RV toilets are, to many people, one of the biggest benefits of RV camping. Having a clean, comfortable place to go to the bathroom while camping is quite a perk. So you’ll want to make sure you keep yours in good working condition, and that you know how to replace it when you need to.
This guide will help you with all that you need to know about RV toilets.
Table of Contents:
- Choosing the Right RV Toilet
- Pros and Cons of RV Toilet Types
- RV Toilet Options
- Why Dometic Toilets are the Brand to Beat
- RV Toilet Paper: More Important Than You Think!
- RV Toilet Troubleshooting
- Replacing your RV Toilet
- Installing an RV Toilet
Choosing the Right RV Toilet
You’ll want to put some consideration into which RV toilet is the best option for your needs. Consider the following questions while you’re researching RV toilets to install in your rig.
- Does your current RV toilet use air or power to flush?
- How do you want to flush? Do you want a foot pedal? A slide handle? A hand-held handle, or an electric push-button flush?
- Is your current RV toilet made of plastic or porcelain? A plastic toilet will feel more like a “camping toilet” while a porcelain model will feel more like the kind you have at home.
- What color toilet do you want?
- What brand do you want? Thetford and Dometic are the most popular companies for RV and marine toilets.
- Do you want a bidet or spray unit attached to your toilet?
- Do you want a macerator? Macerating toilets grind the waste and provide more space in your black tank.
Each of these questions will help you determine the right toilet for your rig. Some RVs like trailers and campers have toilets that are easy to replace. Class A motorhomes can have fancier commodes and can be more tricky to swap. Bus conversions can be a lot more complex, and you have options like marine toilets to consider.
Before you settle on an RV toilet, you’ll also want to measure the area. Look at how your toilet is mounted – does it use a floor flange? You’ll also want to know the dimensions of the toilet hole – it’s generally 3 inches wide, but they can be smaller.
Once you’ve made your decision, there are plenty of places where you can purchase a new RV toilet. Amazon, Camping World, Walmart, and other stores sell RV toilets.
Keep in mind that you may have to order the toilet you’ve selected, which can take up to a few weeks. There are only a handful of toilets in stock at most camping stores. If you want a toilet quickly, you may have to be more flexible and pick what they have on hand at the store.
Are all RV toilets the same size?
RV toilets are not all the same size. They can vary in height, and some manufacturers even make tall and short versions of the same RV toilet. Toilet bowl width and length can vary as well. Before you choose a new RV toilet, you’ll want to measure your space and make sure you have room for the RV you want.
Pros and Cons of RV Toilet Types
| Toilet Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Gravity Flush | Uses gravity to move waste from the toilet bowl into the black water tank. | – Simple and reliable – Requires minimal maintenance – No need for chemicals | – Requires a steady water supply – Limited to certain types of RVs – Can be heavy |
| Macerating Flush | Uses a grinder to break down waste before pumping it into the black water tank. | – Efficient waste disposal – Can be installed in tighter spaces – Allows for longer hose runs | – More complex and requires more maintenance – Higher power consumption |
| Cassette Toilet | A portable, removable waste tank (cassette) that can be emptied at a dump station. | – No need for a black water tank – Can be more eco-friendly – Lower water usage | – Requires regular maintenance – Can be more expensive – Odor control can be a concern |
| Composting Toilet | Uses a natural composting process to break down waste and separate liquids. | – No need for a black water tank – Can be more eco-friendly – Lower water usage | – Requires regular maintenance – Can be more expensive – Odor control can be a concern |
| Incinerating Toilet | Burns waste to ash using an incineration process. | – No waste storage required – Very low water usage – Compact and clean | – High power consumption – Expensive – Requires a proper venting system |
| Portable Toilet | A standalone unit with a holding tank that can be emptied manually. | – Versatile and easy to move – Simple operation – Often used for temporary setups | – Limited capacity – Frequent emptying required – Can be less comfortable |
RV Toilet Options
There are lots of options for RV toilets! Some are anti-microbial, some are low water, and a few are even composting.
Generally, the higher the toilet and the larger the bowl, the more it feels like a commode you’d find in a residence. Of course, your size options will be limited by the size of your RV and your RV bathroom, which is why you’ll want measurements before you make a decision.
There are also lots of RV toilet options based on how each one works. Here are a few:
Waterless RV Toilets
Dry flush, or no flush toilets, also known as waterless toilets, are a good option if you’re trying to use less water. Many of these toilets are portable, as well.
These toilets work in a variety of ways to dispose of waste without water. They are easy to use and clean. You don’t have to worry about carrying around your liquid waste in black and gray water tanks; instead, you remove the liner from time to time and throw it in the trash. Because it’s not connected to a water system, waterless toilets are not vulnerable to complications from freezing temperatures, and don’t require any kind of winterizing.
Also, dry toilets can save thousands of gallons of water.
Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
The Laveo Dry Flush Toilet encapsulates waste in a lined container under the seat, rather like a Diaper Genie. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something truly portable. It weighs less than 30 pounds, and doesn’t require water or electricity to run. The mechanism works off of either AC power or by battery. It uses liners, which come in cartridges, to contain the waste and keep your space odor-free and inviting. And best of all, there are no messy holding tanks to worry about; just take the liner out, throw it in the trash, and you’re done!
Incinerating Toilet
The Incinolet works by incinerating your waste. It’s easy to use, and burns waste it into a clean ash product that you then dump into the garbage.
You put the bowl liner into the Incinolet toilet bowl, use as normal, and then hit the “flush” foot pedal, which begins the incineration process. But don’t worry; you don’t have to wait until the toilet’s done burning the waste that’s already inside before you can use it again.
One important difference between the Incinolet and the Laveo: the Incinolet does require a 20 amp electric connection, so it’s not quite as portable as the Laveo is. The Incinolet is also more expensive than the Laveo.
Composting RV Toilets
Compost toilets work by composting human waste, rather than flushing it away using water and plumbing.
The resulting compost makes a great plant fertilizer so you can give back to the earth.
A composting toilet separates liquids and solids into separate bins. You’ll need to fill the solids bin with a natural (and slightly dampened) composting medium—like peat moss or coconut coir. These mix with your waste with the turn of a “churning” handle on the side of the toilet. The solids are broken down naturally into an earthy, nutrient-rich, topsoil-like substance, which you can use or dispose of in a dumpster using a composting bag.
The liquid bin can be poured into a public toilet and flushed or disposed of at a dump station. This is really the only stinky part about owning an RV compost toilet.
The main complaint many people have about composting toilets for RVs is that they are plastic, and rarely look as nice as residential toilets. They also require special installation and fittings. Composting toilets, if cared for correctly, do not smell. They do, however, have to be dumped every few days for liquids, and once every couple of weeks for solids.
Cassette RV Toilets
Another popular type of RV toilet, the cassette-style toilet provides a compact bowl that is permanently installed over a small, removable “cassette-style” waste tank (hence the name). The waste is dropped directly into this waste tank and once it’s full, can be removed through a service door and emptied into a standard toilet or other waste disposal station. The removable waste tank is then placed back into its original position.
Portable Toilet Options
This style of RV toilet can be used in both campervans and tents, due to their portable nature. They’re made of a lightweight plastic toilet bowl and a small waste tank, which just like the cassette toilet, can be manually emptied and then put back in place.
Traditional RV Toilets
Traditional RV toilets are those found in Class C campers, motorhomes, and larger trailers. Most of these toilets are either foot flush or hand flush. Flushing with the lever on the side will fill the toilet bowl with water, then flush it all away through the hole as it opens. The foot flush has two levels. When you push the flush down partially, the bowl fills with water. When you push the pedal to the floor, the toilet opens up and flushes the waste away into the tank. RV toilets are equipped with RV toilet valves which seal off the black tank so odors are locked away.
The waste is held in what folks call a black tank. These tanks must be emptied regularly and there are approved sites and locations to do this if you don’t have a sewer hookup at your campsite. Many campgrounds have dump stations, but certain rest stops will also have them.
1.) The Gravity Flush RV Toilet
This is the original and perhaps most common RV toilet of the lot. The bowl contents simply drop into a large holding tank below. The gravity-flush toilet must be installed directly over the waste holding tank, providing ease of installation and use.
2.) The Macerating Flush Toilet
This involves motor-powered blades that macerate waste, turning it into something less solid and depositing it directly into a large holding tank. Due to the macerating flush, it allows the toilet and waste holding tank to be positioned separately.
Composting RV Toilets
You won’t have to maintain or clean your black tank with this type of toilet. As the name suggests, compost toilets work by composting human waste, rather than flushing it away using water and plumbing.
RV composting toilets are more environmentally friendly than their flushing counterparts. They don’t require water for flushing, meaning easier boondocking, and the resulting compost makes a great plant fertilizer so you can give back to the earth.
While some RV toilets are only available in plastic (such as portable toilets), some also come as porcelain RV toilets. Additionally, many models may come in either a high-profile or low-profile RV toilet. What you choose will depend on the available height of your space.
Why Dometic Toilets are the Brand to Beat
Dometic is one. of the biggest leaders in products for the RV, automobile, truck, and boat industry. Dometic toilets have a slim design for your small RV bathroom. They are quick and easy to install and are constructed of high-quality materials. And there is a Dometic toilet for every budget.
Dometic toilets come in several styles, including the Dometic 320 series with a ceramic bowl, Dometic 4300-4400, and the Dometic 8700 Masterflush series.
Dometic 320 Series Ceramic Gravity-Flush
This series offers homelike comfort and style with its deep elongated ceramic bowl. The pressurized full-rim flush offers a clean rinse to the bowl. The foot pedal allows for a hands-free flush. This toilet is available in white or bone white and in standard or low profile heights.
This series has sleek lines. With its European styling and china bowl, it is sure to provide comfort. It is available with a traditional handle, or a wall-mounted switch for an easy flush. The anti-splash rim keeps water contained while traveling. A switch allows for water to be added if needed, and this toilet offers quiet operation.
Dometic Masterflush 8700 series
This series offers elegance and comfort with a full-size elongated seat. There is through-the-floor or through-the-wall discharge. You can choose an electronic flush handle or standard electronic touchpad for flushing. The powerflush has improved pressure which provides full bowl rinsing. You can also choose from bone or white in color. This model is super quiet and is a superb Dometic RV toilet.
The revolutionary ball seal on Dometic RV toilets allows for the future replacement of worn or damaged ball seals without tools or toilet disassembly. Keep in mind that Dometic discourages the use of chlorine or other caustic chemicals in toilets. This damages the seals and plumbing valves.
RV Toilet Paper: More Important Than You Think!
RV-friendly toilet paper is manufactured to dissolve quickly and easily in your black water tank. Most toilet paper for RVs will state that directly on the package – something like “Safe for RV Use.” Toilet paper that is safe for home septic systems is also safe for RV use.
The TP Test
If you’re not sure whether your toilet paper can be used in your motorhome, you can try a toilet paper break down test to check. Fill a clear glass with water and drop in a few clean pieces of the toilet paper. Put one hand on top of the glass and one on the bottom and shake it hard twice (only twice!), then set the glass down. If the toilet paper dissolved, it should be safe to use in your RV. If it didn’t, you don’t want to use it.
Types of RV Toilet Paper
There are two basic types of RV toilet paper – your standard toilet paper for RV and biodegradable RV toilet paper. The standard stuff breaks down a little slower, but should still be fine in your tank. It may also have added scents or dyes, which may smell better but can be a problem for people with sensitive skin.
Biodegradable camping toilet paper is more expensive, but better for the environment. The good brands are still just as comfortable to use, but they break down faster and are less dense which prevents clogs.
What to look for when buying RV Toilet Paper
You’ll want to consider a few attributes when you’re buying the best TP for your RV.
How well it dissolves
Biodegradable RV toilet paper will do the best in this department, but whichever toilet paper for RV you choose, read reviews to see how people think it does on breaking down. You do NOT want to deal with a clog in your black water tank while you’re out on a pleasant camping trip!
Comfort
Another important consideration – is the camper toilet paper soft and comfortable? Check customer reviews on any toilet paper you’re considering and see how people rated it. You may also want to check whether the toilet paper has added scents or dyes that could bother a sensitive person.
Price
As with any purchase, you may find that the more you’re willing to spend, the better your toilet paper will perform. If you want one that hits all the marks on breaking down and comfort, you may find yourself spending a little extra.
Check the packaging of any toilet paper you plan to use to see if it says it’s RV or septic system safe. However, here is a short list of some good brands to try.
1.) Scott Rapid Dissolve Bath Tissue
This recognizable toilet paper brand tops lists and dissolves up to four times faster than standard home toilet paper. This should prevent clogging in your black tank and save you hassle and money over time. It’s also praised for comfort and absorbency.
2.) Camco RV TST 2-ply Toilet Tissue
The Camco toilet tissue gets points for softness, a quick dissolve rate, and for being biodegradable and clog-resistant. It’s also approved for septic tanks and comes with 500 sheets per roll, a great value. It doesn’t have any perfumes or dyes, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.
3.) Freedom Living Septic Tank Safe Toilet Tissue
This toilet paper also gets good reviews for its quick dissolve rate and ability to keep from clogging RV toilets. It walks the fine line between dissolving when it should, and not ripping or tearing before that. It’s also very comfy to use.
4.) Valterra Q23630 Softness 2-Ply Toilet Tissue
Online reviewers rave about the softness of Valterra toilet paper, and it’s also noted for dissolving well and not leaving residue behind in RV tanks. The 2-ply sheets are safe for septic systems, boats, and other places as well.
5.) Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue
Thetford is the #1 company in mobile sanitation, and this absorbent, 2-ply tissue dissolves well in tanks and gets great reviews. It’s also soft and comfortable to use and some reviewers say it rivals their home tissue.
Just be aware that you should not use regular home toilet paper in your RV! Granted, some people do, and they have stories about how everything worked out just fine for them. But your RV sewage system is not as sturdy as a home or work sewer system and you run a big risk of clogging your system or tank if you use the wrong paper. It might work out ok for you…but it might not, and that’s no fun for anyone involved.
RV Toilet Troubleshooting
Of course, when you’re dealing with toilets and waste, there’s always the chance that things can get smelly. If your RV toilet begins to stink, here are a few troubleshooting tips to try.
- Clean the Toilet: This is the easiest fix, if it works! Plastic toilets can be especially good (or bad) at holding onto smells and a good cleaning can often solve the problem.
- Get Rid of Black Tank Clogs: If your toilet smells when it’s flushed, you may need to check for clogs in your black tank.
- Check the Vent Pipe: RVs have a pipe from the black tank to the roof, allowing methane gasses to escape. If this vent becomes clogged, those gasses can’t escape, and will instead come up out of the toilet when you flush.
- Clean the Black Tank: An RV toilet can stink because of buildup in the black tank. This might be a large buildup of solids on the bottom of the tank, or just buildup along the walls of the tank from regular use.
- Replace the Seal: Your toilet may need a new flange or bowl seal. Both of these seals can get worn over time, something that can cause bad RV toilet smells.
You can also consider air fresheners and RV odor eliminator kits to cut down on smells. To learn more about fixing smells in your RV, check out these troubleshooting tips in more detail.
For other toilet issues, you can order a toilet repair kit to fix your commode.
But there is one common issue that arises with many RV toilets that cannot be fixed by simply ordering a replacement part – toilet clogging. There are a variety of simple approaches to toilet clogging, including plungers, augers, and septic-safe chemicals. If these three tools fail to fix the problem, you can try the “power wash” method. Use a hose to power wash all of the septic materials out of the sewage holding tank. Keep in mind that once you use the hose for this, it will be contaminated and you can’t use it for anything else.
You can also try the hot water method.
The Hot Water Method
- Turn off the water connection. This is a very important step as it will avoid any unnecessary damage or mess.
- Fill up a pot with water and heat until rapidly boiling.
- Pour the boiling water into the toilet bowl.
It seems too simple to be true, but often this method can fix your problems.
Replacing your RV Toilet
If you can’t fix your RV toilet, or it’s old and you need a new one, you can replace your toilet instead. You’ll first want to choose a new toilet to replace your old one. Consider the features of each kind of toilet. We looked at a variety of different kinds of toilets, from waterless to traditional, above. There are also anti-microbial toilets, and toilets of various colors, materials, and sizes. You’ll also want to choose the type of flush for your toilet – a foot pedal? A slide handle? A push-button?
You’ll also want to measure carefully before you order your new toilet to make sure it fits.
Once you’ve chosen a new toilet, you may find that you have to order it and will need to wait for it to arrive before continuing.
When you have the new toilet and are ready to replace, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water pump and flush the toilet. You don’t want pressure in your water lines before you begin.
- Remove the old RV toilet. You’ll want a spot to put this toilet once it’s removed, so you may want to place some rags or towels down.
- Clean the base. You may need to remove floor wax or silicone that secured the old tank. You’ll also want to remove anything that could accidentally fall into the tank hole.
- Drain your RV waste tank. You don’t want to remove old plumbing connections with it full. Once everything is drained you can unscrew the plumbing and hoses that lead from the old toilet into the black water tank. Make sure to wear rubber gloves for your safety and do not touch your eyes or mouth.
- Replace the gasket that creates a seal between the toilet and the floor. This keeps sewage at bay. Lift off the old one, and set the new one that came with your new toilet in place. Carefully place the new RV toilet on top of the flange or gasket ring, and line up the mounting holes. You will want the new bolts to fit in the old holes.
- Screw in the new nuts and bolts. Make sure you have a tight fit, without over tightening. Sit on the bowl and try to move it back and forth. Does it feel loose? Does it move? If so, you may need to use a small plumber shim to fully level the unit.
- Reconnect the water hose to the toilet. Tighten, but don’t strip the nuts over the bolts.
- Turn the water back on and flush the toilet. Check for leaks below the toilet, in the basement of your rig, and around the fittings. That’s it!
Replacing an RV toilet with a Marine toilet.
For some coaches, marine toilets are a better fit than traditional RV toilets. This includes many bus conversions, Prevosts and Newell coaches. If you have a smaller than average waste hole to your tank, a marine toilet may be your only option. Boat toilets come with a hand pump flush or a gravity/water flush. Marine toilets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the very small to the very large. They also come in several colors, with white being the most popular. Installation of a marine toilet can be similar to an RV toilet, however check with your distributor. A marine toilet may require you to drill new mount holes, as they rarely line up with the previous RV toilet. If so, be sure to fill in the old holes with silicone when you are done.
Installing an RV Toilet
So before we begin, let’s make sure you need a new toilet. Just because your RV toilet is leaking does not mean you need a full replacement. You may instead need to replace your water valve. This is a common problem, and checking it might help you avoid additional expense. However, if you are planning an RV toilet replacement, we will assume you have already ruled out other problems.
Depending on whether your RV toilet needs to be connected to a waste holding tank or not, the installation process may differ. RV toilet installation doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money on a costly professional for repairs or installation. You can complete the task in a few hours with just some simple tools.
We recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully or outsource the job to a professional, if you’re in doubt. You can also find many video tutorials online to help you out.
Items Needed for RV Toilet Replacement:
- New RV toilet and installation kit
- Screw driver
- Wrench
- Rags
- Old Towels & Newspaper
Here are the 6 steps to install an RV toilet:
1.) Make sure your water is off
Clean around your toilet and remove stuff that’s in the way. Then, turn off the water pump and flush the toilet to remove all the pressure and water in your water lines and toilet bowl. Use some rags to dry out the bowl.
2.) Remove your old toilet
Once that is complete, you’re ready to remove the old toilet. Look for a plastic cover on the bottom of the toilet. Pull it up. If it seems stuck, pull it towards you. You should now see nuts and bolts that are holding the toilet down. Go ahead and unscrew each of the nuts and bolts holding it down.
Next, lean over the toilet and look at the back of it where you should see a hose connected to the toilet. Unscrew any nuts and bolts that are there. You want to disconnect the hose. Get those old towels or newspapers ready. Lift the toilet straight up to remove it, rocking if it is hard to pull.
You should find a place to put the toilet once you remove it from its mounting – either right where you’re going to dispose of it, or on top of old newspapers, rags, or towels.
3.) Drain your tank
Drain your RV waste tank completely, as you don’t want to remove any old plumbing connections with the waste tank full. You’ll want to wear rubber gloves for your safety during this step, and make sure not to touch your eyes or mouth. Once you remove the gloves, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
4.) Remove the old gasket & install a new one
Next, remove the rubber, cone-shaped gasket that seals the RV toilet to the floor. If it’s stubborn, you may need to pry it off with a screwdriver. Then clean up any gunk still left on the floor, and then install the new gasket which should have come with your new RV toilet.
5.) Install your new toilet
Now is the time for the actual RV toilet install. Carefully place the new RV toilet on top of the gasket ring, making sure to line up the mounting holes so that the new bolts fit into the old holes. Use the wrench and tighten the nuts over the bolts, taking care not to overtighten. Then check to make sure the toilet is snug by sitting on it and making sure it doesn’t wobble.
6.) Reattach your hose
Next, it’s time to attach the hose behind the toilet, again making sure not to overtighten it. Turn the RV water pump on and flush a few times, checking thoroughly for leaks. If you spot a leak, go back through the steps and check your work again, tightening bolts and the hose without going too tight. Once that is attached, it’s time to check your work and find out if you really know how to install an RV toilet! Turn the RV water pump on and flush a few times, checking thoroughly for leaks. If you spot a leak, go back through the steps and check your work again, tightening bolts and the hose without going too tight.
Whether you’re boondocking, festival camping, or using an RV to have more room for friends or family, having a comfortable, working RV toilet is very important! Hopefully, this article has helped you to understand how to install, replace, and simply care for the commode in your rig.
