There Are Some Interesting Kinds of RV Toilets

Toilets may not be your favorite topic of conversation, but it is something many RVers end up putting a lot of thought into. There are a number of different types of RV Toilets out there. Depending on what kind of rig you own and how you camp, you may require a different RV Toilet than the next guy. 

If you’ve been considering changing your current RV toilet set up, you’re in the right place. This article will discuss everything you need to know about RV camper toilets (and maybe a little more).

Traditional RV Toilet

We’ll start with the traditional RV flush toilet. This is what comes standard in most RVs (although not necessarily camper vans or pop-up campers). It is connected to a water supply—either city water or pumped water from the fresh tank—which fills the bowl with water. The flush mechanism opens the bottom of the toilet, dropping the water and waste into a black Tank where it is held until the tank is dumped. 

Most of these traditional RV toilets come in a standard size, and the vast majority are made of plastic. That said, there are some exceptions. 

Porcelain RV Toilet

If you hate sitting on a plastic toilet or can’t keep stains out of the bowl, a porcelain or ceramic RV toilet might be a good choice. These are more solid, easier to clean, and don’t tend to stain as easily. 

Low Profile RV Toilet

If you’re putting a toilet into a tiny space or placing it on any kind of raised platform, a low-profile RV toilet might be necessary. These are smaller than standard-height toilets but perform the same job. 

The biggest problems with a traditional RV toilet are freshwater usage, as well as black tank upkeep and smells. 

Cassette Toilet for RV

Perfect for smaller rigs, the RV cassette toilet is another option. Most cassette toilets look and work pretty similar to other RV toilets. The one big difference? Instead of dumping into a black tank, they dump into a smaller waste tank (around 5 gallons of capacity), which is usually on wheels and can be detached and dumped at a public restroom or dump station. 

The biggest con of this kind of toilet is the waste tank is so small, requiring more frequent dumping. 

RV Composting Toilet

Ideal for those looking to save on water usage and/or get rid of their black tank, a composting toilet for RV campers is another great option. These toilets don’t use any water at all.

They work by sending “flushed” solid waste into a container of compost starter. The starter helps the waste decompose and create compost. Meanwhile, liquid waste is sent into a separate container, which can be dumped in a public bathroom, at a dump station, or in some cases, outside on the ground.

The major cons here are you need to empty the liquid tank often, compost can be a little bit icky, and there can be occasional smells from composting toilets (no worse than a black tank, though). 

RV Macerator Toilet

Also referred to as an electric RV toilet, the RV macerator toilet can be a good option for those who don’t like the idea of a cassette or composting toilet but often find themselves dealing with black tank problems. These toilets have a built-in macerating pump that grinds all waste into a liquid before pumping it into the black tank. 

The black tank is completely sealed off when using one of these toilets, meaning fewer smells. Your toilet does not have to be located right over the tank. And the fact that all waste deposited into the tank as a liquid means no more clogs or buildup. 

The biggest cons of a macerator toilet are that it requires electricity to run and uses a lot of extra water. This makes boondocking nearly impossible. 

Another option is using a macerator pump outside of the RV. This allows you to dump using only a small hose. It also gives you the option to use a longer hose without issue and even dump uphill.

Incinerator Toilet for RV

A super fancy option for the avid boondocker, we must mention the RV incinerator toilet. These compact toilets are completely waterless and, as the name suggests, they actually incinerate your solid waste. They do this by using gas or electric heat, a process that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. There is little to no smell during this time, and disposal is easy and not gross at all. 

A problem with this type of toilet is that you need to replace the bowl liner between uses. Additionally, some incinerator toilets require users to wait to use the restroom while incineration is in progress, meaning you might be left waiting for a while. 

Portable RV Toilet 

If your RV didn’t come equipped with a bathroom, or if you’re doing your own van build, you may be looking for simpler toilet options that don’t require plumbing. In this case, a portable RV toilet is your best bet. 

A portable RV toilet works very much like a cassette toilet, dumping waste into a small tank that can be dumped in a toilet or dump station. Most models use fresh water that is stored in a special tank to flush. The only real difference? The toilet is not bolted down or connected to RV plumbing, meaning it is 100% portable. 

The cons of a portable toilet? The tank is very small, as is the toilet itself. This means more dumping and a less pleasant bathroom experience. 

Conclusion

With so many different types of RV toilets to choose from, we’re certain you’ll find the best option for you. Have you tried an incinerator toilet or other unique type listed above? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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