Exploring Your RV Toilet Options: Which One is Right for You?
When you hit the open road and especially once you get off-grid in your RV, one of the essential considerations is the type of toilet you’ll have on board. The right off-grid toilet can make a significant difference in your comfort and convenience during your travels. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at four different types of RV toilets to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
1. Standard RV Toilet with Black Tank
- Reliable Toilet
- Many Manufacturers to Choose From
- Affordable Pricing
- Easy to Get Serviced
Cons:
- Disposal and Maintenance
- Unpleasant Odors
Compatible Units: Palomino Pause trailer (stock for all Palomino Pause Units) A standard RV toilet with a black tank is the industry standard for a reason. It operates like the toilets in your home, using fresh water for flushing and a black tank to hold waste until you can empty it at a dump site. Here’s what you need to know:
- Reliable Toilet: This type of toilet is widely used and trusted in the RV community.
- Many Different Manufacturers: The market offers a variety of styles and types to suit your preferences.
- Affordable Pricing: You can find a decent standard RV toilet for as little as $200.
- Easy to Get Service: RV service centers are well-versed in handling this type of toilet.
On the flip side:
- Disposal/Maintenance: You’ll need to empty the black tank regularly and perform periodic cleaning to prevent odors and issues.
- Smell: Many RVers find that this type of toilet can produce unpleasant odors, but with proper care, it’s manageable.
In conclusion, the standard RV toilet is a reliable and cost-effective option, though it does require more maintenance compared to some other choices.
2. Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
Pros:
- No Odors
- Portable
- Easy to Dispose Of
- Waterless
- Non-Invasive Installation
Cons:
- Refill Cartridge Size and Cost
Compatible Units: Imperial Outdoors – Xplore Units( comes stock), ROAMER 1; Pause XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC 21.4; Smaller trailers with no inside bathroom (TAXA, High Altitude, Scout, BRS) The Laveo Dry Flush Off-Grid Toilet offers a unique solution. It seals waste in an airtight bag, effectively locking in odors. Here’s what sets it apart:
- No Smell: It excels at keeping odors at bay, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
- Portable: This toilet doesn’t need to be permanently installed, making it perfect for various types of campers.
- Easy to Use & Dispose: With only one button to flush, disposing of the waste is simple and odor-free.
- Waterless: It doesn’t use water, helping you conserve your fresh water supply.
- Non-Invasive Install: Installing it requires minimal effort with just two screws. You can power it with a battery or hardwired connection.
However, keep in mind:
- Refill Cartridge Size and Cost: Cartridges are sold in sets of 3 and cost around $67, which might make it less ideal for full-time RVers.
In summary, the Laveo Dry Flush Toilet is a favorite due to its exceptional odor control, ease of use, and portability. It’s a suitable choice for those who want to keep their distance from waste.
3. Cinderella Travel Incineration Toilet
Pros:
- No Odors
- Minimal Additional Costs
- Aesthetic Design
- Environmentally Friendly Disposal
Cons:
- High Upfront Cost
- Involved Installation
- Limited Service Availability
Compatible Units: Pause XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, and ROAMER 1 The Cinderella Travel Incineration Off-Grid Toilet takes a unique approach by incinerating waste. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- No Smell: Despite the burning process, it manages to eliminate odors completely.
- Minimal Additional Costs: You’ll mainly need toilet paper and liners for cleanliness.
- Aesthetic Design: This toilet adds an aesthetic upgrade to your bathroom.
- Environmentally Friendly Disposal: It turns waste into compostable ashes, allowing for eco-friendly disposal.
On the flip side:
- High Upfront Cost: This is the most expensive option on the list.
- Involved Installation: Installation requires some effort, including running the exhaust and a 12V connection.
- Limited Service Availability: Not as widely known, which may affect servicing options.
In conclusion, the Cinderella Travel Incineration Toilet is an excellent investment for full-time RVers due to its low maintenance costs and effective odor control.
4. Tiny by Separett
Pros:
- No Odors
- Simple and Easy Disposal
- Low Cost After Install
- Low Maintenance
- Waterless
Cons:
- Disposal
Compatible Units: Pause: XC 16.4, XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, ROAMER 1 The Tiny by Separett is a waterless Off-Grid Toilet that separates urine and solids for less frequent maintenance. Here’s what makes it an attractive choice:
- No Smell: Ventilation and separation prevent odors from entering the cabin.
- Simple, Easy Disposal: Disposing of solid waste is straightforward, and the toilet uses regular garbage bags.
- Low Cost After Install: After the initial installation, you’ll mainly need to purchase garbage bags.
- Low Maintenance: Cleaning is minimal, mostly involving the vent filter and urine catch.
- Waterless: Preserves water for other uses.
However, consider:
- Disposal: While easier than emptying a black tank, some people may find the disposal process less preferable compared to other options.
In conclusion, the Tiny by Separett is a fan favorite for its reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, making it a good choice for full-timers looking to conserve water.
5. Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
- Environmentally Friendly
- Moderately Priced
- Waterless
- Easy Maintenance and Disposal
- No Smell
Cons:
- Slightly Involved Installation
- Some Maintenance Required
Compatible Units: Pause: XC 16.4, XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, ROAMER 1 Nature’s Head Composting Toilet separates urine from solid waste, allowing for easy disposal. Here’s what it offers:
- Environmentally Friendly: It’s a green solution that turns waste into something useful.
- Moderately Priced: While not the cheapest option, it’s still reasonably priced.
- Waterless: It conserves water, extending your freshwater supply.
- Easy Maintenance and Disposal: Urine can be used as fertilizer, and compost can be disposed of conveniently.