There you have it. The top 10 RV toilets in the market today. We hope we were able to give you a good idea about which one to choose or the features that you like to have in your RV toilet.

What is an RV toilet?

An RV toilet is a toilet that’s specially designed to fit inside your recreational vehicle. We all know the limitations when it comes to space and water when you’re traveling in your camper.

An RV toilet has been engineered to use less water than the traditional residential toilets. There have been innovations for more efficient water consumption when using an RV toilet.

Unlike residential toilets, an RV toilet does not have a flush tank because it will cause water spills as the trailer traverses the bumps and humps, twists and turns of various terrains.

Types of RV toilets

RV toilets come in different types. It is important that you know about these types so that you can choose the best RV toilet for your own trailer.

There are 6 popular types of RV toilets and we’ll tell you what differentiates them from each other to help guide you in your search for the best RV toilet for your camper.

Gravity Flush RV Toilet

A gravity flush RV toilet is the most traditional type of toilet for trailers which works the same way as our residential toilets. It has been used by the RV community for decades.

Its flushing system is very simple. It uses gravity to pull the waste matter down into the large holding tank. For this reason, the waste holding tank should be positioned right below the RV toilet.

Macerating Flush RV Toilet

This type of toilet has motor-powered blades that softens waste into viscous consistency before it goes into a large holding tank. This flushing technology makes it possible for the toilet and black tank to be located in different places because of the space limitations in a camper. The liquid waste is more fluid making it easier to discharge later on.

Vacuum Flush RV toilet

This type of RV toilet works like the macerating flush RV toilet. The contents of the bowl are pulled powerfully into a stored vacuum vessel with a vacuum pump that liquefies the waste matter before it goes into the holding tank.

This system also allows the vacuum flush RV toilet to be placed anywhere in your camper, aprt from the waste holding tank.

Portable RV Toilet

The portable toilet is popular among those with small trailers. These are small and lightweight and usually made of plastic or steel. A portable toilet has a small waste tank and when it gets full, you just remove it and empty its contents in a public restroom or residential toilet. When you’re done, you just attach it again to the toilet bowl.

Yes, you can dump the waste in a regular toilet unlike other RV toilets where you need to find a dump station to be able to empty your holding tanks.

Cassette or Cartridge RV Toilet

This type of RV toilet is suitable for campervans and caravans. This is especially popular among European RVers.

It is a compact toilet bowl that should be installed permanently over a small and detachable cassette-style waste holding tank. The tank only has a holding capacity of less than five gallons. This is a smaller capacity compared to other RV toilets.

When you flush the waste, they go directly into the waste tank and when it gets full, you remove the tank and empty the content into a waste disposal station or even a standard toilet will do. There’s a light indicator that would alert you if the tank is full so that you can dump the waste in the proper area.

Composting RV Toilet

The composting toilet is an environment-friendly toilet. It does not make use of water so it helps you conserve water. The composting toilet is also perfect when you like camping in remote places where you’re not sure about the supply of water.

The composting toilet isn’t really a very popular choice among most RVers because many of them don’t feel comfortable with the idea that waste matter is being composted right inside the trailer. They’re also afraid that it would cause a foul smell in their camper.

But when you have a properly functioning composting toilet, these concerns wouldn’t be an issue. This toilet works by separating the liquid and solid part of your waste. The solid waste is converted into humus which can be dumped into the soil. This is an eco-friendly way of dealing with your waste while you’re camping.

There you have it, the 6 most common RV toilets in the market. You should understand how they work and fit into your camper so that you can choose the right toilet.

How does an RV toilet work?

There might be different types of RV toilets but all of them have the same function as our residential toilets. That is to give us a proper place to eliminate our body waste.

However, you need to empty the contents of your waste holding tank regularly unlike our residential toilets wherein everything goes into the underground septic tank for basic treatment.

That’s why even if you have a macerating flush toilet, vacuum flush toilet, or portable RV toilet, you still need to dump the contents in a waste disposal station or in some cases, a regular restroom will do. In the case of a composting RV toilet, you dump the waste into the soil so that it can become a good fertilizer for the soil.

To understand how an RV toilet works, you should at least be familiar with the 3 main tanks in your trailer. These are the white tank which stores freshwater, gray tank which holds the used water from the kitchen and shower, and the black tank which holds the waste coming from your toilet.

The type of RV toilet would indicate the flushing system used so that human waste can be temporarily contained in the black tank.

The capacity and size of your black tank would depend on the size of your RV. The tanks found in large motorhomes can have a capacity for 48 to 90 gallons while a medium-sized trailer can usually hold up to 32 gallons. Meanwhile, there are small campers that can only accommodate up to 5 gallons.

How to use an RV toilet?

To be able to flush the waste content in your RV toilet, you press the pedal that’s located under the toilet bowl then release it quickly. RV toilets use less water compared to residential toilets. Some water efficient models can use as little as one pint for the flush.

The waste then goes into the waste holding tank or black tank. If you’re concerned about having foul smell in your camper, you can use some chemicals that will break up the fecal waste and prevent your camper from smelling bad.

You need to empty your black tank regularly in a dump station. The frequency would depend on the number of people using the toilet and the capacity of your tank.

What are the benefits of having an RV toilet?

Your camper is your home away from home. You would expect ultimate comfort when you’re inside your home and that includes being able to fulfill your bathroom needs as nature calls you.

It is very uncomfortable to have to hold it in until you find a public restroom or have to do it amongst the bushes.

It is also more hygienic and healthy to have your own toilet where you can take care of your bathroom needs. You can get sick from holding back your bodily wastes so it’s best to have a readily available outlet whenever nature calls.

These are just some of the reasons why you should invest in a good RV toilet.

What to Look for When Buying an RV Toilet

Here’s a guide that we’ve put together to help you in choosing the best RV toilet.

Easy to Install

Since most RVs don’t readily come with a toilet, you should look for an RV toilet that’s easy to install. You can find many models with straight forward instructions on how to install the toilet so that you won’t need professional assistance.

Flexibility

RV toilets can be portable or plumbed in.

A plumbed in toilet is permanently installed in the bathroom of your camper. It is connected directly to your water tank where it empties the waste content of your toilet. In terms of appearance, they look similar to residential toilets. These are more comfortable to use and don’t require frequent waste disposal.

Portable toilets are not plumbed in or not permanently installed in your RV. The waste content of your toilet are directed into a holding tank which should be emptied out more frequently. These toilets are removable and you can use them anywhere aside from your RV. However, since these toilets are smaller, they are also less comfortable to use.

If you want a permanent toilet in your RV, then you should go for the plumbed in type. Portable toilets, on the other hand, give you more flexibility on where you can put or use them.

Height and size

You should consider the height and size of the toilet to see if it will fit inside your bathroom. We all know that RV bathrooms have unusual layouts due to limited space in the trailer.

A larger toilet with a wide bowl is more comfortable to use. However, it might not be the perfect fit for your bathroom. It can easily cramp up the space and you will be limited with your movement. A smaller toilet is not that comfortable to use but it might be the right size for your camper.

Look for an RV toilet that fits tight spaces without you having to sacrifice your comfort.

Holding tank

You should pay special attention to the size of holding tank if you’re planning to buy a portable RV toilet. A smaller tank means you have to empty its content more often. A larger tank, while it can hold more waste, can be really heavy and quite difficult to empty when it reaches its full capacity.

Material

A lightweight and portable RV toilet is usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Even so, you have to make sure that these are high quality materials so as not to sacrifice their durability. You want your RV toilet to last a long time so make sure it can withstand the varying conditions of RV life.

For plumbed in toilets, there are some which are made of ceramics and there are also plastic models. Ceramic toilets feel more luxurious and very comfortable to use compared to plastic toilets.

Of course, the kind of material used will impact the price of the toilet. Ceramic toilets are more expensive while plastic is more affordable.

Flush System

There are 2 types of flush system for RV toilets – the foot pedal and electric flush systems.

Traditional RV toilets come with a foot pedal that you use for flushing. These are usually located below the toilet so that users can just conveniently press the pedal with their foot once they’re done using the toilet.

Modern RV toilets come with electric flush. There can be a remote switch or an electronic flush handle to prompt the toilet to pull the waste down into the black tank or waste holding tank.

The electric flush is becoming more popular among RV users because they are easy to use. Some of these toilet models even feature a shut down option that automatically prevents flushing once it detects that the holding tank is already full. This way, you will avoid instances of overfilling your tank as this can damage your RV toilet system.

Ease of emptying and cleaning

The type of RV toilet that you buy will also determine how you’ll discharge the accumulated waste.

With gravity flush RV toilets, since the waste matter is not mashed into smaller pieces, mounding can occur inside the tank. This makes it difficult to discharge and there can also be blockages that make it more challenging to empty the waste.

This is where macerating and vacuum flush RV toilets shine. Since the waste has been softened and liquefied, it is easier to dump the content. The waste becomes fluid that’s why it can flow steadily until there’s none left inside.

Portable toilets are easy and more hygienic to empty but you can also find inferior models that make waste disposal awkward and grimy. That’s why you should really look for an RV toilet with a well-designed emptying system to make this task manageable.

Yes, this is a stinky task so we recommend that you use a tank deodorant before you empty the contents of your waste tank so that it can work wonders in masking the foul smell.

When it comes to cleaning the toilet, ceramic toilets are easy to clean. Many RV users don’t prefer plastic seats because the stains are hard to remove.

Make sure you consider these factors when you’re looking for an RV toilet so that you will be happy with your purchase and you can truly enjoy the convenience of having a toilet in your camper.

Wrap Up

Toilets are essential in your RV life. There are many benefits of having your own toilet inside your RV when you travel. Health, hygiene, and comfort top the list.

Make sure you consider various factors when choosing the best RV toilet for your camper. It would depend on your personal circumstances and preferences.

We hope that through this article we’re able to guide you to make the right choice.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a residential toilet in an RV?

The short answer to this question is, yes, you can put a residential toilet in an RV especially if you have a large motorhome but it is not recommended.

It is understandable why some would want a residential toilet in their camper. It gives them that comfortable homey feeling.

However, there are certain factors that you need to consider before making this choice.

First of all, a residential toilet is not designed for mobile use. Its flush tank is a lot heavier than an RV toilet. As you pass by different terrains, it is possible that it can get damaged because it’s not built to withstand the rigors of traveling. In particular, a porcelain toilet can break easily which would render it useless.

Also, a residential toilet requires a lot of water when flushing. It is usually needs one and a half gallon of water compared to an RV toilet’s consumption of one half gallon per flush. Because of this, your black tank will also fill up much faster. Thus, you need to unload its content more frequently.

For those who are considering using a residential toilet in their RVs, know that there are RV toilets that can also provide you with the same homey feel like that of residential toilets. You need need to scout for the right one for you. This way, you will enjoy the comfort of a residential toilet in an RV toilet and you won’t have to deal with the those issues and concerns that we mentioned above.

Can you use an RV toilet in a house?

The short answer to this question is, yes, it is possible to use an RV toilet in a house. It can be used especially for those with tiny homes.

As mentioned above, an RV toilet has been specifically designed for use in a recreational vehicle or in a mobile home. So if you intend you use it at home, you have to take note of how it works.

An RV toilet will help you conserve water as it needs less water for flushing. It also has a black water tank where all the waste goes into. Unlike typical residential toilets that are connected directly to the septic tank, you need to do the emptying of your waste holding tank yourself.

You can also hook up your RV toilet to a sewage system for less hassle on your part. Just make sure that there is adequate flow of water to remove all the debris in the sewer line to prevent clogging.

How do I stop my RV toilet from smelling?

This is a common concern for those with gravity flush RV toilets. This is due to the fact that the tank is directly below the toilet and there are times when the foul smell of waste would infiltrate the bathroom.

If you don’t want to deal with this issue, it’s best to choose a macerating or vacuum flush RV toilet for your camper. The waste holding tank of these toilets is located a good distance away from the toilet therefore the smell is isolated and won’t be able to penetrate in the bathroom.

However, there is still a small risk of having foul smell when you have a macerating or vacuum flush RV toilet. It can be due to a kind of hose used to connect the toilet to its waste holding tank. It is recommended that you use a PVC pipe so that you can be sure that no foul smell will escape as the waste makes its way to the tank upon flushing.

But if you have a gravity flush RV toilet, you can still keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Make sure that the valve is always clean, smooth, and working properly.

This will prevent the water from leaking out of the bowl because the water that stays in the bowl serves as a seal between your toilet bowl and the tank underneath it. Take care that there’s no waste and mineral build up in your toilet as they can cause your seal to be damaged.              

You can also use tank treatments to avoid bad smells coming from your toilet. Make certain that you also provide proper ventilation for your waste tank so that the treatments will work properly. This way odor will be kept to a minimum level.

Ventilation is even more important for those with cassette RV toilet since the waste holding tank is practically located inside the trailer. Odor issues will continue to hound you is your tank is not given proper treatment and ventilation.

In general, you can use tank treatment solutions to keep your toilet from smelling. These treatment are available in liquid or drop in packet form and have been proven to be effective in fighting off foul smells.

Do I need to use RV toilet paper?

You can use regular toilet paper as long as you don’t flush it into your RV toilet. But if you prefer flushing it, it is recommended that you use an RV toilet paper because it dissolves faster and won’t clog up your toilet bowl.

You can do away with toilet paper by just using a sprayer hose and rinsing off the waste matter.

How to clean an RV toilet?

You should clean your RV toilet regularly for sanitary reasons. It is also important in the proper maintenance of your toilet so that you can remove any dirt and unwanted particles that might cause clogging.

Cleaning your RV toilet is just like cleaning your toilet at home. You would need a toilet cleaner, sponge, toilet brush, rubber gloves, a rag, and sanitary wipes.

Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning your RV toilet to protect your skin from harmful chemicals and of course, for hygienic purposes.

Pour a substantial amount of toilet cleaner to clean the inside of the toilet bowl. Some use vinegar for cleaning and whitening the interior. Make sure you scrub the bowl thoroughly to remove any stain and mineral deposits. When you’re done scrubbing, flush the toilet to get rid of dirty water.

Moisten the sponge using warm water or a special cleaning agent. Use the sponge to clean the exterior portion of your toilet bowl. Make sure you clean the seat and lid and remove any stains. You can also wipe it with sanitary wipes to help you eliminate dirt and germs.

How do you fix a clogged RV toilet?

Having a clogged RV toilet is a nightmare. You won’t be able to enjoy the comfort and convenience of having a toilet in your camper.

But sometimes it is easy to fix a clogged RV toilet.

Check what’s causing the obstruction. Usually, toilet paper is the culprit. What you can do is open the valve and pour hot water into the tank. The hot water will help dissolve the obstruction.

You can also use chemicals that have been specially formulated to clear clogged pipes and drainage. But check the label first if it’s safe for septic use.

If these hacks fail, you better call a plumber for RV toilet repair to put it back in order.

How to use RV toilet chemicals?

RV toilet chemicals are composed of enzymes or bacteria needed to break down the waste and tissue components in your RV black water tank. This process makes it easier to empty the content in the tank when it’s time to unload them.

These chemicals also help in preventing foul odor in the tank. they also prevent clumping or mounding of waste and tissue inside the tank which could cause clogging if left untreated.

When using RV toilet chemicals, the first thing you have to do is pour a few gallons of water into your black water tank. This is very important as it will give your tank a good base needed to work with your chemicals.

Without this base of water, it is highly possible that clumping of wastes would occur that would result in clogging. There would also be false meter readings in your tank.

Once there’s already a base of water in your back water tank, you just simply have to press down the flushing valve in your toilet and dump the RV toilet chemicals, whether in liquid or tablet form. After this, your RV toilet is ready for use.

How to install or replace an RV toilet?

It might surprise you to know that you don’t have to get professional help when installing your RV toilet. Here’s how you can do it on your own.

First, clear and clean the area where you will install your RV toilet. This is to make sure that no stuff will get in the way as you install your toilet.

For the next step, you need to turn off the water pump in your RV.

Your RV toilet usually comes with an installation kit. Get the rubber cone-shaped gasket that came with it because you’ll need it to seal your toilet on the floor.

If you have an old toilet, you need to remove it to replace it with your new one. You can use a screwdriver to remove the old seal. When you’re done taking off the old seal, you can put your new RV toilet over the rubber gasket.

At the bottom part of your RV toilet, you’ll see that there are holes. Put the bolts inside them properly and use a wrench to tighten the nuts.

Make sure that they fit snugly but not too tight, just enough to ensure that it won’t wobble when you sit on it. Then you can now attach the hose at the back of your RV toilet and tighten the nuts once again.

That’s it! You can check if you were able to install it properly by turning on the water pump and using the flush. If there are no leaks then your RV toilet installation is a success!