Best RV Toilets For Comfortable Van Travel

Gary Johnson
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Living in your car or RV can be tough. To make matters worse, finding a clean and comfortable toilet is likely to be one of your biggest road trip frustrations. These solid, air-tight toilets are the answer. They stow away in a few square inches, use no water, and are silent, with no odor whatsoever.

Product: Best RV Toilet:

Product: Other Great Option:

Product: Other Great Option:

Here is the top ten list of the best RV toilet options for pressure relief and waste containment.

Reviews of: 1. Thetford Curve Portable Toilet (Best RV Toilet) 2. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet 3. Hydro-Logic SHORTY Toilet 4. No Dump Travel John 5. The TST Portable Composting Toilet 6. Thetford C200 Aqua Magic 7. Camco Safe-T-Fresh Non-Electric Travel Toilet 8. Porta Potti 240v Travel Potti, White 9. Camco Standard Waste Tank, Black, 1 Each (44544)

Thetford Curve Portable Toilet Product: The only portable toilet I found that comes with a 90 day warranty from the manufacturer. The Curve packs easily and is comfortable to sit on. It has the weight of a cooler on top of it, so it's very sturdy.

NameCategoryProduct
CamcoBest OverallCamco
Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-InsBudget PickWalex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins
Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained ToiletUpgrade PickSaniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet

1. Camco

Our rating: 9 / 10

Camco

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Pros:

  • Small
  • Not too heavy (2lbs)
  • Doesn’t take up much space (12 x 8 x 8”)
  • Offers strong odor control
  • Easy to clean
  • Can handle an extended number of users
  • Removing the hose protects the toilet from spills

This odorless and environmentally friendly toilet is on the smaller side making it ideal for those traveling in a camper, a motorhome, or even a 4-wheel drive.

The toilet is also easy to clean and to empty. However, it is 5.3 gallons in capacity, so make sure you bring an empty container if you plan to dump the contents along the way.

Another user called it the happy spot between porta potty and porta potty, so if you don’t want too much smell by using a porta potty but don’t want to worry about your trailer flooding because of a broken sewage tank, then this is the portable RV toilet for you.

2. Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment

Our rating: 9 / 10

Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment

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Pros:

  • Safe and organic formula
  • 64-treatments
  • Biodegradable
  • Eliminates odors and stains

If you’re looking for a safe and organic solution for your RV holding tank then you’ll definitely want to take a look at this Happy Camper product. Organically based, it eliminates odor, stains, build-up, and bad bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals, detergents, or perfumes. It’s based on an EPA-registered formula that allows you to safely flush your black tank and conserve water. The product also comes in pre-dosed pouches and is easy to use. It’s made from 100 percent organic ingredients providing you ultimate comfort when traveling.

Plus, you can use it on an intermittent basis as it doesn’t come with any harsh chemicals. It’s biodegradable and safe for you to use even if you have a septic tank. It also comes at a pocket-friendly price.

3. Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Our rating: 9 / 10

Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

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Pros:

  • Top-of-the-line waste management system for motorhomes, trailers, campers, and more
  • Spider Handle design for easy use
  • Flush handle is a breeze to use
  • Quiet operation

Admittedly, finding the best toilet options for your camper may not seem like a super exciting endeavor. After all, how much thought goes into it?

As it turns out, a lot.

Here’s why:

4. Dometic 310 Series Low Profile Toilet

Our rating: 8 / 10

Dometic 310 Series Low Profile Toilet

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Pros:

  • Heated seat
  • Looks great
  • Awesome customer service
  • Quick delivery
  • Water conservation

Works with Dometic 320 Series Balcony Sewer Hose Kit.

Our top pick, the Dometic 310 series, has gotten some incredible feedback from owners. Here’s what one customer had to say, “This is my second one I bought. The first was in my old teardrop trailer. The seat heated you up in the beginning of the season. A lot of times, we are freezing, so the seat was nice in the fall to start out. Now, with this new one here, it’s perfect for out RV. We’re touring around a lot, so we need to take a dump regularly. And when it’s cold outside, it’s freezing in the RV. The seat has heated us up. It is wonderful.”

Another customer said, “This toilet works perfectly. We are now feeling like we are living in a real home again. The toilet is very comfortable, and the heated seat gives me a good feeling for the cold winter. I highly recommend this.”

5. Aquinelle Toilet Tissue Mist

Our rating: 8 / 10

Aquinelle Toilet Tissue Mist

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Pros:

  • Neutral odor
  • Removes germs and bacteria
  • Keeps outside of RV clean
  • Surfaces dry quickly
  • Leaves no film
  • No clogging danger
  • Removes scent
  • No lights up in the middle of the night
  • Consistent mist spray
  • Does not cause toilet paper to clog

Saves Time, Space, and Money… Great for Travel, RVs, Boating, Camping, College Dorms

6. Dometic 320 Series Low Profile Toilet

Our rating: 8 / 10

Dometic 320 Series Low Profile Toilet

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Pros:

  • Easily fits in tight spaces
  • Perfect for RVs and boats
  • Installs easily
  • Great customer service
  • Solid construction
  • Almost no odors
  • Low water consumption
  • Safe for septic tanks

The Dometic 320 Series Low Profile Toilet gets top marks for comfort, venting, and easier installation. It has an effective funnel flush and a low profile design that gives it an advantage over residential bathrooms. This toilet is perfect for RVs and boats, giving you a comfortable way to relive yourself while on the road.

The Dometic 320 Series Low Profile Toilet is also a good solution if you’re limited for space. It has slim design and extra-strong flushing power. The deal sealer is its push button flushing action. You don’t have to reach inside the toilet bowl to flush it. It is equipped with Auto Flush technology, giving it the ability to flush after each use automatically.

Last but not least, if you are wondering where the Dometic toilet was made, it was distributed out of Findley (Ohio, USA) until 2013. Since then, the Dometic deluxe “comfort” toilets are made in Slovenia.

7. Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins

Our rating: 8 / 10

Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins

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Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Effective
  • Does not produce any bad odors

Bad smells are the most common reason for rejection for mobile home parks. There are many toilet treatment solutions that claim to be a deodorizer but none work as effectively as Walex Holding Tank Deodorizer.

The reason this deodorizing product is highly effective is because it is specially formulated for septic and holding tanks and is made up of bacteria that are harmless to humans. These bacteria are created by Sunglow Enterprises and they come alongside a free sample packet with instructions.

It is a fact that the bacteria in septic tanks can get depleted easily. Bacteria in the tanks can also get altered because of the chemical composition in the holding tanks. The bacteria in the septic tanks convert the waste to acids and any kind of septic treatment cannot function without bacteria.

8. Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet

Our rating: 8 / 10

Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet

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Pros:

  • Portable
  • Available with or without holding tanks
  • Fits most RVs and vans
  • Easy to install and use
  • Less space required than a standard bathroom toilet
  • Great alternative to holding tanks
  • No more holding tanks smells when you’re on the road

Cons:

  • Holds less than a standard RV toilet
  • Won’t work on vans with tanks underneath
  • Takes at least 20 minutes to flush

The best RV toilet is the Saniflo 023 with holding tanks. This toilet’s sleek, modern design with plenty of space-saving features, it’s a great alternative to holding tanks when you’re on the road and don’t want to worry about them.

The Sanicompact by Saniflo allows you to connect the toilet to a holding tank, which helps to prevent odors from escaping.

The toilet itself will hold about 25 ounces before you have to empty it to avoid odors. However, when connected to a holding tank, it won’t require frequent emptying. When you do empty it, the toilet can be used as a holding tank as well.

9. Portable Toilet Camping Porta Potty

Our rating: 7 / 10

Portable Toilet Camping Porta Potty

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Pros:

  • Easy to set up, close, and use.
  • Very portable—just unzip and use.
  • Very comfortable and hands-free.
  • Leak-proof design.
  • Includes waste bag storage.
  • Easy clean-up and disposal of wastes.
  • Does not create bad odors.

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Must use bags and is not designed for pouring in the contents.
  • Solid waste not visible in bag.
  • Must keep plastic cover on black lid while transporting to protect contents from wetness.
  • Bag is a bit big and gets in the way sometimes.

Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Activities (Black).

According to our tests, this portable toilet camping porta potty is very effective as a camping toilet. The convenience and functionality of this camping toilet are really great. Space in the van is critical and this toilet removes a lot of the pain associated with camping.

There are a few problems you should know about.

10. MOSO NATURAL: The Original Air Purifying Bag.

Our rating: 7 / 10

MOSO NATURAL: The Original Air Purifying Bag.

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Pros:

  • Easy to use and cheaper than charcoal filters.
  • Compact and lightweight design.
  • Long lasting up to five years.
  • Does not produce toxic gases.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large family car camping trips.
  • Not efficient to have installed in your bathrooms.

The best RV toilet for your van or camper is MOSO Natural: The Original Air Purifying Bag. for Cars, Closets, Bathrooms, Pet Areas. an Unscented, Chemical-Free Odor Eliminator. 200g 4 Pack (Charcoal).

Odor in your RV is mostly caused by the build up of moisture that attracts a lot of bad odor causing pollutants. The MOSO bag is supposed to neutralize it completely and produce fresher scents.

On second thought there’s no need to spend a lot of money to purchase a cloth or an odor reducing bag.

11. Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet Pedal Flush / High Profile / White

Our rating: 7 / 10

Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet Pedal Flush / High Profile / White

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Pros:

  • Long lifespan
  • Doesn’t leak
  • Hassle-free setup and use
  • Plastic construction
  • Doesn’t rattle when driving over bumps

Cons:

  • Doesn’t provide for an instant flush
  • Just one color

The Thetford Aqua-Magic is a great toilet for your RV and comes at a decent price.

As one of the best RV toilet p-traps that reviewers rave about, the Thetford Aqua-Magic is a heavy duty, yet compact toilet that is odor-free, and allows for a consistent water level when you flush. It also has a design that makes it easy to keep clean. Many reviewers even refer to this as the next best thing to a real toilet. However, some reviewers found this toilet to be a bit flimsy.

12. Porta Potti White Thetford Corp

Our rating: 7 / 10

Porta Potti White Thetford Corp

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Pros:

  • Strong construction
  • Quick and easy to use and clean
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Fragile lid
  • Needs frequent flushing

21549

No matter how comfortable your van or RV is, there is one thing that’s hard to get past in most vans – the bathroom. Most of the time, they’re tiny and uncomfortable. If you’re looking for the best option for a toilet that will fit your needs, look no further than the Porta Potti White.

The Porta Potti White is a portable toilet you can use in any conversion van or RV. It’s compact and easy to clean and comes equipped with a carrying handle, toilet seat, and two heavy-duty carry bag handles for easy transport.

13. SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet

Our rating: 7 / 10

SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet

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Pros:

  • Portable
  • Easy to clean
  • Top pick from thousands

Does the idea of using an RV toilet make you cringe? If so, then you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to worry about other people seeing your little treasure with the SereneLife Outdoor Toilet.

This toilet is completely enclosed and is made of super sanitary materials. Plus, it’s incredibly portable, which is a huge bonus when you’re roughing it in the woods or planning to go on a long road trip.

The SereneLife Outdoor Toilet is very simple to use and operates much like a regular toilet at home. All you do is open it, flip on the exhaust fan, squat down (by the way, it’s best to go while sitting), and flush the toilet. The lid can be used as a handle when carrying the toilet and is removable for easy cleaning.

14. Leopard Portable Outdoor RV Toilet

Our rating: 6 / 10

Leopard Portable Outdoor RV Toilet

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Pros:

  • Incredible water savings
  • Easy to handle and empty
  • Flush works well even using a bucket
  • Works like a flush toilet
  • Great warranty

Cons:

  • No toilet paper holder
  • Strap that connects the bag to handle is weak
  • The plastic tank is a little thin

Our top choice is the Leopard Portable Outdoor RV toilet, which offers the best of both worlds – comfort and convenience with a price point that’s easy to justify. In fact, this model is designed keeping travelers in mind, and its features are ideal for those who want to use a toilet that works as well as a regular one.

Even though it’s marketed as an outdoor product, this toilet can be used inside the van as well. The packaging includes a pump-out hose adapter, a battery-operated hand held electric pump, a comfortable lightweight seat, a carry handle, a shutoff clamp, and a 3-follower flush system that makes it one of the few portable toilets out there that sport a flush toilet mechanism, taking out the need to carry a bucket of water.

15. Palm Springs Outdoor 5 Gal Portable Outdoor Camping Recreation Toilet

Our rating: 6 / 10

Palm Springs Outdoor 5 Gal Portable Outdoor Camping Recreation Toilet

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Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Complete and compact
  • Perfect for garden areas and terraces
  • Fully portable
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Folds flat for storage
  • Raises up to allow for easy drainage
  • Simple to clean
  • Compatible with chemical holding tank systems
  • Easily transportable

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with instructions
  • Installation is quite tough for newbies

The Palm Springs outdoor portable camping toilet is very much appealing when you are out in the wilderness. It is made of high-quality materials and it has a solid construction. The toilet is made of premium quality polycrystalline material making it durable and long-lasting.

The toilet is compact and it can be used for camping, beach activities, RV and travel. The exterior has a beautiful white polycrystalline finishing and it includes a toilet seat. It works best with chemical holding tank systems and the company recommends the use of Peets’s Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Formula.

16. RID-X Commercial Septic System Liquid Treatment

Our rating: 6 / 10

RID-X Commercial Septic System Liquid Treatment

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Pros:

  • Great for van life or camping
  • Easy to use
  • Does the job well
  • Contains sodium hypochlorite
  • Doesn’t need electricity to work
  • Very affordable
  • Safe for use with RV and marine systems
  • Very little odor
  • Fast results
  • Fast-acting

Cons:

  • Some users have experienced irritation after use.

RID-X is a great product that is widely used by many campers and long-term travelers who are looking for a way to clean their RV systems. Many previous users of different septic system chemical are standing by the effectiveness of RID-X, saying that it does the job very well.

RID-X contains sodium hypochlorite, which is the chemical used in regular household bleach. However, it has been specially formulated so that it can be used in the RV’s septic system. Because of this, it doesn’t need power to function and will just work on its own.

Some previous users said that they’ve used this product before and it is fast-acting and very effective in cleaning the RV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you put a real toilet in a travel trailer?

If you have a small travel trailer, keeping a full size commode in the bathroom might present some issues. For starters, many mobile home owners are frequently forced to remove the toilet from the bathroom to make room for additional guests. Then, finding another location for a full bathroom can be difficult.

So, can you place a real toilet in a travel trailer? It depends. If you travel little, and you don't mind bunking in your own pew and bath room, then it's not too hard to fit both an adult and a child in the same setup. If you have a larger travel trailer, living in the bathroom might not be your favorite idea. If you like travel trailers, then it makes sense for you to have much more enjoyable comforts than the standard commode.

How can I make my RV toilet smell better?

You can use a puck (and add some homemade deodorizer) or a spray that you can attach to the water line in your toilet. Fresh water helps kill any smell. You can start your tank with fresh water after every cleaning if it will be empty for a day or two, or every time you go somewhere to use the bathroom.

Another option that we highly recommend is a RV Holding Tank Rinser. These devices are attached to your fresh water line. As the black tank fills, fresh water flushes the tank and rinses everything clean. A holding tank rinser will help control odors and is also helpful in the winter when your tank has more water in it.

Note that a holding tank rinser will help the odor in your tank, but it is not a replacement for cleaning. You will still need to do a full tank cleaning periodically.

Do you really need special toilet paper for RV?

If you ever find yourself in a public RV bathroom you will find at least three different brands of toilet paper. Well, you are not just saving money with the cheaper toilet paper, you are saving the environment a lot too. Most toilet paper is made of wood pulp which is a natural product and biodegradable. So, you can toss it in the trash with out putting toxic chemicals in the landfills.

Use rv toilet paper and avoid using those expensive commercial toilet seats that are made out of terrible chemicals that get recycled into toxic gases that can be harmful to your health and your family in your home and in your car.

What toilet paper is safe for RV use?

When it comes to picking out toilet paper for your RV, you have two choices: toilet paper that’s meant to be flushed (and won’t ruin your system), or toilet paper that’s not meant for flushing.

Many people prefer the second choice because it’s cheaper and they don’t like having the other stuff (wipes, baby products, chemicals, etc) in their toilets. Personally, I like to keep everything in the same place so I go with the toilet paper that is meant for flushing.

We use Charmin Ultra Soft, which seems to work the best for my family. If you have another brand you like, then that’s fine, too.

Conclusion

We are committed to helping you find the best RV toilet whether you are renting or buying a van, and no matter how long you are going to be using it. RV toilets are among the most important additions to a camper van conversion; if you choose poorly, you may be squirming in your seat every time you have to go to the bathroom, and that will really take some fun out of your vacation.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
CamcoBest OverallCamco
Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-InsBudget PickWalex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins
Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained ToiletUpgrade PickSaniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet