Your RV can serve various purposes, from purely recreational to commercial. Still, the toilet is a must-have thing if you plan to spend more than a few hours in the vehicle. The best RV toilet will make your trip or vacation much more comfortable sparing the time for looking for the toilet at a gas station, cafe, or another place.
Toilets designed for RVs do differ from the stationary home toilets. They’re of different shape, configuration, and require some special RV technical skills to be installed properly. They also differ from each other by many parameters. Let’s list the most important ones:
- Material. The most widespread are plastic and ceramic bowls. The ceramic ones feel more natural and home-like while the plastic bowls usually fit better for camping purposes, as they’re less subject to scratches and cracks.
- Type. The toilet can be plumbed-in type meaning that it’s installed once and for long, and the portable kind that can be moved and used in various circumstances. The portable toilets are equipped with their own tank, which is smaller than the RV one, and it’s not usually that easy to empty.
- Size and shape. The toilet can be low or tall, with the different shape of seat and bowl. This is crucial for installation at tight RV spaces.
- Flush system. It can be the regular gravity system or the more advanced macerating or vacuum flush one. The flush can be activated by foot or hand pedal.
What is the best RV toilet? Find out, read on!
RV Toilet Reviews
Camco 41531
Compact (11.5 x 14 x 16 inches) and easy-to-use, with good tank capacity and durable construction, this RV portable toilet should be on the list when looking for a good non-stationary option for your RV. It can be moved easily and used for home and camping use, as an additional guest room toilet, and so on.
The toilet has two tanks, a 2.5-gallon flush one, and a 2.6-gallon waste tank. This makes it suitable for a family camping without requiring frequent emptying. The flush system used is gravity type activated by the bellows-like pump. It flushes about ¼ of a gallon per each pressure and one flush is usually enough to empty the bowl.
The toilet, although not large, is made of a thick polyethylene and can hold up to 330 lbs. The flush tank is located right on the waste tank and has a bowl atop. It’s secured with the wide side latches that are easy to fix and remove while ensuring a stable locked-in position. Both tanks have built-in handles, so the toilet in whole or any part of it could be carried along to any place.
The waste tank is equipped with the hermetic valve that slides off at flushing and back on. It lets keep the toilet free of the smell while in use. It also provides for detaching the flush tank easily, without the risk of having a splash of waste. This RV cassette toilet is simple in handling and is designed to be used for the various outdoor situations including on-the-road emergencies.
Pros
- Side emptying pipe of the waste tank has a big screw-on cap and lets empty the tank without first turning it over.
- Equipped with the seat and lid parts.
- The flush tank can be filled without dismounting, through the top pipe with the cap.
Cons
- Low height (11.5 inches) makes it complicated to use by the elderly and challenged people.
- No waste hose attachment makes emptying the tank challenging due to smell.
Porta Potti 92306
If you’re seeking for a versatile toilet that could be used for various occasions like a long road trip or a camping toilet or the guest toilet for many people, the RV Porta Potti is the one to check. It has a large capacity, integrates the tank indicators, has the user-friendly emptying system, being portable, — a good option for any RV trip.
The toilet has the measurements 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 inches and consists of two halves that make the flush tank with the bowl, seat and lid, and the lower black water tank. The upper tank can hold up to 4 gallons of clean water, which can be controlled via the indicator on the top. The flush is activated by the hand pedal via the electronic mechanism. The latter requires 6 AA batteries to work properly; so, it’s good to have an extra batteries supply in your RV.
The bowl and the seat are relatively big for a camping toilet and remind of a home stationary models. The toilet is shaped like a barrel with the extended backside part ensuring a stable position at any place.
The waste tank is large holding up to 5.5 gallons of black water and allowing up to 55 flushes into a single tank. It’s equipped with the air tight valve locking the wastewater smell or splashback. The waste tank also has a level indicator and lets control and foresee the next emptying procedure. Separating the tanks of this portable RV toilet is easy thanks to the strong flip on the latch.
Pros
- Rotating disposal spout makes it easy to empty the tank without getting much odor and avoiding splashes.
- An integrated paper holder opens up and closes keeping the paper inside the toilet construction.
- Optional floor plate lets fix the toilet to the floor.
Cons
- The electronic mechanism drains the batteries quickly.
- Automatic flush releases the water but doesn’t open the waste valve.
Thetford Aqua-Magic V 31650
This stationary low-profile RV toilet is great for family camping. It’s low enough (12 15/16 inches) to be used by the child and the bowl is standard making it suitable for adults. The other dimensions of this toilet make 12-5/8 x 15-1/8 inches. The low-profile type can also become a single solution in the tight RV spaces, especially with the built-in wall cabinets above the toilet place.
The body of the toilet is made of solid plastic, which is durable yet lightweight. Weighing just 8.8 lbs, this toilet is easy to mount and fix properly by a single person. The lid is made of the textured plastic that sheds water efficiently and prevents minor scratches and scuffs.
The water supply and flush construction ensure the full bowl rinsing. The flush is controlled by the foot pedal that performs two functions. At half press, the mechanism releases the water stream into the bowl, and at the full press down the flush system is activated pouring the contents down into the RV sewage system. Due to the low-profile construction, the system isn’t sensitive to the toilet paper thickness and type and doesn’t clog easily.
The toilet features a classic design and looks and feels like a homebound appliance. It also has the option of installing a hand sprayer to reduce the water consumption and keep the RV water system sufficient. This travel trailer toilet is simple yet versatile and makes a good option for the plumbed in onboard toilet.
Pros
- A powerful pump flush disposes of the waste quickly.
- Quick and easy installation, just install the gasket and tighten the bolts.
- The bowl is easy to clean, no hard-to-get places.
Cons
- The bowl construction provokes a slight backsplash.
- The flush mechanism is noisy.
Thetford Porta POTTI 565P
The high quality, solidity, and large capacity along with the portable type make it a worthy option among the camper toilets. It has many features for convenient sage and maintenance and can serve well for parties or longtime trips into the wild.
The toilet has two parts and can contain a lot of liquid. The Ccapacity of flush-water tank is 15 L and the lower one can accommodate 21 L of waste. This means about 50 flushes can be made into one tank and the latter doesn’t require frequent emptying (making it a great onboard option for long trips, nighttime toilet needs, or a backstopping camping solution during the nasty weather outside).
The shape of the toilet is barrel-like and it’s quite tall (17.72 inches). Total dimensions make 17.64 x 15.28 x 17.72 inches. It has a good weight (about 12 lbs) and feels stable and comfortable for people of all weights and sizes. It also makes a good family option being low enough for the young children and not requiring the elderly family members to sit down too low.
The construction foresees the built-in toilet paper holder that can be snapped open and close back when not needed. The paper stays clean when not in use and doesn’t take additional space in the RV. The flush is activated by hand and can be used with the lid staying open or closed. The sliding shutter mechanism opens the valve to dispose of the contents into the black water tank.
Pros
- The tight valve makes the toilet smell-free.
- Waste release button lets dispose of the black water easily, without splashback and a lot of odor.
- The powerful pump makes the flush clean the entire bowl.
Cons
- The pressure can build up in a tank making a shoot when first releasing the emptying cap.
- The special soft paper should be used; otherwise, the system clogs swiftly.
Dometic 310 Series
If you’re looking for the home comfort in the sanitation area of your RV and are ready to spend more for it, this Dometic RV toilet might be the option you’re looking for. It’s a plumbed-in full-size toilet that can be used by adults of different weight categories, easy to use, and featuring an efficient cleaning system.
The height of this model makes 20 inches and is comparable to the stationary home toilets. Its size makes 19.00 x 15.00 x 20.00 inches. It serves well for most adults and especially elder people who shouldn’t bend and sit down too low to use the toilet. The bowl is deep and has prolonged shape, which also makes up for the toilet versatility.
The bowl is made of ceramic and is sturdy and heavy. It weighs 22.75 lbs and might require assistance for installation. However, once installed, the toilet is quite simple to use. It features a foot pedal with a double-action performance. The half-press adds water into the bowl and the full down press opens the waste valve performing the flush.
The water is streamed through the small holes in the upper part of the bowl and is whirling in the bowl ensuring 360-degree rinsing. The flush is the gravity type and is highly efficient in removing all the waste particles into the black water tank. The seat is made of wood and covered with enamel. This porcelain RV toilet looks and feels like a home toilet and is a great option for RVs equipped with the sewage tanks.
Pros
- Powered flush cleans the bowl efficiently.
- The waste valve works fast and locks the odor completely.
- The preinstalled seal ring provides for quick installation.
Cons
- The flush pedal is plastic and can easily break down.
- Plastic base.
Dometic 320 Series
This ceramic RV toilet has multiple features to recreate the feel of the home-style appliance. It’s solid and reliable, equipped with the powered flush and efficient rinsing mechanism. Besides, it’s quite simple to install and doesn’t consume much water out of the RV system. This toilet is a good option for long trips or camps where the water supply is inconsistent while providing enhanced comfort of the built-in home style toilet.
The flush system in this toilet is based on the gravity principle and, combined with the powered water supply, ensures the water whirling along with the bowl and rinsing the entire surface. The rim keeps the water inside the bowl eliminating splashes. The water consumption is minimized to one pint per flush, while the toilet can also be equipped with the hand sprayer to further reduce water spending.
The flush is performed via the press of the foot pedal that incorporates two functions: water supply at a half-press and the flushing at a full one. The pedal and the toilet’s base are plastic while the bowl is made of sturdy ceramic. The latter is scratch resistant and has a mirror-like surface. It’s complemented with the wooden enameled seat that has a slow-close mechanism and doesn’t bang on the bowl when lowered.
The height of the seat makes 18 inches and can suit most adults, with width and depth making 14.75 x 19.75 inches. The bowl is deep and elongated to provide comfortable seating. This toilet could easily claim the title of the best RV toilet among the plumbed-in options. Still, it’s also priced higher than many competitors while the value is quite high.
Pros
- A simple two-bolt installation doesn’t require specific technical skills.
- The replaceable seat can be changed to another type (for children, small people, etc.).
- The hand sprayer can be wall-mounted next to the toilet.
Cons
- Not a complete flush, a small amount of wastewater stays and can color the bowl.
- A vacuum breaker isn’t reliable and can leak.
Thetford Aqua-Magic V 31667
Lightweight, easy to install, and convenient, this RV toilet can be used for occasional RV trips and full-time living. It has the height of the regular residential toilet and is quite comfortable to use by people of different ages and possibilities.
The material of both the base and the bowl is plastic making the toilet very lightweight. It weighs just a bit over 9 lbs and is simple to install single-hand. The toilet is supplied with all necessary parts and is easily mounted onto the RV floor. The water connection is also comprehensive, with a simple and efficient valve construction.
The toilet is serviceable, with most of the parts being replaceable and within the reach. This means that should some mechanism break, you can easily detect the problem and fix or replace it.
The flush is the two-stage one activated by the handle situated on the side, closer to the back. The handle moved to the first position releases the water into the bowl and, moved further, performs a flush with the entire bowl rinsing.
The height of this Thetford RV toilet makes 17.5 inches high, 18.25 inches wide and 19 inches deep, which is close to the models plumbed-in at most homes. The seat is equipped with the textured lid that sustains minor scratches and bangs and sheds water well. While the water consumption is standard, it can be improved by the installation of the hand sprayer, which is optional for this model.
Pros
- Hand pedal is within reach and could be used anytime.
- Plastic is durable and can handle standard weight well.
- The waste valve works steadily and doesn’t let the odor through.
Cons
- The open chamber between the discharge valve and the RV sewage.
- Short water supply line; needs an extension for some RVs.
Thetford Aqua-Magic II 42062
Need an RV toilet that would feel like a homelike one but wouldn’t break the bank? Check out the Aqua-Magic Style II one, which features a china bowl, and optional hand sprayer appliance. The toilet is the plumbed-in type and will fit any RV type provided there’s enough place for it above the sewage opening.
The installation is simple and doesn’t require much twiddling or specific technical knowledge. The necessary parts including the seal ring are included. Connecting the waterline, putting a seal, and screwing two bolts onto the RV floor can be done within half an hour.
The toilet is equipped with a full-bowl flush system that has the two-stage mechanism. The latter is turned on with the press of a foot pedal, which proves to be more sanitary than the hand one. The pedal has a stop on its way, where the middle position stands for water stream activated and filling the bowl. The full press down evokes a full flush with the entire bowl rinsing.
The height of this toilet makes it suitable for RVers of different age and height. The bowl upper edge has 17 ½ inches to the floor while the included seat adds another ¾ of an inch. Other dimensions make 23.25 x 22.75 inches. The bowl on this elongated RV toilet is made of porcelain, while the base and the flush mechanism are plastic. The bowl is wide and deep reminding of the residential models and providing comfortable seating for most people.
Pros
- The lid covers the seat fully and has a notch on the front for easy grip and open up.
- The seat is treated with the antimicrobial substance to prevent bacteria growth.
- Looks modern; bone-colored.
Cons
- The seat has grooves and crevices underneath that are difficult to clean.
- The plastic pedal mount is prone to breaking over several months.
Thetford Aqua-Magic V 31668
This middle-class camper toilet is affordable and offers good value for its price. Though it’s entirely plastic, it’s made thick enough to withstand the weight of an average adult and the frequent usage. This model can be used in any RV type that can accommodate the plumbed-in toilet, doesn’t take much space, and is simple to use and maintain. That’s a great option if you don’t mind plastic bowl and wish to save another hundred dollars.
The base and the bowl together make 17 ½ inches of height providing comfortable seating for adult and elderly RVers. The bowl is big enough to be compared to the residential toilets and has good depth. It’s 15.1-inch wide and 17.8inch deep.
The gravity type flushing system is complemented with the two-in-one mechanism activated by the flush handle. The latter is situated within the reach on the left side of the toilet. The handle has three positions: the default one (both valves closed), the half-way (water valve opened, waste valve closed), and full-open (both valves open). The latter ensures the full flush with the water washing the whole surface of the bowl.
The seat on this model is flat plastic with the non-banging lid. The lid has textured surface, which doesn’t keep water and covers the seat entirely. It has a recessed front part allowing to take up the lid quickly.
Like other Thetford models, the Aqua-Magic V 31668 features simple two-bolt fixation with the seal ring and universal waterline connection.
Pros
- Very lightweight — just 9.37 lbs, easy to install and maintain.
- Can accommodate the hand sprayer.
- The tight waste valve makes the toilet odor-free.
Cons
- No pipe between the valve and the sewage opening, the part of waste might stay inside the toilet.
- Requires the water line extension (at least 2 inches) for the connection to some RV water systems.
Nature’s Head NH-SPH
If you’re into the green treatment, this composting toilet for RV might become a solution. It uses the separation mechanism where all the liquids are kept in a separate container and the solid waste is turned into the half-compost. The toilet doesn’t feature a flush in the regular meaning, while you might need to pour a cup of water occasionally to clean the bowl.
The height of this toilet is 20 inches, width is 20.5, and depth makes 21.7 inches. It has a full-size bowl with elongated shape making suitable seating for the majority of adult and elderly people. The toilet is highly durable, made of thick plastic and stainless (latches, crank, etc.).
This type of toilet requires different maintenance than regular plumbed-in or portable toilets. Any chemicals coming to the compost bin might ruin the bacteria and make the toilet useless. The urine bottle should be emptied as soon as full and the solid waste bin should serve for about 90 uses before emptying. The side crank shaped as the spider legs must be turned daily to ensure the proper compost build.
For emptying, the upper part of the toilet should be taken off, which is easy to do with the snap on latches. The whole construction weighs 28 lbs and can be carried to any place, though there are no specific handles for this. This RV composting toilet costs five times more than the popular portable models with the regular sewage and water system. Still, its solid build, modest maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly framework make it a good investment for years.
Pros
- Built-in 12V fan makes up for the fresh air around the toilet.
- Doesn’t need the water line connection; works well for dry camping.
- The side handle for opening the #1 and #2 compartments is located and turned conveniently.
Cons
- No indicator for urine bottle level.
- For seated use only (strong stream makes the liquid go to the solid waste tank and make the compost wet).
Thetford Aqua-Magic 42169
The first thing to notice about this motorhome toilet is that it looks just like the residential toilets and is very similar to them. The bowl is large, with an elongated shape and full-size seat that could easily be exchanged for any seat sold in the regular plumbing or bathroom accessories stores.
The height of this toilet is 18 inches (the ADA standard) with the seat that makes it convenient for people with different height and state of health. It’s 19 ¾-inch long and 15 ¼-inch wide. This model isn’t the lightest of Thetford toilets weighing 12.3 lbs; yet, its maintenance and installation are easily manageable by a single person. The mechanism is simple and intuitive; so, replacing a broken part or fixing anything shouldn’t be a problem. The weight is good for stable toilet positioning and the plastic is thick enough not to flex under the considerable weight.
The water consumption is standard, which is fine considering the large bowl. The flush is operated through the foot pedal. The latter is located on the left side and doesn’t come in a way when approaching the toilet or using it. The flushing procedure consists of two steps: the slight press on the pedal allows water to enter the bowl, and the full down position activates the flush. The water supply is pressurized to clean the bowl in full. The sealing valve is efficiently locking the opening to keep the smell out and holding 1-2 inches of water left in the bowl for several days.
Pros
- A hand sprayer can be installed.
- The seat is treated with the antimicrobial substance.
- Lid stopper secures the lid from bending backward and breaking.
Cons
- The spring in the foot pedal feels a bit flimsy.
- The seat position is slightly unstable and tends to slide.
Buyer’s Guide
How to Clean RV Toilet
The cleaning procedure can be divided into two parts: the usual maintenance and unclogging.
Cleaning the toilet:
- Prepare the tools and cleaners. It’s recommended to use bacteria-based cleaners instead of the chemical-based ones, as the latter can kill the bacteria in the RV black water tank and induce clogs and tank damage. The tools and cleaners should be chosen with regard to the bowl material: the soft ones for plastic, the harder ones for ceramic.
- Pour a small amount of water into the bowl and spread it on the surface. Apply the cleaner and let it stay for 3-5 minutes.
- Brush the bowl thoroughly with the tool you’ve chosen (e.g. a sponge brush). Make sure to go under the rim if the bowl is rimmed.
- Rinse the bowl and make a full flush.
How to unclog RV toilet:
- Use the de-clogging wand, preferably with the water stream.
- Apply unclogging chemicals like tissue digester. Rinse with water thoroughly.
- Pour the boiling water (about 8 gallons) into the bowl with the waste valve open. Drive the RV for a while to let the liquids mix and soak.
- Pour some water into the bowl, put the ice cubes there and fill the bowl, then flush. Drive the vehicle to let the ice cubes grind at the clogging and detach it.
How to Replace RV Toilet
- Turn off the water supply, flush the old toilet, and drain the RV waste tank completely. Park the vehicle on the flat surface and fix it with the hand brake and wheel stops.
- Disconnect the old toilet water line. Clean the water pipe if needed. Replace the worn-out parts of the plumbing.
- Unscrew the bolts at the old toilet base. Before removing the toilet, prepare the box with the old newspapers or rags in order to put the toilet in. Take off the toilet from its seat and place it in the box to avoid dripping on the floor. Take the old toilet away.
- Clean the waste pipe if needed and remove everything around the sewage opening (the old seal residue, waste buildup, etc.).
- Remove the old gasket and place the one supplied with the new toilet. Align carefully.
- Put a new toilet on the gasket and align so that the mounting holes on the RV floor match the ones on the toilet. Make sure the toilet doesn’t wobble; put a bit of pressure on it to seal it to the floor.
- Insert the bolts and nuts and screw them up tightly. Make sure not to overtighten and damage the bolts.
- Connect the new toilet line to the water supply. Turn it on and flush. Ensure there are no leaks and the toilet is working properly.
My name is Brandon, and I’ve been interested in cars since I was a kid. I got a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked in a private car workshop. I have two cars that have been completely upgraded with my own hands. So I successfully put all my knowledge into practice.
Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API