6 Best Shallow RV Bathtubs For Low Ceilings That Feel Surprisingly Spacious
Low RV ceilings don’t mean no bathtub. We review 6 shallow tubs with smart designs that maximize comfort and create a surprisingly spacious feel.
Trying to shower in an RV with a low ceiling can feel like a daily game of limbo. You duck your head to wash your hair and bang your elbows on the walls. The idea of adding a bathtub seems impossible, but the right shallow-profile tub can transform that cramped shower stall into a surprisingly functional and spacious-feeling bathroom. It’s not about finding a miniature version of a home bathtub; it’s about choosing a smartly designed basin that maximizes utility without sacrificing precious headroom.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
What to Look For in a Low-Ceiling RV Tub
The single most important factor is the step-in height, also called the apron height. For low-ceiling applications, you’re looking for tubs in the 10- to 14-inch range. This shallow depth is the key to preserving headroom when you’re standing to shower, which is what you’ll be doing 95% of the time. A tub that’s too deep forces the entire floor of your shower up, pushing your head closer to the ceiling.
Material choice matters more than you’d think. Most RV tubs are made from thermoformed ABS plastic. It’s lightweight and cost-effective, which is perfect for a rig, but it can feel flimsy if not supported properly. Some higher-end options are made from fiberglass, which is heavier and more rigid, feeling much more like a residential tub. The tradeoff is weight and cost, so you have to decide what’s more important for your build.
Don’t forget the small details that make a big difference. Check the drain location (left, right, or center) to ensure it matches your plumbing layout. A textured, anti-slip floor is a must-have for safety in a wet, moving environment. Finally, consider the tub’s flange—the upright lip where it meets the wall. A well-designed flange makes waterproofing easier and creates a more durable, leak-proof seal with your wall surround.
RecPro 24" x 40" RV Bathtub: A Classic Fit
If there’s a standard, go-to tub in the RV world, this is it. The 24" x 40" footprint is a common size for factory-built RV bathrooms, making it an easy replacement or a predictable fit for a new build. It strikes a great balance, offering just enough length to be useful without consuming the entire bathroom floor.
Made from classic ABS plastic, the RecPro tub is incredibly lightweight. This is a huge advantage in any RV, where every pound counts against your cargo carrying capacity. The material is durable enough for daily use, resisting scratches and impacts reasonably well. Its shallow basin is perfect for bathing small kids or a dog, and it contains shower spray far better than a simple shower pan.
Think of this tub as the reliable workhorse. It’s not a luxury soaking tub for two, and it won’t be the centerpiece of a spa-like bathroom. But it does its job perfectly, providing a functional, waterproof, and low-profile basin that fits the constraints of an RV. For most people, that’s exactly what’s needed.
ICON 24" x 36" Step Tub: Compact & Accessible
The ICON Step Tub is a brilliant piece of small-space design. By incorporating a molded-in corner seat or step, it adds a ton of functionality to a very compact 36-inch length. This makes it a fantastic choice for smaller travel trailers or van conversions where every inch is accounted for.
That built-in step is the star of the show. It makes getting in and out of the tub significantly easier and safer, which is a real benefit for families with small children or anyone with mobility concerns. It also doubles as a convenient seat for bathing a little one or a perfect ledge for propping up a foot to shave your legs. This is a feature you’ll use constantly.
The clear tradeoff is soaking space. The step occupies a corner of the tub, reducing the flat area at the bottom. An adult won’t be able to stretch out for a relaxing bath. But let’s be realistic—in a 36-inch tub, that was never the primary goal. The ICON Step Tub prioritizes daily utility and accessibility over soaking capacity, and for many RVers, that’s a smarter choice.
Lippert Better Bath 24×40: Durable Design
Lippert is one of the biggest names in RV components, and their Better Bath line reflects that experience. While it shares the common 24×40 footprint with other tubs, the focus here is on improved durability and thoughtful design details. The ABS material often feels a bit thicker and more substantial, giving you more confidence that it will stand up to the rigors of the road.
The design features are subtle but significant. The tub includes a molded-in tiling flange that extends a full inch, which provides a much better surface for creating a waterproof seal with your wall surround. The floor has a light pebbling for slip resistance, and the apron has a clean, simple look that fits well with most designs. It’s a product built for installers and long-term owners, not just to look good on a showroom floor.
Choosing the Lippert tub is an investment in peace of mind. You’re getting a product from a major manufacturer known for quality control. It might cost a bit more than a generic equivalent, but for a component that is so critical to preventing water damage, that extra assurance is often worth it.
American Bath 54" Garden Tub: A Luxury Soak
Yes, you can have a "garden tub" in an RV. The American Bath 54" model is the perfect example of how to achieve a spacious soak in a low-ceiling environment. The secret is that it’s long and wide, but still relatively shallow. This allows an average-sized adult to recline fully, immersing themselves in water without needing a deep tub that would kill your headroom.
This is obviously not a solution for a small travel trailer. At 54 inches long and often 40 inches wide, this tub requires significant dedicated floor space. It’s best suited for larger fifth wheels, toy haulers, or Class A motorhomes where the bathroom is a priority. If you’re a full-timer who genuinely loves a good bath, designing your layout around this tub can be a game-changer for your quality of life on the road.
The experience is surprisingly residential. Paired with a decent water heater, you can have a legitimate, relaxing soak after a long day of hiking or driving. It proves that living small doesn’t always mean giving up on creature comforts. It just means you have to be more creative about how you integrate them.
Kinro Composites 24×32: For The Smallest Spaces
When you think you only have room for a tiny shower pan, the Kinro 24×32 tub might just change your mind. This is an ultra-compact unit designed for the absolute smallest of wet baths, often found in truck campers, small vans, or teardrop trailers. It’s the smallest practical tub you can find.
Let’s be clear about its purpose: this is not for adult bathing. Its primary function is to be a deep, secure basin. It’s absolutely perfect for washing a small dog, bathing a toddler, or hand-washing clothes without splashing water all over your tiny bathroom. It contains messes in a way a shallow shower pan simply can’t.
The value of the Kinro tub is in its utility. For anyone traveling with pets or kids, having this small basin can make life so much easier. It turns a simple shower stall into a multi-function utility space, which is the essence of smart small-space design. It’s a problem-solver.
Lyons Industries 46" Tub: Extra Leg Room
The Lyons 46" tub sits in a sweet spot between the standard 40" models and the massive 54" garden tubs. That extra six inches of length makes a world of difference for an adult trying to have a comfortable soak. It’s often just enough extra room to straighten your legs a bit more, making the experience far more relaxing.
Many Lyons tubs are made from fiberglass with a high-gloss acrylic finish. This construction feels much more rigid and solid underfoot compared to standard ABS. It resists flexing and creaking, and the glossy surface is easier to clean and more resistant to staining. It feels like a small piece of residential quality in your rig.
This tub is a fantastic upgrade for those who have a bit more space to work with but can’t commit to a full garden tub. It offers a tangible improvement in comfort without the massive footprint of the 54-inch models. If you want a better bathing experience but still need to be mindful of space, this is an excellent compromise.
Installation Tips for a Leak-Proof RV Tub
The number one mistake I see people make is failing to properly support the tub. An RV tub is a thin shell; it gets its strength from what’s underneath it. You must create a solid, level base for it to sit on. The best method is a bed of mortar or expanding spray foam (use the low-expansion window and door type). This supports the entire bottom of the tub, preventing it from flexing, which is the primary cause of stress cracks and broken drain seals.
Properly sealing the tub flange to the wall studs is non-negotiable. The flange should be fastened directly to the studs, and your waterproof wall surround should overlap in front of the flange. This creates a shingle effect where water running down the wall is directed into the tub. A simple bead of silicone caulk on the outside is just a backup; the real waterproofing happens behind the wall panel.
Finally, pay close attention to the drain assembly. Use a generous amount of plumber’s putty under the drain flange inside the tub to create a watertight seal. Hand-tighten the PVC connections underneath, then give them another quarter-turn with channel locks. After installation, fill the tub with water and let it sit for an hour, checking every connection underneath for even the slightest drip. It’s much easier to fix a leak now than after you’ve boxed everything in.
Oatey Sta-Put Ultra Plumbers Putty is a professional-grade, oil-free sealant that remains permanently soft and flexible. Its non-staining formula is safe for porous surfaces, offering a clean and odorless solution for plumbing applications.
Choosing the right shallow RV tub is about more than just measurements; it’s about matching the product’s design to your specific needs on the road. Whether you need a compact utility basin for washing the dog or a long, shallow soaker for relaxing after a long drive, there’s a low-profile option that works. By focusing on proper support and installation, you can add a surprising amount of comfort and functionality to your small bathroom without ever worrying about your head hitting the ceiling.
