Guero
Oregon USA/Jalisco MEX
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Even though I do not own a TC, I enjoy seeing efficient use of space in any RV. One of the areas I think TC manufacturers seem to skimp on is the dry bath. Areas that get overlooked are usually around the bathroom sink; too much counter space, which should be captured as storage. Another area I look at since we bathe a baby is the depth of the shower. Here are my top two dry bath plans:
1. Arctic Fox 1150; this excellent camper has a rear dry bath with an exceptional layout and tons of storage. Instead of having useless extended counter space around the sink, Northwood has thoughtfully installed a linen closet. The bathtub/shower is deep and has a seat; one could bathe the baby and sit comfortably on the toilet lid while doing so.
2. Lance 1181; I love the fact this large dry bath is situated in the middle of the camper. This makes the kitchen/dinette area more open and light. The only reason this layout isn't #1 is the lack of linen storage on the sink counter. Everything else is well planned, very similar to the AF 1150.
Anyone else have thoughts/opinions? I believe more RV manufacturers should look at the efficient use of space in these TC dry baths for use in camp trailers/fifth wheels/motorhomes.
* This post was
edited 02/07/12 09:39pm by Guero *
Güero, beautiful Wife, sweet toddler girl, angelic baby girl & spoiled Chihuahua
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Super_Dave
Sacramento, CA
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If it was me, the dry bath would have more counter and no shower head. The camper would come with a quick pop up shower enclosure for the outside shower. In units smaller than an 11XX, the dry bathes are hardly large enough to turnaround in so TC manufacturers just admit it and make it a straight john.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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It is so tough to make anything perfect for everyone. Fortunately with RVs, there is typically more than one option. If buying new, it is probable you can custom order.
Personally, I have never seen the perfect RV. Considering how our needs and preferences change, I don't think we could have the perfect RV for long. I am OK with my TC. I did a lot of modifications and upgrades, to get what I wanted. My use of the TC has changed, so some of the mods are not as important as they once were.
Wayne
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Tiger4x4RV
San Diego County, California
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Take a look at Four Wheel's new Fleet "self-contained" model. Probably smaller than you want, but the only TC I've ever seen with the aisle shower (Sportsmobile and Roadtrek Class B's use this).
TC Magazine article
When you bathe your baby or toddler, do you use a baby tub on the floor of the shower? That's what we did in one horrible rental stick house which had no tub and not even much of a kitchen sink.
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insp1505
Idaho
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I agree with the AF 1150. Great lay out with all the bathroom cabinet and drawer storage area. You do lose kitchen counter space when compared to the wet-bath version but with the add-on/removable counter that you can put above the step up to the bed I have never needed any more counter space. I would just have to store extra linens and towels in the kitchen area if I had the wet bath.
Are the new toilets really porcelain or just the lid? Mine is still all plastic. Plastic is fine for me and I'd imagine it's less weight as well.
Super_Dave wrote:If it was me, the dry bath would have more counter and no shower head. The camper would come with a quick pop up shower enclosure for the outside shower. In units smaller than an 11XX, the dry bathes are hardly large enough to turnaround in so TC manufacturers just admit it and make it a straight john.
Interesting idea as far as space saving goes but I couldn't imagine not having an inside shower. I would not want to shower outside when it's down around 0 degrees. My outside shower isn't even attached when it's that cold anyway. I am happy they still put showers in TC's, even in the smaller ones. I wouldn't own one if they didn't. Plus I use mine for extra storage space when traveling. You can pile a lot of stuff in the shower!
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Guero
Oregon USA/Jalisco MEX
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I wanted to emphasize how I thought the mid- camper dry bath made the kitchen dinette area more open, dividing the camper into more separate areas. I asked the AF truck camper rep/designer at the Seattle RV show why he didn't locate the dry bath mid-camper; he replied that it was all about weight. The kitchen weighs more, so AF locates it in the middle.
Adventurer TC also makes a nice mid-camper dry bath; shorter at 10'2" than the AF/Lance campers at 11'6".
Any opinions on Chalet Campers large dry baths?
Also, has anyone used the optional over the foldout dinette bunk that most TC manufacturers list as optional?
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RickW
Sacramento CA
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Tiger4x4RV wrote:Take a look at Four Wheel's new Fleet "self-contained" model. Probably smaller than you want, but the only TC I've ever seen with the aisle shower (Sportsmobile and Roadtrek Class B's use this).
TC Magazine article
Darn, I stood right in that 4W camper at the ISE Sacramento and didn't even notice the center shower 
Rick
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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I really like the Okanagan 96db. Also the Lance 1055 and 971. Unfortunately, none of these campers are made anymore.
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DianneOK
Donnelly, ID
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We have the 971 and love it. Too bad it is not made anymore......I like the dry bath and it has plenty of storage for us.
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54suds
adk mts.
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Tiger4x4RV wrote:Take a look at Four Wheel's new Fleet "self-contained" model. Probably smaller than you want, but the only TC I've ever seen with the aisle shower (Sportsmobile and Roadtrek Class B's use this).
TC Magazine article
When you bathe your baby or toddler, do you use a baby tub on the floor of the shower? That's what we did in one horrible rental stick house which had no tub and not even much of a kitchen sink.
the Turtle V uses this type shower (its located by the door) Monicka gave us a tour of the Turtle V when they were at the Flamming Gorge WY.. a few years ago 
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