A shower in a regular RV can be an unsatisfying thing. Most owners cannot stand the weak setups that come with their baths. Among the nicest modifications that you can do is to replace the existing unit with the best shower head for RV use that you can find.
It does not help that water pressures differ among lots and campgrounds. Some shower heads handle these conditions with pressurizing mechanisms that produce forceful jets of aerated water. Decent shower heads may not give you the “spa” experience on the road. But they do offer the closest thing, particularly when you are dry camping.
You must also cope with supplies that do not last long wherever there is no access to a constant source of water. An invigorating but flow-limiting shower head is key to a more enjoyable bath while conserving water.
Why a new shower head?
A replacement RV shower head is a handheld unit that is designed to make showers more refreshing and economical. Their flexible operation enables easier bathing that conserves water as well.
Premium models offer adjustable pressure and spraying patterns much like those of conventional home showers. These will let you wash fully without the need for cumbersome moves in the bath. All work to conserve water while maintaining minimum flow and optimizing spray patterns.
The hoses of these models are designed to be flexible so that you to readily move the head about and to wherever you need it most.
Features of good RV shower heads
There are various types and you will likely find expert reviews to be useful when searching for something good. You should consider the following features when searching for a model that meets your needs and budget.
- Water Pressures. Unless your tank is fed by an external supply, you will normally not experience the most water flow with only the vehicle’s pump operating. The best replacement shower heads are designed to compensate for such low-pressure conditions. These pass lesser amounts of water while introducing airflow into the stream, which increases the pressure of output streams while minimizing water usage.
- Lower gallons per minute (GPM). Consumption will likely end up as your biggest concern if you will not be hooking up at campgrounds or lots. In such cases, you should shortlist shower heads with lower flow ratings. Look for models with flow rates limited to around 2 gallons of water per minute or lower.
- Handheld design. Motorhome baths tend to have a handheld shower head mounted in compact baths. These do not allow for a lot of time under sprays of water that allow for a thorough soaping and rinsing. If you have pets to attend to, handhelds can be quite handy for washing them down as well.
- Trickle valves. This critical shut-off feature enables you to be sparing with limited water tank supplies, particularly when boondocking. You can pause the flow whenever you are not rinsing yourself. Trickle valves do not turn off the stream but will reduce it to almost nothing. You will no longer have to close and reopen both cold and hot valves in cycles, wasting water as you seek the proper temperature.
- Consistent operation. A model that does not impress users right off will not be popular for long. Long exposure in the market and high customer ratings are good indications of a unit’s good qualities.
Getting a good shower
If mornings aboard your rig have settled into a dreary routine, it would be smart to upgrade the plumbing. Better showers will surely uplift your spirits on the go.
You may not be away from supplies all the time, but water conservation should always be the first thing to keep in mind, given how this limited or costly this vital resource can be.
New motorhomes typically feature baths with a metallic-finish shower head mounted on the wall. This usually gets clogged after just a few months of heavy usage. That will be the time to consider an upgrade, with the following in mind:
Form. The shape of the unit and its handle should offer a decent impression without affecting its handiness and convenience in usage.
Water quality. This determines whether you will get the best experiences possible. Performance is what elevates higher-end shower heads from regular units. The better ones generate enough water pressure to thoroughly rinse things while still conserving water. Some also feature functions for changing pressures to fit your bathing needs.
Simple usage. While regular shower heads can take time to operate, premium units typically feature convenient triggers and valve levers that are easier to manipulate.
Sturdy construction. This is the advantage of the better models, for no one wants to keep swapping out units that do not last more than a few months. Replacement shower heads that are nicely-styled are not always sturdy, either.
5 Best Shower Heads for RV’s
Camco 43712 RV Shower Head with On/Off Switch (Off-White)
Features
- Off/on trickle valve limits flow
- Five different spraying patterns ranging from gentle to a soaking
- Rubberized tips enable convenient cleaning
- Compatible with conventional fittings
Camco’s RV-focused design will enable longer-lasting showers at a low cost. This residential-style handheld shower head has a valve for slowing water flow to a trickle as you soap, which can help with lowering water usage.
Five spraying patterns are available, from pulsing streams to gentle sprays. The toggle is easier to manipulate with soapy fingers than the push-buttons found on rival designs. The hose appears to be of better build quality than is usual.
All the hardware needed to effect replacement is included, such as a hose, aerator, washers, mount, and miscellaneous anchors and screws. The unit performed well, although the various water spray settings only work nicely with decent water pressures present.
Pros
Cons
PIH High Pressure RV Handheld Shower Head Unit with Powerful Shower Spray
Features
- Off/on trickle valve limits flow
- Intensified pressure on release
- Design conserves water due to efficient operation
- Multiple spray settings
- Compatible with regular fittings
This somewhat elegant unit offers three settings, including power, pulsing massage, and shut-off (trickle). The upgraded design helps motorhome users to conserve water, due to its efficiency at pressurizing output on the fly.
This not only raises water pressures, but it also does so without the need to increase pressures at the regulator. Water flow is good, although it is not the most powerful. Air/spray volumes are high in comparison to that of similar models with pressure-assist mechanisms.
The unit is priced very reasonably and installs quickly. It feels right in the hand, like any decent quality personal product.
Pros
Cons
Speakman S-2252 Signature Icon Anystream
Features
- Trickle valve limits flow
- Stainless steel hose
- Stylish chrome look
- Universal design fits regular fixtures
Dura Faucet is a well-known RV fixture brand. This replacement kit includes a single-function handheld shower head in a chrome finish plus stainless steel hose, guide ring, bracket, and other hardware.
UPC/CUPC/CSA certification specifies 2.2 GPM flow rate at 60 psi (8.3 L/min at 414 kPa), which is a respectable performance. The hose is quite nice, although the operation is rather basic and jets of water can spray around the sides of the shower head. Rich streams of water are produced and the shut-off feature is very useful at times, although it does not fully impede water flow in all cases.
An easy replacement for OEM hardware, this a reasonably-priced upgrade that will satisfy most owners.
Pros
Cons
Dura Faucet (DF-SA135-BQ) RV Handheld Shower Head
Features
- Lightweight resin-based materials
- Water-conserving trickle valve integrated into the handle
- Universal design fits standard fixtures
This is a residential-style shower head, although the valve integrated into the handle does not fully shut off the flow. It instead reduces the water stream to something like a trickle, a safety feature meant for motorhome usage.
Made of tough resin materials, it is likely to withstand years of good use. CSA-certified and with flow rates of 2.2 GPM at 60 psi (8.3 L/min at 414 kPa), performance is more than good enough. The unit was simple to install and you can expect water pressures to improve slightly as well.
Water flow is easily reduced with the push-button control, which is mounted a bit too high for ready triggering. Still, consistent flow control is a big advantage while bathing.
Pros
Cons
Dura Faucet (DF-SA470K-CP) Pressure-Assist RV Handheld Shower Kit with Air-Turbo Technology
Speakman S-2252 Signature Icon Anystream
Features
- Detachable trickle valve for flexible flow control
- Intensifies water pressure upon release
- Great for low-pressure usage and dry camping
- Stylish chromed look
- Standard design fits most fixtures
This pressure-inducing handheld shower head delivers stronger water flow on demand. A special intake is built into the handle, which sucks in and mixes air into the passing flow of water, which ejects faster and with more force. Since air forms the greater part of the stream, less water gets wasted, which conserves your limited supply better as a result.
This stylish chromed model can produce healthy streams of heavily aerated water for a nice “massaging” experience, with sufficient supply pressure. It is a big upgrade from the usual factory setup that comes with most rigs. Included are a shower head, flow level adapter, stainless steel hose, mount, guide ring, and other parts
The off/on valve is not integrated into the handle but is a separate option that can be attached as needed. A cylindrically-shaped piece will help you better regulate water usage when the need arises. Overall, this well-thought and sturdy design is our pick for the best shower head for RVs.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
After reviewing all five models to find the best shower head for RV use, we found a clear choice. We were taken with Dura Faucet’s Pressure-Assisted RV Handheld model, the stylish DF-SA470K-CP with its chromed finish and durable stainless steel hose.
This shower head is pricier than most, but you get what you pay for. It was one of the most consistent at producing forceful showers at low supply pressures. The trickle valve works well and helps to conserve water. Its efficient and easy-to-use flow controls are particularly good for boondocking when supplies can be as short as the days are long.
Last update on 2023-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
