How to Choose the Right Toilet for Your New RV

The RV’s bathroom is an important amenity for travelers. An RV with a fully working, sturdy, and reliable toilet will make every journey more pleasurable and stress-free. But how can you choose which portable toilets are worth the money? There is a wide variety of options, and many of them seem the same. Learn all you need to know about RV toilets from this comprehensive guide.

Types of RV toilets

There is a wide variety of RV toilets available. The way they are flushed or disposed of is typically what sets them apart.

  • Gravity flush

This RV toilet is quite similar to standard toilets, except that it does not have a water storage tank. It’s lighter and more compact, but the basic design is the same. Therefore, it can only be utilized when linked to an external water supply or when the RV’s holding tank water pump is on. Conventionally, a foot pedal is used for flushing the toilet, and you’ll also need to use a lever to add water to the tank. A problem that might arise is clogging, just like with regular toilets in homes. But regular flushing and proper toilet paper use might lessen this possibility.

  • Macerating flush

If you’re looking for something more “advanced” than a standard gravity flush RV toilet, consider upgrading to a macerator RV toilet. A macerator toilet works by having its waste drained into a separate black tank through a flushing mechanism. Since it is powered by electricity, this toilet model can provide adequate water pressure and free up space, so a septic tank may be placed elsewhere. Toilet units with macerators are among the most costly options for recreational vehicles. For this reason, you should consider getting one if you have unlimited funds. This style of RV loo also has a higher maintenance frequency. Most people having macerator toilets should service them once a year.

  • Vacuum flush

A macerating pump and suction unit work together in a vacuum flush toilet to remove everything from the bowl. Because of the vacuum’s eroding effects, flushing is significantly more effective, and waste is liquefied. Putting it wherever inside your RV is one of its many advantages.

  • Composting toilet

Composting toilets are waterless and have a waste-separation mechanism. Whether you’re a pair or doing it alone, you can benefit from them if you’re in a situation where you have to save water. Use them correctly, and you won’t notice any unpleasant odors. If they start to smell, a vent fan will push the stale air from the bowl outdoors. Having to change the tank so frequently is inconvenient for a family. Composting toilets require more frequent emptying than standard toilets but require the same level of maintenance.

  • Portable toilet

A compact toilet, often known as a portable toilet, is the most basic type of toilet for trailers. Though they are reasonably priced, these items don’t have any distinguishing qualities. They don’t eliminate impurities from biological substances but produce single-mass compounds that the user must frequently discard. They are notorious for retaining and dispersing odors that might be unpleasant during travel, and this is because they lack output gates.

  • Cassette toilet 

Cassette toilets have a much lower capacity than a standard RV black tank, which is one of the main distinctions between them and the more common gravity-based alternatives. While RV toilets function similarly to standard toilets, the holding tank must be removed from the vehicle before it can be deposited. Although it may sound complicated, many RV owners report that this feature provides additional dumping options. A cassette RV toilet may be preferable while camping for a long time with a large party. An overflowing cassette toilet tank would be the only real hassle. It’s safer to do the tank swap with a friend at your side as it reduces the risk of dropping the hefty cassette toilet tank.

Factors to Choose the Right RV Toilet

Before buying sanitary ware for your RV, consider the following important factors

  • Space requirement

Find out how much room you’ll need for the RV bathroom. This is a common mistake among RV owners. They buy a unit only to realize it won’t work in their allotted room. Be careful with the measurement if you don’t want to repeat the same mistakes.

Take precise measurements of the room in terms of length, breadth, and height. If you want an exact fit, you should measure the distance between the walls and the flanges. If you need to replace your bathroom’s plumbing, measure the space well and check the specifications of any potential new toilets against those specifications.

  • Selecting a brand

A reputable name can do wonders for business. Long-established RV toilet brands know their clients inside and out, giving them a distinct advantage over newer ones. The popularity of the product is another way to reflect its quality, helpful customer service, and brand reputation. Good names in RV commodes include Dometic, Thetford, and Camco.

  • Considering features

Toilets designed for recreational vehicles have several convenient technical upgrades. You can find RV toilets that use less or don’t even hold water. In other words, the flushing mechanism is distinct from the standard gravity flush. Some high-end RV toilets indeed have electric flushing capabilities. The best option is the one that meets all of your needs.

  • Build materials

Most RV toilets are made from plastic, but if money is not an issue, you may pick ones made from ceramic or marble. Make sure the plastic you choose is high quality.