Sheri and I say – Skip the 2nd bathroom in an RV
We’ve lived in an Open Range 399BHS for over three years and we feel like we know enough about it to comment on some of the things that affect future buyers when they are making decisions on getting a 2nd bathroom in the RV.
Actually, you don’t add the spare bathroom, but instead you purchase the RV with it based on the floor plan. Of course you would know that you have to buy the 2nd bathroom floor plan or not, but it feels better saying it.
Unless you have read this, when you’re shopping for an RV, you’re going to find a 2nd bathroom (actually a 1/2 bath) a neat feature. But its not. The spare or extra bathroom is eye candy designed to entice you into thinking about an RV like you would a house.
You can do a deeper dive on RV plumbing by going to the RV Plumbing How-To page.
Why a 2nd 1/2 bath in the RV sounds like a great idea
If you have a bunkhouse, or if you have a 2nd door to the outside, the idea of a 2nd 1/2 bath sounds like a great idea. Why? Let me list…
- Kids have a place to brush teeth
- Girl in the family might have a place to do make-up.
- You can have people quick access to a restroom from the outside without going through the RV.
- Your guests can have some privacy – especially if there is a bunkhouse. Its like a little 2 bedroom house.
- You don’t have to share your RV’s master bathroom with guests.
Why a 2nd 1/2 bath in the RV is really a bad idea
Before going into the listing a little background and “reminder”… RV’s are mobile. Because of that, water fittings are much more subject to leak due to vibration.
One more thing, RV’s, particularly in their nether-regions are subject to wider temperature swings. Again, hot/cold cycling makes fitting more subject to leaking.
With that in mind, here are all the reasons that the 2nd bathroom is a bigger pain than it is a benefit…
- Double the water fittings – double the opportunity to leak
- 2nd black tank? If so, it probably doesn’t have a black tank rinse so it is harder to maintain.
- 2nd gray tank? Another tank to monitor? And empty. And drain.
- Given the MAIN tanks are a pain to monitor and drain – do you want to double the work?
- 2nd set of tanks – usually smaller. In fact the 2nd set makes the first set smaller as the RV designers are planning all of the under floor space for tanks and water routing. Who wants smaller main tanks?
- You don’t have a 2nd shower… so your guests still will use your main bathroom.
- If you don’t use the 2nd 1/2 bath, you might not notice things you need to do like the fact that the EXTRA black tank is full and stinky – RV living is about making life MORE carefree, not less.
- More specifically – 2nd bathroom EQUALS 2nd bathroom to clean.
So the RV52 analysis is : 2nd bathroom looks cool when your buying the unit, but it probably isn’t worth the extra trouble and effort it requires. Sheri and Marlan say : Avoid it if you can. Don’t panic if you get it, but don’t let it be a “net positive” to your RV buying decision – see it for what it is – extra work.
I’ve put some Amazon listings here, just in case you are looking for RV plumbing fixtures.
Ken says
Those are good points about the downsides of a second 1/2 bath. It’s easy to forget the issues of leaks and maintenance when you’re RV shopping.
Roxy says
Occassionally there are those times when more than one person really needs to use the bathroom (toilet) at the same time :/ Thats fine if you happen to be in a park that has public restrooms as an alternative, but my husband and I currently live in a mobile home park during the weekdays that does not have public restrooms..nor does the tiny town where its located. I would think a second toilet in our next RV would come in VERY handy in our particular situation.
James says
Being use to having 2 toilets in our home and taking medicine, my wife n I can’t wait for someone to vacate the throne to releave ourselves. Its now r oooops! We need the 1/2
Marlan at Rv52 says
Now that is a reason FOR the extra bathroom that is very hard to argue with!!!!!
Kathy O says
My husband and I are full time rv’ers and could not live without the bath and a half like we have in our Fleetwood! Just as in our house, before we started this journey, we tend to occupy both rooms at the same time. When one is in the shower, or getting ready, the second half bath gives everyone else freedom to use the facilities without disturbing your privacy and peace.
Marlan at Rv52 says
That is good feedback. I’m probably TOO much of a minimalist sometimes.
Christina McS says
We are torn. We are shopping for an RV for our family with 4 teens (3 of them girls). If we do go with a second 1/2 bath, what other options might there be for “emergencies”?
Marlan at Rv52 says
Don’t be torn. I think if you have that many kiddos with you that a 1/2 bath isn’t so bad. For me, it never seemed worth it, but you have 2x as many kids as we did. The other options? Well it depends where you are? If in a decent park, there will be other facilities. If you are out in the boonies – well there is always a tree or bush nearby. Might need to have a spade handy. I’m not sure what the “rules” would be on something like that. Ok for bears but anymore it is illegal for people!
Christina McS says
Thank you so much for replying! I am looking at portable toilet units as an alternative as well. Not the most fun to clean, but it might open more options for RV models and allow us to choose one without this issue as a deal breaker. On the other hand, do you know when toy haulers started having a second bathroom? I’m hoping to find a used RV in the magic year’s model that has a second toilet, but still the traditional living area layout and an empty garage… Although perhaps the first year they had second bathrooms might not be the wisest if they had not yet worked out the problems…
Marlan at Rv52 says
With RVs, I wouldn’t get too worried about quality. They are sure to let you down no matter the brand. Why? Because RVs are movable homes with thin walls built on a chassis with what I would call a “homebuilder” mindset. Also, no one runs enough volume through – like a car maker – to actually get to a level of pseudo-perfection.
If you set your expectations that there will be things wrong, you’ll be fine.
I don’t know the year, but they’ve been doing them for a long time. I LOVE the toy haulers. Those dual retractable queen beds are really cool. Then with the lofts and the master bed – each kid should be in great shape. The other thing I like about a toy hauler is the 3rd axle. Everyone overloads an RV and they simply aren’t that safe. With an extra axle, you should always be at a safe hauling weight – assuming you are looking at the big boy 5th wheel type.
J. Sysco says
I have been reading about only 1 black and gray tank, and from what I have seen on manufacturers sites, i see no 4 tank standard options. There are also portable tanks that attach outside the coach which bring their own unique challenges. I have also been reading about the style of the second toilet being a macerator type that possibly alleviates some of the issues with regard to capacity. That version has its own issues from other items I have read, and from what I have seen in my unit. I only have a single bathroom currently. At the end of the day, if you RV by yourself I see one bathroom being fine, but if you have a spouse, friends or grand kids, I see little downside. Cleaning needs to be done thoroughly whether it is a storage area or bathroom, i realize that there is a difference, but there appears to be a lot of benefits to it I do appreciate all your insights!
Bob Compagnoni says
My wife and I moved into our first RV fulltime August of 2016. We looked at several RV’s but when we found the one with the 1/2 bath, that was the selling point.
We haven’t regretted the decision, ever.
We and our guests have privacy. We can use the bathroom at the same time.
Logistically, there is a Y fitting for my sewer hoses so I have them both hooked up at the same time and empty and rinse in one session.
They do get full quick, but then, I don’t have anything to compare it to. We tend to dump the tanks every 3 days.
I have a 2007 Forest River Georgetown 370xl
2 gray and 2 black tanks. 2 connections for flushing the black tanks.
Pam Dooley says
I came to this page looking for someone who has added a tub to the toy hauler. We are about to retire and are planning on going full time in a 5th wheel. The only thing I don’t want to do without is my bathtub. I love to soak and for that matter, so does my husband. Anyone have some ideas about adding a small room next to the 1/2 bath with a tub?
Vivian Davies says
We have had our fifth wheel for six years now and it has a 2nd bathroom. I personally wouldn’t buy another one unless it had that feature. The second one has a door to the outside making it easy when we have bbqs outside. If one of us gets a tummy bug it saves a lot of cross contamination. We can both freshen up at the same time with the two handbasins. We found it invaluable during hurricane Harvey when we were indoors for five days. We have not had any issues with leaks or full waste tanks. We have towed it from Texas to Miami, New Orleans, Mt Rushmore, and beyond. When we have guests in for a meal we direct them to the second bathroom. If you are clean living in the first place it takes 10 minutes to clean on a weekly basis. I do not think there is a down side to have the second one.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Excellent perspective. Thx!
Kristy says
We just purchased a camper that has 2 bathrooms but we need the space in the bedroom. Looks like the people who owned before us took out the bunk and maybe added an additional bathroom I don’t know. Anyways we don’t need it and I was wondering how hard it would be to take it out? Has anyone ever done this before? We are first timers and have a lot of friends in construction but not sure if its different when it comes to campers! Please tell me its possible!!
den says
My wife and I are in our 70s and a second half bath in our next camper is a must. Many baby boomers I’ve talked to agree, with only one bed room .
Daniel D Dubois says
Both my wife and I want a 5th wheel. We really like the mid-body bunk room however none come with a 2nd toilet, only rear bunkrooms. My wife has trouble walking and uses a walker. Therefore during the day she absolutely needs a toilet on the lower level. I would love to find an article where somebody installed a 2nd toilet or had a tech do it. Unfortunately the closest I’ve found is to place a Porti-potti type unit – which is a no go for my wife. I would like to take the inside corner of a mid-bunkroom and install a small closet and install a toilet. If someone knows of an RV aftermarket tech that does this type of install, it would be appreciated.
Marlan at Rv52 says
I met a gal @ Holiday World in Houston (or more like Katy) and she talked about conversions like you described. She no longer works there but I reached out to her and I’ll publish something if she responds. You MIGHT check out Holiday World if you are near Texas. I’m thinking there are probably some strong dealers that do this across the country.
Marlan at Rv52 says
As promised I did reach out to a former salesperson for Holiday World and she said to contact them down in Katy Texas. They might know such people who would do a custom remodel for you. Love your idea.
Pat Allison says
We have had a 5th wheel with only one bath. Our kids and grandkids love to camp with us and one bath is insufficient to handle all the needs. We have been looking at a bath and a half and it seems to offer so many more benefits. It will keep kids with wet swim suits out of the master bath. We don’t want them dripping water on the carpet. Our main concern was for some older guests traveling with us and sleeping on the couch in the entertainment area. They always need to get up at 3 AM and go the bathroom. They will be very uncomfortable coming into the master bedroom to use the bathroom at 3 AM. Obviously, we will be unhappy because they will wake us up at 3 AM. The half bath will also serve as a changing room and quick wash up area without having to use the kitchen sink or master bathroom. These are just a few thoughts,
Marlan at Rv52 says
Great thoughts. Thanks!
Paula says
Have to disagree up to a certain point, yes leakage can occur at more points, that’s a risk in any case living in an RV. We have a Bunkhouse with 2 full bathrooms, and we are 3 people. The convenience of having our bathroom to ourselves and our daughter having her own suits as well. As far as maintaining both black tanks and grey tanks is a routine. If you drain the main, you drain the 2nd and yes the second tank has a tank flush as well. For us it is definitely a plus. If just going camping, I would not care how many bathrooms, but living in one, it’s a must have for us.
Marlan at Rv52 says
Great comments!
Ray Jackson says
My wife and I have issues at our age. Bathe and half is best in our interest because of these issues. However, I’m facing another issue. We want 1.5 bath, non-bunkhouse in 35′ or less range. The ones I have found are 40-41′. Too big. Does anyone know who manufactures such an RV? (Bunkhouse is a waste for two old people on the road and don’t want for storage).
Shannon says
Thanks for posting this. As your right looking at them get excited and overlook reality. Such as traveling with a higher chance of damaging additional plumbing. . That can be a hefty bill!!! For those who park and stay worth the extra bath. Those that move around alot can see it becoming more of a hassle. So it really does depend on your lifestyle and medical as others have mentioned.
This also leads back to the quality of the unit and how its built.
Thanks for the article. I’m for the extra bathroom but also need to realize that downside that is overlooked.
Amy Wilson says
I disagree. I have 5 kids and I desperately need that second toilet/sink. We have a Keystone Bullet 330BHS and no second bath would be a deal breaker for me. It is a pain to hook up but it’s been so worth having. I would not go back. In fact, I’m looking to upgrade to have a slide in the master bedroom with king bed with the island kitchen and second bath we already have. It’s a tough search but I’m not going to give up that second bath with so many kids.
Marlan at Rv52 says
You had me at “5 kids”! We had two and our 40 footer SHRANK after time – if you know what I mean.