Motorhomes with 2 Bathrooms — 5 Small-Space Ideas: Clever layouts and real-life tips from a designer who’s remodeled tiny homes and kitchens

I once designed a motorhome interior where the client insisted on a double shower and a full bathtub — in a 20-foot van. I nearly cried, then learned how much creativity tiny spaces demand. Small spaces push you to think smarter, not bigger, and a motorhome with 2 bathrooms is the perfect playground for clever trade-offs and unexpected luxury.

1. Split wet/dry layout

I love a split wet/dry layout: one compartment with a shower and another with a toilet and sink. It feels like hotel logic shrunk down — more privacy and two people can get ready simultaneously. The downside is slightly more plumbing runs and careful ventilation planning, but the convenience is often worth the complexity. In my last camper conversion I used compact fixtures and a pocket door to keep floor area open; it worked great for couples who travel together.

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2. Foldaway fixtures and sliding doors

Foldaway sinks, flip-up vanities, and sliding doors are lifesavers in small RVs. They reduce obstruction in corridors and expand usable space when a bathroom isn’t in use. The trade-off is more moving parts to maintain, but I always specify rugged hardware and test cycles during build to avoid mid-trip failures. For one client, a fold-flat sink created an extra dressing area that made mornings much smoother.

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3. Wet room + compact second bathroom

Combine a full wet room (shower-ready floor) as the primary bathing space and a tiny second bathroom with just a cassette toilet and a corner sink. You get a roomy shower experience without doubling the shower footprint. It's budget-friendly and simpler to route drains, though the tiny loo sacrifices elbow room — still a great option for families or frequent guests.

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4. Shared plumbing wall and stacked systems

Placing both bathrooms back-to-back or stacked one above the other (in two-level coach designs) centralizes plumbing, cuts installation cost, and simplifies maintenance. I once reworked a layout so the ensuite and guest head shared a utility chase; installation was faster and fewer fittings meant fewer leaks later. The limitation is layout flexibility — you must design around that plumbing spine.

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5. Multi-function storage and towel warming

I always integrate storage into the bathroom design — mirrored cabinets, recessed niches, and towel warmers that double as drying racks. This maximizes utility without bulking up the footprint. The only caveat is weight: every added feature affects payload, so I collaborate with the owner about priorities and choose lightweight materials where possible. A client who loves outdoor activities appreciated the heated drying rack for damp gear.

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Tips 1:

Thinking visually before cutting metal helps — sketching layouts in 3D speeds decisions and avoids costly mistakes. I often model layouts with a 3D floor planner to validate sightlines and clearances. It’s saved me from placing a door where a cabinet needed to swing.

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FAQ

Q1: Are motorhomes with 2 bathrooms common? A1: They’re less common than single-bath layouts but increasing in popularity for larger coaches and family-oriented builds. The extra convenience attracts buyers who travel long-term.

Q2: How much extra does a second bathroom add to cost? A2: Expect higher material and labor costs due to extra plumbing, fixtures, and ventilation; centralizing plumbing helps reduce that premium.

Q3: Will two bathrooms reduce storage or living space? A3: It can, if not planned carefully. Using foldaway fixtures and integrated storage mitigates lost living area.

Q4: Can a small RV support two full showers? A4: It depends on tank capacity and water heating system. Many designs use one full shower and one compact wet or dry head to balance comfort and resources.

Q5: What about weight and payload? A5: Every fixture adds weight. Consult the chassis payload rating and choose lightweight materials; prioritize essentials to stay within safe limits.

Q6: Are there maintenance concerns with two bathrooms? A6: More fixtures mean more potential failure points; keep access panels and choose accessible plumbing runs to simplify repairs.

Q7: Where can I visualize layouts before building? A7: Use an online 3D tool or floor planner to prototype layouts; I recommend trying a trusted 3D floor planner to test dimensions and flow before committing.

Q8: Any authoritative source on RV plumbing standards? A8: For technical requirements and safety, refer to the RV Industry Association (RVIA) guidelines and local vehicle conversion regulations (RVIA: https://www.rvia.org).

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