Attached Fold Out Shower Enclosures

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ckent323

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Jan 31, 2008
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1,261
Location
Solvang, CA
I have been considering adding a shower enclosure for some time. My on-line research has revealed a surprising number of Camper/Rack Mounted shower enclosure brands some of which may not be readily available in the US. They are all very similar but do vary in zipper location, fold out locking mechanism, size of the support arms, type of side wall fabric, attachment method for the side walls, and interior features like zip down back wall for vehicle access and interior mesh bag sizes and locations.

Alu-Cab Shower Cube
Ironman Ensuite
23Zero Perigrene
Zero Declination Drop Tent
Kinsmmen Shower Stall
Direct 4x4 Overland Expedition Fold-Out Shower Privacy Curtain Side Box
ToughStuff Shower Tent
QuickPitch Quick-en-Suite
Nomad by Caos
Wild Dog Outdoor ensuite Shower Enclosure

Other options might be Fiamma 45s with privacy room light or an ARB awning with room attachment $$$

Some questions I have for those who have used any of these on a camper with a pressurized hot water system and external shower control box with valve and shower head:

What brand/model of enclosure do you have?

How do you access the shower valve controls and shower head?

What is the best location for the zippered access opening? (I.E. next to the truck or outside corner or middle of side wall or somewhere else) (I can look up the location of the access opening by brand)

Does the side wall material make a lot of noise in wind? (I can look up the sidewall material type by brand - however, if there was a choice then please specify the fabric you have)

Is the sidewall material semi transparent or completely opaque? (I can look up the material color by brand)

Are the sizes and locations of the interior mesh pockets adequate? (I can look up the locations and sizes by brand)

Is the tent wall attachment robust and easy to adjust?

Are the support arms robust, do the arms lock when extended and do the locks work well?

Are the enclosure stake down points adequate and can you easily use the shower in moderately windy conditions?

Are there any situations where you would like a top over the enclosure (one or two brands offer tops)

Do you have any smell or mold issues with the material?

How long does the material need to dry before closing it up in the storage bag?

Is the enclosure large enough to accommodate disrobing, showering and dressing without getting the clean clothes wet?

What things do you like and dislike about your shower enclosure?


I look forward to reading your answers to these questions. I think they will be useful to a lot of people.
 
"Is the enclosure large enough to accommodate disrobing, showering and dressing without getting the clean clothes wet?"

That's the issue that's always given me pause re these, plus avoiding a trek back inside through mud you've just made.
 
michelle_east_county said:
"Is the enclosure large enough to accommodate disrobing, showering and dressing without getting the clean clothes wet?"

That's the issue that's always given me pause re these, plus avoiding a trek back inside through mud you've just made.
Click to expand...
I carry a teak slotted floor, about 3x3, that I put down inside my Zero Declination Drop Tent. I leave a pair of sandals just outside the tent for the short trek back into the camper. This is the same approach I used before I got the tent. As far the rest of the long list of questions, it basically boils down to it just works. They are common for a reason. It's not perfect, as a little bigger would be better but there's always trade offs.
.
 
okiedavid,

Thanks for your comment.

I failed to add that we have been using a cheap pop up enclosure and we do use a 3x3 teak "mat". The enclosure is not satisfactory before even considering how easily it blows around in modest breezes. So that has led to investigating the fold out units. Now trying to pick one.

There are other options besides the fold out enclosures, such as an awning with sides that can be added, and there is a range of prices and even variation of sizes among these units. Hence the questions.

I would like to read more details about your experience using the Zero Declination drop tent, particularly anything you think needs improvement in future models
 
ckent323 said:
okiedavid,

Thanks for your comment.

I would like to read more details about your experience using the Zero Declination drop tent, particularly anything you think needs improvement in future models
Click to expand...
2020 was my first year of owning one, so have only a few trips with it so far. Well the first thing that drew me to the Zero Declination option if I’m being honest was that it was cheap. 2nd was that it was being marketed by someone who also owns a Four Wheel Camper and knew exactly how it was to be mounted. The inside wall (I.e., closest to the camper) zips down as far as needed to reach all the controls. The pockets are plenty big for shampoo, etc., but towels stay outside, I put my chair next to it for that and the sandals. It can be staked down and doesn’t seem to move around in the wind. The arms don’t lock open, but with it staked that doesn’t seem to be an issue. I have used without being staked but the wind will drive that decision. The design of this one is to have the zipper opening on a corner away from the camper. As a guy, I’ve never worried about needing a top. As far as mold, I leave it up after I shower for a few minutes as I go back inside to finish drying off and changing clothes, usually is bone dry by the time I pack it away. If money were no object, I would have gotten one with a rigid metal case instead of the vinyl bag version I have, but other than that I’m very satisfied.
 
275AC588-92AE-4488-8199-E1823CFC7869.jpeg
ckent323 said:
QuickPitch Quick-en-Suite

What brand/model of enclosure do you have? - Quick Pitch

How do you access the shower valve controls and shower head?- see picture for clarification but our shower hose is long enough to reach the enclosure and it hangs between the vertical straps that supports the partition.

What is the best location for the zippered access opening? (I.E. next to the truck or outside corner or middle of side wall or somewhere else) (I can look up the location of the access opening by brand) - we have a zipper access on both sides of the cube

Does the side wall material make a lot of noise in wind? (I can look up the sidewall material type by brand - however, if there was a choice then please specify the fabric you have) - it does not make any appreciable noise

Is the sidewall material semi transparent or completely opaque? (I can look up the material color by brand) - completely opaque

Are the sizes and locations of the interior mesh pockets adequate? (I can look up the locations and sizes by brand) - we have no issues

Is the tent wall attachment robust and easy to adjust?- Very!

Are the support arms robust, do the arms lock when extended and do the locks work well? - unlike some other brands the Quick Pitch has arms on all 3 sides and easily secures into place.

Are the enclosure stake down points adequate and can you easily use the shower in moderately windy conditions? - yes

Are there any situations where you would like a top over the enclosure (one or two brands offer tops) - not that I can think of

Do you have any smell or mold issues with the material?- Nine what so ever. We usually try and completely dry it out before rolling it up and this usually takes an hour or two at the most of course depending on atmospheric conditions..

How long does the material need to dry before closing it up in the storage bag? - see above

Is the enclosure large enough to accommodate disrobing, showering and dressing without getting the clean clothes wet? - yes. What we do is to place a small table near one of the access zippers with all our clothes and towel. When finished showering we just reach out for the towel and dry off. I then hang the towel on the arms of the quick pitch and start reaching for individual pieces of my clothing,

What things do you like and dislike about your shower enclosure?- I love how simple and quick it is to set up and put away. I wish it wasn’t as expensive but there is quality in the product. As you can see from the picture at Hallmark when we were getting it installed we opted for the aluminum enclosure instead of the fabric even though it is more expensive but we don’t have to worry about the bag deteriorating.
Click to expand...
‘Let me know if you have any other questions...
One other point about showering .... we use my drivers side Weathertech floor mat to stand on while using our quick pitch. That way we keep our feet out of the mud/sand and it works great.

Here’s a great video review...
https://youtu.be/Hsh8t-y-0wI
 
smlobx,

Thanks for the helpful info.



DoGMAtix,

Great idea. Thanks. Where do you store the curtain?

We already have too much stuff in the camper and the attraction of the bolt on units is they are self contained and stay outside, but more expensive too.


Craig
 
With the old camper we carried a 4 sided Clam Shelter ( https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Clam+Shelter ) with 4 privacy panels on it. Can set it up by myself in just a couple minutes. Takes longer to stake it down than it does to set it up. I started out thinking that we wanted an attached shower enclosure until I built one using PEX and 3 shower curtains. Then someone here posted a link to the Clam enclosure and I liked it a whole lot better. Does work for far more than just a shower enclosure. We've retreated out of the wind in it, we've cooked in it, we've used it as a central gathering spot, we've set it up over a picnic bench and eaten out of the wind in it, and more. It is a bit bulky when collapsed. Since we've lost the ~15" gap across the front of the bed due to the 6.5' camper in an 8' bed we no longer have a place to carry it other than on the roof of our Chucara XL. Which I am tempted to do!
 
The curtain goes in a drawer inside the camper, and doesn't take up much space folded flat (it dries quickly). We have enough storage space so it's not a problem. I can see the attraction of an enclosure that stows outside where it attaches, though - in addition to storage space savings it wouldn't require individually clipping all the curtain rings onto the frame and removing them every time you set it up (but I could definitely figure out a way to streamline that process if I ever care enough to do so). I do like the way our frame is clean looking and aerodynamic on the exterior, though, and there's a certain satisfaction in doing-it-yourself.
Having said that I rarely use the curtain despite showering frequently when camping, since we typically boondock away from strangers. If we're camped anywhere that somebody might happen by I wear a pair of quick-drying running shorts and if anybody's offended they can go find somewhere else to camp!
Showering is just so nice when out on an extended trip - it really tamps down that pesky yearning to get "back to civilization." So whatever it takes to come up with a system you like, it's worth it.
 
ntsqd,

I forgot about those clam shelters. Not having it attached to the truck has some benefits (as well as drawbacks).

Good suggestion. Thank you.

I am starting to lean towards a Fiamma type awning with removable side panels so It can be used as an awning, shower/porta pottie tent or even a floorless room. That is probably the most expensive, but maybe the most versatile option for our needs.

Still searching though so hoping for more responses from other folks.


________


DoGMAtix

Thanks again.

_____________

Craig
 
20210317_145026.jpg






I went with the Zero Declination mostly on price and it comes with everything you need to mount it to a FWC except the Butyl tape. Installation was a breeze, followed the instructions carefully making sure where I wanted the inside washers that hold the enclosure in place. The enclosure now comes with locking arms and I've only used it once but I was getting very tired of having to leave a campground and find a private place to shower whenever camped at a organized campground.
I recommend this unit and I cant really see why someone would need to pay hundreds more?
 
ckent323 said:
I am starting to lean towards a Fiamma type awning with removable side panels so It can be used as an awning, shower/porta pottie tent or even a floorless room.

_____________
Craig
Click to expand...
Craig,
We have the awning but also have this https://www.amazon.com/9x12-outdoor-patio-camping-picnic/dp/B01JP06FD6/ref=sr_1_37?dchild=1&keywords=patio%2Bflooring%2Boutdoor%2Bwaterproof&qid=1616029424&sr=8-37&th=1
to solve the flooring problem -- works amazingly well. We usually go barefoot under the awning with this plastic, lightweight roll up rug.

Here is another, similar: https://www.amazon.com/SAND-MINE-Reversible-Resistant-Outdoors/dp/B089FJCRYC/ref=pd_di_sccai_1?pd_rd_w=YvyRU&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=RHWB91K5PXSRNAYE87KJ&pd_rd_r=666a6d96-3498-49bf-a0c4-68fd7e4852a8&pd_rd_wg=Hd5zB&pd_rd_i=B089FHPLWR&th=1

We pin it down with a couple of water jugs. It is a permeable weave so you can spill on it and the wet goes right through.

Tony
 
There are many solutions to a shower enclosure.

We use a small aluminum roof bow that is about 48 " wide.

It temporarily attaches to rear of camper spanning the door and suspended by straps from raised roof.

Simple shower curtain hangs on this.

Solar shower lays on roof top.

One can open camper door within the curtain, shower and then re-enter camper to dress.

The roof bow is aluminum and stows easily under bed.

Lots of solutions.

David Graves
 
David,

Do you have an inside shower? I don't think my outide shower hand held wand will reach to the back door but I like your suggestion just the same.
 
Hi Craig

My shower is a bag solar shower....sometimes it is inside :).....

You could put the roof bow on the side or where ever you want....very common boat roof brackets.

I don't have a photo but it is just some very lightweight aluminum from some or other boat top.

1/2" EMT conduit would work just as well....although the brackets might not fit.

DG
 
Hey Craig, Thanks for starting this post! I looked on line at many different mounted units. They all are various pricing and seem to have the similar way they work.

I decided to pay a little more and get the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite in the bag version. Also watching many other brands on u-tube I can see the arms don't flex around like the others. Bag over the hard aluminum case not because of the extra money, but I know how and where I drive and feel the bag will survive tree limbs better.

I made the purchase from Artemis Overland Hardware for $399.00 with no shipping charges. https://artemisoverland.com/

Here is what they offer for shower tents. https://artemisoverland.com/collections/en-suite

Now I'll just wait for it to be delivered and then study where and how to best mount it on the side of the Hawk Flatbed.

Patrick
 
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