5 Tips for 5th Wheels with 2 Bathrooms: Smart small-space tricks I’ve used to make dual-bathroom 5th wheels both cozy and functional

I once had a client insist we fit a full double vanity into a 28-foot 5th wheel — I almost said yes until I measured the door swing and imagined two people trying to brush teeth at once. That little near-miss taught me that small RV spaces spark the best problem-solving, and yes, you can have two bathrooms without turning the rig into a hallway.

1. Split wet and dry areas

I often separate the shower (wet) from the toilet/vanity (dry) so each bathroom can be used independently. The advantage is obvious: one person can shower while another washes up or uses the toilet. The trade-off is careful plumbing planning and slightly more cabinetry, but in my projects it’s worth it for the flexibility and reduced morning bottlenecks.

save pin

2. Use pocket doors or sliding barn doors

Traditional swing doors eat precious swing radius. I’ve swapped them for pocket doors or lightweight sliding barn doors on two separate 5th wheel builds; the result felt instantly more spacious. The downside can be a bit more frame work and hardware cost, but you get seamless traffic flow — and no more door-into-counter collisions.

save pin

3. Stack appliances to reclaim floor space

In several conversions I stacked washer/dryer units or tucked a compact stackable laundry behind a bathroom closet wall. That freed floor plan options so the second bathroom could remain compact yet functional. It’s a small design investment that pays back in usable living area.

save pin

4. Choose multifunctional fixtures

I love installing vanities with integrated towel storage, mirrored medicine cabinets with internal outlets, or fold-down counters. These multipurpose pieces reduce clutter and make the bathrooms feel luxe despite their size. The catch is to pick durable RV-rated hardware — cheaper pieces can fail sooner under motion and humidity.

save pin

5. Plan plumbing and ventilation early

I can’t stress this enough: where you route drains, vents, and water lines determines everything. On one job, relocating a vent shaft early saved me hours of rework and prevented condensation issues later. A little upfront coordination with the chassis and HVAC teams avoids surprises and keeps both bathrooms smelling fresh.

save pin

Tips 1:

For visualizing layouts quickly I sometimes sketch then convert to a simple digital plan to confirm door swings and appliance fits; that step weeds out awkward mistakes before the build begins. If you want realistic layout previews, try the room planner case for compact spaces.

save pin

FAQ

Q: Is two bathrooms in a 5th wheel realistic for most floorplans?

A: Yes, with careful planning. Many modern 5th wheel designs trade bedroom closet space or reduce living room depth slightly to accommodate a second half-bath or wet bath.

Q: Do double bathrooms significantly increase weight?

A: They can, depending on fixture choices and plumbing. Using lightweight composite fixtures and compact tanks mitigates added weight while maintaining durability.

Q: Are wet baths better than separate showers in an RV?

A: Wet baths save space and plumbing runs, but they require waterproof finishes and good drainage; separate showers feel less cramped and keep the rest of the bathroom dry.

Q: How important is ventilation in two-bath setups?

A: Extremely important. Each bathroom needs a vent fan routed properly to the exterior to control humidity and prevent mold — early HVAC coordination avoids retrofits.

Q: Can I add a second bathroom to an existing 5th wheel?

A: Often yes, if you’re willing to reconfigure cabinetry and reroute plumbing. Consult a professional to assess structural and waste line constraints.

Q: What’s the best way to save floor space around toilets?

A: Consider wall-mounted or compact RV-specific toilets and recessing paper holders or storage into wall cavities to maximize clearance.

Q: Where can I test floor plans before modifying my rig?

A: Using a free floor plan creator helps you test door swings and fixture placement before cutting or retrofitting — it’s a low-risk way to iterate designs. For hands-on 3D previews, check the 3d floor planner case.

Q: Are there authoritative guides on RV plumbing standards?

A: Yes — RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) publishes standards and best practices that are widely referenced for safety and compliance (https://www.rvia.org/standards).

save pin