One of the biggest debates in van design? Whether or not you “need” a bathroom onboard.
At Geotrek, we’ll tell you straight: most people don’t.
A built-in bathroom eats space, adds complexity, and often doesn’t get used as much as you think. But staying clean on the road still matters — which is why our faucet + exterior shower combo is one of the smartest features you can add to a camper van.
It gives you flexibility, saves space, and keeps van life simple. Let’s break down how it works, how to set it up, and how to make the most of it.
Why Geotrek Skips Built-In Bathrooms
Bathrooms sound good in theory — until you’re giving up storage for a black tank or spending your weekends scrubbing tiny, hard-to-reach corners. That’s why none of our builds include bulky bathrooms.
Instead, we design around what you’ll actually use: a space-efficient faucet that doubles as a sink sprayer inside and a shower hookup outside. Pair that with smart insulation and power systems, and you’ve got a van that works with you, not against you.
The Sink + Shower Combo Explained
The beauty is in the simplicity. Your faucet has a pull-out sprayer that extends outside the van, instantly turning your kitchen sink into a shower. Quick to set up, easy to stash away, and no wasted space.
How to Set Up an Outdoor Shower in Your Camper Van
Setting up a great outdoor shower doesn’t require an over-engineered system. Here’s what we recommend:
Equipment you’ll want:
- Faucet with pull-out sprayer (already built into Geotrek models)
- Shower hose/quick connect attachment
- A floor mat or wooden platform
- Privacy curtain or pop-up shower tent
- Optional: portable water heater
Setup tips:
- Run your sprayer out the sliding door or rear door depending on space.
- Use a quick-connect hose if you want extra reach.
- Always plan where your gray water is going — either a catch bucket or an appropriate drain spot.
Pro Tips for Van Life Showers
The best van showers are quick, efficient, and easy to set up.
Most people are surprised at how little water it really takes — a quick rinse can use as little as two to three gallons.
Privacy doesn’t have to mean carrying extra gear either; a pop-up shower tent works, but so does clipping a towel between your van doors or using magnetic strips for a curtain.
And when it comes to temperature, you don’t always need fancy equipment. A simple trick is leaving your hose in the sun for a warm rinse, or, if you’re traveling in colder climates, pairing your setup with a compact water heater for extra comfort.
Maintenance & Care
Keeping your outdoor shower in good shape doesn’t take much effort, but a little upkeep goes a long way.
Give the sprayer a quick wipe-down and sanitize it occasionally to keep things fresh. Flush the hose every so often to prevent mineral buildup, especially if you’re using hard water sources on the road.
And if you’re winter camping or storing your van in cold weather, make sure to drain the lines and hoses so they don’t freeze.
Upgrade Options: Bench Shower
If you want something more permanent, consider the bench shower upgrade — a built-in spot that makes rinsing off even easier. It’s the same simplicity, just dialed up for comfort.
Final Thoughts
Van life doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort — it just means designing smarter. With a faucet + exterior shower combo, you can stay clean, save space, and keep your build simple.
Whether you’re rinsing off after a hike, washing gear, or taking a full outdoor shower, the setup is efficient, low-maintenance, and van-life tested.
