ford F350, 2015 Northern Lite Sportsman
“For me, on this new rig, it was a must. I’m tall and lanky, so in the inside shower I can get ‘er done, so to speak. On the outside I have room to move, like the deer and the antelope.
But having an outside water hookup has many more uses; even washing dishes out of the repetitive confinement of the camper. Don’t get me wrong, I love this camper! It’s a palace compared to the 1977 Western we had to experiment after our move from tenting, which I had to keep my head bent over to move around in. We prefer off-grid camping and this unit has it all for us; an indoor and an outdoor shower, Ba Da Bing!” – Pete Memmer, 2015 Ram 2500, 2016 Northstar 850SC
“Our Arctic Fox has a shower access door, but comes with a hose and sprayer instead of the shower head. The hose is more useful, but it should have been in the water control compartment, and not have a separate shower door.
I use it very little and would not request it on a camper. The water access port in the water control door would be a requested convenience.” – Russell Berquam, 2014 Ford F-350, 2015 Arctic Fox 1140
“I use it for emergency use like when the dog got really muddy or rolled in bear poop. It gets used about once a year. I’m glad it is there, and it does not take up much space. It’s handy. I have also used it with a pressure washer for small cleaning jobs such as a really muddy OHV toy.” – Bob Nelson, 2015 GMC Sierra 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 1140
“I have used the outside shower two or three times, and the inside shower not a single time as it is too difficult to clear everything out of the way and set up the shower curtain. We have ended up doing sponge baths as needed.
I would still want to keep the outside shower, but the inside shower on this particular camper is a total waste except for the ability to wash your hair in the kitchen sink using the shower head. In sum, I would keep the outside shower and eliminate the inside shower.” – Bill Peters, 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2013 Four Wheel Hawk
“We have had outside showers on our motorhome, fifth wheel trailer, and two truck campers. They were used a lot when the kids and grandkids came to the beach with us and we wanted to clean off the sand before it got into the camper. They are all grown now and we do not use the outside shower for the two of us. That said, if we still had little ones with us, I would get the outside shower again. It was great for keeping the sand out of the RV. For just the two of us, I would leave it off.” – Bill Billyard, 2000 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008 Palomino 115LHS
“I use the outside shower when I’m remote camping and the weather permits.” – Bruce Colby, 2004 Ram 2500, 2004 Lance 835
“I have never used the outside shower and find it in the way for water hookups.” – Paul Roberson, 2014 Ford F350, 1988 Lance 980
“I don’t have an outside shower and wish I did. I would have used it on more than one occasion for at least a quick rinse off.” – Laurie Brokaw, 2006 Ford F250, 2010 Lance 850
“Yes we do and just love it. First off, in our truck camper, we don’t have indoor plumbing except for water to the sink. In our fifth wheel we do. But, I enjoy using that one also.” – Rich Sadowinski, 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500, 1989 Sunlite
“I use mine all the time. I can’t be without one and have installed them when there was none. It’s a must when beach camping, watering the dog, or just to take a shower out doors when you feel like it. Give it a try, Gordon and Angela. Spice things up!” – Frank Paglianite, 2013 Ford F350 SD, 2012 Lance 992
“When we started out camping many years ago, we thought this was a must have, at least we thought so. We never use it.” – Thomas Bender, 2011 Ford F250, 2009 Sun Valley Apache Chief 8.65 WS
“I have only had the camper a short time, but used the outside shower on a recent trip to wash dishes, utensils, and large cooking items that would not fit well in the small sink inside. I found that very convenient. Northstar provides a hose and nozzle that attaches like an air hose. The nozzle is a garden type pistol handle. I thought that was odd, but it worked well. The only other odd thing was that the hot and cold are reversed on this set up, so I would have to be careful if using it for a shower.” – Mike Wenrich, 2014 Ram 3500, 2015 Northstar 850SC
“We have retrofitted our outside shower with a hose bib and use it all the time. We can connect a standard garden hose for whatever purpose, which is usually to wash off equipment. We can also attach the hose to a folding table that’s equipped with a sink arrangement. It’s very practical and I’d be disappointed if the manufacturers took away this feature. For folks like the author of the survey, perhaps it should be offered as an option.” – Ralph Penton, 2007 Ford F350, 2017 Host Mammoth
“No, I have never used the outside shower. In fact, I removed the outside shower wand and hose from the camper.” – Douglas Diehl, 2010 Ford F450, 2011 Chalet DS116
“We use the outside shower when we ride ATVs in the mud, at the beach in the sand, and after trail hikes in mud and dirt. I would not want to remove our outside shower. I also made a long hose for our shower to wash bikes, motorcycles and anything else that might need cleaning in our outdoor active lifestyle.” – Eric Anderson, 2001 Dodge 3500, 2013 Arctic Fox 990 Milestone
“Yes, we use our outside shower, at least weekly, when dry camping. It is easiest to reduce grey water collection when camping in arid and remote sites to use the outside shower. Our Duck Toller (NSDTR) enjoys a quick wash off outside weekly as well. When returning from Scuba diving or surfing, an outside shower is very much appreciated. An outside shower was and will remain a pre-requisite for the campers we own.” – Robert Berg, 2001 Chevy 2500 HD, 2015 Camplite 8.4S
“I have never used it on any camper I have ever owned and most had the outside shower.” – Ron Moeller, 2014 Ram 3500, 2012 Lance 850
“I live in southern California, so there are no winterization issues for me. I frequently use my Lance as a mobile beach cabana and surfboard transport. Because of this, I’d have to say that the outside shower has been used more than the one inside!
I also note that a large number of the pop-up crowd (Wander the West and Expedition Portal) eschew an interior shower preferring their exterior attachments and, perhaps, a privacy screen of sorts.” – Mark Obert, 1999 Ford F250SD, 1999 Lance 920
“I don’t ever use an outside shower. It’s easier to do a sponge bath inside. We can just make up a bucket of warm water to use (no hot water heater). We can either stand in a large folding bucket or on some plastic or a rug. We have a large sink for washing hair, which is quick and easy. Most places where we camp do have showers though, so we don’t very often need to use alternatives.” – Vince Kurpan, 2014 Dodge Promaster 2500, Custom Camper
“I never have, but we are retired with no kids. When our kids were around it would have been handy. This year we summer in Alaska for our 11th year. It’s not the best place for outside bathing, but we love it.” – Bill and Shellia Sargent, 2012 Ram 3500, 2009 Lance 971
“We never used the exterior shower on our camper until last weekend. We were clearing trail on the Superior Hiking Trail out of Finland, Minnesota. After a long hot day on the trail there were twelve members of the crew who really wanted to clean up and there were no showers at the community center. I found an outside faucet, hooked the camper up, turned the water heater on, parked a couple of vehicles for screening and all were smiling at dinner. I would probably want a shower on the next rig.” – Dave Miller, 2015 F350, 2002 Bigfoot 10.6E
“All of my campers over the years have had outside showers, but I have never used them. My current Lance has an outside shower, but it came with inline shutoff valves, so I turned them off so that I don’t have to winterize the outside shower. I think that was a good option by Lance. Yes, I would consider forgoing the outside shower on my next camper.” – David Reese, 2006 GMC 2500HD, 2012 Lance 825
“No, we do not use it. I would use one if we drove our truck camper on the beach. It is another item to maintain. We had to replace the hose and shower head twice due to cracked plastic.” – William Mega, 2001 Ford F350, 2000 Lance 835
“We have never used it on our travel trailer, but tried it once on the Northstar TC650. If we used the TC650 for more than weekends I’d probably use the outside shower. Since it’s an inexpensive option, I’m okay with having one. Winterizing doesn’t add much more to the process.” – Bill Gage, 2003 Ram 2500 and 2015 Ram 3500, Arctic Fox 22GQ and Northstar TC650
“Yes, we use it, and I would not give up my outside shower. We probably wouldn’t use it in a fairly open campgrounds, but we opt for more private sites in state parks. So I use it to wash my feet, rinse salt water out of my hair, and even do dishes.” – Donna Marie, 2011 Ford F250, 2007 Lance 915
“Over the last twenty years we have owned a travel trailer, a hard side slide-in, a fifth wheel and currently a pop-up pickup camper. All have had an outside shower which we have never used! The only reason that our current camper has one is that it was part of the deal to get a water heater. I would gladly do without the wasted space, complexity, and winterizing hassle.” – Walt Currier, 1999 Ram 2500, 2015 Palomino 1609
“Yes, we use our outside shower a lot. I love the hot water for dishes, washing mud and dirt off, and washing off hoses before putting them away.” – Bruce Erickson, 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, 2016 Adventurer 86FB
“We haven’t yet used the outdoor shower in our camper, but we used the one in our prior rig (trailer) quite a few times. We used it to bathe our dog, wash off rocks we collected (we are avid rock hounds), and wash off other dirty, muddy items. We’ve never used it to shower ourselves, though. That’s why we have an indoor shower! I wouldn’t consider the outside shower a necessity, but I am glad to have it and would want one on future rigs.” – Joanne Hall, Chevy Silverado 3500HD, 2014 Lance 1172
“We have used our outside shower, but rarely. My wife has used it to wash her hair a few times and I washed off my shoes a couple times. This has been over a period of twelve years. If the outside shower were an option, I am not sure if we would get it or not.” – John Bull, 2004 Dodge 3500, 2015 Arctic Fox 990
“I’m just starting with the camper, but I see a future in washing off the dog’s feet before letting him inside!” – Dale Smith, 2013 Ram 3500, 2011 Alaskan 10-foot cabover
“Yes we use our outdoor shower. We spec’d the outdoor shower in lieu of an inside shower to avoid any humidity build up inside. Depending on where we are, we either use a shower tent or just shower in the great outdoors if we are alone.” – Eddie Fort, 2006 Ford F350, 2016 Hallmark Everest
“My main concern on outside showers is the possible environmental damage from soap. I know they have the greenish Bio Camp soap, but I am still not convinced it’s okay to use in mass for showers. I know people who do use it, but then what?
I do use the shower access for cleaning off mud/dirt on the buggy or anything else. I’ll clean off the back entrance if I’ve gone though a muddy/dusty area so I don’t track as much in.
The shower is more of a quick hose connection with a nozzle attached. I’m sure there’s a shower head around somewhere, but for a shower? Maybe, once I’m convinced the soap is okay to use on the ground. Until then, not for showering. Rinsing, yes. Plus it’s a little c-c-c-cold up here in the Pacific northwest most of the time and uses up the water supply.” – Frank Poole, 2016 Ram 5500HD, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“No. Having a larger access door and using the outside shower space for the water pump would have been better.” – Tom Scholtens, 2010 Chevy 2500HD, 2013 Bigfoot 25c10.4
“We use the outside shower more than the inside shower. We mostly desert boondock camp, so privacy isn’t an issue. In a campground we obviously use the inside wet bath, but that is a pain with cleanup after. If we’re not perfectly level there is water pooling somewhere on the floor. And there are sore elbows from bumping into things in the tight shower area.
Outside is better. I also learned from one of the camper forums that running the water heater for 10 to 15 minutes before the shower, depending on ambient temperature, will heat the water to the right temperature using only the hot valve. This saves water trying to get the cold/hot mix right.” – Gary Louthan, 2013 Ram 3500, 2009 Lance 830
“When we travel with our camper 4×4, we use the outside shower daily, always with hot water. We use the outside shower when we are in the field. When this is not possible, we shower inside the vehicle. We never would eliminate the outside shower.” – Frederic Amorós, 2011 Toyota Hilux, 2011 PSI-AZALAÏ (France)
“I love my outside shower and use it all the time. I have never actually taken a shower with it, but I use it as a dish washing station. I put a table next to it with two plastic dish pans and I am all set. This is especially useful when we are dry camping and I don’t want to use up my grey water or I would rather be outside, which is always.
Please note you have to be careful with the soap you use so that you don’t negatively impact the environment. I use Dr Bronner’s All in One.” – Lisa Cooper, 2013 Chevy 2500, 2007 Lance 845
“I currently have a wet bath and never use the shower, but I keep thinking I would use it if it was outside. I’m planning on installing one this summer.” – Tom Chappuis, 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 1989 Lance 9000
“I’ve used our outside shower maybe twice since we purchased our Chalet and not for showering, but for rinsing off shoes and stuff like that. In my opinion, it should be considered an option with a price tag, so buyers can make an informed decision on whether it something they want to pay for. I just view it as something that I will need to repair at some point during ownership.” – Scott Elliott, 2007 Ford F350, 2013 Chalet TS116
“We have never used the outside shower. As a matter of fact, I closed the valves going to the outside shower, and I have never turned them back on. We have had the camper over six years. Also, we used to have a motorhome and travel trailer, and did the same thing; we have never used them.” – Bruce Neumann, 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008 Okanagan 96DB
“We do not have the option of having an outdoor shower but, if we did, I would use it semi-regularly. I’m a pretty big boy and find the bathroom/shower cramped.” – John Desjardins, 2007.5 GMC 2500HD, 2002 Globetrotter
“Our camper is new to us, but I foresee using the outside shower this fall when we camp on the beach in Baja after swimming/fishing.” – Michael Nervik, 2002 Silverado 3500, 2004 Eagle Cap 1150
“Yes, it’s perfect for getting out of the ocean and a much simpler and cleaner way to shower. An outside shower is a must!” – Martin Merz, 1997 Ford F250, 1997 Lance 815
“We have never used the outside shower, and would forgo one in our next truck camper.” – Brian Brown, 2000 Ford F550, 2000 Lance 1010
“An outside shower is a necessity in my book. I mostly camp in more private locations (as opposed to a campground), so privacy isn’t an issue. The rest of my camping is done on the beach where it’s great to be able to rinse the salt and sand off easily without taking a whole shower inside.” – Eric W, 1983 Chevy K30, 1999 Coachmen Ranger
“No, not at all. It’s a source of water leaks over time. If I need a shower, I use the inside shower quickly or use a truck stop or park facilities. When in the Wyoming backcountry, who takes a shower?” – Phillip Chevela, 2012 Ford F350, 2005 Northstar Igloo
“We have used the outside shower once, but I have winterized it 14 times.” – Erwin Greven, 2002 Chevrolet 2500HD, 2002 Lance 921
“So far, we haven’t used it on either our big trailer, a 28-foot Cougar, or the truck camper. However, if we ever get to a beach, it will come in very handy to wash the sand off.
I off-road, so sometimes my Jeep gets covered with heavy dust. I can use the water to clean the windshield of the dust, grit and sand without leaving a mess. If the kids were along, it would be an absolute must since they get so dirty. I can also use it to wash my canoe so quagga mussels don’t get into the water.” – Harry Palmer, 2008 Dodge Ram 2500, 2008 Lance 915
“We have used our outdoor shower to wash down and get the sand off when camping near the beach. We also wash off dirty boots and sandals. Last week while camping I used it to wash the truck and camper. I hate those darn bugs.
I would keep the outdoor shower. I don’t use it that much, but when I need it, it’s nice to have. And it only takes an extra two minutes to winterize it.” – Dave and Cheryl Barker, 2014 Ram 3500, 2015 Northstar 850sc
“I wish I had an outside shower! If I had an outside shower I would never use the inside shower.” – Anonymous Anon, 2001 Chevy 2500HD, 2006 Lance 815
“I have never used the outside shower. If it was an option I would opt out. I think most manufactures add it because it’s a cheap way to add something that some may see as an upgrade. That is until they forget to winterize it and their plumbing has to be repaired.” – Eddie Hayden, 2005 Ram 2500, 2013 Palomino Bronco
“I’ve also only used it a few times. Having said that, I think it should be included in all campers. It only takes an extra minute or so during winterization. I think they’re most handy for people with kids and dogs.” – Dave MacArthur, 2008 Ford F350, 2010 Lance 992
“We use the shower very much to clean up before entering our rig. And, of course, we really use it when we bring our grandkids. We built an outside stall made of 1/2-inch PVC pipe and use shower curtains and a 2-foot square redwood floor mat.” – Paul H. Castillo Sr., 2007.5 Chevy 2500HD, 2003 Lance 825
“We are on the road to Alaska for 2 to 3 months as we write this and will use it often. We carry a privy that folds like a visor sun block, dries real quick, and takes almost no room.” – Tom Elliott, 2007 Ram 2500, 1999 Lance 835 Lite
“Yes. Mostly at the beach so there is no sand it the camper.” – Philip Kaufman, 1995 Silverado 2500HD, 1996 Lance 990
“We use our outside shower all the time to do our dishes. We setup a table by the shower with a wash basin. We don’t use it for showers.” – Keith Martin, 1999 Ford F350, 1999 Coachman Ranger 115
“Yes, we use it. When camping at a lake, we use it several times a day to wash feet, shoes, swimsuits, wet suits, etc.” – Jim Finck, 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD, 2004 Lance 1010
“We have never used it and would consider not having it.” – Rob Abear, 2015 Ford F350, 2015 Arctic Fox 990
“I’ve never used it in the five years and over 100 overnights I’ve enjoyed with my camper. I either boondock in parking lots or campgrounds, so I’m not doing outside showering there. I’m not the beach-going type, and perhaps that’s where the ability to remove sand and mud outside would make sense.
I’ve inserted a valve to cut off water to the external shower, and I have it permanently winterized. I could always turn the valve on and use it again, but I suspect it’s more likely I’ll die of old age first!” – Reed Prior, 2007 GMC 2500HD, 2000 Travel Lite
“We like the idea of it. We used it for ourselves once when we were all alone in a campground on a very hot night. We do love outside showers when we rent a beach cabin. We have also used it to wash the dog when he got coated with mud. I have also used it to rinse some mud off the back of the camper (after about 200 miles of muddy highway on a rainy day) and also to rinse off muddy boots and other gear before stowing it.
Even though we haven’t used it a lot, I think that the ability to have an outside water source is more helpful than not, so I will likely get it again with the next camper.” – Steve Merrill, 2009 Chevy Silverado 3500, 2007 Lance 992
“I use it daily when I cook outside. The hose is long enough to reach my work table under the awning, and it becomes an outdoor kitchen sink.
I also use it for myself. I put on a pair of swim trunks, take a quick shower, and wash my hair when I’m out in the boonies.” – Dave B., Ram 3500, Adventurer 1160
“We do not use the outside shower and have one because it came that way from the factory. I would rather have it as an option for those who would use it and save money on the added cost. It just adds another opening on the outside to keep caulked and protected in cold weather.” – Doug Baker, 2006 Toyota Tundra, 2006 Six-Pac D650
“We use ours all the time. I am a diver and a nice warm rinse after 55 degree water is great. It makes clean up of regulators, masks, and gear a snap. Plus, we have dogs. Enough said.” – Erik Russell, 2016 Ram 3500, 2001 Lance 1010
“I never use the outside shower. I could easily skip it.” – Leonard Pennock, 2006 Ram 3500, 2002 Eagle Cap 950
“The only time we have ever used an outside shower from any of our RVs was to wash our dogs after swimming in dirty water. If we were to order a new unit, I would delete it. It’s just another item to winterize each year.” – Eric Devolin, 2007 GMC 3500, 2006 Adventurer 106 DBS
“In 15 years, we have never used the outside shower. I did remove and replace it when I needed access to the bathroom faucet to replace one that broke. Yes, it could be removed provided there was another way to access the bathroom faucet when it needs replacement.” – Ronald Ramos, 2003 Ram 3500, 2001 Adventurer 90RDS
“The only time we would use the outside shower is when we need to use water from our tank, but don’t want that water to go to the gray tank, due to its small size. And that is not often. The alternative would be a solar shower bag. You could get the water from a clear stream, set it in the sun for a few hours, and have a shower powered by gravity. We used a solar shower when we were cruising in the Bahamas all the time. These can be found at any Marine supply store, or on line at westmarine.com. So yes, I could live without the outside shower.” – Larry and Norma Wiethop, 2007 Ford F250, 2003 Lance 960
“Having two large dogs that love to roll around in highly odoriferous materials (think dead animals), an outside shower is mandatory. It definitely comes in handy on these occasions.” – Stuart Klein, 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500, 2001 Hallmark Ute
“I use it a few times every year for cleaning fish and also for cleaning very dirty dishes. I like the option of having one.” – Jerry Comfort, 2012 Ford F150, 2013 White Water
“I use it quite a bit during my month long Idaho hunting trip. The dishes are done outside using a table and plastic pans. I also use it for rinsing off muddy gear. But, no one in our camper uses it for showers.” – Steve Cilenti, 1999 Ford F350, 2012 Arctic Fox
“I use it all the time, though rarely for an actual shower since I have one inside. The main use is rinsing off a kayak and gear after seawater voyaging. I use the spray nozzle attached to an extension hose with a standard male garden hose fitting on one end. It has also served to rinse off large quantities of mud or dust on my person and I have even washed the rig a couple of times with it.” – Larry Bluhm, 2004 Ram 2500, 2011 Northstar Laredo SC
“We have never used it. I have considered removing it, but that is when we will need it.” – Matt Wiegand, 2014 Ford F150, 2015 Palomino SS-1251
“I use it a little every year for rinsing off feet, boots, and occasionally for washing hair. I have not used it for full body showering; only a couple of exceptions. I like having it, but I don’t winterize, ever.” – Dennis Nord, 2005 Chevy 2500, Northern Lite Northerner
“I really don’t really care for the wimpy shower head in the new Northern Lite. I really liked the one in the old Arctic Fox. It was a nice heavy duty coiled hose with a good spray nozzle that was good for washing out fish coolers, cutting boards, washing the bugs off from the front of the camper, and anything else that needed washing.” – John Rand, 1999 Ford F-250, 2016 Northern Lite 9.6 Q SE
“No, I never have. I would not order one on a new camper.” – John Simon, 1993 Dodge Ram 350, 1993 Alpenlite 12-foot
“I use my shower most every trip in mild-weather. I have a shower tent and it works great for me! Of course I don’t have an interior shower. I camp 95-percent of the time off-grid, so no campgrounds!” – Michael Sasse, 2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2014 Four Wheel Eagle
“I have had four RVs, all with outside showers, and never used one once. I have winterized all of them for ten years of RVing. I like the coil hose and nozzle that came with my 2016 Arctic Fox 990.” – George Visconti, 2015 GMC 3500HD, 2016 Arctic Fox 990
“I love the outside shower. We wouldn’t be without it. I use it for doing dishes and cleaning fish along with an occasional shower with a swimming suit on, of course.” – Jeff Baker, 2004 Ford F250, 2000 Lance 820
“I ordered the camper with the outside shower as there is no way to avoid some obscure future reason where it might be a lifesaver (mine). My wife is a neat freak and I can be a klutz. Fortunately, it has never been used, but it’s only 18 months old.” – Joe Sesto, 2015 Silverado 3500, 2015 Bigfoot 10.6E
“I have never used mine. I had to replace it because it froze last winter and leaked this spring. Yep, I could do without it.” – Tom Bryan, 2014 Chevy 2500, 2012 Wolf Creek 850
“Ours never worked right, so I didn’t use it. I would rather not have it on the camper. Use that space for something else or cut the cost.” – Bruce Hoffman, 2008 Ram 3500, 2000 Arctic Fox
“After four outings, I have yet to use the outside shower on our Lance 981. But, on our old Lance 1010, we used to set it up as a hand washing station. It worked quite well and was used often since it was convenient. We also found it easier to wash dishes in tubs set up on our camp table under the outside shower.
As for the 981, the outside shower is under/inside the wing. The on/off knobs are inconveniently low. I do not see us using it in the immediate future, but it will be something to ponder this weekend at the campsite as I would like to set it up as a hand washing station again.” – Ben Hansen, 2002 Ford F250, 2005 Lance 981
“I have used it three times on a four week trip. Lack of privacy and cold are the reasons for not using it. If the air temperature was hotter, I probably would use it more. Some concern about using too much water is also a factor.” – Richard Stover, 2015 Toyota Tacoma, 2015 Four Wheel Camper Fleet
“I use my outdoor shower often even though we have a nice dry bath onboard. Being a surfer in the Pacific northwest, it is a huge asset being able to return from a surf session and fill my wet suit with warm goodness and rinse off without bringing the mess indoors.
Having two kids and two dogs, it’s also very nice to have them shower for clean up outside of the camper when weather permits. I still intend to fashion a outdoor surround/curtain, but we mostly just bathe in our swimwear.” – Stewart Simonson, 2004 Dodge 3500, 1997 Bigfoot 2500
“Yes we use it! We spend a lot of time by our local San Diego beaches and use it to clean off the saltwater and sand after a fun surf, diving, or fishing session. It’s also great for rinsing the saltwater and sand off the gear and the occasionally dirty dog.” – Chris Andersen, 2006 Dodge 2500, 2015 Arctic Fox 990
“I use my outside shower on most every trip. Not all campgrounds have showers and I like to at least wash my head in the morning. If I get another camper it will have an outside shower also.” – John Goins, 2015 Ford F150, 2003 Northstar TC800
“We go to Colorado to work on a house for one and a half to two weeks in July and use the outside shower almost 90-percent of the time (even my wife). The camper did not come with an outside shower, so we plumbed one in. We use a two room shower surround that we built out of PVC from our tenting days. It has a lot more room and has a changing room.
The inside shower pan on the camper was cracked and it could not be used. Even if it worked, I prefer the outside shower due to the space.” – Alan Mueller, 2006 GMC 2500HD, 2000 Shadow Cruiser
“Oh yeah, we use it! Living in the desert our outside shower sees use well before we’ll stand inside. Just enough hot water during a shower inside can cause the entire camper interior to become a sauna. Even using the ceiling fan there’s no deterring the humidity level. There’s just something about standing outside and showering. Granted were usually wearing the minimum.” – Ralph Bosse, 1996 Dodge 2500, 1994 Lance 480
“My Travel Lite does not have a inside shower. It does have a toilet inside. That being said, I have used the outside shower several times when I’m boondocking I either use a bathing suit or a porta privy. I’ve also set up a portable kitchen and used the water to clean dishes.
Yes, it’s an extra step to winterize, but not a problem. Even if I buy another camper with a bath inside, I would use the outside water. Oh, another use is to bathe my two small dogs in the summer time.” – Jeff Hagberg, 2002 Ford F250, 2006 Travel Lite 800 SBX
“Yes, quite a bit. We use the outside shower to hose off salt water at the beach, have hot dish water when cooking outside, and for washing hands, etc. We find it quite handy. About the only thing we have not done with the outside shower is take a shower! We do that inside.” – Bill Tex, 2006 Chevy, 2013 Eagle Cap 850
“I have had RVs of one kind or another since 1965, and never have I used the outside shower. On our Arctic Fox, I have removed all the hookups and cut out the inside panel to access the inside. In hot weather it helps to remove hot air from water heater under that counter. Not having excess plumbing helps winterizing, and clears up area under the sink that is cluttered up with wiring and piping that runs everywhere.
Maybe for future surveys, you could ask for lists of likes and dislikes for the brand we have, maybe some feedback would get to manufactures from the people that really use their product, and with a few improvements we would be interested in upgrading.
Thanks for your online publication. I really enjoy reading just about our truck campers.” – Bill Hansen, 2013 Ram 3500, 2007 Arctic Fox 990
“I have not used the outside shower yet. I would not add it as an option if I was special ordering one. I believe it serves as a great option if you have small children and need to wash the mud off them. I would prefer an option for a fish cleaning station. You could have a single box with a hose bib and a hose with a table that is mounted on the side of the camper. It could fold up when traveling and be mounted on the side.
Then again, we would be talking about who needs a fish cleaning station.” – Steve Evans, 2104 Ram 3500, 2012 Lance 825
“I have used my outside shower but only about six times. I would probably use it more if it was in a more user friendly location on my camper, and was of a better quality.” – Scott Bauer, 2002 Ford F-350, 2009 Lance 1181
“Living in Southern California, I mostly camp in the warm local deserts and Baja California. Having a wet bath and being 6’3″ tall, I use my outside shower all the time for showering, rinsing off after surfing, or cleaning the salt water off fishing gear. It is much more convenient than having to wipe the bath down. I usually will put down a couple plastic leveling blocks to stand on while showering so I am not standing in a muddy mess.” – Justin Hinds, 2001 Ford F250, 2007 Lance 861
“Our camper did not come with an outside shower. I have, however, installed one myself. How often we use it depends on where we are camped. If others are around, then not so much. If few or no others, then quite often. We have a wet bath which means, after every use, it gets wiped down, which is fine because it stays cleaner that way. However, with the outside shower we have no problem with elbow room and there’s no clean-up afterwards (and I don’t mind holding the shower head for my wife). We will always have an outside shower.” – David Pracht, 2015 GMC Sierra K3500, 1987 Lance LC900
“We have had two truck campers and, as far as I can recall, we have only used the outside shower once in our first camper. The shower hose on our Arctic Fox has never been out of its storage area. I believe that the shower could be useful, but in most camping situations you are likely to make more of a muddy mess using the outside shower than just wiping off and taking a shower inside. Now that I have said this we’ll probably use the outside shower this weekend!” – John Terescik, 2015 Ram 3500, 2015 Arctic Fox 1140
“Yes, I use the outside shower every day we camp. We have a small dog and wash off his paws when he is muddy. And I use it to rinse out the coffee strainer after making perked coffee with no mess inside.” – Michael Walker, 2008 Ford F250, Bigfoot Columbia River
“To be fair, we have mostly used our camper long term in a campsite so we didn’t need it. Last winter we were two months in one campsite in Florida. We used the shower a couple of times to wash feet or sandals and hose off a leaky sewer/gray water drain hose.
I just asked my wife and got a definite, “No, we wouldn’t spend the money to have this as an option”. Even if we were on the road traveling and using remote sites, I can’t see us using it. It seems like, “Wow, that’s nice” when you get it, but it’s nothing that we need or use.” – Mike Ricci, 2006 Chevy 2500 HD, 2006 Bigfoot 15C9.5 FS
“We do use it some, but not very often. It would not be a reason not to buy a camper.” – David Jewell, 2008 Dodge 2500, 2005 Alpenlite 800
“We’ve never used the outside shower and can’t think of a time we would. We live in an area where we don’t have to winterize it, but would forgo an outside shower in the future.” – Tony and Linda Perez, 2014 Chevrolet 2500HD, 2013 Wolf Creek 850
“We use it at least ten times a summer. We have a shower tent to put out by the camper. Our last camper, a Bigfoot 9.6, had a small grey water tank so this worked well. Even with the new camper, with four showers and some dishes, the grey tank is full.” – John Hogan, 2014 Ram 2500 HD, 2016 Westland 9.5 SL
“My wife, Brenda, and I love the outside shower. We purchased an outside shower pop-up tent and stand it up along side the camper. The existing hose was bit short for what we needed, so I purchased a longer, 7-foot hose. The factory shower head did not shut off completely and, as you know, the pressure is weak. So we purchased a better unit. The shower tent has two rooms and holds our dry towels and clothes in one room, while we shower in the next. It really gives you the room you need.” – Tom Klinczar, 2012, GMC Sierra 2500, 2012 Palomino 8801
“I don’t have an outside shower, but sure would like to have one. I have a golden retriever and, at times, it would be nice to wash her down before entering the camper.” – Charlie Young, 2013 Chevy 2500HD, 2012 Riverside 865
“We use our outside shower all the time. We asked the Ward family at Hallmark to not install the inside shower so we would have more interior space in our Everest model camper. We bought a pop-up style shower tent that we put up next to our outside shower and we take private showers in that all the time.” – Rick Guffey, 2012 Ram 2500, 2013 Hallmark Everest
“In five seasons with our last camper and into the second season with this camper, we have never used our outside shower. Apparently I am no longer allowed to get that dirty. Having said that, I still like having the option.” – Jim Kaley, 2015 GMC Sierra 3500, 2015 Arctic Fox 992
“Yes, I use it almost as much as inside for showers. I couldn’t imagine not having one. There is nothing like the great outdoors.” – Ron Perks, 2013 Ford F150, 2015 Palomino SS-1251
“My husband used the outside shower just one time. I have never used it. I would certainly prefer some other option.” – Helen Scurzi, 1991 Chevy 3500, 2008 Lance 911
“Yes we use the outside shower, although not for us humans, but our four-legged travel companion. Depending on where we’ve been camping and how dirty he gets, we wash the dog every few weeks. The smell of wet dog in the camper is not one we enjoy.
And one time, at a public dump that didn’t have water, we put a back flow preventer connector on to the outside shower and used it to do the black flush – probably not the smartest thing we’ve ever done, but we did use the back flow preventer.” – C&J Ramsey, 2012 Chevy 3500, 2014 Adventurer 116DS
“We use our outside shower a fair bit. Dirty grandkids and when I clean fish are two prime examples.” – Brian Hawkins, 1999 Ford F250 SD, 1987 Skamper
“We have spent over 425 nights in this camper and have never used campground showers – only our own dry bath. We too, have only used the outside shower once in a campground in Wyoming where we were all alone and modesty wasn’t needed. It is a very easy option to forgo in our next truck camper, especially if the space could be used to expand the dry bath or add another storage nook.” – Lou Pomerville, 2008 Silverado K3500HD, 2008 Snowriver 102RK
“I have used it a few times, and would get it again. When you need it, it’s nice to have, like in your example!” – Ed Osborn, 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2012 Four Wheel Camper Raven
“I like outside showers best. It lessens the risk of rot and gives yourself more room in the camper. I used a friends with that set up years ago and loved it. He had a basic Thetford toilet inside and the outside shower. If I get a camper for myself, assuming someone actually makes a camper with real world numbers for an older half-ton truck, that is the only set up I would consider.” – Patrick Seals, 2001 Chevy 1500, it was a friend’s, don’t know the brand
“If you travel with a dog, you already know the answer to this question.” – Bob Shaffer, 2016 Ram 3500, 2016 FWC Hawk
“I use my outside shower frequently. We bought a wood grate and a fold up enclosure for privacy. Camping with kids means lots of dirt. It’s amazing how nice it is to shower them at night before going to bed. We camp mostly away from campgrounds so showering at a facility isn’t usually an option for us.” – Jeremy Haymore, 2015 Silverado 3500, 2015 FWC Grandby
“I almost always remove the truck and I use the overhang area to cook and do dishes using the shower for hot water. When camping, I live outdoors as much as possible.” – Richard Riebe, 2007 GMC 2500, 2013 Wolf Creek 850
“I have to have one. I’m a diver. It’s great to wash the gear and me.” – Dennis D Duncan Jr, 2012 Ford F350, 2005 Arctic Fox
“We never have used our outside shower. In fact the shower head is one of the kitchen drawers. We winterize it every year. Will we ever use it? Who knows, but we wouldn’t want to do without one because you never know when you may really need it. Maybe for a skunked dog, oil soaked hands, or just plain old muddy sneakers or grandchildren.” – Jerry Bonneau, 1995 Ford F350SD, 2002 Lance 1061
“I use it some times. I would order it again.” – Loro Paterson, 2014 Ram 1500, 2014 Four Wheel Camper Hawk
“The outside shower head reduces the need to enter the camper and reduces weight of grey water. I wash hands, feet, and dogs. It also fills pans heated on the fire and rinses dishes. You can also wash away poison oak and cool off the dogs.” – Mike Given, 1999 F250, 1997 Shadow Cruiser
“I never have and probably never will (except to winterize!). I agree, and probably would forgo it in the future.” – Tom and Karin Slack, 2011 Ford 350, 2008 Okanagan 85SL
“We have never used the outside shower on our campers. Then last year we had water on the floor by the stove and adjacent heater wall, which is next to the bathroom. We finally found it was the line in the bathroom that ran to the outside shower. To stop the leak, the water to the outside shower was turned off and the lines capped. For us, we don’t need it and will forgo it. If desperate, a bucket of water will work.” – Don Sutliff, 2004 Ford F250, 2014 Lance 865
“Yes, we use it any chance we get. There is less clean up inside and it gives you a little more of the outdoorsy camping with a mother nature feel.” – Paul Braun, 2011 Sierra 2500 HD, 2007 Lance 861
“No thank you. No outside shower ever.” – Manuel Pacheco, 2011 Ford F250, S&S Camper
“We use our outside shower frequently when camping. We dry camp and use it for washing hair, rinsing off after swimming (us and the dog), or on horseback trips for showers. We never use the inside shower (wet bath camper) and have considered getting one of those small outhouse tents for the outside shower. We carry a rubber door mat for standing on. I would never buy a camper without an outside shower.” – Tricia Mason, 2009 Ford F350, 2008 Montana Ponderosa
“I use the outside shower when I’ve been working outside and need to spray off the dust and dirt before going in. The truth is that I use it probably five times a year. I’ve been known to change the head on it and put a hose on it to fill the bucket for washing the rig and car. If I didn’t have it, I don’t think I’d really miss it.” – Jeff Kligora, 2007 Chevy 3500, 2007 Okanagan 117DBL
“We do use outside shower for mud on shoes and giving our grandchildren a shower outside to save grey water holding tank. I also have used it to take a shower on private land in warm weather.” – Greg Gaser, 2014 Ford F350, 2017 Lance 1172
“Never. It’s a waste of space. It’s good for families with kids, maybe. But, for me, never. I could use the space for other things. Space is a premium.” – Bob Seely, 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 2000 Lance 10.2
“Yes, but I have limited use due to limited fresh water of 27 gallons.” – Stephen O’Neal, Chevy 3500, Alaskan 11
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