Dry Bath
An RV bathroom design where the shower is separated from the toilet and sink area. Standard in larger RVs.
Also called: dry bath, separate shower, dry bathroom
A dry bath is an RV bathroom design where the shower is separated from the toilet and sink area. It’s the standard for larger RVs.
Where dry baths appear
- Most Class A motorhomes
- Larger Class C (typically 25+ ft)
- Most fifth wheels
- Larger travel trailers
Configuration variants
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Standard dry bath | Separate enclosed shower; toilet and sink in main room |
| Wraparound dry bath | Shower on one side, toilet/sink on opposite; door divides |
| Master bath suite | Full residential-style bathroom with separate shower stall, toilet room, vanity |
| Half bath | Toilet and sink only; shower elsewhere |
Pros vs. wet bath
| Dry bath | Wet bath | |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet stays dry | Yes | No |
| Storage during shower | Yes (towels, soap visible) | Limited |
| Comfort for taller users | Better | Cramped |
| Cleanup after shower | Minimal | Required every time |
| Space efficiency | Less (needs more rig length) | More |
| Best for | Families, long trips | Couples, short trips, Class B |
Shower types in dry baths
- Shower pan with curtain — basic, water can splash
- Shower stall with door — sealed, no splash
- Walk-in shower — large, residential-style
- Bathtub combo — rare in RVs; bath + shower combination
Water usage considerations
Dry baths typically have larger showers, which use more water. Plan accordingly:
- 6-gallon water heater runs out faster with a larger shower
- Holding tank fills faster (more shower water goes to grey)
- Fresh tank empties faster during boondocking
For boondocking trips, even a dry bath can run out of resources quickly if showers aren’t conservative.
Premium features in luxury rentals
Higher-end Class A motorhomes may include:
- Glass shower doors (rather than curtains)
- Heated towel racks
- Vanity lighting suitable for makeup application
- Linen storage built into the cabinetry
- High-end fixtures (rainfall showerheads, ceramic sinks)
These differ rentals primarily at the luxury price tier ($300+/night).