If you have been thinking about replacing your old shower pan or installing a new one in your RV, then you will be pleased to learn it’s thankfully, a fairly easy job. Your RV is an escape with everything you need, just like back home. RV showers are comfortable, discreet and all the luxury you may need on your next road trip. For those who are new to RV showers, these are compact units in your RV designed to fit in corners and other areas with limited space. While it is not exactly paradise, a hot shower in your RV may be all you need to rejuvenate after a long day on the road (or in camp).
There are quite a few options in the market today and choosing one can often times be a bit difficult. However, we’ve found the Lippert Components 210369 is overall our favorite option. It impresses us with its simplicity and efficiency. This left handed shower pan is made to fit standard RV shower pans for easy installation. With its incredible and sturdy build, ergonomic design and pure white color this would make a great addition to any new or upgraded RV.
Best RV Shower Pan – Lippert Component 210369
- Greater toughness than coated fiberglass
- ABS presents a viable and paint replacement alternative
The Lippert Components 210369 is not a mere shower base to decorate your bathroom, but a functional shower accessory that will make RV feel like new. You can say goodbye to daily cleaning with this modern accessory as it is made from materials that are extremely stain resistant. The Lippert shower pan is made of coated fiberglass to provide enhanced longevity with its durable. Due to the included anti-slip floor, you’ll never again need to worry about slips, trips and falls. Should you wish to do the installation yourself, this model has a left hand drain system that makes installation easy, fast and efficient.
RV SHOWER PAN Buyers Guide
Introduction
Choosing the right shower pan for your RV is not as simple as it may seem. There are several factors that one must take into consideration before embarking on this important upgrade or replacement job. The set up in an RV is different from the typical shower set up in a home. The RV shower pan is, essentially, the floor of your shower. As RV showers are limited spaces, you will need to know how to choose and install a new shower pan. Here is what you should know about an RV shower pan and what to consider when purchasing one;
What is an RV shower pan?
Your shower may be built with or without a shower pan. What exactly is a shower pan? The shower pan is a waterproof barrier that is made of either vinyl or lead and formed to the shape of the pan as the name suggests. This barrier is placed under the floor of a shower to catch any water that may seep through thus directing it to the drain. Replacing your shower pan is possible but is not advisable. Having a shower pan is equal parts convenience and versatility. Although some handy work is needed, removing a shower pan is an easy job and can be completed using basic tools. There are factors that would necessitate a new shower pan or replacement. If it leaks, you should probably rip out the old pan and get a fresh shower pan to mitigate water loss.
Know your RV Shower Design
The typical RV shower pan is either left-handed or right-handed. Some buyers have found themselves in trouble after purchasing the wrong type. Simply stated, unless you want to reconfigure the plumbing in your RV shower, get the right shower pan with a drain hole located on either the left or right side depending on your current configuration. You could also look out for special features like a flange to keep your RV walls from getting water damage. Most shower pans have a lip to prevent water from pouring out even though a regular RV shower pan is not made to hold significant amounts of water.
Know the type of material used
Most RV shower pans are coated with an anti-slip material or designed to make them less slippery. This is because the space in an RV shower is limited and falls can be especially dangerous. Some of the popular materials used to make RV shower pan include acrylic or fiberglass. It is important that you repairs cracks and holes as soon as they appear to prevent further damage. Although shower pans made of these materials last long, it can be costly to repair bigger cracks. While starting out, cracks and holes are not hard to fix. You can get a repair kit with epoxy resin and do the job yourself. Just take note of the direction on the kit and make sure everything dries out before you go to the shower.
Know how to install your RV shower pan
Replacing your RV shower pan is not as easy as the repair job. This can be trickier if you have to replace your entire shower pan. The pan is usually attached to the walls and the floor. You can easily damage the walls in the process of removing the old one and that would make your job even harder. If you find yourself in this situation that seems like an easy task, it may be best to talk to an expert.
If you are handy and consider yourself perfectly capable of performing this task, note the most important factors you need like working around existing plumbing systems. This way you can eliminate the hassle of creating a new system for your shower install.
Selecting and RV Shower Pan Size
In the market there are shower pans for RVs in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit any limited space. When taking the measurements of your shower, make sure to measure the rough hole size for your drain and drill a pilot hole. This helps you get a rough estimate on the size of drain hole and what RV shower pan side (left or right) you need to get. Shower pans not only extend horizontally, but also slope towards the drain pan so you might need to know your exact measurements to get the right shower pan. This is how to measure the size of your shower pan.
Get the calculations of the sides of your shower pan. Simply extend the tape measure to the outer edge of your shower pan. Take note that it is the outer edge not the inside of the pan. Note all the sizes of your shower pan on a notebook or your phone. Next, you measure the depth of your shower pan by working out the height in the drain pan. To measure, hold your tape to the height of the pan from the center and drop it down to the bottom. Note this too. These sizes are very important as you can get the perfect shape and size to fit your shower stall effortlessly.
If your budget is not limited, you may also choose to get a custom made shower pan built to any size or shape, and with customized drain location.
Best RV Shower Pan Detailed Reviews
Now that we’ve covered most of our bases regards what an RV shower pan is, how to install one and more, let’s move on. With thousands of shower pans out there, and each claiming to be the best, choosing the right product for your RV may not exactly be a walk in the park. Whether cheap or expensive, you need to get a shower pan that suits your needs and gives you the best showering experience possible. So, which shower pan should you choose for your RV camping? Check out the below reviews to find out.
#1 Lippert Components 210369 White 24” x 32” Rectangular Left Handed Shower Pan
- Greater toughness than coated fiberglass
- ABS presents a viable and paint replacement alternative
Weighing only 6 pounds, this shower pan from Lippert Components comes in a compact package measuring 9 x 26 x 34 inches. This shower pan is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a viable paint replacement alternative. Featuring thermoformed ABS sheet, this product is relatively lighter and thus, improves gas mileage on your RV. However, it is much stronger than coated fiberglass; hence, promises durability. Its white color can be a perfect complement to the interior of your RV shower room.
Campers may find this Lippert Components 210369 White 24” x 32” Rectangular Left Handed shower pan quite convenient because of its ease of installation and maintenance. It has a designated spot for drilling the drain hole before laying it down on your RV shower floor. While you may appreciate its light-weight property, its price may be a little too high for those operating on a shoestring budget. If you are on such a budget, you may consider the Shower Pan SP300 Polar White from ICON.
Pros
• Lasts longer due to the use of ABS materials, which are tougher compared to fiberglass.
• 20-25% lighter than fiberglass parts; thus, reducing the overall fuel consumption of your vehicle.
• The white color blends well with the other accessories in the RV bathroom.
• Compact size makes for an easy fit in the limited space of your RV washroom.
• Easy to install.
Cons
• Rather expensive compared to other shower pans.
• White color attracts smudges, making it unsightly.
Considering the many pros, such as its light-weight nature and durability, you may give it a go if the price isn’t much of a challenge for you. Since you will need to enjoy some autonomy while camping, a shower pan you can easily install would be the best fit for you. However, be sure to keep it spotless clean because the white color is hopelessly unable to conceal any smudge.
#2 ICON 12873 Shower Pan SP300 – Polar White
- Shower pans are constructed of durable ABS plastic
- Drain is molded into the pan and ready to be drilled
The ICON 12873 Shower pan SP300 Polar White features ABS plastic materials, which explains its light-weight properties. Polar white in color, this product measures 32-1/8” by 30-1/8” by 4-5/8” inches. The drain comes pre-molded into the pan. A simple drill and the appropriate sized hole saw is all that’s needed to create an outlet for the waste water. Weighing 7 pounds and with a machined exterior, this product is delivered in a single package for convenience.
This compact size is especially perfect for travelers because it can fit into an existing RV shower space with ease. Being light-weight also means it will go easy on the fuel consumption of your camping vehicle; hence, more cost effective.
You can use this shower pan to protect the floor of your RV bathroom, considering that it is waterproof. The ICON 12873 Shower Pan SP300 prevents water from seeping into the floor and causing extensive damage to your vehicle. Though compact and portable, this shower pan still provides enough space for your feet while taking a shower.
Pros
• Easy to install as the drainage hole is already molded into the pan, ready for drilling.
• Relatively cheaper compared to others with similar functionalities and features.
• This RV shower pan is made from durable ABS plastic materials; hence, cost-effective since it won’t require regular replacements.
• Its polar white color blends nicely with the other accessories in the bathroom.
Cons
• White color attracts smudges, so may require constant cleaning.
• Slightly heavier than other RV shower pans, and may take a toll of then fuel consumption of your vehicle.
If you need an easy to install RV shower pan, relatively light-weight but with enough space for your feet, the SP300 would be your best bet. It’s only one pound heavier than its Lippert counterpart, and may not really affect the fuel consumption of your vehicle.
#3 PROFLO Neo-Angle 36” x 36” Corner Shower Pan with White Strainer
- All Proflo products are factory tested before disbursement - 100% guaranteed to function flawlessly
- These bases may be used in a custom shower project or combined with a shower enclosure for a complete shower installation
This shower pan has a unique shape to fit in the corner of your RV bathroom. Backed by the ProFlo policy of testing every piece of equipment before dispatch to the client, this shower pan is guaranteed to function without any issues. The high-quality materials of this product also contribute to its suitability, as they provide a slip-resistant bottom for your feet while bathing.
This pan can also be combined with a shower enclosure for campers who need a complete shower installation, or may function as a custom shower project. You can easily fit it in your camping vehicle, or any shower enclosure in your home. This shower pan is therefore versatile and quite convenient for those juggling between camping and an indoor life at home.
Made of composite materials, this PROFLO PFSB3636NEOWH Neo-Angle 36” x 36” Corner Shower Pan with White Strainer weighs 22 pounds, the heaviest of the RV shower pans in this review.
Pros
• Strong and long lasting since it’s made from composite materials.
• Its unique shape allows it to fit the tight corners of your camping car.
• It’s white in color, hence, can blend into the other accessories of your bathroom which are mostly white.
• Manufacturer tests the product before sending to the customer, a guarantee that it will work well.
Cons
• Quite heavy, and may increase the energy consumption of your car.
• Relatively expensive compared to other pans with the same functionalities.
You may consider choosing this shower pan if you have no problem sparing enough cash to buy it, and need something designed ergonomically to fit the corner spaces of your camping car. The hefty weight may be a concern especially if you have a few bulky things to haul to the camping site. But if you are tight on your budget, you may have to go for cheaper alternatives, such as the Lippert Components.
Summary
You will find thousands of RV shower pans at the local store, and the biggest challenge may be finding a balance between quality, weight and price. Heaver pans may last longer but will increase the fuel consumption of your vehicle; thus, making your camping trips an expensive leisure activity. Lighter pans, on the other hand, may be less durable but are cost effective. However, it is not impossible to have to have a share of both worlds. If you are looking for an RV shower pan that is light, durable and relatively cheap, consider the Lippert Components 210369 White 24” x 32” Rectangular Left Handed Shower pan.
Since you’re already working to upgrade your RV bathroom, you might want to consider replacing your RV toilet and possibly your RV Water pumps as well. This will give you camper that new RV smell and make your plumbing 100% better.
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