Best RV Toilets (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022 | The Drive

2022-07-11 12:14:11 By : Mr. Yu Liu

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No one wants to think about their RV’s toilet — but while it isn’t the most glamorous aspect of RV camping, it’s a pretty essential one. Without a good, quality RV toilet, you can find that your trips out into new wide-open spaces become serious adventures. After all, there’s no one out there who enjoys creating their own bathroom out in nature. Having an RV toilet that’s functional, well-built, and works flawlessly will make every trip more enjoyable and relaxing. 

But how do you know which RV toilets are really the best and worth investing in? There are a lot of choices out there, and many even seem identical to one another. We’ve done the hard work for you, and we have a list of the best RV toilets available right here. Plus, you’ll find all of the advice and insight you need to find the best RV toilet for your specific camper’s needs.

Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet

This gravity-flush toilet with an 18-inch seat has a ceramic bowl and 360-degree vortex flush pattern. It includes a water line connection, two-bolt installation, optional hand spray, and a two-year warranty.

This toilet features a single-handle flush system, it weighs 9.4 pounds, and it can be fitted with a hand sprayer. Its higher profile provides a taller seat height for comfort.

 Aqua-Magic Bravura RV Toilet with Hand Sprayer

This toilet has a single-pedal system and a removable seat and cover pod for cleaning and service. The front shroud pulls off for easy access to mounting bolts and the pedal mechanism.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

This type of RV toilet is similar to a household toilet, except it doesn't include a water holding tank. As a result, it can only be used when it’s connected to an outside water source or if it’s used when the water pump from the RV holding tank is on. Typically, you flush the toilet with a foot pedal. You’ll also need to fill the tank with water using a lever.

This type of toilet has motor-powered blades that soften and thin the waste before it's transported into the holding tank (AKA black tank). The waste in the holding tank becomes much more fluid because of how it's crushed down into tiny pieces before it moves from the toilet to the black tank.

A toilet with a vacuum flush uses a macerating pump and a vacuum unit to remove all the contents in the bowl. The vacuum makes flushing much more powerful and liquefies solid waste. It's convenient because you can typically place it in several areas of your RV.

Composting toilets do not use any water, and they separate solids from liquids. They're useful if you have a limited water supply, and you're part of a couple or a single traveler. When used properly, they do not smell bad. However, they may emit a soil-like smell, but a vent fan moves the air from the bowl outside. It's not ideal for a family because of the number of times you have to change the tank.

This type of toilet does not separate solids from liquids, so it produces raw sewage. While they're very portable and easy to install, you must dump the waste quite frequently at an RV dump or in a toilet. Also, because no hose is involved, you will see and smell the sewage.

A cassette toilet is like a portable camping toilet in several ways. However, it's fixed in place, and you can usually access the waste storage tank from outside your RV. Like the portable toilet, you will see and smell the sewage as you eliminate it at a dump station or toilet. Van owners often use cassette toilets because their rigs are smaller.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Thetford is a leading manufacturer of mobile sanitation products for the RV, marine, camping and truck markets. The company created its first slide-action valve for RV holding tanks in 1963. One top product is the Thetford Aqua Magic V RV Toilet Hand Flush-High Profile.

Dometic started in 1920 when Swedish engineering students Baltzar von Platen and Carl Munters created the world's first refrigerator. The company manufactures a variety of products, including RV toilets, holding tanks, mobile refrigeration, furnaces, and air conditioners. One popular product is the Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet.

Camco is a brand that offers a whole world of RV and camping products — and it’s one you likely know well if you’ve been a longtime camper. From electrical products to sanitation products to equipment and comfort-based items, Camco sells it all. An expert brand in this field since 1966, products like the Camco 41541 Portable Toilet for RV are good examples of what you can equip your RV with. 

In order to keep your RV toilet and its waste system as hygienic and clean as possible, you need to look for a toilet that offers good sanitation and sealing features. You want to consider how it flushes — does it flush easily and fully, with enough power to actually remove waste from the bowl? It’s also important to look at the valves and connection points. These should all be tightly sealed with durable, leak-proof materials that won’t let waste seep or sneak through. These details will help prevent smells and the spread of unsafe bacteria. 

Who hasn’t encountered a camping toilet that’s way too small for adults and way too low to the ground? When you’re picking out an RV toilet, you absolutely want one that’s tall enough and comfortable enough to use with ease. This means you should look for just the right height and an appropriate toilet seat width. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you take your RV’s model and available space into consideration, too—go too wide, and the toilet might not fit.

RV toilets can be somewhat budget-friendly and made out of materials like plastic, or they can be more high-end and made with the same materials as your toilets at home. It’s entirely up to you which material you like best, but it’s important to consider a few different options. Plastic, while cheaper, doesn’t last nearly as long as porcelain. Some RV toilets might even feature wood components, which is another option that can be durable but require extra care.

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This gravity flush toilet has a 100 percent vitreous ceramic bowl and 360-degree vortex flush pattern with powerful swirl-jet cleaning action. It's lightweight and features a long, full-sized seat that is 18 inches tall. It includes an easily accessible water line connection, two-bolt installation, and optional hand spray. It also comes with a two-year warranty.

Installation is straight forward, and the product is well-designed. The toilet has a home-like seat height, and the foot pedal is great because you don't have to stick your nose close to the dump valve. Also, a toe touch provides a fast clean-water refill. The ceramic bowl is easy to clean, and it has sturdy construction with no wobble.

One downside is the toilet seat is enameled wood, which can crack easier than plastic. You also need to be careful when taking off the lid to replace the seat with a different one because a part that sticks up in the back is the cover for the water valve area. There have also been some reports that the valve or seals leak.

This toilet features a single-handle flush system: simply press it halfway to add water to the bowl and all the way to flush. It has a textured lid that sheds water and resists scuffs. It weighs just 9.4 pounds and can be fitted with a hand sprayer to reduce water consumption. Also, its higher profile provides a taller seat height for comfort.

Installation is easy, and the toilet is very sturdy despite being lightweight. The extra 2 inches in height are good for older people and those seeking more comfort. Also, it's very easy to flush and has a solid handle. It comes with a flange seal, bolting hardware, and a bottle of chemicals for the black tank.

One downside is that the toilet is plastic, and the lid is a little flimsy. In addition, there have been some reports that the seat ring is uncomfortable and the toilet bowl does not hold water. It may also be difficult for a large adult to use due to its small size.

This toilet features a single-pedal system: press the pedal half way to add water to the bowl and press all the way to flush. The seat and cover is easy to remove for cleaning and service, and the front shroud pulls off for easy access to mounting bolts and the pedal mechanism. It comes with a hand sprayer to reduce water consumption.

It's easy to install and easy to use. The foot pedal flush is smooth and simple compared to a system with a double-pedal flush. The flush mechanism pulses the water and cleans the bowl well so it does not get dirty.  It's base is also strong and sturdy for larger individuals. It looks nice and has the appearance of a residential unit.

The toilet is large and is completely plastic and may use more water than other models. Also, your foot may slip on the pedal when flushing, slamming the valve shut. The hose nozzle only works while the pedal is depressed.

Dometic's 320 Series toilet is designed to feel and function like the toilet you use at home. It includes an elongated, vitreous ceramic bowl and a full-size enameled wood seat for comfort. The one-direction foot pedal provides hands-free flushing: simply press partially to add water and fully to flush. It requires just one pint of water per flush, and the design of the rim prevents spills from occurring.

The toilet operates using a gravity flush system and comes with a hand spray. It's available in white as well as bone and in standard or low-profile heights, so you can choose the design that suits your needs. Installation is fairly easy and it comes with a gasket. Men in particular like the full-size bowl because it keeps their parts dry.

However, due to its size it may be a tight fit, depending on the space in your RV. It may be a little higher profile than you expect or need. Also, it's ceramic, so it's heavier than some other options.

The Camco 41541 Portable Toilet for RV gives you great versatility, though it is different from your typical toilet. This product isn’t able to be mounted to the floor; instead, in small RVs or even other kinds of campers, it’s designed to provide a portable place to use the restroom. Entirely self-contained and not reliant on hook ups, it’s a solution that’s highly beneficial when you’re really roughing it. 

With this portable toilet, you’ll have 5.3 gallons of holding tank space to keep waste secure. Made out of tough polyethylene, the toilet is light in weight and compact in size. It measures 16.38 x 13.75 x 16.13 inches in total, and it weighs 11.5 pounds when empty.

And though it’s small, it’s quite secure. A sealing slide valve locks in odors and prevents leaks. Two side latches keep the toilet and its tank together. It’s all backed by a one-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

If you’ve been hoping for an RV toilet that’s smarter than the rest, you’re really going to be wowed by the Thetford Tecma Silence Plus RV Toilet. This toilet is seriously smart, and it’s also quite powerful—all while staying pretty quiet while it operates.

This fancy smart RV toilet features a virtually silent turbine pump. It’s designed with elegant European-inspired styling, including a porcelain base and a molded plastic seat and cover on top. The entire toilet is self-contained and requires no extra equipment. It’s also powerful while efficient. This RV toilet can pump 120 feet with an 8-foot rise, and it minimizes your water consumption while it works.

This toilet also works with a wall switch, which allows you to easily flush and control its functionality. There’s just one significant downside: This toilet definitely isn’t cheap. You’ll have to make quite the investment if you purchase this fancy toilet.

If conserving or limiting water in your RV is one of your biggest priorities, you’re definitely going to want to consider the Sun-Mar Corp Sealand 510 Plus. This innovative toilet works with central composting toilet systems, and it’s designed to use as little water as possible to get the job done. It requires just about one pint of water per flush, and it uses an ultra-low flush. This minimizes water waste and usage, all while still giving you a comfortable and effective toilet.

This RV toilet also features a simple foot pedal flush. Press down on the pedal, and the water valve and gate open while the bowl fills. Only a small bit of water is left to refill the bowl after. Little details enhance the toilet’s functionality, like a self-cleaning ball valve and non-stick surface seal, which work together to lock out odors and lock in waste. 

Just keep in mind that this toilet comes in low-profile and higher-profile models, so you’ll want to double-check the height before buying.

A home toilet is not recommended. A replacement RV toilet is specially designed for a motorhome. Most importantly, it uses much less water than a toilet in your house. Some new, efficient ones use as little as a pint of water. Also, the best RV toilets are designed to withstand the RV traveling on twisty roads; home toilets don’t have a flush tank, which would cause spills.

It depends on how many people use the toilet and how frequently they do so. For example, one person who lives in an RV full time may need to change the liquid compartment every other day and the solid compartment once a month. The more deposits in the solid compartment, the wetter it will be. When the waste takes longer to dry, the toilet will stop composting and start to smell.

Yes. If you don't use the proper toilet paper, you can clog your tank. The best kind of RV toilet paper disintegrates quickly in water. Some popular brands include Charmin Ultra Soft and Angel Soft. There is also toilet paper designed especially for RV use, but it may be rough on your bum. Look for brands marked "septic safe."

Usually, RV toilets become clogged due to toilet paper. The first thing you should do is open the valve and pour hot water inside it. This should break down the matter that is clogging the toilet. Certain chemicals designed for septic use may also fix a clogged toilet.

An RV toilet may start to smell because there’s a leak, the sewer tank is damaged, there's a clog, or it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Some of these problems you can resolve yourself, such as removing a clog or sanitizing the tank. Other issues may require a professional.

Our pick for the best RV toilet is the Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet. Its high-profile design provides a taller seat height, and it can be fitted with a hand sprayer. It's sturdy, easy to flush, and comes with equipment that makes installation easy.

For a less expensive option, consider the Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet.

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