Shower and toilet enclosure thread

[Dave]

Once you learn how to fold it it's easy. Fold it flat. Then fold it in half so the walls are all stacked on each other. Place the ceiling end on the ground and hold the floor end in you hands, one hand on each side. Push the ceiling end down into the ground and as you do this bring your arms together in front of you and continue to push down towards the ceiling end. The end you are holding will curl into a circle and the whole thing will curl up into itself. It took me a little while to figure it out but once you get it it works great.

I hear ya. I had it figured out in my living room back in June. I even had it figured out on a trip where we used in late June, but something happened and it would never "curl up into itself".

I think I tweaked mine and the poles wouldn't bend back to their original form. Once that happened, game over. It's a shame as they're really nice little tents other than breaking them down and storing them.
.

Yep, that sounds like what happened to mine. Storing it was always a PITA too, but something I could live with.

Either way, it's gone from my life and I don't miss it.

 

[Dave]

Tried out the Trekker privy this weekend and am pretty pleased with it. The biggest downside is there are no provisions for hanging dry clothes, towels, etc., but other wise it works great. Setup and take down was simple and straight forward.

 

[cstamm81]

Come on doesnt anyone do in out in the open like me? Depending on where you're camping, it's usually feasible to hit the toilet or shower out in the open (at least for me). I could see where an enclosure would come in handy at times though, so to each their own. If I wanted a good one I'd give this a try:
http://www.springbar.com/explore/canopies/cabana.html

 

[gier]

I am sure the people at the local KOA would rather you use a shower tent.

 

[StumpXJ]

Ok, I am revisting this and the other shower enclosure threads.

I have had this Cabelas style unit:

for about a year, and I absolutely hate it.

For the same reason that everyone else has mentioned, set-up/tear down being the main one. While I had this set up on one of my recent trips, I slipped down the side of a ditch, and the shower was there next to it, so I instinctively grabbed one of the side poles to help hold myself up. Well... the 300 pound force of me falling didnt bode well with the thin aluminum poles that the shower is made of and it snapped in two pieces. I cant really say I expected it to hold my big a** up, so I am not going to complain about that. It was just the last "nail in the coffin" if you will.

It is very big and roomy, and is great for both a toilet and my zodi shower...... if you are in the same place for more than a day. The problem is, I am always moving to new spots everyday, and tearing this thing down and setting it up is a huge drag.

I havent really found something that I like, so I am going to make my own that will work off the drivers side of my roof rack.

I want it to be completely functional, have a sturdy toilet seat, a place to use my custom ZODI shower head, and a true shelf or two, not just some mesh pockets. It also will have to be lightweight, portable, and set-up and tear down in under 2 minutes by myself. It will also have some sort of lighting system. I have had to use flashlights and personal laterns in my old enclosure, and that gets old real fast.

Too much to ask? I think not, and look forward to the challenge.

Anyone else do there own thing? got any pics? I am going to do something a little more that a curtain hanging off of hoop supported by a rod off the roof rack.

~James

 

[kcowyo]

I am going to do something a little more that a curtain hanging off of hoop supported by a rod off the roof rack.

I believe you. If anyone can come up with a well built & functional design, it would be you.

I caved and bought another Porta Privy on sale. I'm watching the folding instructional video over & over before taking it on our trip next week. Pray for me big guy....

:campfire:
.

 

[StumpXJ]

I said a prayer for you KC...LOL

Now that I have spouted off about building this awesome designed shower, I have run into a little snag.

I went outside to stare at my configuration and let the ideas start flowing, but ran into a brick wall. I have my awning mounted on the passenger side, and my tent opens to the drivers side. Cant come out the back because of the rear hatch. I have nowhere to put this thing at the moment.

I just ordered a Porta privy, and have watched the videos a few times as well.... how hard can it be? Probably way harder than that lady makes it look.... I will put the fabrication project on hold until I try out the privy.

~James

 

[kcowyo]

I just ordered a Porta privy, and have watched the videos a few times as well.... how hard can it be?

Prayer reciprocated....

I really, really like the Porta Privy and used it successfully on several outings. Heck, I even let a buddy use it and showed him how to fold it back up without issue.

But for some reason on a trip over the 4th of July, I couldn't get it to fold back up correctly to save my life. I think I tweaked a pole in my repeated attempts and then there was just no going back. It eventually went back in the bag, but it was never usable again.

Hopefully this time will be different and I'll have more patience. Reviews of the PETT tent from people I trust and respect weren't very high and the same for the Cabela's tent you mentioned, with set-up being the main issue. So I'll try the Porta Privy again....
.

 

[tdesanto]

I believe you. If anyone can come up with a well built & functional design, it would be you.

I caved and bought another Porta Privy on sale. I'm watching the folding instructional video over & over before taking it on our trip next week. Pray for me big guy....

:campfire:
.

Where did you find it on sale?

 

[Phantom]

Cabela's has them on sale for 20 bucks less 39.88 Reg 59.99, I got one last night.


http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0032659590796a.shtml

 

[kcowyo]

Cabela's has them on sale ...

Yup.
.

 

[articulate]

I'd really enjoy a video of KC getting pissed at his porta privy.
:REOutShootinghunter

 

[Overland Hadley]

I'd really enjoy a video of KC getting pissed at his porta privy.
:REOutShootinghunter

x2!

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Like Phantom, I got my Porta-privy for $39.99 on sale at Cabela's. I like how fast it is to setup; it helps to watch the fold-up video a few times to get the hang of folding it up correctly. For the money it's a great deal.

Pete Wilson

 

[chuck45]

We got the Guide Gear Pop Up Privacy Shelter and Shower from Bargain Outfitters. http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/cb/cb.asp?a=317253

It looks like the Cabelas but it doesn't have a floor. That's good as far as I'm concerned; one less thing to catch dirt. The current price shows 39 but I paid 29 for it. My wife absolutely loves it and the PETT toilet.

I've never tried to use the shower but I like how fast it is to put up and down. Practice at home before trying to store it in the field. I can't describe it but once you master a simple manuever it folds and stores in 30 seconds.

The only real problem is wind. Before we go out again we're going to sew some tie down points about 4 and 5 ft up so that we can more easily tie it off to a tree, the roof rack or swing out tire carrier in windy situations.

The PETT works great. The only problem we've had with it is when in soft sand. I'm going to cut a piece of 1/2"plywood to put under it so the legs don't sink into the sand.

If I were going to be in a base camp situation I'd probablybring along one of the more elaborate shower enclosures where the longer set up and take down wouldn't be an issue. But I'd still carry the little pop up for trailside use