Anyone who’s ever had to buy an RV can agree on one thing: RV bathrooms are so cramped. And that’s because designers focus more on the things you see and use. So, they won’t waste their time in a bathroom hidden away in the corner of an RV.
But sure enough, a lot of us want more bathroom space. Fortunately, a few of the smallest RVs with showers and toilets have mastered the art of bathroom design. And that’s what we’ll look at today.
Before all that, though, you must learn about the different types of bathrooms. There are two types: wet and dry. Long story short, a wet bathroom is more cramped. And if you’re big on space, you might feel comfortable with a dry bath instead.
So, what are the best RVs with showers and toilets that are also compact? Here’s our full guide on the subject, complete with floor plans and reviews.
Take a look!
RV Bathrooms Explained:
Before we begin reviewing the many different small RVs, it’s a good idea to know your options. In a house, space isn’t much of an issue. But in an RV, especially those marketed as “small” and “compact,” every bit of space counts.
And that’s why bathrooms and showers in small RVs are pretty tight on space. Designers want to give you more room for sleeping and lounging. So, they leave very little to no room for the bathroom.
Talking about space, there are two styles of bathrooms you can try:
Wet Bath:
The shower, sink, and toilet are all bunched into one stall-like compartment in a wet bath. It’s called a wet bath because everything gets wet when you take a shower. That’s because all the fittings are in close proximity to each other.
Wet baths are extremely popular among smaller RVs and even some apartments. They save a lot of space and are generally usable. Some people might not like the idea of showering close to the toilet. But you may need to compromise on that.
One of the most significant disadvantages of the wet bath is that it gets wet. So you can’t install racks to hold clothes and store other stuff. However, you can install waterproof cabinets and drawers. But the storage capacity of the wet bath is relatively low. Another caveat is that wet baths, when shared, can be quite gross and unhygienic.
Dry Bath:
This is the style of bath in which the toilet, sink, and shower are separated from each other. The exact distance between the three depends on the floor plan. And in some cases, the shower may be in a completely separate room than the toilet and sink.
Dry baths are called so since a single shower does not get the entire bathroom wet. Dry baths are more common among larger RVs and houses. But some smaller RVs may feature them.
One of the most significant advantages of owning a dry bath is the storage space. You get more space for drawers, racks, cabinets, and benches. Now, the dry bath on RVs will still be smaller than that in houses. But they give you plenty of space.
And that can be seen as a downside too. It’ll be near impossible to cramp a dry bath into a small and compact RV. Often, dry baths will call for separate plumbing too.
Should You Convert a Wet Bath into A Dry Bath?
While it is possible, and quite tempting, to do so, it’s not recommended for many reasons. Firstly, you’ll only be reducing the available space in your RV if you decide to build a separate shower. So, unless you can find that much room in your small RV, you should stick to a wet bath.
Secondly, most wet baths have a drain in the center of the bathroom. Therefore, if you decide to move the shower further back, the drain would be practically functional.
Aside from that, getting the shower curtain and the other shower parts inside the bathroom will be tricky. Also, since it’ll be so cramped, revamping the shower will be a tougher task.
But if you can mitigate all those risks, then sure. A dry bath can be just as comfortable as a wet bath.
How To Use A Composting Toilet In Your Wet Bath?
Using a composting toilet in your wet bath seems quite impossible. After all, you don’t want the compost to fill up with water. Too much water will even lead to the compost overflowing, and nobody wants that.
However, contrary to what you might think, operating a composting toilet in the wet bath is possible. The key here is to seal the toilet against water ingress completely. Make sure the mounting has been carried out correctly. Add a sealant along the sides of the toilet if needed. Finally, and most importantly, keep the urine tank covered when showering. It tends to fill up faster.
Smallest RV With Shower and Toilet:
Now that you know all about RV toilets and showers, here are the smallest RVs with bathrooms:
Carado Banff:
Specifications:
Type: Class A
Seats: 8
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 1
Features: awning, kitchen, oven/stove, refrigerator, 2 sofas, air conditioner, heater, radio, speakers, television.
Floorplan:
Description:
The Carado Banff is an all-in-one solution for all your small RV needs. The floorplan features a fully integrated kitchen with enough space to hang out with your friends. In addition, the design is relatively flush with what you’d expect from a small RV with a bathroom.
And the bathroom? It comes with a shower, toilet, and sink fully integrated. And the best part is that the sink is foldable. Now that’s something new! The foldable sink helps to give you more space when using the restroom.
Outside the bathroom, however, you may not like the minimal sleeping space. They could have added at the very least a few bunk beds. Instead, you can sleep on two long sofas, which can be irritating if other people are using the sofa.
Another major issue with the design is that the bathroom is completely exposed when you open the back of the RV. Again, let’s hope you’re not doing your business when someone decides to unload the RV.
Winnebago View 24D:
Specifications:
Type: Class C
Seats: 8
Sleep: 4
Floorplans: 3
Features: U-shaped dinette, pantry, wardrobe, dry bath, a cab-over bunk, pedestal table, LED TV, Murphy bed.
Floorplan:
Description:
For a slightly roomier solution, you’ll love the Winnebago View 24D. This is a Class C motorhome, which is smaller and more fuel-efficient than its Class B counterpart.
What sets this RV aside from others is the fact that it includes an over-cab bunk. So, you get an extra sleeping space for when your friend wants to tag along. However, you don’t get any beds, just a few sofas.
For a Class C motorhome, the Winnebago is quite spacious. It can sleep 4 people and features a dry bathroom with a separate shower, a sliding door, and even a wardrobe. As for the kitchen, along with a refrigerator and a stovetop, you get a separate pantry cabinet. Plus, there’s a U-shaped dinette that can seat up to 4 people at a time.
One key feature to note is the insulated sleeper deck. Using premium thermal insulation, the Winnebago View is comfortable to sleep in during the winters. And the unit even features acoustic insulation, so you never feel like you’re on the road.
Airstream Interstate 19:
Specifications:
Type: Class B
Seats: 4
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 1
Features: Four-wheel drive, convertible sofas, air conditioner, storage rack, clothesline.
Floorplan:
Description:
Like to go above and beyond? Then you’ll love the Airstream Interstate 19. Designed for every terrain, this small RV has a 4-wheel drive. Yes, you heard that right.
To be fair, it’s not the most compact. And that’s a good thing. You get more room in the lounge for having your morning cup of Joe. The floor plan is a bit different than what you’re used to since the convertible sofas are placed at the back of the RV. The sofas feature seat belts to keep you safe from harm.
As for the bathroom, it features a small wet bath with a built-in shower and toilet. However, unlike other wet baths, you get a few storage racks for your shampoos and conditioners. And the cherry on top is the added clothesline.
All in all, the Airstream Interstate 19 is one of the best small RVs with bathrooms. It’s a good choice for those who like to travel beyond the road.
Unfortunately, you get no choice of floor plan.
Little Guy Mini Max:
Specifications:
Type: Travel Trailer
Seats: 4
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 1
Features: Queen or Dual Twin bed, lightweight construction, air conditioner, furnace, infotainment, dual power, large fridge.
Floorplan:
Description:
For those who already have a towing vehicle, give the Little Guy Mini Max a try. This is the smallest RV with a shower and toilet. It cuts down on space by removing the vehicle part entirely. Instead, it’s a towable rig that you can tow with your regular passenger car or SUV.
This allows the designers to make the RV as small as possible. Inside, you’ll find a lavish interior with a powerful air conditioner and a furnace. What’s more is that the fridge is astonishingly large, with a capacity of 5 cubic feet. Plus, you get a separate freezer compartment.
And although it uses a wet bath, you’re never short on space. There’s a rack for hanging your shampoos and conditioners, as well as a few drawers inside the bath. In addition, the bath features a shower spray along with a glass shower door. The RV also features a dinette, though you can only sit on one side.
This design is quite appealing to those who already own a towing vehicle. However, if you don’t have one, then this isn’t for you.
Coachmen Beyond:
Specifications:
Type: Class B
Seats: 6
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 3
Features: LED Smart TV, solar panels, hardwood cabinets, screen door, fiberglass shower, Wi-Fi Ranger SkyPro, handheld showerhead.
Floorplan:
Description:
On the more expensive side, the Coachmen Beyond features a highly spacious floor plan. In addition, the RV features an awning, a screen door to keep those pesky mosquitoes out, and a backup camera.
The Coachmen Beyond uses a wet bath, which means it’s the smallest RV with a bathroom. However, outside the bathroom, you get plenty of overhead cabinets above the sofas. Plus, there is a series of drawers beneath the kitchen sink and stove.
Speaking of the sofas, two can be converted into beds for couples to sleep in. Along with that, you get a refrigerator and microwave, as well as a stovetop and kitchen sink.
This is the smallest RV that truly makes use of all the space you have in the RV. And given the price, the standard features are entirely spot on. Plus, you get a few optional features, such as insulated rear doors, a bike rack, and even an induction cooktop.
Thor Coach Gemini:
Specifications:
Type: Class B+
Seats: 4
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 2
Features: Laminate countertops, passenger seat belts, wireless phone charger, fridge, two-burner gas stove, luxurious queen-size bed.
Floorplan:
Description:
This is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) RV, which means there’s no road it can’t conquer. Inside the RV, you’ll find plenty of walking space. What’s unique about this RV is that, instead of being exceptionally long, it’s exceptionally wide. Practically, the design makes room for lounging as well as for the massive queen-sized bed.
And let’s not forget about the bathroom. This is one of those very few RVs that features a dry bath instead of the traditional wet bath. This gives you more room inside the RV to store your essentials and bags. Aside from that, there’s a built-in skylight as well as a dinette.
Of course, there are many downsides to the design. For one thing, it’s not as compact as most other small RVs.
Coachmen Nova:
Specifications:
Type: Class B
Seats: 5
Sleep: 2
Floorplans: 2
Features: LED Smart TV, Wi-Fi Ranger SkyPro, Shower Miser Water Save, water heater, fiberglass shower, solar panels.
Floorplan:
Description:
Need even more lounging space? Then nothing could be better than the Coachmen Nova. Made by one of the most reputed RV brands, the Nova is the most capacious and comfortable to live in.
It features a wide lounging area with a 3-seater convertible sofa. And one of the models even features a twin-sized bed with a handy swiveling table for morning coffee. In addition to that, the driver’s seats can swivel and feature a removable table. So, it’s perfect for couples who like to stay on the go.
And the bathroom is a wet bath, but it has more space than your average wet bath. One of the biggest problems with this design is the lack of storage space at the back. So instead, the designers have extended the overhead cabinets. But that still wouldn’t be the same as having a rear storage space.
Fortunately, there’s enough infotainment to keep you occupied. You get sober blue LED lights with a large 24″ LED TV and the best sound system on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much does a small RV with a toilet and shower cost?
The price varies with the floorplan you choose, the brand, and the features you’re opting for. Typical prices range from $75,000 to $150,000. However, these are just the base MSRPs, and you’ll need to visit the manufacturer’s site to get a better idea of the price.
- Which bathroom should You get: wet bath vs. dry bath?
There are two types of bathrooms in an RV: a wet bath and a dry bath. In a wet bath, the shower, toilet, and sink are incredibly close to each other. And this means that when you shower, the entire bathroom gets wet. This type is best for those who want to save on space and aren’t too big on their bathrooms getting wet.
The opposite happens in a dry bath. Either the shower is decently spaced from the toilet or in a different compartment entirely. Such bathrooms take up more space but may feel more comfortable.
- What is the best small RV with a shower and toilet?
The best small RV with a shower and toilet is, no doubt, the Carado Banff. I’ve never liked a floor plan design more than this. It features two convertible sofas and a large fridge. And the bathroom is no short of lavish. We just wish the bathroom couldn’t be accessed from the back hatch.
- What to look for in a small RV with a shower and toilet?
The first thing to look for is the size. Then, take a look at the floor plan. You’ll usually find some basic amenities and some luxury items such as an AC and a furnace. You can also opt for awnings, LED TVs, and even HVAC systems.
- Should you get an RV without a toilet?
Some RVs don’t feature toilets, or they may feature composting toilets. These are recommended for those who don’t mind doing their business outdoors. And for those who don’t stay on their trip for very long.
Final Verdict:
Finding a small RV with a bathroom isn’t easy. Since RVs focus more on lounging and bedding, it’s quite common for designers to overlook the bathroom. But sure enough, RVers want a spacious yet functional bathroom.
Luckily, there are a few RVs on the market that fit the bill. They’re both compact and feature some fantastic bathrooms. The Carado Banff is just one such example, with a highly spacious interior and a lavish wet bath.
Of course, you should feel free to explore and try out other models. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride while it lasts!
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