Shower Mod - 189FBS

[Ed Venture]

Deep in the throws of winter, I started to think about spring and getting ready for a new camping season when I realized I was behind on posting some of my mods. I saw another thread for a shower curtain mod I thought I would share my own.

I was pretty unhappy with the short shower surround and lack of moisture protection on the ceiling around the sky light so I went to work. I pulled down the shower wall system and installed floor to ceiling plywood backer board and then covered it with this fantastic watertight wall board from Home Depot:

1/16 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Plastic Panel-63003 - The Home Depot

It's thin, flexible and tough. I was able to score a 4x8 sheet with a razor knife, bend and crease it, and then glue it with the recommenced adhesive for a water tight enclosure. I was sure to cut the backer board to the rest on top of the shower pan lip and then install the plastic panel so that it overhung the plywood and left a 1/8 inch gap from the edge of the pan for a good drip edge.

I then cut a piece for the ceiling that fit under the shower curtain rail which I adhered and reattached the rail. Once installed, I used a GE silicone calk to seal the edge line from the wall to the ceiling.

While it looked pretty good and was water tight, I wanted to add the same light weight smart tiles I had in my kitchen install to the wall panel. The Smart Tiles took to the panel okay and they have been working well so far. If they start peeling back, I have some better 3M adhesive I can use to reattach them, but for now they have been working great.

I took some L channel and flat stock steel and cut it to fit for the edge trim. I primed them and then sprayed the trim with Rustoleum Leak Seal:

Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 12 oz. LeakSeal White Spray-267970 - The Home Depot

After I installed it, I taped it off and used my GE silicone seal along the edges (the tape helps with a nice clean line).

The rubber coating has been working great and its hard to tell that it is steel for the trim. The reason why I used the steel so I could solve one of my biggest annoyances: water getting behind the shower curtain by the sink and stool. I took some magnets and sewed them every 8 inches into the edge of a nice fabric shower curtain (this was the hardest part of the project for me - I am terrible at sewing). Now when you close the curtain, you can seal the curtain against the wall and prevent leaks.

Here are some photos of the final install (I neglected to take photos of the process which is something I would normally do - sorry):





Ed

[Michigantraveler]

That looks great. Please let us know how the smart tiles work out. I have a sample and plan to use them around the kitchen walls where the border is now.

[Eagle]

Wow ~ that is an excellent result.

My Xt 276 has a tub/shower combo. I wish it had a shower only and no tub.

[Michigantraveler]

Originally Posted by Eagle

Wow ~ that is an excellent result.

My Xt 276 has a tub/shower combo. I wish it had a shower only and no tub.

But doesn't the shower curtain stay in the tub better? That is why I would like a tub. And it's bigger isn't it.... Like 24x36?

[PaintyLiz]

Wow! Beautiful! How thick are the 'smart tiles'? I have a bunch of stained glass that I could cut up and do this LOL.

One suggestion (probably too late) I just removed my horrible 90' angle shower curtain rail and added two more bends - you'd be amazed how much more room that gives. I'll try to get some pictures up soon.

But, your bathroom is GORGEOUS!!!! (I see another mod in my future)

Liz

[Ed Venture]

Yes - I will keep you posted on how the tiles hold up. I have used them for about half a season and they seem to be doing fine. A couple of corners started to curl up about 1/6 of an inch. I just took tiny dab of calk to tack them down and they have stayed put.

The tiles are very thin sheets , probably 3/32" thick. They are also light. Real tile would be better, but it would be heavy and I want to keep my wight down so I can still tow it with my Flex.

Ed

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Michigantraveler

But doesn't the shower curtain stay in the tub better? That is why I would like a tub. And it's bigger isn't it.... Like 24x36?

Yes, the curtain stays in the tub just fine and it's about 24x36 I'd guess. A walk in shower the same floor size would suit me as never use the tub.

In our house, we ripped out the tub/shower combo and in place, did a tiled walk in shower with a small bench on one end. No more stepping over the side the the tub that was never used.

I may investigate removing the never used tub and have a slightly raised (for the drain plumbing) step in shower in the camper.

[Michigantraveler]

Smart tiles are glossy plastic 3-d tiles that look like glass tiles from a distance. I do not believe real grouted tiles belong in any RV. I'm sure the grout would crack and the tiles would fail. Big mess!!
Smart Tiles are made in Canada. The big box stores sell them or you can order direct. They also offer an edging that makes them look more "real". They aren't cheap. Kind of pricy.

The Smart Tiles - Decorative wall tiles & backsplash

[Michigantraveler]

Originally Posted by Eagle

Yes, the curtain stays in the tub just fine and it's about 24x36 I'd guess. A walk in shower the same floor size would suit me as never use the tub.

In our house, we ripped out the tub/shower combo and in place, did a tiled walk in shower with a small bench on one end. No more stepping over the side the the tub that was never used.

I may investigate removing the never used tub and have a slightly raised (for the drain plumbing) step in shower in the camper.

We replaced the tub in our last house with a one piece shower. We never use a tub. House sold fast even without it. We kept the tub in this house. Paul remodeled the whole bath with ceramic tile wainscoting walls in the tub and floor. Amazing improvement. People with kids like tubs.

[Michigantraveler]

Originally Posted by PaintyLiz

Wow! Beautiful! How thick are the 'smart tiles'? I have a bunch of stained glass that I could cut up and do this LOL.

One suggestion (probably too late) I just removed my horrible 90' angle shower curtain rail and added two more bends - you'd be amazed how much more room that gives. I'll try to get some pictures up soon.

But, your bathroom is GORGEOUS!!!! (I see another mod in my future)

Liz

You did the shower rod yourself? Didn't wait for the extend-a-shower Rod?

[profdant139]

Excellent job!

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Michigantraveler

Smart tiles are glossy plastic 3-d tiles that look like glass tiles from a distance. I do not believe real grouted tiles belong in any RV. I'm sure the grout would crack and the tiles would fail. Big mess!!
Smart Tiles are made in Canada. The big box stores sell them or you can order direct. They also offer an edging that makes them look more "real". They aren't cheap. Kind of pricy.

The Smart Tiles - Decorative wall tiles & backsplash

You are correct, grouted ceramic tiles should never be used in a camper as far to much weight and would not stand up to the movement.

Once knew a fellow that built a brick fireplace in a mobile home. When it was moved, the frame buckled. No insurance coverage because it was altered beyond the allowed weight capacity of the frame. Bad deal!

I do like the smart tiles and a quick search shows them available at Lowes and Home Depot.

[PaintyLiz]

Originally Posted by Michigantraveler

You did the shower rod yourself? Didn't wait for the extend-a-shower Rod?

I did get the extend-a-shower rod, it didn't work for the corner shower. Did not add any more area.

[PaintyLiz]

Thanks for posting all the directions to how you did your shower mod. I am seriously thinking of replacing my shower walls with the plastic panel you got at Home Depot. How tight a bend can you make in that plastic? I'm figuring with a heat gun, I should be able to put it in the shower without cutting it. What do you think? Our original shower is yellowed from uv and those stupid soap dishes are useless and take up space.

Thanks again for putting up all the info

Liz

[Ed Venture]

You might be able to heat and bend it - I never tried but it could work. I took a 4 foot level and used it as a straight edge and gently scored the back side and then bent it. Doing this made a hard "L" shape in the corner. I'm not so sure you would be able to get that tight of a bend, but it might be worth a try.

The nice thing is that if you cut the 4' X 8' sheet to fit, you will have leftover material to test with before you install. I passed on the remainder of my material to a neighbor who wanted it for a project, otherwise I would give it a go with a heat gun and post the results.

Ed

[PaintyLiz]

Originally Posted by Michigantraveler

You did the shower rod yourself? Didn't wait for the extend-a-shower Rod?

Hi,

Just saw this post, so don't know if you got the answer yet or not. I got the rod, it would not have added anything to the shower dimensions, would actually have decreased it some

I re-did the shower track, as in my other post.

However, I actually got online to tell you THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting about the plastic that you got at Home Depot. I finally got a chance to get out and pick up a piece for myself. Anyway, when I got to HoDe, all they had on display was $40 plastic that was not flexible. If I had not known about the existence of the other, I would have been out of luck. Thanks to you, I had them find the other, and get it down from 12' up where they had it stored. Guess they'd rather sell the $40 stuff.

Haven't had time to do more than tear out the old shower, no damage behind it, - how do you like the tail light wires running across the wall?? I think I will cover them with something (no idea what) before I install the new plastic.

Anyway, thanks again, can't wait to get done! We're leaving in 7.5 days!!!

[Ed Venture]

Originally Posted by PaintyLiz

Haven't had time to do more than tear out the old shower, no damage behind it, - how do you like the tail light wires running across the wall?? I think I will cover them with something (no idea what) before I install the new plastic.

Anyway, thanks again, can't wait to get done! We're leaving in 7.5 days!!!

Sorry for the delay PaintyLiz!

To do the install I first installed 1/2 plywood to the wall - glued and screwed, making sure to hit some of the aluminum frame structure for good hold. Not only did this allow for a good smooth surface for adhering the plastic sheeting to the wall but it protected the exposed tail light wires.

One other install note: Be sure to use the recommended adhesive! There is a sticker on plastic board that will tell you what type it is. I don't recall the brand, but it came in a 1 gallon container and was applied with a plastic disposable 1/4 notch trowel. I then rolled it smooth with a J roller (also available at your big box store for less than $20).

Good luck!

Ed

[PaintyLiz]

Too late Ed, I'm already done! Turned out great! Can't wait to use it, only 6 more days! check it out here

There was no damage on any of the walls, and the original shower was held up with three pieces of double sided tape lol. I have a box of stainless steel screws I will put around the edges if there's any issues. But, I think it's going to be just fine.

Funny thing though, the plastic said it was crackled ice. However the side that said it accepted glue was the crackled looking side and the smoother side went out. So that's the way I installed it. It's actually what I preferred, since the crackled side had more texture and would grab more dirt. Was this the same as yours?

[Eagle]

Totally awesome work!

I like it.