When you’re camping or living in your Tune M1, few things feel as luxurious as a good, hot shower. However, showering with a camper isn't quite the same as showering at home. Limited space, water, and power require some planning and practice. Here's some of our tips for staying clean while embracing the outdoors.
1. Conserving Water
You’ll likely be relying on a small water tank, so long, steamy showers aren’t an option unless you’re hooked up to a continuous water supply. Here’s how to make the most of your water while staying environmentally friendly:
- Navy Shower Technique: Get wet, turn the water off, soap up, then rinse off quickly.
- The Geyser System is ultra-efficient and makes 0.8 gallons last 15 minutes. Plus you can add their low-flow sponges to any pump or faucet.
- Use Low-Flow Showerheads: These help conserve water without sacrificing water pressure.
- Tune M1 owner Dana Jennings recommends the Flextail. “It’s super easy to drop into a water jug and use for showering or dogs or cleaning dishes,” Dana said.
2. Leaving No Trace
While most soaps are biodegradable, they’re not always environmentally benign. Soaps that are highly concentrated and scented can be toxic to wildlife.
- Sulfate-free body wash, shampoo, and conditioner: keep yourself fresh and wildlife safe!
3. Saving Space
The Tune M1 is the most spacious pop-up truck topper camper available. By saving space on shower supplies, you can store more gear. Here are some simple ways to maximize your space.
- Microfiber Towels: They dry fast and occupy less space. Make sure you have your towel and a plan for getting dressed, so you don’t add dirt to your clean feet.
- Shower Caddies: Keep your soaps and shampoos organized and easy to grab. You can even hang it from your Molle panel.
4. Staying Warm
You don’t necessarily need to freeze while showering on the road. With a little planning, you can have a warm wash.
- Park in the sun: Angle your Tune, so your portable shower is located where the sun shines. Showering with the late afternoon or evening sun is ideal to wind down and go to bed feeling refreshed.
- Boil water: Use a Jetboil or stove to heat some water. Then, mix it with room temperature water. Add this to your low-flow shower solution.
- Solar-powered shower: Certain new outdoor shower kits integrate thermostats and use the sun to warm water before use. (This 20L solar shower is less than $40)
5. Maintaining Privacy
In the deep backcountry, privacy might not matter too much. However, if you’re going to be at a campsite without showers, you should consider investing in a shower cubby. These not only keep you out of the elements, but some can provide drainage solutions.
- Shower Awning: The Taruca Rogue Ensuite is a premium option that hangs like an awning and has an access door you can use to enter from your Tune. It also includes lighting and a standing pad for drainage.
- Shower Cubby: For a cheaper option, buy a pop-up cubby. You will have to think about drainage for these as they don’t include a floor. Our customers suggest digging a hole and filling it with rocks, so you have somewhere to stand without getting your feet muddy.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure
Part of camper life is adapting, and showering is no exception. Sure, it may not feel like a luxury spa, but with the right setup and some practice, camper showers can be efficient and refreshing. They can even add to the adventure. Nothing beats a rinse after a long day of hiking, camping, and exploring outdoors.
Do you have a tip we missed? DM us on Instagram - we'd love to hear from you.
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