How to Choose the Best RV Toilet

Having an RV toilet that’s functional, well-built, and works flawlessly will make every trip more enjoyable and relaxing. There are a lot of choices out there, and many even seem identical to one another. Let’s take a closer look at options to know which RV toilets are really the best and worth investing in. 

Photo of an RV toilet

General Types of RV Toilets

Hope this list of general toilet types with pros and cons will make your choice easier.

1. Gravity flush

Most recreational vehicles use the more conventional gravity-flush toilet. This is because these toilets are typically standard issues in recreational vehicles. The cost of a macerator toilet is more than that of a gravity flush toilet. It looks like the toilet you have in your bathroom, just smaller. You can only use it if it is hooked up to running water, as it does not include a water storage tank. A foot pedal is used for flushing the toilet, and the tank is refilled by pulling a lever. Problems might also arise during maintenance. In addition, if you’re a rookie player, you might find it humiliating to empty the black tank under the vehicle. 

2. Macerating flush

This kind of lavatory features motorized blades that break down waste into smaller pieces before flushing it into the black tank. This makes sure the black tank’s contents are all liquid or almost so, making blockage extremely unlikely. With a macerator toilet, you won’t have to worry about the usual issues when using a standard gravity flush toilet. Even while a macerator toilet has several advantages, including this one, it is somewhat pricey. A gravity flush toilet may save you time and effort on repairs. However, a macerator toilet may be the most comfortable alternative to the standard RV toilet.

3. Vacuum flush

A macerating pump and vacuum unit remove the waste from a vacuum-flush toilet. Because of the vacuum’s eroding effects, flushing is significantly more effective, and waste is liquefied. It’s practical since there are usually a few spots in your RV where you can set it up.

4. Composting toilet

Most composting toilets include a separate room for composting, located either next to or separate from the main bathroom. The composting substance is used to keep trash from smelling bad. You’ll still pick up a hint of soil, that’s for sure. However, the absence of composting material will result in a much stronger odor. Separation of moist and dry waste is the second key to a successful composting toilet, along with the composting material. Separate containers are used for urine and solid waste, with the latter being digested by a composting process. For a small group, these utilities perform admirably.

5. Portable toilet

All you need for a portable RV toilet is a toilet with a lid. Like a composting toilet, all that’s required for upkeep is the occasional emptying. Raw sewage is produced since this toilet does not have a solids-to-liquids separation mechanism. While convenient, they can be set up quickly, and with little effort, frequent trips to an RV dump or a standard toilet for waste disposal are required. No hose means the sewage is exposed for all to see and smell. Thus, a portable RV toilet might not be the best choice if you plan on traveling with a large party or for an extended period.

6. Cassette toilet 

Cassette RV toilets don’t appear to be all that different from its more commonplace relative, the gravity flush toilet since they both use a flushing system to discharge waste. A foot pedal by the restroom will set this in motion. The waste storage tank in most recreational vehicles is permanently installed and may be accessed from the outside. The tiny size of vans necessitates the usage of cassette toilets. The black tank on a cassette RV toilet is usually removable. When it comes time to empty the tank or give it a good scrub, you can simply take it out. They often have huge tanks. Most cassette toilets include a black tank holding roughly 20 liters of waste. The typical capacity of a gravity flush toilet is 9–15 liters.

Key Features You Should Know

Knowing some crucial information may help you to choose the right sanitary ware. So keep reading to learn key features of your future purchase.

Ease of installation

The setup process for an RV toilet shouldn’t be difficult or time-consuming. A flush toilet should have easy installation instructions because it is necessary equipment for camping trips. An additional quality of the greatest RV toilet is its ease of maintenance and cleaning.

Length of trip

Lengthy trips may limit the availability of trash cans and dumpsters. If you have a cassette or portable toilet, you may need an extra tank for these scenarios. These toilets are also more practical in the wilderness. 

Durability

Toilets in recreational vehicles are often plastic. They are easier to move about and less sturdy than porcelain ones. Parts of them are strong but easily damaged by pressure, so they may need to be replaced. It may not last as long as porcelain, but it will do the job. Porcelain toilets are more attractive and long-lasting when you wish to recreate the comforts of home.

Type of user

Don’t buy a low-profile toilet if elderly or disabled people are going to use it. You may install a raised platform over this toilet to make it more accessible. When choosing a toilet, it’s best to go with a high-profile model, as they are often the size of standard home fixtures.

Waste capacity

The further you can go without stopping to empty your portable toilet, the more comfortable your trip will be. The garbage will start to stink if you leave it there for too long. You won’t have to pull over often to empty the waste from your RV toilet if it has a larger capacity.