5 Best Shower Benches For RV Accessibility Seasoned RVers Recommend
RVers pick the best benches for a safer shower.
Stepping into an RV shower often involves a high lip, a compact footprint, and a slick surface. It’s a recipe for a slip, whether you’re 25 or 75. For seasoned RVers, shower safety isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of making a rig a comfortable, long-term home. A simple shower bench can be the single most effective upgrade you make for accessibility and peace of mind on the road. It transforms a precarious daily task into a safe, comfortable routine, letting you focus on the adventure ahead.
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Boost Your RV Shower Safety and Accessibility
The reality of most RV showers is that they are built for efficiency, not luxury. They are small, often made of molded fiberglass, and can become incredibly slippery when wet. This isn’t just a concern for those with mobility issues; anyone can lose their footing in a tight, soapy space while the rig might be slightly unlevel.
A shower bench immediately changes this dynamic. It provides a stable, secure place to sit, eliminating the balance challenges of standing on one foot or bending over. This simple addition makes tasks like washing your feet or shaving your legs infinitely safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Ultimately, this is about more than just preventing falls. It’s about preserving independence and extending your ability to travel comfortably for years to come. A shower bench makes the daily routine less physically demanding, ensuring your energy is saved for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the RV lifestyle you love.
Drive Medical Bench: Your Top Budget-Friendly Pick
Safely enter and exit your tub with the Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench. This height-adjustable bench features a supportive backrest, non-slip tips, and a durable aluminum frame that supports up to 400 pounds.
When you need a reliable, no-nonsense solution that just works, the standard Drive Medical-style bench is the answer. This is the workhorse you see everywhere for a reason. It’s affordable, lightweight, and built with the essential features needed for a safe shower.
Its design is perfectly suited for the RV environment. The aluminum frame won’t rust in a humid bathroom, and the adjustable legs accommodate the uneven floors and varying shower pan depths common in rigs. Crucially, the wide, non-slip rubber feet provide a secure grip on slick fiberglass surfaces, which is a non-negotiable feature.
The trade-off is aesthetics and size. It’s purely functional, not a design piece, and its splayed legs require a decent amount of floor space. Before buying, you absolutely must measure your shower floor to ensure it will fit without rocking. For the price and reliability, however, it’s the go-to starting point for most RVers.
The Kai Teak Bench: Style Meets RV Durability
Enjoy a spa-like experience with this durable, water-resistant teak shower bench. Its solid teak construction and stainless steel hardware ensure lasting quality, while adjustable feet provide stability.
For those who want function without sacrificing the warm, residential feel of their rig, a teak bench is the premier choice. Teak isn’t just about looks; its properties make it uniquely suited for the damp, tight quarters of an RV shower. It brings a touch of spa-like comfort to a very utilitarian space.
The magic of teak is its natural oil content, which makes it highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew. In the constant battle against humidity in an RV, this is a massive advantage over other materials. It’s also incredibly sturdy, providing a solid, confidence-inspiring feel that plastic benches can’t match.
Of course, this quality comes at a higher price and with a bit more weight. Teak also benefits from an occasional oiling to maintain its rich color, though some prefer to let it weather to a silvery gray. If you’re a full-timer or simply value creating a beautiful, durable living space, the investment in a quality teak bench pays dividends in both safety and daily enjoyment.
Moen Wall Mount Seat: Maximize Your Shower Space
This Moen shower bench offers robust support for up to 400 lbs and folds away for convenient storage. Its ADA-compliant, Old World Bronze design ensures safety and style for daily living.
In the world of small-space living, floor space is gold. A wall-mounted, fold-down seat is the ultimate solution when every square inch of your shower pan matters. This is a game-changer for wet baths or the notoriously compact showers found in smaller Class B and Class C rigs.
The concept is brilliant in its simplicity. When you need it, you fold the seat down. When you’re done, it folds up flush against the wall, completely clearing the floor for other users or for easier cleaning. This provides the best of both worlds: full seating support without a permanent obstacle.
The critical factor here is installation. This is not a temporary solution; it must be anchored securely into the structural supports behind your shower wall. This may require locating studs or adding reinforcement blocking. While it’s a more involved project, the payoff in reclaimed space is unmatched for those in truly tiny rigs.
OasisSpace Chair: Heavy-Duty Support You Trust
This heavy-duty shower chair supports up to 500 lbs with a durable aluminum frame and non-slip rubber tips for maximum safety. Enjoy customizable comfort with tool-free height adjustment and a removable padded seat, perfect for seniors and those needing extra support.
Sometimes, a simple bench isn’t enough. For RVers who need maximum stability and support, a shower chair with a back and armrests, like those from OasisSpace, is the right tool for the job. This design provides an unparalleled sense of security.
The addition of a back and arms offers multiple points of contact for leverage. This makes the process of sitting down and, more importantly, standing up on a wet surface significantly easier and safer. These chairs are also typically built with a wider, more robust frame to support a higher weight capacity, providing total peace of mind.
The obvious trade-off is its significant footprint. A full shower chair will only fit in the larger showers found in fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes. You are dedicating a large portion of your shower to this piece of equipment. But for those who prioritize unwavering support, the space it occupies is a small price to pay for the safety and confidence it provides.
Better Living Stool: Your Compact RV Solution
This portable, rust-proof shower stool features an extra-large, non-slip step platform and durable aluminum legs for secure support up to 300 lbs. Its lightweight design with a carrying handle makes it easy to move and use anywhere.
What if you don’t need a full bench, but just a little help? A compact corner stool is the minimalist’s answer. It’s the perfect multi-purpose tool for RVers who need a bit of support without sacrificing precious standing room in a small shower.
These stools are designed to tuck neatly into a corner, taking up the least amount of floor space possible. They are perfect for propping a foot on to wash or shave, or for a quick rest if needed. Being lightweight and small, they are easy to move and can even serve other functions in the rig, like a low seat or a small step stool.
It’s important to be clear about its purpose. This is a stability aid, not a full-featured accessibility seat for someone who cannot stand for long periods. But for the RVer looking for a simple, versatile, and space-efficient way to make their shower routine a little safer, a corner stool is an incredibly smart solution.
How to Choose the Right Shower Bench for Your Rig
The single most important step is to measure your space before you buy anything. Get the exact dimensions of your shower pan floor, note the height of the entry lip, and measure the width of the door opening. A bench that doesn’t fit is useless.
With your measurements in hand, consider these key factors. There is no single "best" bench, only the best one for your specific situation. A thoughtful choice here makes all the difference.
- Footprint vs. Shower Size: Will a wide-stance bench fit, or do you need a narrow stool or a fold-down seat?
- User Needs: Is this for full-time seated showering with back support, or just a place to prop a foot?
- Weight Capacity: Check the manufacturer’s listed capacity. Always choose a bench rated well above the user’s weight for a safe margin.
- Material & Maintenance: Do you prefer low-maintenance plastic and aluminum, or the style and natural durability of teak?
- Permanent vs. Portable: Is a permanent, space-saving wall mount the right call, or do you need a freestanding bench you can remove?
Don’t get swayed by a recommendation that doesn’t fit your rig or your needs. The right bench is a personal decision that balances the physical constraints of your RV with the physical requirements of the user. Analyze your own needs first, then find the product that meets them.
Enjoy a Safer, More Comfortable RV Shower Life
Integrating a shower bench is one of the simplest and most impactful upgrades you can make to your RV. It’s a small investment of money and space that pays huge dividends in safety, comfort, and confidence every single day. This isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about smart, practical living.
This kind of modification gets to the very heart of successful RVing. It’s about actively adapting your small space to better serve your needs, making long-term travel more sustainable and enjoyable. The best rigs aren’t the biggest or fanciest; they’re the ones that have been thoughtfully tailored to their owners’ lives.
By making your shower a safer space, you’re removing a point of daily friction and potential anxiety. That frees you up to focus on what matters: the open road, the next destination, and the freedom that RV life promises. A secure shower today means more adventures tomorrow.
Ultimately, choosing a shower bench is about future-proofing your travels. It’s a practical step that ensures your RV remains a safe and comfortable home base, no matter where your journey takes you. By prioritizing this fundamental aspect of daily life, you empower yourself to travel longer, farther, and with greater peace of mind.
