After taking a close look at 7 different products, I’ve determined that the Oxygenics ETL 26781 Body Spa is the best RV shower head replacement on the current market.
There’s a lot of competition out there, meaning it’s possible to replace your RV shower head without spending a ton of money. However, you don’t want to buy a product that’s cheaply made. An inferior product can lead to frustration and higher expenses later on.
The main reason we have a shower in our RV in the first place is so that we can enjoy all the comforts of home while we’re camping. That’s why it’s so important to select the right replacement shower head.
1. Oxygenics ETL 26781 Body Spa -Best Overall
2. Oxygenics 26481 Body Spa -Best Spray Technique
3. Phoenix PF276015 Handheld -Best Minimalist Option
4. Camco 43712 RV Shower Head –Best Budget Option
5. PIH Handheld High-Pressure RV Shower Head -Best Water Flow Control
6. Aqua Elegante 6-Function Handheld Shower Head -Most Versatile Option
7. Oxygenics 92489 Fury RV Handheld Shower -Best For Easy Gripping
The 26781 Body Spa model from Oxygenics makes installation a breeze, so you can get the job done without investing half of your day. Once it’s in place, the self-regulating pressure can deliver a powerful massage even if your appliances are powered by an RV battery.
Keep reading to find out more about this offering from Oxygenics and why we chose it as our top pick.
7 Best RV Shower Head Replacements: Product Reviews
1. Oxygenics ETL 26781 Body Spa—Best Overall
The ETL 26781 is equipped with a downward-facing cone-shaped head that’s both efficient and visually appealing. This is a handheld unit, so it’s easy to apply just the right amount of pressure to the areas you want.
Speaking of pressure, the unit also has a comfort control feature, so you can adjust the flow according to preference. The system is designed to conserve water while still delivering an impressive performance, giving it extra points for environmental friendliness.
Be aware that the system’s SmartPause feature won’t turn the water off entirely—it will just slow the flow down to a trickle. You can also expect to spend a bit more on this model than you would on a budget option.
If you’d like a visual demonstration on how to install the Oxygenics ETL 26781 model, take a look at this video tutorial.
2. Oxygenics 26481 Body Spa—Best Spray Technique
We’re including a second offering from Oxygenics right off the bat, because the coverage provided by this excellent shower kit is second to none.
The water pressure is excellent, but what really stands out is the spray pattern, which allows you to rinse off in a fraction of the time it might take with an inferior product. This feature makes the 26481 an especially great choice if you have long or thick hair.
Like our number one pick, this model features a SmartPause valve. Although the valve helps to conserve water, remember that it won’t shut off the flow completely. Instead, you’ll get a slow trickle when the feature is engaged.
3. Phoenix PF276015 Handheld—Best Minimalist Option
This is another handheld unit, and one that’s designed primarily for RV use. Convenient, portable, and easy to use, it’s a great choice if you want a replacement shower head that gets the job done without any fuss.
Aside from the basic “on/off” function, the PF276015 offers a trickle shutoff feature to help conserve water. The lead-free construction makes it a family-friendly option, and it delivers excellent water pressure.
We have just one bone to pick with this product: The threads tend to be on the thin side, making it difficult to create a strong seal. That can lead to issues with leakage. Fortunately, it’s set at a bargain price, so it’s easy to replace if you end up with a defective unit.
4. Camco 43712 RV Shower Head—Best Budget Option
This offering from Camco is also set at a reasonable price, and if you’re a regular RVer, you’re likely familiar with the brand. This unit has an ergonomic design and a pause feature that allows you to halt the flow when you’re soaping up. It also offers five spray patterns, allowing each user to customize their experience based on personal preference.
If this is your first time installing a replacement head, you should be pleased with the simple installation process. As a bonus, the rubber spray tips make the device surprisingly easy to clean. Be forewarned, though, that you get what you pay for when you buy this unit—it’s not designed for frequent use. Full-timers might want to consider a more upscale option.
5. PIH Handheld High-Pressure RV Shower Head—Best Water Flow Control
Of all the products listed here, the PIH High-Pressure RV Shower Head offers the most options as far as water flow is concerned. Whether you prefer a high-pressure shooting sensation, a pulsating massage, or a slow trickle, this handheld unit has you covered.
The on/off trickle valve aids with water conservation, and the device is compatible with most standard fittings. The design is elegant if somewhat oversized, and a number of useful features are included in the purchase price, including a wall bracket for easy installation.
On the whole, this is an efficient and elegant device that should bring a touch of class to your RV’s bathroom. We’ve heard complaints from a minority of users regarding its longevity, and some have reported issues with leakage. However, these glitches seem to be exceptions, rather than the rule.
6. Aqua Elegante 6-Function Handheld Shower Head—Most Versatile Option
Like the previous model, the Aqua Elegante delivers a versatile experience, combining high water pressure with an adjustable flow. It can be used in a number of settings, but we think it’s an ideal replacement shower head for RV use.
The heavy-duty plastic construction keeps the unit functional and free of rust, so you can focus on enjoying the various settings and functions. Choose from a gentle water-saving flow, a steady rain, a pulsating massage, a full-on power blast, or one of two mixed settings.
We especially appreciate the integrated self-cleaning nozzles, which reduce calcium buildup and keep the flow consistent over long periods. The unit is also simple to install, even for newbies. Note that there’s no hose included in the purchase price, so it’s best when used as a replacement head for an existing system.
7. Oxygenics 92489 Fury RV Handheld Shower—Best For Easy Gripping
Our last offering also comes from Oxygenics. We’ve included this one mainly because it features a rubberized grip in the central section, making it a good choice if you’re dealing with soft water that feels slippery to the touch.
There are several other reasons to consider the 92489 unit, though. It comes with a 72-inch hose and a sturdy wall mounting bracket, both of which help to justify the higher price tag. It’s also equipped with 5 different spray settings and a flow control lever. No matter how large your water tank is, the device is capable of delivering the maximum amount of pressure allowed by the system.
Buyer’s Guide
Types
Wall Mount
Wall-mounted units are both affordable and easy to install. Typically, they require very little maintenance, which is another plus. You should have plenty of spray and pressure options when you choose a device with a wall mount design.
Bear in mind, though, that a wall mount requires permanent installation. This may offer peace of mind in some situations, but it can be inconvenient if space is at a premium. It also means the device will be more difficult to replace if it suffers any damage.
Handheld
As we mentioned, most shower heads designed for RV use fall under this category. A handheld unit will be connected to a hose, which allows you to direct the spray to the proper areas. This makes it even easier to use the device for bathing small children and pets.
Body Spray
These devices are wall-mounted, but they can be positioned at different body levels for a full-body bathing experience. These come in handy if you don’t want to manipulate a handheld unit but want to ensure that all the soap gets rinsed away from hard-to-reach areas.
Ceiling Mount
As you’ve probably guessed, these units are installed in the RV’s ceiling. They’re a trendy choice, but can be difficult to find. Like wall mounts, they require permanent installation. You also may need to invest in a customized plumbing system, so think carefully before deciding on a ceiling mount design.
Why Do You Need A Replacement Shower Head?
These devices are designed specifically for RV use, which means most of them are handheld. That’s important when you’re dealing with limited space, which is the case with most RVs.
The ideal product will also include a water-conserving feature. No matter how large your tanks are, you should always be looking for ways to save water.
You should also look for a unit with a flexible hose and various pressure and spray settings. To learn more about what features you should look for, see the separate section below.
Features To Look For
On/Off Switch
This may also be labeled as a “shut-off valve.” It’s the most important feature of all—without it, you’ll end up wasting a great deal of water. It also allows you to halt the flow of water without altering its temperature.
Hose
The replacement shower head should come with some kind of hose attachment. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to buy one separately, or use the one that came with your previous unit. For obvious reasons, this won’t always work, so make sure you know what’s included in the purchase price.
The best hoses will measure between 50 and 75 inches in length. Any shorter, and it would be difficult to direct the flow properly. Longer hoses, meanwhile, will take up too much space.
Flow Rate
The typical flow rate for the device should be listed in the product info. It’s usually measured in gallons per minute. This should tell you what you need to know about the shower’s ability to conserve water. As a rule of thumb, any flow rate of more than 2 gallons per minute (GPM) should be avoided.
Anti-Clog Capability
Calcium and other mineral deposits can build up on your replacement shower head, restricting the water flow and limiting the device’s overall utility. Products with rubber components are generally a good choice—they’re easy to clean and resist the sort of buildup that causes these problems in the first place.
Adjustable Spray/Pressure Options
The spray pattern and water pressure are nearly as important as the flow itself. It’s best to choose a unit with a variety of options. Look for a product that offers a minimum of three spray settings, so you can choose between conserving water and enjoying a high-pressure massage.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to replace the shower head in your camper, the Oxygenics ETL 26781 Body Spa is a wonderful option.
While it’s not the most affordable device of its kind, it’s simple to install and offers a carefree operation once it’s in place. Further, when it comes a replacement as important as this one, you don’t want to select the cheapest option anyway. Investing in a quality product will ensure satisfaction and peace of mind throughout your RVing adventures.
Good luck, and happy camping!
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