What Does Dry Bath Mean In An RV?

If you have been planning to buy an RV and researching the bathroom options in an RV you must have come across the term – RV dry bath.

Source: rvshare.com

What Does Dry Bath Mean In An RV?

A dry bath in an RV is literally a bathroom with the shower and toiler designed separately from each other. While the sink, urinal or toilet bowl may be slumped together, the shower has its own enclosure. In some luxurious RVs, a bathtub may even be installed on these trailers making it feel like living in a hotel room on wheels. An RV dry bath feels like the usual bathroom in a standard home only that space can be tighter but with a good reserve tank, hot and cold water supply will be as fine.

An RV Dry bath offers the following advantages:

Save money from motel shower stopovers
Fits two people
Efficient use of bathing/toilet time
More storage space
Ultra luxurious homey comfort on the road

The biggest advantage of a dry bath in an RV is the comfort and homey feeling it brings. You will no longer have to go through the rigors of communal bathing in campsites or having quick stopovers in motels or inns along the road because you got your own! With shower and toilet separated, two people can also get into the dry bath together lessening waiting time. Vertical storage in this area can also be maximized.

The challenge it poses, however, is this — footprint. With separate inclusions, a dry bath may take at least a quarter of the RV’s total space. Clean-up may also be a little tedious with the extra space allotted for countertops, mirrors, and so on.

What is the difference between a wet bath and dry bath camper?

If a “wet bath” had been suggested, you may also want to know what is the difference between wet bath – dry bath camper. For one, a wet bath takes less amount of footprint in your RV as both shower and toilet share a space. It doesn’t have any partition or shower enclosures. Common in small campers and vintage trailers, a wet bath is deemed space-savvy and budget-friendly. Make no mistake though. A wet bath may look like a standard bathroom, but it can be narrow and tight leaving enough wiggle room for a single person.

Here’s a typical wet bath looks like:

Source: gotraveltrailers.com

As opposed to a dry bath, a wet bath essentially combines both shower and toilet space. The floor is still waterproof and designed with a drain. While it can be icky thinking that the rest of the space gets wet when one shower, it offers efficient use of camper space.

Such space can be converted to more legroom in the bedroom or kitchen. It’s also easier to maintain, as the space is smaller.

Basically, it offers these advantages:

Efficient use of space
Perfect for small campers/vintage trailers
Less maintenance

The downside is that bathroom supplies and toiletries may need to be protected well as the whole space can be exposed to water when someone showers. So your toilet paper, as well as towels has to be stored somewhere else to prevent from getting soaked. You may also have to be vigilant in keeping the area dry on a daily basis to prevent molds and mildews from forming.

Source: americanfamilyrv.com

So what to choose between a dry bath and a wet bath?

Well, your rig may hold the key to your personal preference. Some outdoorsy families and those who prefer living in an RV may embrace a dry bath for the perks it brings. People who value comfort, relaxation, good grooming, and cleanliness tend to go for a dry bath even at the mercy of sacrificing legroom somewhere else.

A wet bath, however, is deemed perfect for compact campers. In all these, the one you choose should ultimately be geared to what your family needs.