Pros and cons of toilet next to shower

[Mmillage]

We are researching to buy our first motor home and know the exact config we are looking for. Some motor homes have a washroom where the shower and toilet share the same space. Obviously they don't both get used simultaneously but does anyone have a view on the advantages or disadvantages of this layout.

 

[gjh]

Our first van had such a wet room arrangement. It works OK but you really need to dry it out after a shower if the next user isn't just going for a shower.

Our current van has a separate shower (behind the toilet/washbasin room) and that is much better because you only risk wet feet if going for a shower Some manufacturers have them the other way on, so you have to go through the shower to get to the toilet. Goodness knows why

Graham

 

[TonyJones]

Hi "M," and welcome.
The only advantage of a single compartment is saving space, which in our little van conversion made it the only option.
If that's not crucial for you, separate but connected spaces work best. But I agree with Graham, if they're wrong way round (going through the shower to the loo), you lose the option of using both at once!

 

[chirene]

Agree with others. Space saving. We have combined, but as we usually use sites, don't shower in van, but when we have done, not really a problem, as shower drains well , and a quick wipe with a cloth gets it dry, and I use a non slip rubber mat , which you put down after shower and walk on that

 

[BernieC]

We too usually use site facilities for showers etc. However, when off grid we do use the on-board shower and when this is in use there is a folding screen which protects the toilet from getting wet. There are two drain outlets in the shower tray so we don't have to be perfectly level when parked up for it to drain efficiently. When shower complete the folding screen has usually all but dripped dry by the time one's body is dried. A light wipe with a cloth is now all that's required before folding the screen back to its home position.

 

[Aspenshaw]

Another one for space saving. Most houses also have the combined bathroom so its something we are used to having. When we purchased our current van we spent time considering how we were going to use the motorhome. For extensive touring without using sites, then a separate shower/toilet has its merits and the all in one has fewer. If using site facilities, you will be able to compromise on how much space you want to fill with the toilet/shower. Draining a shower can be problematic if the van slopes away from the plugholes. We use a large microfibre drying cloth to dry the shower area after use.

No matter what system you use for dealing with your waste products such as chemicals or a SOG type system, there will be odours from time to time. A separate shower means that you can shower without this consideration. Also, if there are more than two of you, then a separate shower may be better. Some people use their shower to store wet items until they dry - flapping your way through wet coats and washed underwear to get to the toilet is not for everyone.

Cleaning an all in one can be difficult because of the limited space but you only have to clean one area. If your svelte days are in the past, make sure you have enough room to undress, shower, dry, and dress. The more confined the space, the more knocks and scratches are likely.