6 Best Portable RV Bathtubs That Feel Surprisingly Spacious

The single biggest luxury most people miss after moving into an RV isn’t the walk-in closet; it’s the simple, restorative power of a long, hot soak. For years, the only options were a cramped, shallow shower pan or a trip to a pricey hot spring. But a new generation of portable bathtubs is changing the game, making a full-body soak a practical reality for life on the road.

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Why a Portable Bathtub Can Elevate Your RV Life

Let’s be honest: RV life is incredible, but it can also be physically demanding. Long drive days, hiking, and constant setup and teardown can leave your muscles aching. A deep soak is more than a luxury; it’s a powerful tool for recovery and relaxation that’s often missing from the full-timer’s toolkit.

The beauty of a portable tub is its flexibility. You’re not undertaking a major renovation. Most of these tubs are designed to fit directly inside a standard RV shower stall, containing the water and utilizing your existing plumbing for drainage. On a nice day, you can also take it outside for a soak under the stars, creating a spa-like experience at your campsite.

Of course, you have to be mindful of your resources. Filling a 40-gallon tub requires a plan, especially if you’re boondocking. You’ll need an on-demand water heater or a method for heating water on the stove, and you must consider your grey tank capacity. But with a little planning, it’s a completely manageable and worthwhile indulgence.

Tubble Royale: Premium Inflatable Luxury Soaking

When comfort is the top priority, the Tubble Royale stands out. It’s made from a thick, 6-layer PVC that feels soft and supportive, unlike a hard acrylic tub. This isn’t a flimsy pool toy; it’s a thoughtfully designed inflatable that feels substantial and genuinely luxurious.

Its rectangular shape and generous dimensions are designed for adults to fully recline. The included electric pump inflates it in about a minute, so you’re not spending ages getting it ready. The real test is whether it fits your space—always measure your shower stall first—but for those with a 30×60 inch or larger stall, it can transform a basic bathroom into a personal spa.

The trade-off for this premium feel is the price and the inherent nature of inflatables. It costs more than simpler folding models, and you still need to be careful with sharp objects. However, its robust construction makes it far more durable than you might expect, offering a fantastic balance of comfort and practicality.

WEY&FLY Inflatable Tub: Durable, All-Season Pick

The WEY&FLY tub is built like a workhorse. It’s constructed from a thick, flocking material that feels rugged and is designed to withstand a bit more abuse. This makes it an excellent choice for RVers who plan to use their tub both indoors and outdoors.

Its most defining feature is the zippered cover that stretches over the top. This is a game-changer for heat retention, keeping your water warmer for much longer, which is crucial when you have a limited supply of hot water. This feature makes it a true all-season option, perfect for a crisp autumn evening at a dispersed campsite.

While comfortable, the focus here is more on durability and function than pure, plush luxury. It’s a practical, robust choice for the RVer who values performance and longevity. The setup is straightforward, and the thick material provides a good amount of insulation from the cold ground when used outside.

G Ganen Folding Tub: Upright Japanese-Style Soak

If your RV shower is narrow, a traditional-style portable tub might not be an option. This is where the G Ganen folding tub shines. It embraces the Japanese ofuro style of soaking: a deep, upright tub with a small footprint, designed for sitting, not lounging.

The design is brilliant for small spaces. Because you’re sitting upright, the water comes up to your shoulders without needing a long tub, which saves both floor space and water. The setup involves a fabric liner stretched over a frame of support poles, which can be assembled in just a few minutes and stores incredibly flat.

This style of bathing is different, and it’s not for everyone. You won’t be stretching your legs out. But for an immersive, piping-hot soak that can fit in a tiny 28×28 inch shower stall, it is an unbeatable solution that solves a common space problem for many RVers.

Homefilos Portable Tub: Most Compact & Affordable

For the RVer who wants an occasional soak without committing significant money or storage space, the Homefilos is the answer. This is the essence of a simple, effective solution. It’s typically the most affordable option and packs down smaller than almost any other tub.

The design is minimalist: a waterproof fabric basin held up by a handful of support poles. There are no air chambers to puncture or complex frames to assemble. You can set it up in moments and, when you’re done, it folds down into a small disc you can tuck into any cabinet or pass-through storage bay.

The compromise is in comfort and insulation. The thin walls don’t hold heat as well as inflatable or multi-layered models, and the structure is purely functional. But that’s the point. It delivers a proper, deep soak for a minimal investment of cash and, more importantly, precious space.

CO-Z Inflatable Tub: Built-In Pillow & Cupholder

Some products are designed around an experience, and the CO-Z inflatable tub is all about pure relaxation. Its design philosophy is clear: if you’re going to take the time for a bath, you should be as comfortable as possible. It achieves this with thoughtful, integrated features.

The built-in inflatable pillow, armrests, and cupholder elevate it from a simple basin to a personal relaxation pod. These small additions make a huge difference, allowing you to lean back with a book and a drink without juggling or improvising. It’s the closest you can get to a traditional spa bathtub experience in a portable format.

Naturally, these features add some bulk and complexity. The tub has multiple air chambers to inflate, and its overall footprint might be slightly larger to accommodate the armrests. It’s an ideal choice for RVs with larger shower stalls or for those who plan to use it primarily outdoors where space isn’t a concern.

HIWENA Adult Tub: Extra-Large Freestanding Model

For taller individuals or anyone who feels cramped in standard-sized tubs, the HIWENA is a welcome sight. Its primary selling point is its generous size, often exceeding 60 inches in length, which provides enough room to truly stretch out and float.

This is a freestanding model that almost certainly will not fit inside a typical RV shower. It’s best suited for those with a large wet bath, a toy hauler garage, or a dedicated outdoor setup. Its size requires more water, but for a 6-foot-plus person, the ability to fully submerge is a luxury that’s hard to put a price on.

Using a tub this large requires planning. You need a level surface, a long hose for filling, and a clear drainage strategy. Because of its size, it also takes up more storage space when folded. It’s not a casual-use item but a deliberate choice for those who refuse to compromise on soaking space.

Key Features for Your Ideal Portable RV Bathtub

The "best" portable tub is the one that fits your RV, your body, and your lifestyle. Don’t get sold on a feature you won’t use or a size that won’t fit. The single most important step is to measure your shower stall—width, depth, and height—before you even start shopping.

Once you know your size constraints, weigh these key factors against your priorities. Each represents a trade-off, so decide what matters most to you.

• Dimensions vs. RV Shower Stall: Does it physically fit? Is there room to step in and out safely?
• Material & Durability: Thick, multi-layer PVC offers comfort and insulation. Simpler fabric-and-pole designs offer ultimate portability.
• Insulation & Heat Retention: A top cover is the single best feature for keeping water warm. Thicker inflatable walls are better than thin fabric ones.
• Setup & Storage: An electric pump is fast, but folding models can be simpler and store flatter. Consider the packed-down size and where you’ll keep it.
• Drainage: Look for a drain plug at the lowest point of the tub. A side drain is often easier to use in a cramped shower than one on the bottom. Make sure the included hose is long enough to reach your drain.

Finally, think beyond the tub itself. How big is your water heater? A 6-gallon heater will require you to supplement with water boiled on the stove. How big is your grey tank? A 50-gallon soak will fill a 40-gallon tank and then some. Answering these questions first ensures your relaxing soak doesn’t turn into a stressful plumbing problem.

Ultimately, adding a portable bathtub to your RV is about reclaiming a piece of comfort and self-care that is too often sacrificed for mobility. It’s a small change that can make a massive difference in how you feel, turning any campsite into your own private retreat.