As the tiny-house lifestyle is becoming popular, more and more people are opting for the RV life than being stuck in a boring city forever. But as romantic as RV-ing through nature sounds, there is always the dirty side of owning a motorhome (literally). And choosing a toilet is one of them.
The old-school RV-toilets might've seemed convenient two decades ago, but not anymore. When you've got the option to get a composting toilet for rv, why consider anything else? Sanitation, water-saving mechanism, eco-friendliness, and lesser maintenance - it checks all the boxes a traveler would want.
So, if you're looking for an upgrade to your sweet ride, then check out this list of the ten best RV composting toilet reviews to find just what you need.
Best Composting Toilet for RV
Don't want plumbing issues ruining your ultimate road trip? Then make sure you've got the best rv composting toilet to maximize your travel experience by checking out these reviews first.
1. Camco (41541) Portable Travel Toilet
The first product that we'd like to talk about is this travel-friendly portable toilet from Camco. With an experience of 40 years under their belt, this company has been known to provide some rad products over the decades. And this one is no exception.
For starters, this toilet solves a lot of the leakage and water-shortage issues that most RV travel toilets tend to cause. Not only does this thing lock in the odor, but it also holds lots of flushing water for convenience.
Now, let's check the flush tank capacity. It is, to be precise, 2.5 gallons and weighs a total of 10.8 pounds. Moreover, the design includes a carrying handle, which makes all the difference.
The waste tank capacity of this toilet is 5.3 gallons. As it has a gate valve with a sliding feature, it locks in odor and makes the tank watertight. To make sure it's easy to dump the waste (no pun intended), they've included a removable cap at the back and handles on both sides of the top and bottom of the tank.
Although this weighs around 10 pounds, it can still support 330 pounds of weight on it. Its polyethylene construction makes it both sturdy and lightweight. Finished with a bellows-type pump and integrated handles, it's the perfect addition to a new RV fit for life on the road.
2. Nature's Head Dry Composting Toilet
Anyone concerned with the environment would love to upgrade from their old-fashioned toilet into a composting toilet for rv. And if you've already been using one but still want something better, consider getting this product from Nature's Head. Being originally designed for boats, this is as simple as sanitary maintenance can get.
It's perfect for both tiny homes and cabins alike since the company offers this at a pleasing price point, so you won't have to bring out the big guns either.
Although you will have to use unbleached and decomposing septic-safe toilet paper with this, it's still worth the hassle. And for the composting agent, you can use either peat moss, vinegar, or coconut coir.
Perhaps the biggest pro of this product is its incredibly durable stainless-steel construction. There's a trap door on the inside that works as a divider between the solids and liquids. This allows for easier emptying overall.
Emptying the urine tank is easy and can be done every other day. When it comes to the solids, it's better not to wait for it to get full and heavy, as turning it upside down to empty in a trash bag can get difficult. There is a slight odor due to the urine tank not being completely sealed off, but a bit of soap water can solve the issue.
3. Thetford 92820 Porta Potti 365
With a sleek and modern design, this portable toilet from Thetford is perfect for small cramped spaces. The company is known to give industry-leading products that last. It is built to ensure comfort, and hence has some super neat features starting from the comfortable seat height all the way to the ergonomic design.
First off, let's talk about the unique feature of this particle product- its built-in tank indicators. That's right; you won't need to do any guesswork when it comes to figuring out how much water your tanks have or how much they're filled. And with each fill, your flush tank will last for 50+ flushes.
This makes it, in popular opinion, the best composting toilet for rv out there.
The waste tank capacity is 5.5 gallons, while 4 gallons of fresh water can be stored for cleanliness. They've included a rotating pour-out sprout that allows draining the contents properly without any spillage. Since the parts and compartments can be detached swiftly, the entire emptying process is easy.
This product weighs a total of 10.43 pounds. As the flush type is electric and not piston, it's easier to fix up if any plumbing issues arise, which makes it even more efficient. And while it might sound too good to be true, this product contains odor very well.
4. Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
Designed by two long time sailors to withstand harsh conditions, this toilet from Nature's Head is probably the best bet you'll have if "zero maintenance" is what you seek.
Your RV can be camped anywhere, be as far away from any plumbing help as possible, and you'll still have nothing to worry about. The design is a bit traditional in terms of looks, but it goes a long way due to its added features.
This toilet has been constructed with plastic and steel, which makes it strong and durable. It weighs 28 pounds and can support a weight of 300 pounds at max.
It doesn't use much water. Composting mediums like peat moss and coco coir are all you'll need; it can save you a lot of hassle of refilling the water tank. And this is good at locking in the odor as well. All it usually smells like is dirt from the composting medium doing its thing.
The only time you might notice a stench is when emptying the urine tanks, which, by the way, is super easy.
Lastly, the tank capacity being huge makes it possible for it to be used up to 4-6 weeks before it requires emptying. Even when two people are using it, the tank will last long.
There's also a fan built-in that you can run 24/7 if you want. Moreover, the hand agitator on the side allows you to mix the compost medium well when needed.
5. Villa 9215 AC/DC
The RV being on-grid or off-grid matters a lot to most campers since it's closely related to sanitation facilities. However, it's best to get a toilet that can handle both situations without making a fuss. That's why you should check out this product from Separrett.
Complete with accessories and several convenient features, it's undoubtedly one of the best RV composting toilets out there.
It comes with ten compostable bags, a child seat, and a built-in fan that runs continuously to prevent any odor. There are separate tanks to collect solids and liquids to make things easier to empty.
If you're squeamish about dealing with the entire black tank sewage scenario, this can be the ultimate solution given how simple and clean it is to use.
This product comes with AC and DC adapters allowing it to run on either standard household power or solar/battery power. The drainage and direct vent parts are included with the product too. And its tank can last three weeks even after family use.
While it is heavier (48 pounds) and more expensive than a typical RV toilet, it's completely worth the dime. It's well made and dry. You won't need to empty it every other day. And since it's mountable on the wall, the valuable space inside your transport gets saved.
6. Thetford 35831 Electra Magic Toilet
If you don't have a holding tank and prefer something that'll use as little water as possible, then the Thetford 35831 Electra Magic Toilet will be an ideal choice.
Take off for a week or so to enjoy the summer trails in Utah or Montana without any worries about sanitation issues. And since there's the option between a free-standing one or hooked up model, you get to choose the one that is perfect for your RV.
To run this, you'll need a power source of 12 or 24 volts. This is a recirculating toilet, which means it'll need lesser water to flush and be able to neutralize the waste with chemicals quite easily. The seat shape and size are decent and comfortably contoured. So, the product gets an A for convenience.
There's a lever indicator in it, which is easy to read. It weighed around 11 pounds and was made in the USA; so, you can expect some great quality parts from this. While it doesn't come with a flange, it does attach to one bought separately.
It comes with a release valve instead of a vent kit. So, hooking it up to a floor drain will do the trick. Moreover, the holding tank for water and sanitizer can store 7 gallons of waste and water together. If you've got the necessary plumbing from your old toilet, then hooking it to the eater system will be super easy.
7. Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel-NE
For the ones looking for a non-electric model, either to save power or to live off-grid, the Sun-Mar Excel toilet is something worth checking out.
This product uses no electricity or water and is almost a hundred percent pollution-free. Opting for this floor mounted toilet for your RV will allow you to not only get going with your business but also go-green in the long-run.
Weighing a total of 90 pounds, it's undoubtedly a heavy product. That also means it'll handle plus size weights easily. It has an oblong shape and a low-profile design to complement any kind of bathroom layout.
Another pro of this product is that you can allow the composting process to halt by freezing when not in use. This feature usually helps if you're looking for sanitary solutions to your holiday cabins that get used less frequently. You can use wood shavings as an alternative to flushing water with this product.
While the odor in this can be trickier to contain, if you're careful to add enough carbon (peat moss, paper, wood shavings, etc.) to balance the nitrogen out, things will be fine. As there's a bio-drum included, processing the compost is also hassle-free. All you'll need to do is turn the recessed handle, and that's it.
Some even use the nitrous compost as fertilizer once the unit's bacteria balance it out.
8. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Compact
Are you worried about treating raw waste matter around your campsite or beloved yard? Then you can undoubtedly put your faith in the Sun-Mar Self-Contained Composting Toilet; this thing ensures proper sanitation through the treatment of waste for the sake of your safety.
To back up the claim, the company even has an NSF International certificate for being effective.
This product weighing 90 pounds, is compact in design to fit easily inside any RV bathroom. As the unit does not separate urine and solid waste, it can manage both (even regular toilet paper) easily. On top of that, there aren't separate tanks hogging up space, which is also welcome.
There's a heater at the bottom of the unit for evaporating the urine. And if the creaking sounds of pipes or water leakage tend to put you on the edge while traveling, this will be a great solution as it's really quiet in function. This is a durable product that'll last ten years or more under good maintenance.
Since this has a self-contained system, frequent dumping of waste outside will not be required. Forget about the hassle of trash bags or remembering to empty the tank every other day or week. For RVs and vans on regular travel routes, clearing it only once or twice a month will be enough.
9. Sun-Mar Corp CCNL-02301 CENTREX 1000 N.E.
Recently re-engineered to provide better user experience, this Centrex model from Sun is one of the best composting toilets one could ask for. It works just like its name suggests - centrally. Besides being NSF/ANSI certified, its no-odor design makes sure you have absolutely no room for complaints.
If you're into farming and growing some wildflowers in your yard, this can also help you make some good fertilizer. There are an input and an output door on the left and right, respectively. For extracting the compost from the main tank, all you have to do is turn the drum backward after opening the output door.
Perhaps the best thing about this is that the compost can be stored in it for a full season. The tank capacity is, thus, quite impressive. But you should note that a higher quantity of urine stored can reduce the people's capability significantly.
With this, you get to choose which type of toilet flushing system you want to be installed. The company has both kinds available for separate purchase - air flush or the typical water flush.
In the case of the first type, the toilet will need to be placed directly above the composter. So, if your RV bathroom layout doesn't allow it, go for the latter.
10. Dry Toilet, White per 1
Coming down to our final pick in the list is this product from Sun-Mar, which is the perfect addition if you've got a central unit of the company already.
It doesn't require any electricity, nor any separate hook-ups. This thing is simple and looks totally like a traditional full-sized house toilet. So, you can have the comfort of home even while RV-ing across nature trails.
Just as the name suggests, this is a dry toilet that requires no water. While it might be daunting to new campers, anyone with some experience of using dry toilets will agree that it's the best way to go while on the road.
Hook it up to a Centrex system, and you'll get good fertilizer for your fields and yards. Install it on its own with a proper pipeline and plumbing, and no one's going to believe this was meant for a vehicle.
The price point is also a big pro when it comes to this product. This product comes in the standard white color, so it'll mend well with any bathroom setting. And since its weight is 15 pounds, transporting or moving this when required will not be a problem.
Besides, there's nothing more satisfying than having a squeaky-clean dry bathroom that has no odors. So, if you want something reasonably priced and has a standard design, this should be your go-to.
Of course, there is the question of what flush you'd prefer, which would dictate a lot on you getting this. Nonetheless, it's a great option available.
How Does A RV Composting Toilet Works?
With the whole climate awareness scenario going on, the products like composting toilets have become the talk of the town overnight. But for the newbies, it might seem confusing or even a bit daunting.
Are you wondering how it works? Well, it's not at all as weird as it sounds.
The first difference between these and regular toilets is that they don't use any water. So, your bathroom won't need plumbing. Another significant difference is that it decomposes waste using oxygen. People usually use compost or bulking agents like coco coir, vinegar, sawdust, or peat moss to get this done.
Anaerobic bacteria in these agents will only work if you're at the right temperature. The required temperature is almost 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. To ensure this, some units come with built-in heaters as well.
Since these don't use water, RV-ing with them is super convenient. You get to save your rig's water supply and not have to worry about continually finding freshwater sources.
On top of that, the overall water waste from flushing gets reduced with their use. Travelers don't have to answer nature's call at minus temperatures outside or worry about ruining a perfectly kept camping site. So, the composting toilet for rv is sort of the solution to modern-day water waste too.
The way these units work is that there are separate compartments to store different types of waste (solids and liquids). Once you're done with your business, just adding compost agents will neutralize the waste and result in no odor spreading. Most units require frequent emptying of the urine tank separately, and some don't.
These composting units are honestly a great addition to any RV-trip. They're not only eco-friendly and economical but also clean and convenient.
What to Look for Before Buying?
Before you settle for any of the units available in local stores, consider what makes a unit the best composting toilet for RV. Here are some things you should look for when buying one for your RV bathroom.
1. Material and Lifespan
How long will your composting unit last? Usually, the ones you see in the markets have plastic or vitreous china. But those only last one year or so. What you want to get is a toilet that'll last at least a few years.
So, get one that has a sturdy and robust construction. Materials like stainless steel are great in this case. Also, check out the RV composting toilet reviews to get a clearer idea of how well it worked for other customers.
2. Tank and Weight Capacity
This should be a top priority if you're a bit on the plus size. Not all toilets can hold up weight in the same way. Unless you want a lot of maintenance headache, look for something that holds 300 or more pounds. It'll also mean the construction is sturdier and more able to withstand transport frequently.
As for the storage tank, if you're a solo traveler, a small tank should be fine. Most companies specify how many people the tank can work for and for how long. The trick to getting the best composting toilet for rv is in knowing which tank will be most effective for your use.
There are portable waste tanks available in stores that you can consider as well. This is especially helpful for keeping got vehicle weight in check.
3. Cleaning Convenience
First of all, consider a toilet that doesn't require particular cleaning substances. Trust us; it'll save you shelf space and money in the long-run.
Secondly, you've got to accept that the quality of toilets does wear over time. It might have good and sturdy materials, but the overall design can make it bow a bit, or the tank can get hard to open. The worst-case scenario would be spillage.
To avoid all of these, get a product that's both sturdy and has a good design. Cleaning should be mess-free and hassle-free.
4. Rate of Decomposition
This is where things get a bit tricky. If you want something without an electric connection, then keep in mind that the decomposing rate will be slower. The waste will break down, but it'll be a lot faster with an electric one.
For solo campers, the non-electric option usually appeals more since it's much more budget-friendly. But for quick decomposition, nothing can beat an electric unit.
5. Ease of Installation
Properly read through the install directions of all products before settling for one. The point of getting a plumbing-free compost toilet is to make things simple and easy. So, getting something that's a nightmare to install does not make much sense.
Reviews for the portable composting camping toilet can help you figure things out. Since most of them are quite detailed, you can get an idea of how easy or difficult it'll be to set up everything in your RV layout.
6. Price Point
Travelling can get very expensive, even within your home state. On top of all the expenses and gas bills, there's no reason to get something even more costly. But it's a good idea to invest in something of high quality so that you don't have to cash out for maintenance after a few months.
If you want a large storage tank, then your budget should be a bit more than usual. Be realistic, and don't go looking for cheap alternatives. If you're careful and concise about the priorities you have in your product, then choosing one correctly will be a breeze.
Dry Toilet for RV
Why should you opt for dry flushing toilets? The idea of not using water for flushing is not very thrilling. But hear us out- it's much better.
To put it simply, dry flush toilets don't use water and hence requires no plumbing. There won't be any spillage or splashing noise. And your RV won't get hogged up with chemicals for cleaning.
As these have a separate mechanism being either self-contained or equipped with double tanks, it increases the portability of the product. Odors won't be an issue either- especially when using the best composting toilet for rv out there. You'll notice an earthy dirt-like smell at most in the bathroom thanks to the bulking agents.
Some companies even have specialized compost substance for your convenience.
And finally, in the world of water wastage and water shortage problems, it's an extraordinarily conscious and substantial approach switching to dry toilets. Why say no to saving the planet?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often do composting toilet for rv need emptying?
Usually, for two people's full-time use, these toilets require emptying once every three weeks. The frequency will increase with more people's use. Dumping after every 60-80 uses is a good idea.
2. Do the portable composting camping toilet smell?
It all comes down to maintaining the toilet properly. If well-kept, it will have little to no smell at all. But otherwise, it can get quite stinky.
3. How long does it take for portable composting camping toilets to work?
The time needed for the waste to decompose is 3-4 weeks.
4. What's the power usage rate of composting toilets?
You'll need a power of 80-150 watts approximately to run these units. The size of the unit is what matters here.
5. Can one use bleach in composting RV toilets?
Yes, you can. The easiest way to clean the holding tanks for these products is by mixing up a quarter cup bleach with one gallon of water and use that.
Final WordsToilets - even though we seldom talk about them, they're probably something we'd consider even while preparing for emergencies. And for RV travelers, all it takes to make or break a trip is the composting toilet for RV. So, your best bet for a successful trip would be getting the best product out there.
