6 Best RV Shower Pans For Easy Cleaning That Nomads Swear By

Nothing ruins the freedom of the road faster than a grimy, mildew-stained RV shower that you have to scrub constantly. It’s a small space that gets a lot of use, and keeping it clean can feel like a losing battle. The secret isn’t a magic cleaning spray; it’s choosing the right shower pan from the start.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Material Matters for an Easy-to-Clean Pan

The shower pan you see in most factory-built RVs is thin, textured ABS plastic. The texture is there to provide grip, but those tiny bumps and valleys are perfect hiding spots for soap scum, body oils, and mildew. Cleaning it feels like trying to scrub a waffle iron—you’re constantly fighting the surface itself.

A material’s porosity is the real enemy. Porous surfaces, like cheap fiberglass or heavily textured plastic, absorb moisture and stains. Non-porous materials like high-gloss acrylic or solid surface composites do the opposite. Grime sits on top of the surface, waiting to be wiped away, instead of seeping into it.

Think of it like the difference between a sealed granite countertop and an unsealed concrete one. One spill wipes up effortlessly, while the other leaves a permanent mark. In the humid, confined environment of an RV, choosing a non-porous, smooth-surfaced pan is the single most important decision for long-term, easy maintenance.

Lippert Better Bath: The Durable OEM Standard

If you’ve ever stepped into a factory-new RV, you’ve likely stood on a Lippert (LCI) Better Bath product. They are the go-to for many manufacturers, and for good reason: they are cost-effective, come in dozens of standard RV sizes, and are built to withstand the rigors of the assembly line. Most are made from ABS plastic, often with a textured, anti-slip surface.

The main advantage here is availability and fit. If you’re replacing a damaged pan in a standard model RV, finding a direct-fit Lippert replacement is usually straightforward. They get the job done and are a known quantity. They are the baseline for RV showers.

However, "standard" doesn’t always mean "best for cleaning." That textured floor, while safe, is their biggest drawback for maintenance. It requires more elbow grease and harsher cleaners to get soap scum out of the crevices. They are a solid, reliable choice, but they aren’t the easiest to clean on this list.

RecPro ABS Pans: Lightweight & Easy to Install

RecPro has become a favorite in the DIY and renovation community. Their ABS plastic pans are incredibly lightweight, which is a huge plus when you’re counting every pound in your rig. For van conversions or older RV remodels, shedding weight is always a good thing.

Their pans often come with a slightly smoother finish than the deeply pebbled texture of some OEM models, giving them a slight edge in cleanability. Because they are designed for the aftermarket, they also come in common renovation sizes, often with helpful features like integrated flanges that make waterproofing the walls a bit easier. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic plumbing.

The tradeoff with any ABS pan is scratch resistance. A dropped shampoo bottle or scrubbing with an abrasive sponge can leave permanent marks. Over time, these fine scratches can trap dirt, slowly making the pan harder to clean. But for the price and weight, they offer a fantastic balance of function and value.

Lyons Elite Series: High-Gloss Acrylic Finish

Stepping up to an acrylic pan like those from the Lyons Elite series is a game-changer for cleaning. Unlike thin ABS, acrylic is a thicker, more robust material with a high-gloss, completely non-porous surface. Soap scum and hard water spots have nothing to cling to. A quick spray and a wipe with a soft cloth is often all it takes to make it look new again.

The beauty of acrylic is that the color and material are solid all the way through. If you do get a minor scratch, it can often be buffed out with a special polishing compound, restoring the smooth, easy-to-clean surface. This isn’t possible with ABS, where a scratch reveals the different-colored material underneath.

These pans are heavier and more expensive than their ABS counterparts, so there’s a clear tradeoff. But if your top priority is minimizing cleaning time and having a shower that looks pristine for years, the investment in a high-gloss acrylic pan pays for itself in saved time and frustration.

Swanstone Solid Surface: A Premium, Mold-Proof Pan

For those who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, a Swanstone solid surface pan is the answer. This isn’t plastic; it’s a reinforced composite material, similar to what you’d find in high-end home countertops. It’s incredibly dense, durable, and completely non-porous.

The key benefit is that Swanstone is inherently mold and mildew-proof. The material itself will not support microbial growth, which is a massive advantage in a damp RV bathroom. Stains from hair dye or harsh minerals simply can’t penetrate the surface. It’s also virtually indestructible and can be repaired if it ever gets a deep gouge.

The downsides are significant: weight and cost. A solid surface pan can be several times heavier and more expensive than an acrylic one. This makes it a non-starter for many lightweight travel trailers or builders on a tight budget. But for a full-time rig or a luxury build where durability and hygiene are paramount, it’s an unmatched premium option.

Custom Stainless Steel: The Ultimate Custom Option

Sometimes, a standard-sized pan just won’t work, especially in a custom van build or a uniquely shaped bus conversion. This is where a custom-fabricated stainless steel pan shines. You can have one made to your exact dimensions, with the drain located precisely where you need it.

From a cleaning perspective, it’s hard to beat. Just like a commercial kitchen sink, it’s non-porous, anti-bacterial, and incredibly resistant to staining. A simple squeegee after each use and a weekly wipe-down are all it takes to keep it gleaming. There are no grout lines, no texture, and no materials that can harbor mold.

Of course, this is a fully custom solution, so it carries a high price tag. The aesthetic is also more industrial, which might not fit every design. It can also be dented by a heavy, dropped object. But for a truly custom, bomb-proof, and hygienic shower, a stainless steel pan is an incredible choice for the right build.

Flexstone Kits: For a Seamless, Grout-Free Surface

While not a pan itself, Flexstone (and similar composite panel systems) deserves a mention because it tackles the other half of the cleaning equation: the walls and seams. These large, flexible panels are designed to create a seamless, grout-free shower surround. They can be installed over existing walls and work in tandem with a quality pan.

The real magic happens where the walls meet the pan. By eliminating the grout line at this critical corner, you remove the number one spot for mildew and grime to collect. A continuous, sealed bead of high-quality silicone is all that separates the wall panel from the pan flange, creating a smooth, easily wiped surface.

Pairing a Flexstone wall kit with a smooth acrylic or solid surface pan creates a truly low-maintenance shower system. You get the benefit of a non-porous floor and non-porous walls, with minimal seams. It’s an elegant solution that solves the "dirty corner" problem that plagues so many RV showers.

Installation Tips for a Leak-Proof RV Shower

A fantastic, easy-to-clean pan is worthless if it leaks. Water damage can destroy an RV floor in a shockingly short amount of time. Proper installation is not just recommended; it’s absolutely critical.

First, the pan must have rock-solid support. RV floors flex, but your shower pan cannot. Set the pan in a bed of mortar or use expanding spray foam (the low-expansion kind for windows) underneath to create a custom-fit, rigid base. Any wobble or flex will eventually lead to cracks at the drain or flange.

Second, focus on the seals. Use high-quality 100% silicone, not cheap acrylic caulk, to seal the perimeter where the pan meets the wall surround. For the drain, follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, using plumber’s putty or a silicone gasket as specified. Before you close up the walls, do a leak test: plug the drain, fill the pan with an inch of water, and let it sit for at least an hour. Check underneath with a flashlight for any sign of moisture. Taking your time here will save you from a catastrophic failure down the road.

Ultimately, the best RV shower pan is one that fits your budget, weight limits, and, most importantly, your tolerance for cleaning. By prioritizing a non-porous material and ensuring a flawless installation, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the view from wherever you’ve parked. It’s an upfront investment that pays dividends every single day on the road.