How do I Install a Standard Bathtub in a Trailer?

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

Camper trailer bathtubs seem like oversized wash buckets. They tend to be small and not the most comfortable enclosure to soak in. You can retrofit a standard bathtub into a travel trailer, providing the bathroom is big enough to accommodate the extra size. You should not use a ceramic bathtub, however, as these are heavy and could affect the weight capacity for the trailer, especially when full of water. If you have a modern roto-molded standard tub, you can install it relatively quickly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrenches and ratchets with sockets
Standard bathtub, not ceramic
Silicone caulking and caulk gun
Putty scraper
Power drill
4 small metal edge attachment fixtures with pre-drilled holes for screws
Screws
Measuring tape

Step 1

Disconnect any hoses or water tubes going to the trailer's bathroom. Turn off the circuit breaker for the hot water heater, and drain the heater.

Step 2

Scrape and cut away the caulking sealant surrounding the floor of the existing tub in the trailer. Take care not to rip the flooring while doing so. Use the power drill to unscrew the screws attaching the tub to the floor.

Step 3

Lift and remove the old tub. You may need an assistant. Remember to lift with the knees and not the back to prevent injury. Scrape any remaining goo or old caulking from the floor of the trailer bathroom.

Step 4

Place the standard bathtub onto the old tub's location. Again, you may need an assistant to help with the lifting and carrying. Try and position the tub so one side is against a wall. Measure the length of the tub, and divide that number by four. Place one metal edge attachment at each of the four divisions of the tub length. Screw them into position on the floor so one edge of the holder is firmly against the side of the tub. Cover these with carpet or throw rugs to hide the metal color if aesthetics are important to you.

Step 5

Attach the hoses and plumbing fixtures to the tub's intake hoses and valves. Turn on the water, and flip the hot water heater's circuit. Let the hot water heater heat up. Go around the bottom edge of the tub where it meets the floor, and seal this gap with the silicone caulking.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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