Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower Review

What Led Me to Try the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower

Living the RV life means constant compromises, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the shower. My current setup, typical for many compact campers, feels less like a shower and more like a hastily sealed phone booth. Every movement is a careful negotiation, and the simple act of washing can turn into a contortionist’s nightmare. I’d been eyeing solutions to reclaim some elbow room, and the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower emerged as a promising candidate. This innovative attachment promises to expand the usable space within a confined shower stall without requiring permanent modifications. It’s designed to be a practical, space-saving upgrade for RV owners seeking a more comfortable shower experience. I stumbled upon it while researching ways to make my small RV shower feel less claustrophobic, and its advertised ability to fold away when not in use immediately caught my eye. I’d briefly considered DIY solutions or more elaborate shower curtain systems, but the dedicated design and the prospect of easy storage made this an appealing option. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of sturdy, yet lightweight, construction – a crucial balance for anything intended for mobile living.

Real-World Testing: Putting Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds were my own RV, specifically the rather diminutive shower enclosure. The primary goal was to see how much actual space this accessory could provide and how easily it integrated into the daily routine. Installation was surprisingly straightforward; it essentially replaces the standard shower door track or curtain rod. The process itself took mere minutes, and no specialized tools were required, which is always a huge plus when you’re living in a mobile space.

I tested its functionality during a typical morning shower. The difference was immediately noticeable. Having that extra few inches made a significant impact, allowing for more comfortable soaping, rinsing, and general movement. The unit itself felt stable and secure during use, with no alarming creaks or wobbles.

One unexpected but welcome aspect was its secondary use. After showering, I utilized the optional drying rack to hang a damp towel, which is a much more efficient use of space than letting it drip onto the shower floor. The entire unit pivots neatly out of the way, making the shower stall feel almost normal-sized again when not in use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including a couple of longer trips where daily showers were the norm, the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower has held up admirably. It has become an indispensable part of my RV’s living amenities. The mechanism for extending and retracting it remains smooth, and the materials show no signs of premature wear.

There’s no discernible degradation in its performance; it continues to offer that valuable extra space when needed and tucks away cleanly when not. I haven’t encountered any issues with stiffness, rust, or a decrease in its ability to pivot or hold its position. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed, making maintenance a non-issue.

Compared to the standard flimsy shower curtains or the cramped feeling of a doorless RV shower, this unit is a significant upgrade. It offers a level of functionality and convenience that feels far more substantial than its modest price point suggests. It has genuinely improved the daily living experience in my RV.

Breaking Down the Features of Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower

Specifications

The Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower is designed with practicality and space-saving in mind. It’s available in models that fit different shower widths, with the specific unit I tested accommodating showers between 35 to 42 inches wide. This adjustable range is a key feature, allowing for a snug fit in a variety of RV shower stalls.

The primary material appears to be a durable, lightweight plastic or composite, ensuring it doesn’t add excessive weight to the RV structure. The pivoting mechanism is designed for smooth operation without tools, meaning you can easily swing it out of the way when showering and fold it back when finished.

A notable optional addition is the clothes drying rack. This accessory attaches to the unit and provides a convenient place to hang wet garments or towels, allowing them to drip directly into the shower basin. There’s also an additional shelf available, which serves a similar purpose for smaller laundry items. The entire unit is backed by a one-year warranty, offering peace of mind for its intended use.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower is to provide more space in a cramped shower, and it excels at this. Its primary job is to extend outwards, creating a larger showering area, and then retract or pivot out of the way. This functionality is executed flawlessly.

The extension mechanism is fluid, and it locks securely in place, giving you confidence that it won’t unexpectedly collapse during use. The ability to fold it out of the way with no tools required is a standout benefit, making it incredibly user-friendly for everyday living.

The optional drying rack is surprisingly effective. It securely holds items and prevents them from making the rest of the bathroom damp. Its presence adds significant utility beyond just creating showering space.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this shower attachment is intentionally simple and functional. It’s not trying to be a luxury fixture; rather, it’s engineered to solve a common problem efficiently. The build quality feels robust enough for its intended purpose, utilizing materials that are both lightweight and resilient.

Ergonomically, it’s a dream. The smooth pivot action makes it effortless to deploy and stow. There’s no awkward fumbling or complex maneuvers required, which is ideal for the often chaotic environment of an RV. The optional shelf and drying rack are well-integrated, adding functionality without clutter.

The overall aesthetic is understated, designed to blend into most RV bathroom decors without drawing undue attention. Its practical design is its strongest suit.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower is built for longevity in an RV environment. The materials used resist moisture and are easy to clean, which is paramount in a bathroom setting. I haven’t noticed any signs of corrosion or degradation, even with daily exposure to humidity.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a mild cleaner is sufficient. The pivot points are designed to be low-maintenance, and I haven’t had to lubricate or adjust anything.

Potential failure points might include the pivot mechanism over a very long period of heavy use, but for its intended application and typical RV usage, it seems built to last. The one-year warranty also provides a good safety net should any unexpected issues arise.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory for the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower is the optional clothes drying rack. This is a very practical addition that enhances the unit’s utility significantly. It allows for efficient drying of small items, preventing dampness from spreading.

Another useful accessory is the additional shelf, which can be used for drip-drying smaller laundry items or simply as a temporary place to set toiletries. These accessories integrate seamlessly with the main unit.

While there isn’t extensive customization in terms of aesthetic finishes, the available models to fit different shower widths provide a level of adaptation. The real “customization” comes in how you utilize the optional drying accessories to suit your personal needs.

Pros and Cons of Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower

Who Should Buy Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower?

This product is an absolute game-changer for anyone living or traveling in an RV or other compact living space with a similarly small shower. If you find yourself constantly bumping into walls or struggling to maneuver in your shower, this is for you. It’s perfect for RV owners, van lifers, and anyone who values maximizing every inch of available space.

Those who should probably skip this are individuals who are perfectly content with their existing shower space or those who require a fully enclosed, watertight shower stall solution without any curtain interaction. If you demand high-end, all-metal fixtures and are willing to invest significantly more for a completely different shower system, this might not be your ideal choice.

For users who opt for the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower, I highly recommend considering the optional clothes drying rack. It’s a small investment that dramatically increases the practicality of the unit, turning it into a multi-functional bathroom organizer. Ensuring you select the correct model for your shower width is also crucial for optimal fit and performance.

Conclusion on Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower

The Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower is a thoughtfully designed solution to a ubiquitous problem in small-space living. It delivers on its promise of expanding shower space with remarkable ease of use and minimal fuss. The ability to simply fold it away when not in use is its most significant advantage, transforming a cramped enclosure into a functional shower area.

Considering its price point of around $52.85 (for the base unit), the value proposition is excellent. It provides a tangible improvement in daily comfort and convenience that far outweighs the cost. The optional accessories, while additional purchases, further enhance its utility and justify the investment.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower to any RV owner or anyone dealing with a similarly confined shower space. It’s a practical, effective, and well-executed product that genuinely makes a difference. If you’re looking to upgrade your RV shower experience without undertaking major renovations, this is a smart and affordable choice.