We are shopping for our first popup. What are the advantages or disadvantages of having a shower besides the obvious? The kids are grown so that's not a factor.
Thanks,
Sherry
WELCOME TO PUT!!!
We don't have a shower in our PU but we do have a shower tent that we set up if we are going to be camping for more than 2 days and there are no showers available.
I am a big person (6'3" - 225#) and I can't stand a small shower and/or plastic shower curtains. I guess they would be OK for smaller people.
One thing to keep in mind is that PUs with showers and slide-outs hold their value better than ones without. If you are buying new, this could be a consideration. If you are buying used, it makes the ones without even a better deal as they depreciate faster in the 1st 3 years.
Our 1st PUP had a CP but no shower. We had 3 small children and when baths were necessary, we'd either bathe using the outside shower or put them in the galley sink. At this time, we were happy without a shower but when we purchased our last PUP, I had to have a shower because I don't like public showers. We absolutely LOVED the shower; it came in handy with the kids and the convenience of our AM shower was wonderful. We no longer had to worry about showering.
If I had to purchase another PUP, I would purchase one with a shower only because the convenience in itself.
We camp where there aren't showers on a regular basis. We have also camped where I wouldn't use the showers. I wouldn't want a camper without a shower. Clean, warm in the cold weather, cool in the hot weather. Good luck on finding your PU.:)
Welcome. You are about to enter another world! At least I felt that way when I joined not long ago.
We have a shower in our PUP but on the three trips we've taken we have yet to use it. There will be trips when we will need it so I am glad we have it. I know it will get some use.
You need to look at where you will be camping and for how long. As a newbie myself I have found out through this site that state parks are wonderful places to camp. A lot of the SP's here in AZ have showers and the two that we have been to have been really clean.
Just for the record, we also have a toilet and have yet to use that as well.
In our former popup, we had a shower (Coleman Niagara). We had a 2 y.o. at the time so it was mainly to bathe her.
Another advantage we found was: that when we dry camped in the Smokies, we could get a shower and enjoy our stay longer. There are no showers in the National Park only potties. Now it wasn't a long shower but it was enough to feel refreshed and clean. We only had a 5 gallon gas can to catch our grey water. We didn't have any problems with moisture either - we usually took the shower curtain outside after we finished our morning showers to dry.
Disadvantage: It took up a lot of floor space (but we weren't in the camper a lot anyway). For traveling, we could store dirty clothes and garbage can in it.
Just my $0.02 worth
Kerri
Welcome!
I guess you have to think about; would you use it, would you rather have that space dedicated to something else, would you rather use public showers, if you do use it would you be able to keep from using up all your water supply if you dry camp (moot if you camp with hook ups).
We've got one without. I'm kinda of a "gear" guy, so I like stuff with all the features possible. But then again, sometimes less is more.......I don't have a water heater to deal with, or all the extra plumbing, and weight, and more stuff to service and keep an eye on, etc.
We only dry camp and so far, it's not been missed or really wanted and the public showers have been nice........so far. Plus, we seem pretty adept at needing all the storage space we can get.
To give you an idea of what we'd loose if we had the model with the shower, here's a page out of the brochure for our Starcraft. The top camper is the one with the shower in the upper left corner of the floor plan. Our model is the bottom camper. Without the shower, we get the kitchen and cabinets in that upper left corner, a big long cabinet in the lower right, our stove isn't parked right next to where someone's sitting in the dinette, and our dinette is off to the side so we don't climb over it to get in and out of the front bunk.
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x242/austinado16/1987Brochurepagecroppedlarge.jpg)
We just recently bought our pop up, and have to say we love it!! We have the 08 Fleetwood Avalon. We went down to Benson last weekend and the kids went swimming in the pool. So needless to say, we had to use the shower on our maiden voyage. IT WAS GREAT! We were at the KOA down there but when the kids were done swimming they couldn't use the public shower because they were cleaning it, so we hauled them into the camper one at a time and they all took a shower. We have both inside and outside showers. Personally, I wouldn't get anything without a shower. But that's just me.
When we bought our pup last year, we were originally looking at nothing but shower models. We ultimately decided that it is not necessary. My view is you lose some living space for something that we would rarely use. So far over the past 2 seasons, there has only been 1 trip that a shower would have been nice. Still not necessary, though. If we have to, we will use the outside shower.
We gave up valuable floorspace for the shower, and in an Aliner that is sizable! Are we sorry, not a bit. I wouldn't trade the shower for more storage.
We use the shower/cassette often when we are dry camping back in the forest. Nothing beats a shower after a days hiking in 90* + and youre hot, dirty and sweaty. Then after that you open the slightly larger fridge (3 cf) and pull out an Ice Cream from the freezer ! :frosty:
I contacted the campground that we are going to for Thanksgiving. I found out that they turn the water off at the campsites and that the bath houses are also closed. I am not surprised that the water is turned off, but I expected to be able to use the campground showers. Glad we have our own shower/toilet. Other wise we could get a little stinky.:)
We are on our 2nd PUP with shower and would not be without it. Well worth the space it uses. Having the shower and toilet means DW likes to camp.
Shower? Who needs to shower?
You should ask yourself how often you will be camping in excess of 2-3 nights. And of those times, how often will be somewhere that doesn't offer them. Most of the shower facilities I have encountered are at worst nothing that a pair of sandles won't make tolerable. (by the way, Four Paws Kingdom CG in North Carolina has showers that were cleaner than mine at home)
I use a solar shower on longer trips. It works fairly well, though it takes longer to heat than advertised.
Just my 2c
Seems like everyone answering this thread who has a shower is very happy having one, and would probably get one in their next PUP. Those without showers seem to justify not having one for various reasons, but unless they have had a PUP with a shower will they ever really know?
I spent lots of years using a tent, and one of the main reasons I bought a PUP was for the inside shower and toilet (yes we use both). I personally will never go back to tent camping, or buy a PUP without a shower and toilet.
I'm sure a few will say they had a PUP with a shower and now they don't because they don't need it, just like others don't have heaters or air conditioners. I'm really glad we got a Niagara, it has just the right stuff for us, and still feels enough like camping to keep us very happy.
went through two pop ups ...get a hybrid
troutbum like your avatar.still listen much?check out the latest from deadnet road trip #1 vol ! is on its way
QuoteThose without showers seem to justify not having one for various reasons, but unless they have had a PUP with a shower will they ever really know?
Works both ways. So you have never owned a pup without a shower? How can you ever know that an outside shower with shower tent isn't the greatest thing ever?
The
only person that can answer the question is the person buying it. Unless they examine the way they camp or intend to camp, they can only go by the opinions here.
Hey if you want to have a hot tub in your pop up, go for it, if you want to camp in a TT that has a microwave and satalite television, that's your choice, but don't assume that because I choose to be more of a minimalist and opt not to have a toilet and shower in my pop up that I don't know what I'm missing. Trust me I know what I'm missing therefore I choose not to have them. Go do your thing and let me do mine.
CajunCamper
I've got an 06 Niagara with shower/potty (hardwalled) and I love it.
The shower can be very refreshing, and I've used it to rinse the pots/pans too big for the sink, as well as giving the fur-kids a quickie bath. Having the hard-walls also gives a nice 'changing area' with a little privacy.
While I will utilize campground showers (if clean), I do enjoy not having to leave the camper and carry all the crap.
And, as someone else mentioned - the resale value is a wee-bit higher with this amenity than without.
Our sons (9 & 6) use ours. I've used it twice & DW has never used it.
Quote from: fritz_monroeWorks both ways. So you have never owned a pup without a shower? How can you ever know that an outside shower with shower tent isn't the greatest thing ever?
QUOTE]
Having an indoor shower does not remove the option of using an exterior shower tent, or opting not to use my indoor shower. So I can easily try and experience either if I choose. Please take a video and post here if you try the indoor shower experience.... I like what I have, and you can choose to like what you have, and we can both remain happy.
I have an indoor shower and an outdoor shower. There have been times that I have set up my shower tent outside and use the shower there, and then there are times that I use my indoor shower. So I guess that I get the best of both worlds. I do love my showers tho, both of them.
Quote from: HersheyGirlI have an indoor shower and an outdoor shower. There have been times that I have set up my shower tent outside and use the shower there, and then there are times that I use my indoor shower. So I guess that I get the best of both worlds. I do love my showers tho, both of them.
You forgot to post that you have a portable shower too. You have used that one in a cold water only shower house.:D
When planning our Thanksgiving camping trip, I found the same thing; that the campground that we were planning to go to has shut down the bathhouses right after Halloween. However, when camping in Southern Indiana for Easter this year, it got so cold that the water froze on our grey water drain line and the intake line from the fresh water tank to the camper. I have already had 20 degree temps at night, and have already winterized the fresh water tank and pump. I will just use gallon bottles for a fresh water supply, and drive a few more miles South into Kentucky for Thanksgiving where they leave the showers on year-round.
Quote from: tlhdocI contacted the campground that we are going to for Thanksgiving. I found out that they turn the water off at the campsites and that the bath houses are also closed. I am not surprised that the water is turned off, but I expected to be able to use the campground showers. Glad we have our own shower/toilet. Other wise we could get a little stinky.:)
Quote from: tlhdocYou forgot to post that you have a portable shower too. You have used that one in a cold water only shower house.:D
LOL! That is true too. You are right. I guess that I have several options to take a shower. That CHWD was great, a little leaky, but great.
QuoteI like what I have, and you can choose to like what you have, and we can both remain happy
My point exactly. My response was to your post that implied that because I have never owned a pup with a shower, so I couldn't possibly know what I'm missing.
I've said it before that the greatest thing about camping is you do it however you want. Want to backpack in with nothing but water and some dehydrated food, do it. Want to pull up in a 40' Class A with all the comforts of home, do it.
I had a porto potty in my Palomino. When we were looking to upgrade a shower/toilet combo was not negotiable in my eyes.
We bought the Hemlock with a hardside shower and cassette tiolet. We went from using the camper facilities for emergencies to using them whenever we liked since the cassette toilet was so easy to empty and clean out. I don't mind doing it at all.
Took a few trips before we used the shower but that is a wonderful amenity too. Even on days where I just want to wash my hair it is great to not have to drag everything down to the bathouse to do so.
I also purchased a few plastic over door hangers and use the space to hang clothes I don't want to wrinkle or towels from. They are out of sight and stay nice. This August when we went to my cousins wedding in NC it was nice to be able to hang DH's freshly dry cleaned suit in a place where it wouldn't have gotten laid on.
CC
I probably need to do some research, but the few pop ups I have seen with a shower/potty, seem to have the smallest black and grey water tanks I have ever seen, like 2 gallon/5 gallon respectively.(just guessing)
Am I just missing the boat on this and all I have seen is the older models capacity? They didn't seem to empty with a hose either, it was more of a pull out the cassette and empty it.
As you can tell, we don't have either in our little Taos, but I have been eyeing the ads on Craigslist for those with a bathroom.
I think the positives of a shower and potty are a given...but what I am most interested in is capacity and cleaning. Any info/advice on that?
Are all of the holding tanks small capacity and empty via pull out cassette?
Quote from: spicetraderI probably need to do some research, but the few pop ups I have seen with a shower/potty, seem to have the smallest black and grey water tanks I have ever seen, like 2 gallon/5 gallon respectively.(just guessing)
Am I just missing the boat on this and all I have seen is the older models capacity? They didn't seem to empty with a hose either, it was more of a pull out the cassette and empty it.
As you can tell, we don't have either in our little Taos, but I have been eyeing the ads on Craigslist for those with a bathroom.
I think the positives of a shower and potty are a given...but what I am most interested in is capacity and cleaning. Any info/advice on that?
Are all of the holding tanks small capacity and empty via pull out cassette?
Here is a link to the Niagara on the Fleetwood site which has a 20 gallon grey water tank and 9 gallon black water tank.
Fleetwood Niagara I'm sure the other manufactures are similar in size, and I only link to this one, because it is what I have and know.
We dump at the dump station using a 3" hose and have an extra grey water tank in case we want to off load any grey water before going to the dump station during longer trips. This is similiar to what a class C type RV would do, but our tanks are smaller. We have not had any problems with tank size, but it sounds like many on this board feel that the on board tanks are a hassle. I personally don't see it as a problem, and actually like the setup very much, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Quote from: lhasalady...What are the advantages or disadvantages of having a shower besides the obvious? ...
Advantages:
- No walking to the public shower.
- No waiting in line at the public shower.
- No worry about the cleanliness of the public shower.
- No shower shoes.
- Your PopUp will likely have an outside shower too!
- You won't be catching mysterious strains of foot fungus.
- No worry about the right change to carry to the shower.
- You can shower at any time.
- You don't have to worry if the campsite even has public showers.
- Greater resale value.
Disadvantages:
- All that foot fungus spray you purchased at wholesale is now worthless!
- Nobody to chat with in line at the shower line first thing in the morning.
- If you enjoyed wearing wet clothes after they fell on the public shower floor, that will go away.
- Some folks without showers will rave about how much more storage space they have and how your camping methodology is vastly inferior.
- You need to wipe down and occasionally clean your shower.
- No more interesting fungal experiments between your toes to discuss with your doctor, or around the campfire!
- If you boondock, you need to carefully think about and plan for getting sufficient quantities of fresh water to and grey water from your campsite.
- When boondocking, having to provide fresh water to some people without inside showers, who didn't think about bringing vast quantities of fresh water in the first place.
Quote from: beacherAdvantages:
- No walking to the public shower.
- No waiting in line at the public shower.
- No worry about the cleanliness of the public shower.
- No shower shoes.
- Your PopUp will likely have an outside shower too!
- You won't be catching mysterious strains of foot fungus.
- No worry about the right change to carry to the shower.
- You can shower at any time.
- You don't have to worry if the campsite even has public showers.
- Greater resale value.
Disadvantages:
- All that foot fungus spray you purchased at wholesale is now worthless!
- Nobody to chat with in line at the shower line first thing in the morning.
- If you enjoyed wearing wet clothes after they fell on the public shower floor, that will go away.
- Some folks without showers will rave about how much more storage space they have and how your camping methodology is vastly inferior.
- You need to wipe down and occasionally clean your shower.
- No more interesting fungal experiments between your toes to discuss with your doctor, or around the campfire!
- If you boondock, you need to carefully think about and plan for getting sufficient quantities of fresh water to and grey water from your campsite.
- When boondocking, having to provide fresh water to some people without inside showers, who didn't think about bringing vast quantities of fresh water in the first place.
I like your list. Another advantage is you will have grey water to put your campfires out with.:D
Responses to your advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- No walking to the public shower..........I kind of enjoy the night time or morning stroll.
- No waiting in line at the public shower.........Never had to wait to take a shower.
- No worry about the cleanliness of the public shower.............Have always had clean bath houses.
- No shower shoes.........No biggie
- Your PopUp will likely have an outside shower too!...........Have a portable shower tent and portable shower.
- You won't be catching mysterious strains of foot fungus............Have never caught any foot funk.
- No worry about the right change to carry to the shower...........never seen a pay shower, if I did I would use my portable shower.
- You can shower at any time...........Didn't know I couldn't.
- You don't have to worry if the campsite even has public showers..........Never been a worry
- Greater resale value..........Not planning on selling
Disadvantages:
- All that foot fungus spray you purchased at wholesale is now worthless!.............Once again never had foot funk.
- Nobody to chat with in line at the shower line first thing in the morning...................Once again never stood in line.
- If you enjoyed wearing wet clothes after they fell on the public shower floor, that will go away..............I keep my cloths off of the floor
- Some folks without showers will rave about how much more storage space they have and how your camping methodology is vastly inferior.........I really don't care how you camp.
- You need to wipe down and occasionally clean your shower............That sucks
- No more interesting fungal experiments between your toes to discuss with your doctor, or around the campfire!.............Not sure where you are sticking your feet.
- If you boondock, you need to carefully think about and plan for getting sufficient quantities of fresh water to and grey water from your campsite........I'll give you that one.
- When boondocking, having to provide fresh water to some people without inside showers, who didn't think about bringing vast quantities of fresh water in the first place.............You must be camping with rookies.
I'm with you Cajun...
None of the advantages listed seemed that big to me, and none of the disadvantages seemed insumountable.
If you need wholesale quantities of anti-fungal medicine I would suggest checkng out the campground reviews and picking a better place to camp.
I am yet to see a public shower at a campground that is as bad as the ones I have had to use while traveling throughout Africa and S. America. Heck, the dorm showers in college would occasionally be worse than anything I have seen at a campground- especially on the weekends.
I suppose it's to each his own. For me it's the farther away in the boonies the better. If need be, bathing in the river will work; or a warm water bath, washing the essential parts, using a 5/gal bucket. To me that's what camping is all about. When I was a boy my parents did the state and county park thing just using an old timey canvas wall tent and we seem to have gotten by for two or three weeks.
The less maintenance that has to be done on the PU the better. By the way, I have stashed away in one of the storage holds, a (never used) Coleman bag shower that you hang from a tree ... anyone ever use one these things?
There is one place we go that's a ways off the beaten path and about the time we start begining to become rank, we go over to a county park that has hot showers and they use tokens. When you camp there you have access to the shower, but if your staying out in the national forest like we do, you can buy the shower tokens for $1.00 each and it really takes a couple to give you a good warm, clean shower. Hey for a couple of bucks and staying out in the nat'l forest free, it's a good deal.
I'm new to all of this too. Although I camped quite frequently (all summer) as a kid and never had a shower in the camper (5th wheeler). DH and I just bought a 2007 FW Cheyenne last week (in storage until March :( but that's a different topic). We seriously considered getting PUP with a shower; however, we didn't like any of the floor plans that would go with our TV (2001 Pontiac Montana). All our children are grown so this wasn't something for us to worry about. DH & I have been tent camping for quite some time and wanted to upgrade now that our bodies don't take well to sleeping on the ground anymore.
DH often wakes in the middle of the night to read, etc and the floor plans meant he would have to crawl over many sofas, tables or something else in the middle of the night just to get to a seat. At 50+ w/back issues this was not an option. Some models the shower was right behind the stove and refer making access a little close when I need to be cooking. Our Cheyenne does have an outdoor shower, so this was fine for us. The PUP does have a hot water tank so the outdoor shower can be warm if we want it to be. I'm thinking a bathing suit and shower basics would be just fine until we got home if we get dirty hiking. The longest trip we have planned is a week of camping up the east coast to Maine (frm D.C. area). Mostly it will be for weekends and the outside shower or mother nature will suit us just fine.
We also didn't want to have to worry about the maintenance and clean up on a feature that we can live without for a short time. Like others we never had issues with the campground showers. I wear shower shoes at the gym so it is not a biggie for me to pack them in the camper. We also are considering camping late into a season when the evenings will get below freezing, so we didn't want to have to deal with that water line also. Like other posters said, I would purchase what works for you and your situation.
Just another twist on the indoor/outdoor shower. I have an indoor shower and an outdoor shower. I use both. I can also use my indoor shower outside. Why would I want to do that? The outdoor shower is on the road side of my PU. The indoor shower is on the curb side of my PU. There are times when I would rather shower on the curb side of my PU. Just unzip the tenting where the box and the bunkend tenting meet and put the shower hose out through the opening. I purchased a 1/2 inch treaded nipple to connect 2 shower hoses together so I can shower further away from my PU.:)