Can you get a bidet for an RV - does it have to be RV-specific?
This is my honest review of the Clean Camper bidet for RVs. We recently got a Clean Camper bidet to try out (I’m sure they don’t want it back) to see what our impressions were of this unit.
To be honest neither Peggy nor I had used a bidet before so this is a totally new experience for us. That being written, we have been curious about bidets for both our home and our RV because we’ve heard the various reasons why using a bidet is preferable to toilet paper.
Now we can tell you that story because we installed the Clean Camper bidet for RVs in our own Rockwood Mini Lite and tested it out on a recent adventure to Jemez State Park in New Mexico.
What is a bidet
A bidet is basically a device that sprays your nether regions in order to clean them after, well, you use these portions of your anatomy to eliminate taco Tuesday. Bidets have been common overseas for years and years and are starting to find their home in private toilets across the US.
Traditionally bidets are an individual plumbing fixture entirely but there are also models that can be affixed to your residential toilet pretty easily. These are the ones many RVers have sought to put on their own RV toilets as a simple addition but RV plumbing and residential plumbing is often just different enough that it becomes a bigger issue adapting a home bidet to RV use.
Bidets are as varied in design and functionality as many other plumbing fixtures. There are some that feature heated seats, heated water and other premium features.
At their core what these do is spray water toward your bottom to clean it with water instead of wiping it with toilet paper. Additionally, many bidets spray water further forward for the ladies.
The Clean Camper RV bidet
Why is this different than a home unit?
In many ways the Clean Camper bidet for RVs is no different than a lot of units you would find for the home.
Essentially this fits between the bowl of the RV toilet and the seat and simply attaches with the same screws and nuts you’d use to affix the toilet set.
The biggest difference between the Clean Camper and most home units is that the plumbing pieces that are included with the Clean Camper are very specifically designed for RV plumbing.
We’ve had many friends who have adapted home units with varying degrees of success. Something not to be ignored, the more fittings and adaptors you use in any plumbing job, the more complicated it becomes and the more likely there will be leaks.
The fittings that are included with the Clean Camper unit made the installation something I did in about 10 minutes time in the campground. All I needed was a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, and a few shop rags just because there was some residual water in the toilet’s plumbing.
The complete kit for the Clean Camper RV bidet
How does the Clean Camper bidet for RVs work?
Essentially once you install the Clean Camper bidet for RVs you have two knobs on the side which control water flow.
One of those knobs controls which of the two nozzles operates. There’s one specifically aimed at your hind end, another aimed further forward. That forward-facing nozzle is just for the ladies. Sorry, guys.
The nozzles themselves are on an adjustable paddle-type arrangement so you can make adjustments to where the bidet sprays based on, well, your own anatomy. We’re kind of shaped the same way but, still, adjust as necessary.
The second knob controls just how much water pressure you get. You can go from the gentle whoosh of refreshing water to something that might remove paint from the walls depending on how much water pressure you actually have in the RV itself. No, no, you can’t injure yourself with this but at top pressure you definitely know it’s there!
Highlights of the Clean Camper bidet for RVs
There were a lot of things that I really liked about this system.
It was exceptionally easy to install. The only challenge was a braided line coming out of a wall behind the toilet which barely fit with the fitting provided in the space allotted by our RV’s manufacturer. But it still fit.
The quality of all the parts in the Clean Camper bidet for RVs were really top notch. The plumbing lines and fittings were metal and really felt like quality pieces. I wish the RV industry would take a lesson from this.
In fact the Clean Camper installation kit also included bolts to hold the toilet seat in place which were metal and vastly superior to the ones that were installed on the RV from the factory so I replaced the factory ones with these. A big improvement.
All the pieces you need were right there in the package. There was no adapting or wishing you had something else - I was able to install the whole thing in about ten minutes with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. The only reason I needed the pliers was that, once my hands got a bit damp from residual water in the lines that went to the toilet, I couldn’t get a good grip on the nut.
There are also accommodations for just about any toilet design in an RV. The various mounting points are pretty clever and our bidet installed easily on our Thetford toilet.
One more thing about the design of this - there is a backflow valve built into the bidet so there’s really no chance of contaminating your RV’s water supply.
In addition to the function of a nozzle that aims forward and one that aims more toward the back, the bidet also has a self-cleaning function. You can also use this to fill the toilet bowl so you do two things at once.
Some considerations
Something one fellow camper noted was that you can get a much cheaper bidet on the various places you buy things. True, you can.
What I like about this is the build quality of the bidet itself but also that all the included hardware is specifically RV-friendly and of top quality. The last thing I want is some sort of plumbing issue caused by something I installed. I already have enough plumbing leaks in the lousy plumbing that exists in my RV from the factory. So, yeah, I’m willing to pay more for quality and peace of mind.
Peggy and I liked this enough that we’re going to get a bidet for our home now. I copied below, a bit of information from various sources that there is evidence that using a bidet is healthier than using toilet paper.
Further, by using less toilet paper in the RV you’re less likely to have issues with your holding tank. A bidet tends to encourage you to use more water and less toilet paper. You do use toilet paper to dry yourself off but I have friends who have bidets who use small towels to do that and just launder those.
We’re not quite willing to go that far. Yet.
Some reasons to use a bidet - from the Internet
In recent years, the bidet has been gaining popularity as a modern and eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. Originating in France in the 17th century, bidets have evolved into advanced fixtures that offer numerous benefits for personal hygiene, health, and the environment. As more people discover the advantages of bidets, they are increasingly becoming a staple in bathrooms around the world.
Superior Personal Hygiene:
One of the primary benefits of using a bidet is the superior cleanliness it provides compared to traditional toilet paper. Bidets use water to clean, offering a more thorough and effective method of washing. This not only removes bacteria and germs but also reduces the risk of irritation and infection, promoting better personal hygiene.
Environmentally Friendly:
The environmental impact of using toilet paper is a growing concern. The production and consumption of toilet paper contribute to deforestation, water usage, and energy consumption. In contrast, bidets significantly reduce the need for toilet paper, helping to conserve forests and decrease the carbon footprint associated with its production and disposal. Embracing bidets is a step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run:
While the initial cost of installing a bidet might be higher than purchasing toilet paper, the long-term savings are substantial. With a bidet, the ongoing expense of buying toilet paper is significantly reduced, leading to cost savings over time. Additionally, bidets contribute to the longevity of plumbing systems by minimizing the risk of clogs caused by excessive toilet paper usage.
Improved Comfort and Well-Being:
Bidets offer a more comfortable and soothing experience compared to the abrasive nature of toilet paper. Many modern bidet models come with adjustable water temperature and pressure settings, providing a personalized and comfortable cleansing experience. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Bidets are gaining recognition for their ability to promote inclusivity and accessibility in bathrooms. They can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or elderly individuals who may struggle with the physical demands of using toilet paper. The ease of use and efficient cleaning process of bidets contribute to a more inclusive bathroom environment.
The Bottom Line:
The bidet is more than just a bathroom accessory; it represents a shift towards a more hygienic, sustainable, and inclusive future. As awareness grows and technology advances, bidets are becoming an integral part of modern bathrooms worldwide. By embracing the benefits of bidets, individuals can contribute to a cleaner planet, enhance personal hygiene, and experience a more comfortable and eco-conscious way of living.
