Can You Get An RV Bidet?
One of the biggest advantages of traveling with an RV is the ability to bring a full bathroom with you anywhere you go. Almost all motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels have at least one bathroom included in their floor plan. However, the common fixtures usually only include a toilet, sink, and shower. Bidets are gaining in popularity across the U.S. but is there such a thing as an RV bidet?
You can certainly install a bidet in your RV! Although they often come as a separate item, there are appliances such as a portable bidet, a battery-powered sprayer, or attachments that work in tandem with the existing toilet. If there’s enough room in your RV bathroom, you could also install a separate permanent bidet.
One of the best things about owning your own RV is the ability to customize it for your needs. Creating a comfortable and functional bathroom is a high priority for many people, so it will come as good news that RV bidets can be added. Let’s talk more about the different forms of RV bidets, pros and cons, and some popular models to consider.
Types of bidets
If you’re thinking about adding a bidet to your RV bathroom, the first thing to think about is what kind you want. There are several different types of bidets, but all of them rely on a water supply.
Portable bidet
Portable bidets are the smallest and most convenient options on this list. They can be kept in an RV bathroom or taken on outdoor trips. These units are generally small, handheld bottles with a supply of water. They have an angled nozzle which sprays water when they’re squeezed or activated. Portable bidets may be manual or battery-operated, but both will get the job done!
There’s also no need to hook up any plumbing or install anything. Portable bidets are basically little water bottles that you can use instead of toilet paper. They’re perfect for hikes and other outdoor trips where a bathroom isn’t readily available.
Handheld sprayers
Another option is a handheld sprayer that can be installed in a bathroom. These sprayers draw on a water supply as well, so they need to be hooked up to a sink, plumbing line, or even a bucket of water. There are a variety of different models, but they all function the same way.
You just hook them up to a water supply and activate the sprayer when you’re done using the bathroom. Many people prefer hand sprayers because it’s easy to direct the water flow. They also don’t require complex setups and can be easily attached and detached. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use RV bidet, handheld sprayers might be a good call.
Toilet attachments
One of the most popular bidets in America is a built-in toilet attachment. These are small sprayers that can attach to the seat and come with buttons, levers, or dials that can control the flow of water. They draw clean water from the toilet’s store, and they never need to be removed or reattached.
These toilet attachments are also compact and easy to install. If you use a composting toilet that doesn’t use fresh water, then this style might not work for you. But since most RV bathrooms have a plumbing system, these toilet attachment bidets are a good choice to consider.
Permanent bidet
In some cases, a bidet is a seperate appliance altogether. It isn’t combined with the toilet, but sits nearby in the bathroom. Classic bidets are usually stand-alone units, but they have evolved a bit over the years.
A permanent bidet could certainly be installed in an RV, but it’s probably not the easiest model to use. You would need to get is specially installed and arrange separate plumbing for it. If you’ll be living out of your RV full-time and would prefer the comfort though, you should definitely keep it in mind as an option.
Pros and cons of an RV bidet
So yes, you can install a bidet in your RV (in some form another). But is it really worth it?
Bidets have been used for years all over the world, but have only recently begun to rise in popularity in America. To some people, they still seem strange and difficult to use, while others can hardly imagine life without them! So before you drop money on a new RV bidet, let’s look over some pros and cons.
Pros:
- Cuts down on toilet paper usage: Most modern bathrooms rely on the use of toilet paper. This generally gets the job done, but it can be costly over time. In addition, most RV toilets aren’t built to handle lots of flushed toilet paper, so you could end up clogging your system if you use too much.
- Clean and hygienic: A bidet eliminates the wiping process, which could easily transfer germs to your hands. It uses clean water and sprays in a hands-off way! In many cases, it is actually more hygienic than using toilet paper.
- Lots of different options: As mentioned above, bidets come in all shapes and sizes. If you don’t like a hand sprayer, you could try a toilet attachment. Portable ones are also easy to use and even easier to transport! There is a bidet that will work for everyone.
Cons:
- Mold and mildew buildup: Unfortunately bidets also come with a few drawbacks. Because they run on water and sometimes keep a pool of standing water in between uses, there’s a potential risk of mold and mildew growth. Heated bidets run into this problem even more often, so be careful if you choose one of those models.
- Some installation required: If you choose an RV bidet that isn’t a handheld model, there will be some necessary installation. They need a source of water to function, so you may need to connect it to a sink, shower, or your toilet’s plumbing. This isn’t a major issue, but some bidets may be harder to install than others.
- They use extra water: RVs only have limited water supply when they’re not hooked up. If you’re dry camping and are solely relying on your storage tanks, a bidet could drain some of your limited supply.
Popular RV bidets
If you’re interested in getting an RV bidet, check out the models below. They are all highly rated and there are a variety of different designs featured.
- Toilet attachment: Bio Bidet SlimEdge Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment
- Handheld sprayer: HandHeld Bidet Sprayer for Toilet
- Portable bidet: Mighty Rock Meidong Portable Travel Bidet
Any of these products will work great and they could become a wonderful addition to your RV bathroom! RVs are becoming more and more home-like, and this is just another step that lets owners customize them to fit their every need.
RVers looking for valuable how-to information have learned to go to the experts. Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.
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I have a newer travel trailer–33 ft. Semi-permanently parked with 30 amp service. Can I use an electric bidet seat attachment while running a space heater?
I installed bidets in my home and RV. They work well. RV operation is slightly different than home use. In the RV you need to press down on the flush pedal to let the bidet introduced water drain. When finished with bidet use flush as normal.
A bidet seat in your RV is very doable. Having installed a BioBidet 600 in our Fleet wood Excursion last year. Same as in the house. And when we camp, like having the same comfort features. I wouldn’t settle for one them clip on ones that spray cold water. Get one with warm seat, warm water, massage feature.
Great article.
Trippy
I installed bidet seats (heated,nitelite,dryer) on both toilets in my RV. Had to make extension on fill to back of toilet an added shutoff valve an hose hookup for toilet tank rinse. Love them save to an tanks drain easier. Got them from Bidet king.