Hello again! I’m not sure how other van lifers manage showering, but there was definitely a learning curve for me.

Our van has a built in shower that has a pull out port-o-potty, and doubles as a closet when not in use. We utilize our shower most evenings, and it has definitely come in handy when we’ve gone to the beach and didn’t have a public access showers to rinse all the sand off (I’ll say, van living and having everything conveniently with us has been a life savor during more than one situation).

In Florida we showered without worrying about turning on the hot water heater. It was in the low 90’s regularly even in the beginning of spring, and a cool wash would help regulate our temperatures. The water was generally warm, but not hot at this time, and felt refreshing after a long day in the Florida sun.

Before we left Florida, Gwyn installed an AMPEAK inverter to charge our BLUETTI (our battery that keeps our electricity going in the van). We have 2 solar panels on top of the van, but if the sun isn’t out… you get the idea. If the BLUETTI died, no electricity inside the vehicle. The inverter was a life saver, which allowed us to have electricity whenever we needed to have running water, heated water, and manage everything else we utilize on the electricity.

Once we started working our way up towards New Jersey and towards Iowa, we definitely needed to warm up the water on the cooler nights. The way our van is built, we’re able to plug the hot water heater into the van to warm the water. Most of the time, this works like a charm, but wasn’t always conducive to the charge we had in the van so on occasion we’ll shower at the gym. Thankfully we both have memberships at the same gym, and can utilize their facilities throughout the US. This has saved a few icy showers in the cooler temperatures during early May, and I’m thankful for that when the temps have reached 30s-40s over night in some areas.

Like I mentioned earlier, there’s definitely things to work on and work out as we travel together, but with a little patience, problem solving, and other van life channels it’s been more than doable. Thankfully we have friends that RV and other van life friends to reach out to, as well as blogs, social media groups, and everyone’s favorite, trial and error. Catch you all later!

Over and out,

Whit