Wet Bath
An RV bathroom design where the shower, toilet, and sink share a single waterproof enclosure. Common in Class B and small RVs; saves space but everything gets wet.
Also called: wet bath, wet bathroom, combined bathroom
A wet bath is an RV bathroom design where the shower, toilet, and sink share a single waterproof enclosure. When you shower, everything in the bathroom — toilet, sink, walls, floor — gets wet.
Where wet baths appear
- Class B camper vans — almost universal due to space constraints
- Small Class C under 22 ft
- Pop-up campers with bathroom
- Small truck campers
How they work
The entire bathroom is fiberglass or sealed plastic. A drain in the floor handles the shower water. The toilet has a cover or seat that closes during showering (preventing the bowl from filling with shower water).
Typical wet bath dimensions: 24” × 24” × 70”. You’re essentially showering inside a phone booth.
Use procedure
- Close the toilet seat firmly
- Remove anything that shouldn’t get wet (toilet paper, towels, soap)
- Step in, close the door
- Shower — typically with handheld showerhead
- Squeegee water toward drain when done
- Wipe down all surfaces (including the toilet seat)
- Leave the door open to air-dry
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fits in tiny spaces (Class B couldn’t have a real bathroom otherwise)
- Easier to clean (everything’s waterproof)
- Lower water consumption (smaller space)
Cons:
- Toilet seat is wet after every shower
- No place to put towels or soap during shower
- Cleanup required after every shower
- Cramped for taller people
Wet bath vs. dry bath
A dry bath has separate shower (with door) and toilet/sink area. Standard in larger RVs.
| Wet bath | Dry bath | |
|---|---|---|
| Found in | Class B, small Class C | Class A, large Class C, fifth wheels |
| Size | 24” × 24” typical | 36” × 36”+ |
| Toilet stays dry | No | Yes |
| Towels and soap storage | None during shower | Yes |
| Cleanup after shower | Required | Optional |
When wet baths are fine
- Couples and solo travelers comfortable with the routine
- Short trips (3-5 days) where the cleanup overhead is brief
- Quick rinse showers rather than long luxurious ones
When wet baths are wrong
- Family trips with kids — too much routine cleanup
- Long trips (10+ days) — daily cleanup wears
- Tall people — 70” interior height is tight
Cassette toilet variant
Some Class B wet baths combine with cassette toilets — no permanent black tank, just a removable container. Common in European-style van builds.