Blog

Which Off-Grid Toilet Is Right For You?

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

Screenshot 2023 10 19 At 9.58.08 Am Pros:

  • 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

Screenshot 2023 10 19 At 10.16.21 Am

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

Screenshot 2023 10 19 At 10.03.36 Am

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

Screenshot 2023 10 19 At 10.06.06 Am

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

Screenshot 2023 10 19 At 10.11.39 Am Pros:

  • 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.