Best RV Toilets: Tested, Reviewed, and Approved
Throughout the years of my plumbing experience, I’ve been frequently asked to share some insights on camper toilet products. Striving to equip their house-on-wheels with all possible essentials sufficiently, people can sometimes forget about the necessity of thinking in advance.
If you have a good-quality, efficient toilet, it will surely prove most useful on your way anywhere you go. To take the weight off your shoulders, I’ve come up with a list of proven RV toilet reviews that will perfectly suit your vehicle.
Top 7 RV Toilets to Suit Your Needs
- Thetford Aqua Magic Style Plus Toilet – Top Pick
- Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet – Great Value
- Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet – Premium Choice
- Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet
- Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet Pedal Flush
- Camco Gallon Portable Travel Toilet
- Porta Potti 365 Piston
When you think of a portable restroom onboard, you might envisage a shabby place that everybody tries to avoid using. However, it doesn’t have to be like that. Bringing a toilet for a trailer aboard is all about reassuring your comfort and providing the best possible conditions for your journey.
When choosing a product compatible with your vehicle, it’s important to consider the dimensions, material, and, most importantly, functions that come along. Now, let’s take a look at the best options we have so far!
1. Thetford Aqua Magic Style Plus Toilet — Best Travel Trailer Toilet
No products found.
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 25 x 22 inches
- Item Weight: 44.9 pounds
- Installation Type: Floor Mounted
I’ve decided to put the Thetford Magic Style model first because I’m completely convinced that it’s the best RV toilet one can get.
The product is made to fit any vehicle, which makes it a perfectly universal item. With the dimensions of around 20 by 25.5 by 22 inches in length, width, and height, the item is a neat and compact complement to your onboard restroom. The weight is around 45 pounds, thanks to which it’s easy to move and readjust single-handedly.
The toilet is designed for casual trips and unpredictable circumstances. Therefore, it is great for camping and traveling, as well as children’s use. Though the product is made of china, it’s sturdy enough to withstand road bumps and vehicle wobbling.
As it is equipped with a one-press lever to initiate a flush, it’s extremely simple to utilize the product even when your vehicle is at high speed. Due to the ergonomic traits of the toilet, the water-consumption is reduced to its bare minimum.
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2. Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet — Great RV Toilet to Assist You in the Wild
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- Dimensions: 15.13 x 18.5 x 18.5 inches
- Material: Polypropylene
- Item Weight: 9.79 pounds
If you’re looking for a stylish, top-notch complement to your RV bathroom, then the Aqua-Magic RV product will definitely do. As one of the best RV camper toilet models, the item is the closest you can get to your home comforts. This ultralight elongated RV toilet of about 10 pounds, which measures approximately 18 inches in height, is effortless to mount in most of the average trailer compartments.
The package includes the product itself, a gasket, two screws and screw nuts, as well as polymeric screw protective caps. Clear and illustrated instructions facilitate the assembly, which normally takes less than half an hour of your time.
The toilet is equipped with a firm handle, which allows you to regulate the amount of water used for flushing. Slight pressure applied to the pedal will activate the water-filling function that is completely controlled by the user. By doubling the pressure, the product produces a nice, 100-percent flush that spreads the water all over the inner part of the toilet and drains it down rapidly.
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3. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet — Modern, High-Tech RV Camper Toilet
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- Dimensions: 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches
- Bowl shape: Rectangular
- Wattage: 3 watts
- Material: Plastic
- Power Source: DC. 12 volt adapter available
- Certification: (unset)
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
In case you’re into an alternative to a regular travel trailer toilet, try considering this option. Nature’s Head Composting Toilet is a combination of sturdiness and versatility.
The toilet widens the range of probable uses as it was created for heavy-duty marine specs. It’s great for long-time camping trips and hunting seasons due to its high volume and portability. The 30-pound item can fit easily in any trailer or RV regardless of the size and take little enough space. This allows for setting up more bathroom comforts and a roomy environment.
The product is equipped with a well-sealed container. Thus it releases the user from the so often necessary tubing and power supply. The container separates liquid and solid materials for better compressing. Easy to remove, the part can be detached by unfastening the safety lock.
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4. Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet — Powerful Camper Toilet
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- Dimensions: 19.25 x 15 x 20 inches
- Item Weight: 8.25 pounds
- Flush type: Gravity Flush
- Water consumption: One Pint Per Flush
- Material: Polypropylene Plastic
Designed for people who like to go on a family trip once in a while, the Dometic Toilet stands out thanks to its functionality.
Unlike many other similar products, this RV camper toilet is made of tough plastic-infused materials that ensure safety and durability. The materials provide an anti-bacterial environment that prevents microbes from propagating and infesting the utility.
The main feature that differs this item from others is its three times more powerful flushes. Water spills all over the bowl evenly and takes down all the waste. Each flush is designed to apply as little water as possible. The average one takes less than one-quarter of a gallon to clean the bowl completely.
It’s enough to apply little pressure to the bouncy lever under the seat to initiate a flush. When the flush function is activated, the water drains down fast and easily creating a whirl that embraces the bowl a few times before going down completely.
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5. Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet Pedal Flush — Backed Up by Great RV Toilet Reviews
No products found.
- Dimensions: 17 x 15 x 14 inches
- Item Weight: 8.38 pounds
- Material: Polypropylene
- Installation Type: Floor Mounted
Another great option produced by Thetford is designed specifically for small and limited in space trailers. This Aqua-Magic product is only 1.5 by 1.1 by 1 footage in length, width, and height. With these dimensions, the toilet can be installed even in the most minute compartments without a need to sacrifice your comfort.
Both the seat and lid are made of rugged plastic that can withstand long trips and accidental damage. This excludes any scratching and denting, which reinforces the product for a longer, more durable use.
While providing you the home-like feeling of coziness and relaxation, the item doesn’t collect moisture on the surface. Also, it’s very heat resistant. Compared to other RV toilets, this one doesn’t give off that synthetic burnt-plastic smell, which so often occurs during the hot seasons.
It’s enough to apply some pressure to the pedal under the seat to regulate the amount of water in the water tank. By refilling the tank efficiently, it’s easy to avoid excessive water waste, thus saving money, effort, and nature.
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6. Camco Gallon Portable Travel Toilet — RV Toilet with a Holding Tank That Lasts
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- Dimensions: 11.5 x 14 x 16 inches
- Item Weight: 9.4 pounds
- Bowl shape: Square
- Material: Polyethylene
Portable and compact, this RV utility is the best cassette toilet you can stumble upon online. If you look at the utility`s body, you’ll see that it takes less than 12 inches in length and 14 inches in width after installing. With the weight of around 12 pounds, you can carry the packed toilet with bare hands. Besides the standard assembly parts, the manufacturer supplies the buyer with a few regular-use cleaning capsules for maintenance.
Thanks to the tough plastic materials that make up the product, this item lasts much longer than regular RV bathroom utilities. The poly materials don’t bend or acquire dents over time but remain strong to have long years of service. Also, the strong plastic body helps preserve smells and odors.
As the item is equipped with a firm output gate, it’s extremely easy to clean and empty the utility of any wastes. It also has a pumping function that facilitates the maintenance process.
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7. Porta Potti 365 Piston — RV Toilet Replacement for Camping and Traveling
No products found.
- Dimensions: 17.64 x 15.28 x 17.72 inches
- Bowl shape: Oblong
- Item Weight: 12.79 Pounds
If you need to equip your trailer with an RV Toilet with a holding tank with a large volume, you might want to consider the Porta Potti product.
Great for both indoor and outdoor uses, the utility is very portable and can be easily carried around. Only 9 pounds in weight, the toilet is a fit for adults, children, and senior people.
The waste container is effortlessly detached from the body by pressing onto hand-shaped buttons hidden in a groove in the middle. The toilet has a smart indicator that switches to red to inform the user about the high time to empty the container. Inside the body, there is a tube that, when unfolded, is designed specifically for wastes removal.
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Choosing the Right RV Toilet
I know that picking one product among many available options can be challenging. With all the items at hand, it’s hard to put your mind to one specific utility. For this, here you have a short overview of the main aspects that you’d want to consider while choosing your RV toilet.
Though each prototype has its ups and downs, you need first to realize the exact purposes you’re going to use it for. Do you need a simple one-person utility? Maybe, it’s a matter of a whole family? Also, how often are you intended to use it? Is it just for a short weekend or a long road trip? Anyway, let’s see what to look at when picking one!
Types of RV Toilets
Yes, modern manufacturers offer a great variety of products. From simple and light plastic ones to heavy and luxurious porcelain RV toilet options, the utility doesn’t stop surprising potential buyers.
Gravity-flush
Typical and the least difficult to find, such toilets are too common not to see them in an RV. Normally, such products are unlikely to acquire any RV toilet problems after extensive use. Though they combine the most important features that a bathroom utility must have, there are, of course, a few cons to consider. First, such products aren’t equipped with waste containers. Thus, they require a direct connection with an outdoor plumbing system or any other utility. Also, there is slight pressure required to get that water to the bowl before flushing.
Macerator-based
Such toilets are a relatively new invention for camping and trailer uses. Equipped with a small fan or engine that grinds down any solid wastes, a macerator is great for compact and limited applications. With an added waste container, which isn’t attached to the toilet, this product becomes a real help while traveling. However, there is always a need to constantly maintain the container after a few uses.
Vacuum-based
Mainly equipped in trailers and vehicles that run long distances, bathroom utilities with the vacuum technology are great to a certain extent. Such units are good at dealing with wastes by sucking them in and sending them to a remote black box. They are efficient, simple to use, and very reliable.
On the other hand, vacuums are very difficult to install and maintain. The mechanism, which deals with wastes, is hard to mount and calibrate well. Moreover, when damaged, the details are quite pricey to replace.
Compost-producing
Great for the environment and simple in use, such toilets are a real help while RVing. The main feature that underscores their application is that these toilets filter solid and liquid wastes, which makes them easy to clean.
On the opposite, these units are not meant for a large number of people. As their waste containers are limited in volume, it’d require many-time cleanings to maintain them in good condition. Also, although there is a special in-built ventilation system to get rid of odors, compost-producing toilets may give off a slight smell of ground due to the chemical reactions inside the container.
This being said, such utilities are very efficient for a limited number of users.
Compact toilets
The simplest kind of toilet that a trailer can be equipped with is a compact toilet, aka portable. Despite being relatively cheap and affordable, these products don’t stand out due to any special features. They don’t filter biomaterials but create one-mass substances that the user has to remove quite often. Additionally, due to the absence of output gates, they are known to preserve and spread different smells that can cause discomfort while traveling.
Cassette units
Very similar to the previous type, the toilets equipped with cassettes are small, compact, and cheap. They take little space in a restroom compartment and are very easy to clean.
On the other hand, these units are normally permanently attached to one particular spot and cannot be moved. Generally maintained from outside the trailer, the toilets aren’t sealed firmly, thus releasing smells and odors. Since they require manual cleaning, the majority of RV owners try to avoid such items despite them being compact and light.
Polypropylene vs porcelain toilets
As for the materials used in toilet production, it does matter what a utility is made of. Though there is no ‘better or worse’ explanation for which product to buy, it’s preferable to take into consideration the following.
Common porcelain units are very durable and long-lasting. Their core material allows them to serve long years without succumbing to any serious damages. Scratches or chipping are no big deal for these sturdy items since they don’t worsen their performance in any way.
Contrastingly, porcelain products are very heavy. It’s difficult to get them in the van, let alone installing or replacing them. Once sufficiently damaged, a unit like this is very unlikely to be fixed properly, which might lead to bad performance. Also, porcelain toilets add extra weight to the vehicle and can wobble while riding if not adjusted well enough.
Besides this, there is always a chance of bacterial infestations in cases when a toilet isn’t cleaned properly. For this, it’s advisable to buy units that provide additional antibacterial coatings both for the body and the seat.
Simply put, plastic toilets are lighter and more movable than the porcelain ones. They are very easy to mount due to the flexibility and adjustability assured by default. Some of them don’t even require installation and can be firmly fixed to nearby cabinets or floor bolts.
Thanks to the elasticity, modern poly units are equipped with a large array of functions that come in handy while on a road trip or camping. There can be volume indicators, automated, and easy opening lids, as well as hand sprayers, etc. It’s comfortable to assemble and disassemble the items to clean and maintain them.
The units are effortless to empty and have special tubes and hoses for water supply.
On the other side, a lot of plastic toilets are not very durable. Their sturdy yet susceptible to pressure parts can be broken and might require replacing. Just like porcelain toilets, plastic ones can become an environment for various microbes. However, most of the modern manufacturers try to ensure the use of sanitary plastic in production. It’s more bacteria-resistant yet more expensive.
Additionally, plastic units can be sold for a higher price than regular ones due to the functions. On the contrary, they are usually provided with a better warranty from 2 to 5 years. This makes them more reliable in the long run.
FAQ:
Since it’s quite difficult to elaborate on the topic fully, there still might be some questions left about the use and maintenance of RV toilets. As a little bonus, here are the answers to some essential questions about the product.
How to replace an RV toilet?
If you need to replace a certain part of your RV toilet, then it’s recommended to contact the repair services company. Ask them about the peculiarities that your product might have and follow the instructions.
In case you need a full replacement, then first disjoin the water supply mechanism and use the water left in the holder. Empty the black box if your utility even has one. Then, unscrew the base of the toilet and remove it out of the bolt grooves.
Before mounting your new product, it’s better to check the bolts and gaskets for any creases or damage. If you find any, replace the old parts with the ones provided by the manufacturer of your new product.
How does an RV toilet work?
Depending on the type of amenity, there can be various mechanisms involved. Normally, an RV utility has a waste container, aka black box, and a water holder. When pressure is applied to the pedal, the water from the holder travels to the edges of the bowl, flushing the wastes. The latter are flushed down the curvature of the bowl all the way to the black box where they can undergo other processes, like filtering or disinfection. Moreover, you might want to consider learning how to unclog an RV toilet since this skill can save you a lot of time and money in the future.
How much water does an RV toilet use per flush?
Again, depending on the product, the amount can vary. On average, a single flush equals around one-quarter of a gallon. This should be enough to clean the bowl and send the wastes to the box.
Bottom Line
In closing, an RV toilet is a nice and often essential complement to your trailer. Not only does it provide ease and comfort while traveling, but it also satisfies one’s basic needs.
When choosing a good restroom utility, it’s important to pick a product that is going to correlate to your lifestyle. Also, consider the number of people it can be useful to and then make up your mind about a particular item.
Yes, there might as well be a certain discomfort when maintaining or cleaning an RV toilet, but it doesn’t even start measuring up with the benefits you will get.
Anyway, I hope this article has shed some light on the great varieties of products available on the market today. Maybe, you’ve already picked one from the list? Have you ever used any of the options described above? What did it feel like? Would you recommend them to your friends or other buyers? Make sure to comment down below and share your opinion; I would love to hear it from you. Take care!
Gerald Carpenter
My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.
I bought Thetford Aqua Magic Style Plus for my Avia Travel Trailer 2 years ago. I want to say that was a great replacement. It has a universal fit, so the installation was short and didn’t require extra help. The optimal seat height is ok for me and my kids. Water consumption is low, so the whole family gets enough flushes during long trips.