Toilet Installation In Camper Vans: Is It Possible?

Camper van toilets are a popular topic for van lifers, and for good reason. While some people are comfortable going without, others prefer the convenience and privacy of having a toilet in their van. The good news is that there are a variety of options available, from DIY composting toilets to portable toilets and cassette toilets.

One of the most popular options for van lifers is a DIY composting toilet. This type of toilet is environmentally friendly, easy to maintain, and doesn't require any plumbing or tanks. It also has a high capacity in a small space, which is crucial in a van. Another advantage of a composting toilet is that it doesn't use any water for flushing, so you can save space and weight by having a smaller fresh water tank.

If you're looking for a more traditional toilet experience, you might consider a cassette toilet or a portable toilet. Cassette toilets are similar to portable toilets in that they flush and require water and chemicals, but they are usually permanently fixed to the vehicle. Portable toilets, on the other hand, can be stowed away while travelling and taken off to empty when full, making them a great option for campervans.

When deciding whether to install a toilet in your camper van, it's important to consider your own needs and preferences. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your van or travel to remote areas without access to public restrooms, then having a toilet on board may be necessary. On the other hand, if you're just using your van for weekend adventures or are happy to use the bushes, then you might not need a toilet at all. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to install a toilet in your camper van comes down to personal preference and your specific needs.

The pros and cons of a DIY camper van toilet

Having a toilet in your camper van is a personal choice. It depends on how much time you plan to spend in your van, where you plan to park, and how much space you have. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether to install a DIY camper van toilet.

Pros

• Convenience: With a camper van toilet, you don't have to search for a bathroom, dig a hole, or go outside in the middle of the night.
• Comfort: Sitting on a toilet in your van is more comfortable than squatting outside.
• Privacy: A camper van toilet allows you to do your business privately when camping with a group.
• Cleanliness: Public bathrooms can be nasty, so having your own toilet ensures better hygiene.
• Environmental friendliness: With the increasing number of van lifers, having a toilet on board is a more environmentally responsible choice that helps keep campsites clean.

Cons

• Emptying the toilet: No matter what type of toilet you have, there will be chores associated with dumping it. This process is not fun, and when your toilet is full, emptying it becomes your top priority.
• Smell: Even when cared for properly, your camper van toilet may give off an occasional whiff in your small space.
• Space consumption: Camper van toilets take up precious space, and you need to plan your conversion and floor plan around them.

The different types of campervan toilets

There are several types of toilets that can be installed in a camper van, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a list of the most common types:

Cassette Toilets

These are small and compact, and function like a regular toilet. They have a bowl and a holding tank, and use scented deodorizers to break down waste. Cassette toilets are affordable and don't require installation or venting. However, they need to be emptied frequently at dump stations, which can be unpleasant and costly. Examples include the Thetford Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet and the Dometic Portable Toilet.

Composting Toilets

These toilets separate liquids and solids, with separate compartments for each. They are environmentally-friendly and don't require frequent dumping. They usually have fans to direct odours outside and can be bolted down. However, they are expensive and typically require 12V power. Examples include the Nature's Head Composting Toilet, Air Head Composting Toilet, and CompoCloset Cuddy.

Chemical Toilets

Chemical toilets, also known as recirculating toilets, use a mixture of water and chemicals to dissolve solid waste. The solution is then used for multiple flushes until the toilet is full. They are easy to empty, but the chemicals can be pungent and may not be eco-friendly.

Portable/Emergency Toilets

These are basic, inexpensive options for occasional use or emergencies. They are small, compact, and portable. Examples include the Cleanwaste Foldable GO Anywhere Portable Toilet and the Reliance Products Luggable Loo. For a more affordable option, some people use "pee jars" or bottles.

The chemicals used for portable toilets

Portable toilets are a great solution for camper vans, camping, and outdoor recreation. They provide convenience, comfort, and privacy. However, using the right chemicals is essential for maintaining good hygiene, treating waste correctly, and minimising odours.

The traditional chemical cocktail for portable toilets typically includes three main ingredients:

• Blue dye to hide the appearance of waste.
• Fragrance to mask odours.
• Biocides, such as formaldehyde, to kill bacteria and microbes.

However, an increasing number of states have outlawed the use of formaldehyde due to its classification as a carcinogen and the challenges of proper disposal in wastewater treatment plants. As a result, "greener" alternatives are being developed, which introduce beneficial enzymes and microbes that feed on odour-causing bacteria and speed up the decomposition of organic matter.

When selecting chemicals for your portable toilet, it is important to choose products that are safe for the environment and will not affect your warranty. It is also crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions to ensure effectiveness and avoid damage to rubber seals.

Blue Chemicals:

Blue chemicals are crucial for the proper functioning of portable toilets as they break down waste and prevent unpleasant odours. They often contain strong ingredients like formaldehyde, but "greener" alternatives are being developed due to health and environmental concerns.

Pink Chemicals:

Pink chemicals are designed for the water tank used for flushing. While not essential, they are highly recommended to enhance the overall toilet environment, keeping it clean and reducing odours.

Green Chemicals:

Green chemicals are more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. They are formaldehyde-free and work by introducing beneficial enzymes and microbes that break down waste naturally.

Cassette Cleaner:

In addition to the general chemicals for the flush and waste tanks, it is a good idea to periodically deep clean the cassette or holding tank of your portable toilet. This can be done once or twice a year, depending on usage, to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.

Toilet Paper:

Using specialised toilet paper designed for chemical toilets is recommended. Regular toilet paper is thicker and takes longer to degrade, occupying more volume in the waste tank and requiring more frequent emptying.

Flush Tank Chemicals:

Adding chemicals to the flush tank helps keep it clean, assists in waste degradation, lubricates seals, and improves overall odour management. These chemicals should be safe for use in septic tanks.

Waste Tank Chemicals:

When selecting waste tank chemicals, it is important to prioritise eco-friendly options that are formaldehyde-free. These chemicals help treat the waste, minimise odours, and ensure safe disposal, especially if you plan to empty the tank into a septic system.

The alternative to a porta potty

If you're looking for an alternative to a porta potty, there are a few options to consider. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are a great option for those who want an environmentally-friendly and self-contained solution. These toilets separate liquids and solids, with the liquids being disposed of down a drain or toilet, and the solids being mixed with organic matter like sawdust or peat moss. Composting toilets don't require chemicals and can go several weeks between emptying, making them a convenient choice. Nature's Head and CompoCloset Cuddy are popular brands in this category.

Dry Flush Toilets

Dry flush toilets are similar to composting toilets in that they don't require water. However, instead of composting, they use a "dry flush" system where waste is collected in a bag-like reservoir. When the reservoir is full, you simply push a button and the bag twists and seals itself, ready to be thrown out. Laveo Dry Flush is a well-known brand in this category.

Chemical Cassette Toilets

Chemical cassette toilets are a smaller and more compact option, often used in camper vans. They collect waste in holding tanks and treat it with chemicals to reduce odours. These toilets do produce black water, which needs to be dumped at RV dump stations. Thetford is a reliable brand in this category.

Emergency Toilets

If you're looking for a simple and space-saving solution, emergency toilets might be the way to go. These are typically folding options that use composting bags and are meant for one-time use. They are ideal for those who don't want a permanent toilet in their camper van but want the peace of mind of having a backup option. TripTips Folding Portable Toilet and Folding Seat for Use with Bags are popular choices.

DIY Options

If you're feeling creative, you can even build your own composting toilet! All you need is a sturdy seat and box, a way to separate liquids and solids, and a dry organic matter base like sawdust or coco coir. JohnnyCompost on Etsy is a great resource for urine diverters, and you can build the rest around a bucket.

How a composting toilet works in a van

A composting toilet is a great option for van life, as it doesn't require water or chemicals, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. It is also self-contained, portable, and easy to dump. Here's how a composting toilet works in a van:

Separation of Waste

Composting toilets separate solid and liquid waste, which is key to reducing odour and making waste disposal easier. The toilet seat has a urine diverter built into it, which separates the urine from the solid waste. The solid waste is collected in a bucket at the back of the toilet, while the urine is stored in a canister at the front. This separation prevents the formation of sewage smell and allows for independent disposal of the two types of waste.

Use of Cover Material

After each use, you add a carbon-rich cover material such as sawdust or coconut fibre to the solids. This helps absorb moisture, prevent odours, and promote the composting process. The cover material should always contain some amount of carbon and be organic and free of additives. You can also spray the bowl with a mixture of vinegar and water for cleaning if needed.

Disposal of Waste

The liquids and solids can be disposed of separately. The urine can be poured down any public toilet or sewage system, or diluted and used as fertiliser. The solids can be further composted into "humanure" and used as compost for non-ingestible plants, or disposed of in a conventional trash collection bin as long as it is securely bagged and contains no liquid.

Ventilation

Composting toilets usually have an exhaust fan assembly and a passive intake vent to vent air outside the vehicle, which helps to eliminate odours and provide oxygen for aerobic bacteria to break down waste quickly and without odour.

Frequently asked questions