DIY: Homemade Solar Shower for a Camping Trailer

camping,trailer image by Greg Pickens from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Camping trailers are normally a bit more cramped than bigger RV-type vehicles and as a result come with fewer amenities. If your camping trailer lacks a shower, you don't have to rough it the entire trip. Most campsites provide showers, and even if they don't you can make your own. Setting up a shower is quick and easy, with the right supplies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Outside Shower

Things You’ll Need:

Four 3-foot three sections of PVC pipe, 1 or 1 1/2 inches in diameter
Four PVC elbow joints
Four 3-foot lengths of cord
One 2-foot length of cord
One 6-foot length of cord
One metal ring
One carabiner
One solar water bag
Twist ties
Alligator clips
Two shower curtains
Two sets shower curtain rings

Step 1

Slip shower the curtain rings onto the two shower curtains.

Step 2

Attach three of the four PVC pipes together with the elbow joints. Slip the curtains onto the pipes and then attach the final PVC pipe, forming a square.

Step 3

Slip a twist tie around the rings of the two curtains where they meet. Do this on both sides of the curtains so that they are attached together. This will keep them from sliding apart in a breeze and keep them spaced well. Use an alligator clip to close the curtain down lower while you are taking a shower.

Step 4

Tie the 3-foot cords to the corners of the shower and then tie them to a metal ring in the middle. Tie another cord to the metal ring long enough to toss over a branch so that you can hang the shower.

Step 5

Hang a solar water bag by the handle using the piece of 2-foot cord. Attach it to the ring in the middle of the shower so that people can bathe. It is best to use a quick-release clip such as a carabiner so you can take the bag down and refill it easily. Hang the bag of water in a sunny spot during the day so that it can get warm. If you don't have a bag, use several gallon jugs. Fill them with water and sit them in the sun on a shiny metal pan to help attract more heat. When you hang one up, you will need an extra cord tied to the handle that the user can pull so that will just tilt down. Put a piece of strong tape over the opening and punch holes in it for a shower spout.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...