Designing a practical and comfortable bathroom in a campervan can be a real challenge, especially when space is limited. That’s why many van owners are turning to tambour shower doors as a smart, space-saving alternative to traditional hinged or folding doors. These flexible, smooth-sliding doors not only free up valuable room but also give the shower area a cleaner, more modern feel. Whether you’re in the middle of a full conversion or simply upgrading your washroom setup, understanding how tambour shower doors work - and why they’re becoming so popular - can help you create a bathroom that’s both functional and stylish.
What Is a Tambour Shower Door?
A tambour shower door is a flexible, space-saving door system made from interlocking slats that glide along a track. Instead of opening outward like a traditional hinged door, the slats roll neatly into a discreet cassette, making it perfect for tight spaces. This design is especially useful in campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, where every inch counts. The lightweight PVC or polypropylene construction keeps it practical for mobile setups, while the smooth sliding action provides a tidy, modern finish to the shower area.
Why Campervan Owners Choose Tambour Shower Doors
One of the biggest reasons people opt for a tambour shower door is the excellent use of space. Because the door rolls away, there’s no need to allow for clearance inside or outside the shower area, which is ideal in narrow campervan washrooms. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, making them suitable for constant moisture and the vibrations that come with life on the road. Maintenance is minimal too, as there’s no glass to shatter and fewer moving parts than a conventional door. A simple wipe-down is usually enough to keep everything looking clean.
How Do You Install a Tambour Shower Door?
Installing a tambour shower door is usually straightforward and well within the reach of a DIY-minded campervan owner. Most doors arrive already assembled within their cassette, so the task mainly involves fixing the tracks and frame in place. To begin, you’ll need to take accurate measurements of your shower opening. This ensures the door fits properly and glides smoothly once installed. After measuring, the top and bottom tracks can be secured in position, followed by the side cassette that houses the rolled door.
Once everything is fixed, it’s important to slide the door open and closed several times to check that nothing catches and the slats move as they should. A waterproof sealant can then be applied around the frame to keep moisture from escaping into your bathroom walls - an essential step in any campervan. After tightening up the final fixings and giving the door one last test, the installation is usually complete. Most people find the entire process takes around twenty to thirty minutes.
How Easy Is It to Cut a Tambour Shower Door to Size?
Many campervan bathrooms aren’t built to standard dimensions, so the ability to adjust a tambour shower door is a major advantage. Cutting the top and bottom tracks is usually the simplest part, as they can be trimmed to the right length with a basic hacksaw before smoothing the edges with fine sandpaper.
Adjusting the slats is slightly more delicate and only recommended if the manufacturer states that trimming is safe. When it is possible, the slats are normally cut from the non-cassette end using a fine-tooth saw or a sharp knife guided by a straight edge. Taking your time is essential because uneven or rushed cuts can affect how smoothly the door rolls back into its cassette. In many cases, only the tracks need altering, as the door itself fits comfortably without needing to shorten the slats.
Is It Worth Having a Locking Tambour Door?
Adding a locking mechanism to a tambour door is often worthwhile, particularly in a moving vehicle where rattling can quickly become annoying. A lock helps stop the door sliding open while driving and adds a welcome sense of privacy when the bathroom is in use. Some models use a magnetic closure, while others feature a small latch built directly into the handle. For anyone regularly travelling, a locking option can make the bathroom feel much more secure and stable.
Key Features of a Quality Tambour Shower Door
A good tambour shower door should slide smoothly and quietly, offering reliable performance without rattling or sticking. The slats are typically made from water-resistant materials such as PVC or polypropylene, which protect against mould and warping. Frames are often constructed from lightweight aluminium or durable plastic to keep overall weight down - an important consideration in campervans where payload limits matter. Many designs feature a slim, unobtrusive cassette that blends neatly into the shower space, and an easy-to-clean surface helps keep upkeep to a minimum. If you travel frequently, choosing a version with a locking handle can significantly improve stability and comfort on the road.
A tambour shower door is a small change that can have a big impact on the comfort and usability of your campervan bathroom. Its smooth, reliable sliding mechanism and clever space-saving design make it a standout choice for anyone working with limited room. Easy to maintain, simple to install, and built to handle life on the road, it’s an upgrade that adds both practicality and a touch of polish to your washroom. If you’re looking to finish your campervan with a smart, dependable shower solution, a tambour door is well worth considering.
Take a look at our Tambour Shower Door collection here!