Thenna AndersenRV Bathroom – Generally, most part of RV bathroom has all the functions of a household bathroom. However, besides the size, there is also a difference in drainage system. While household bathrooms drain its waste into city sewage systems, RV bathroom has their own sewer system. It drains its waste into holding tanks that must be emptied out regularly.
RV Bathrooms are known for its small space and cramped spots. However there are many things that you can do to maximize the space and make it comfortable. Check our article below to find out more about how it works, bathroom tips and its accessories.
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How Do RV Bathrooms Work?
RV bathrooms come in various sizes and styles. There are RV bathrooms that are large enough to have RV shower and tub to small wet bathrooms. However, most RV are equipped with a gravity flush set up and here is how that works.
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RV Drainage System
Water is carried to the sink, shower and toilet through a hose that is hooked up to the water supply outside the RV. The sink and the shower drain into a gray water tank, meanwhile the toilet drains into a black water tank. Both sinks, though separated, located underneath the RV. The purpose of separating holding tanks is to prevent the waste odors from coming through the sink and shower drains.
RV Gray Tank
When the gray tank is already full, find a dump station nearby to empty the tank. If the RV is not hooked up to a sewer connection, make sure to close the gray tank. However, some campsites have sewer connection, and the gray tank can be kept open during use. In addition, to clean the tank and prevent odors, the treatment should be done at least once a month.
RV Black Tank
The black water tank needs more treatment than gray water tank. To mask odors and prevent the toilet paper from breaking down, the treatment product must always be kept in the tank. Furthermore, the black water tank should be kept closed even if the RV is hooked up to sewer connection. Plus, the black water tank should not be emptied until it is ¾ full.
Emptying RV Tanks
The black water holding tank should always be emptied before the gray tank. That way the sewer hoses would be cleaned out by the gray water. Hook up one end of sewer hose to the sewer connection outside the RV. Then, hook up the other end of sewer hose to the sewer connection at the RV dump station. Open the valve for black tank water to empty through sewer tube and into the sewer. Close the valve once the black tank is empty. The same goes for the gray water tank. Afterward, disconnect the sewer hose and store it in RV compartment for later use.
RV Bathroom Tips
Obviously, the bathroom is one of the important parts of the RV. Whether you are only traveling for a short time or living full time, having bathroom in your RV is a necessity. Thus, a little bit of care and maintenance is essential to keep RV bathroom stay clean and fresh. Below we write some tips for your RV bathroom.
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Buy The Right Chemicals
Use the chemicals that is specifically designed for RV bathroom. Not only easy to find, RV bathroom chemicals is also affordable. Furthermore, using the right toilet products can help to neutralize odors and make the dumping process easier.
Use Special RV Toilet Paper
Regular toilet paper can lead the toilet to clogs. Therefore, use extra dissolvable toilet paper to avoid problems.
Dump and Wash The Tanks Regularly
One of the most important things you can’t avoid is emptying your tanks. It might seem a loads of work, but it’s important to dump and wash the tanks regularly and thoroughly.
Turn Off The Vent When Flushing
Essentially, an exhaust vent is a great tool to reduce and eliminate odors. However, always make sure to turn it off before flushing. That way, it prevents the vent from sucking the fumes and odors directly from the exposed black water tank.
Scrub and Bleach
Obviously, keeping RV bathroom fresh and clean helps to reduce odors and germs. Thus, scrub and bleach your RV bathroom regularly to maintain its hygiene and comfortability.
RV Bathroom Storage Ideas
Generally, RV bathroom is known for its tiny and limited space. Therefore, it is easier to get cluttered. However, you don’t need to worry about a messy bathroom if you smartly invest on things that can save a lot of space. Here are some RV organization hacks to help you organize your bathroom.
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Shampoo dispenser
Not only easy to install, this refillable dispenser can hold up to 14 ounces of shower products. Thus, you no longer need little bottles for you shampoo and soap.
Toothbrush holder
Keep the germs away from your brush with this toothbrush holder. This highly hygienic is easy to install and can hold two toothbrushes.
Hair Styling Organizer
Keep your hair styling tools organized in this baket. This overdoor hair styling basket can easily fix the RV bathroom.
Over Cabinet Wastebasket
A regular wastebasket might take up a lot of space on the floor. Therefore, save space as much as possible by installing this over cabinet wastebasket.
Hanging Caddy and Bath Organizer
This caddy can hold toiletries, washcloths, soaps and other shower essential. Since it’s portable, you can bring this when you are in the mood for showering outside or at the campsite bathroom.
Small Shelves
Usually, this item is used for kitchen cupboard. However, it can also work perfectly in the bathroom cupboard. Therefore, make sure to get this to keep your bathroom stay organized.
Tissue Holder
This holder fits most regular size tissue boxes. Keep your tissue out of sight with this tissue holder.
Over-Door Towel Rack
Hang your towels on this overdoor towel rack. This amazing rack has sturdy hooks, so not only towels, but you can also hang robes and clothes.
Folder Holder
Keep your things organized in this dustproof and waterproof holder. This wall mount folder holder is perfect to store small things such as makeup, brushes, toothpaste, etc.
Microfiber Towels
This towel is perfect for camping because it takes up less space than regular towels. It also dries quickly and can be folded into a tiny square.
Mini Toilet Brush
Keep your bathroom clean with this mini brush. Since this brush is specifically made for Rv, the soft bristles won’t cause any damage.
Overdoor Hanging Towel Rack
Finally, the last item on the list, get an overdoor hanging rack. This can save space and a perfect item to hang your microfiber towels.
DIY RV Wet Bath
For some people, having an indoor bathroom is a necessity. However, not all RV is equipped with an indoor bathroom. Build your own wet bath by following easy steps below.
Build the Shower Pan
Build a frame that is slightly longer than the shower pan to allow the walls fit into a gap that goes below the shower pan. Install the Hepvo trap inside the van instead of underneath it. This trap provides the utility of a traditional p-trap, preventing odors from escaping the gray water holding tank. It also prevents water from the tank flowing into the shower pan. Afterward, elevate the shower pan to help you determine where you want the drain line to go through the RV floor.
Construct The Bathroom
Begin the construction with the back wall that is up against the passenger side of the van. First, even out the space by using wood framing to create a frame and then curves inward toward as it meets the ceiling. Afterward, cut a piece of ¼ plywood to be used for the back wall and screwed into the wood framing. Use FRP adhesive to glue ⅙ white plastic material to the black wall’s plywood. Them frame the forward and rear walls with 2”x4” and 2”x2” lumber. Furthermore attach the vertical frame to the floor and upper metal ribs with metal angle brackets. Also, screw it into the shower pan frame and fasten the horizontal frame to the vertical pieces in several places. Use the cavity on the rear wall for hot and cold water lines and shower valve. Lastly, attach ½” plywood the front and rear wall.s Then, glue ⅙” white plastic material gaps and seams between the walls with Loctite Polyseamseal.
Put Some Accessories
We mentioned above some items that you can use to keep your bathroom clean and well-organized. In addition, buy everything mini and specifically designed for RV bathroom.
Install The Toilet
You can use a Thetford Curve cassette toilet for your RV bathroom. The toilet latches into the mounting plate and can be easily removed from the bathroom area. The cassette toilet eliminates the need for a black holding water tank that usually stores sewage waste. It is also flexible as it allows you to use things like a porta-pot and dump into a standard sewer. Considerably, it is better to dump the cassette than dealing with the black water holding tank.
RV Bathroom Sinks
When shopping for bathroom sink, the choices are endless. However, gorgeous sinks aside, you need one that can handle daily wear and tear. Below we put some RV bathroom sink ideas to help you choose the one that is perfect for your needs.
Undermount Ceramic Sink
Drop-in sink or undermount sink is one of the most commonly used bathroom sinks, both in the household and RV. Instead of being installed on top of the counter, this sink is installed below the counter. For this reason, this type of sink makes the work easier when cleaning the RV bathroom countertop.
Vessel Bathroom Sink
This is the perfect choice if you want to make a statement but still having space for lower storage. This type of sink makes the bathroom look modern and elegant. Plus, vessel sink is easier to install than the undermount sink.
Stainless Steel Sink
This is another type of sink that is commonly seen in kitchen and bathroom. Stainless steel sink is considered the most durable kind of sink. In addition, not only known for its high durability, stainless steel sink is less expensive than other sinks.
Wall-Mounted Sink
This wall-mounted sink is a perfect solution for saving-space. It’s simply unique and eye-catching. Furthermore, this type of sink is a match for any bathroom design.
RV Bathroom Vanity Mirror
Generally, vanity mirrors come in various sizes and shapes. Beside its functionality, choosing the right vanity mirror for your RV bathroom is essential to enhance its design. Therefore, details such as your cabinets and the style of your bathroom should be taken into consideration when buying a vanity mirror. Here are some vanity mirror that might fit your bathroom and your personal style.
Small Mirror Cabinet
This is the most common bathroom mirror. Although it’s pretty simple, this small mirror on the cabinet is multifunctional as it provides enough storage to store bathroom essentials and even medicines.
Round Gold Mirror
You can’t go wrong with this kind of mirror.Undoubtedly, round mirror easily upgrade the bathroom look. Therefore, consider try using this mirror when doing RV bathroom remodel. It looks modern and creates a perfect balance with the rectangle sink. In addition, the gold color creates a great focal point.
Vanity Mirror with Wooden Frame
Keep it simple and practical with the wooden frame vanity mirror. This is one of the most basic types of mirror. However the mirror fits the RV bathroom cabinets perfectly.
Classic Vanity Mirror with lights
If your bathroom needs extra lighting, this classic vanity mirror with lights will be an excellent choice. The lights that is installed above the mirror not only makes the bathroom looks warm but also enables you to see the smallest details of your face.
Rustic Bathroom Mirror
When designing almost any room, including the bathroom, rustic style is one of the top ideas. Create the rustic vibe using this mirror as unique statement piece.
Horizontal Mirror with Shelf
This is a perfect choice if you don’t have enough space to store your bathroom essentials. In addition, the horizontal mirror makes the bathroom look modern and creates the fresh and clean feeling.
Vertical Rectangular Mirror
This type of mirror is the easiest way to balance a bathroom with bold colors. The simplicity of the mirror makes the bathroom looks perfect and elegant.
Conclusion
Essentially, having an indoor bathroom makes the traveling experience more comfortable. It makes your RV feel more homey. However, always spare your time to do some maintenance to ensure your RV bathroom works perfectly for a long time.
Thenna Andersen
