Overland Shower Privacy: RLD Design Shower Cube Install and Review
Quick-and-easy setup provides ultimate privacy for off-road adventures in minutes.
RLD Design is well-known in the off-road community for providing lightweight truck canopies that have been carefully engineered to stand up to the world's toughest trails. So when the company launched its latest product, the RLD Design Shower Cube—touting it as the most stable, simplest, and strongest instant privacy enclosure in the world—we were intrigued.
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The lightweight enclosure is comprised of a reinforced aluminum frame (which helps it maintain its shape) and stabilized by gas struts. This construction design not only translates to a super simple, one-person setup but also keeps the enclosure nice and sturdy in the wind—making it ideal for an overland shower. Included hook-and-loop fastener strips keep the frame nice and tight at the bottom. If you're extra shy and in need of some reassurance, the RLD Design Shower Cube also comes with D-rings that can be staked into the ground so you won't be exposed to your fellow campers in a gale-force wind event or a prank gone wrong.
We knew we had to put this overland shower privacy enclosure to the test, so we installed it on our diesel-powered Ford E-350 camper van before setting off on a monthlong, California-to-Montana-and-back road trip. After six months of use—with private overland shower sessions ranging from Death Valley to Glacier National Park—we can say with confidence the RLD Design Shower Cube is a great addition to our collection of overlanding gear. It's sturdy even in windy conditions, roomy enough to accommodate two people if necessary, and it can be used simply as a changing station or a private restroom at camp. Most importantly, it's easy to use—even when you're on a solo trip. This isn't one of those fancy gadgets you purchase and never use because it's too annoying to operate. The only drawback: Your friends are going to be jealous of your fresh scent, so you'll have to keep your water tank full!
For more information, visit rlddesignusa.com.
RLD Design Shower Cube Installation
The RLD Shower Cube comes with a universal mount and necessary hardware for quick and easy installation. (A separate kit is available to mount to the company's GhostAwn 360 awning.)
Brackets come conveniently pre-mounted at each end of the Shower Cube.
Since our Ford E-350 has a custom roof rack, we opted to have TJ Gaskill of Good Time Vehicles custom-fabricate two 1/8-inch plates to help secure the RLD Design Shower Cube to the rack. (This step is not necessary for all installations.)
Once Gaskill fabricated the plates, it was just a matter of placing the brackets over the holes, inserting the bolt with the washer, placing the nut on the washer, and tightening.
We strategically mounted the Shower Cube near our existing Road Shower.
RLD Design Shower Cube Setup
The RLD Design Shower Cube setup couldn't be easier. Start by unzipping the bag.
Then unfasten the five hook-and-loop fasteners.
Next, slowly unfurl the fabric.
Once the fabric has been completely unfurled, open the RLD Design Shower Cube by pulling the aluminum frame outward until it forms a square. Then unzip it to enter and secure the hook-and-loop fasteners at the bottom for maximum stability.
Once the Shower Cube is assembled, it's spacious and can even accommodate two people for a cozy overland shower if necessary.
Since the RLD Design Shower Cube was strategically placed near our existing Road Shower, we have the option to shower in privacy using the hose supplied by Road Shower or the extra shower head we purchased. Note: Any overland shower should be compatible with the Shower Cube. Total setup time: between 1 and 2 minutes.
Waiting for a friend to flip the switch and let the warm water flow.
Everyone's setup will be different, but we opted to hang our towel on a step stool and our toiletries on the license plate while enjoying a warm shower during a road trip in Wyoming.
There's nothing better than a warm shower after being on the road for days.
Stowing the RLD Design Shower Cube
At this point, some folks might be thinking the setup was easy and the shower seemed great but wondering how difficult it is to put the RLD Design Shower Cube away. And the answer to that is: It's extremely simple! You simply do everything in reverse, starting with undoing the hook-and-loop fasteners at the bottom and folding the aluminum frame in until the fabric is flat against your vehicle. Then, you roll.
Once the fabric is completely rolled up, secure it with the five hook-and-loop fasteners and zip up the bag. Yes—it actually fits easily in the bag without a struggle. Total time to stow: between 1 and 2 minutes.
