The Best RV Toilets for Travel Trailers & Motorhome

Your RV’s toilet might be the very last thing you want to think about during the relaxing trips you take inside your RV. But if you don’t have the best RV toilet possible, an issue such as it clogging could put quite a damper on your vacation.

With this in mind, ensuring you have a high-quality toilet becomes an essential part of the RVing experience. But sadly, finding these top-notch models can be quite difficult thanks to the number of options available.

In fact, the entire process can become quite overwhelming and frustrating for an RV owner. I mean, you’d think it shouldn’t be that difficult considering all you want is a model that flushes and doesn’t clog.

However, even two simple qualities like these aren’t a given with certain models. As a result, it becomes imperative that you do some research into this marketplace. And we intend on helping this process move quicker by providing you with all the necessary information in one article.

We’ll even review 18 RV toilets that we consider the best to give you a further understanding of what you should be searching for in your next RV toilet. So please, keep reading and let us help you find the perfect toilet for your RV.

18 Best Toilet for RV Reviews

In the product review section, we’ll discuss in detail all the ins and outs of the RV toilets we consider the best on the market. From these discussions, we hope you’ll begin to figure out exactly what you want in your next toilet.

1. Thetford 31671 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Our first product comes from a manufacturer you’ll see multiple times on this list, Thetford. This particular model, the Thetford 31671 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet, is an incredibly user-friendly option for any RV owner.

It has a simple, straightforward installation process that makes sure even mechanically challenged individuals could easily install this high-quality toilet. On the same front, its design is lightweight, which further proves that the install won’t be a huge burden.

Speaking of the design, this model is quite a bit taller than most RV toilets at 17 inches. This quality helps rid this toilet of a severe concern most of these products have, which is lack of comfortability.

You’d be surprised how uncomfortable some of the models on the market are today. But thankfully, this issue isn’t a problem with this model. It also helps that this RV toilet has a convenient flushing system as well.

This flushing system covers the whole bowl, and all you have to do is press on the pedal with your foot for activation. Plus, you can even dictate how hard the flush is by the pressure you put down: pushing halfway will do a half flush and pushing all the way down for a full flush.

2. Dometic 310 Series w/ Hand Spray RV Toilet

The Dometic 310 Series w/ Hand Spray RV Toilet is another model on this list that puts a significant amount of focus on comfortability. This particular product has an 18-inch seat that outpaces many of its competitors.

But this area isn’t the only area that it excels in; this model has a gravity flush system that is combined with a rinse action bowl, which delivers a hundred percent coverage as well. You won’t have to worry about any waste particles being left behind with this fantastic gravity flush system.

It also helps that this model has an easy install process with its handy water line attachment. It can easily be mounted to the floor like many of the household toilets as well. It’s just an excellent option for an RV owner looking for something simple and familiar.

The lightweight design is another thing that points to this model being non-complicated. It’ll make the install process a much less stressful experience and keep it from causing any additional frustration.

And when you factor in that this particular model has a tight sealing lid, which prevents any splash back; it becomes apparent this RV toilet is top-notch. The reasonable price isn’t too shabby either.

3. Thetford 31667 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Our second product from Thetford, the Thetford 31667 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet is another worthwhile option that any RV owner must consider buying. And given its low price, you can easily classify this fantastic product as a bargain.

I mean, it has everything you could want in an RV toilet. It prioritizes the user comfort by having a height of 17 ½ inches, a 100% bowl coverage flush, easy to install design, textured lid that resists scuffs, etc.

But where this product differs from most of its competitors is the easy to use single handle flush.

As you’ve probably gathered from your research, most RV toilets have a pedal either in the front or on the side that’s used to flush the toilet.

This model instead has a handle on the back-right side, which is a bit more like your household toilets. With this in mind, if you want a model that’s carefully designed like the one you have at home; this model from Thetford is something you should consider.

And the performance doesn’t suffer either without a pedal flush system evident from the numerous customer reviews praising the model’s design. For instance, it even can be fitted with hand spray to reduce the toilet’s water consumption.

4. Thetford Aqua Magic Bravura RV Toilet

The Thetford Aqua Magic Bravura RV Toilet offers an appealing design that’s built to maximum efficiency. For instance, this product uses a 2-in-1 flush system to reduce water consumption to its absolute minimum. It’s an ability that makes this option an ideal RV toilet for boondocking or similar situations.

I was also delighted by this product’s overall durability. After all, Thetford constructed this product using high-quality polypropylene. It creates a robust construction that doesn’t have any issues dealing with the RV lifestyle. I fully envision this toilet not needing a replacement for many years.

Buyers may assume this construction makes the product overly heavy. But Thetford managed to create a balance between its strength and heft. It only weighs 18.7 pounds to ensure a single person can easily carry it during installation.

As for the installation process, this task couldn’t have been easier. The toilet has a universal floor flange mounting bolt pattern to offer a simple setup. I was shocked by how easy it was to replace my old small RV toilet with this one.

Comfort is another area where this item excels past the models made by other RV toilet brands. The removable seat and cover pad make it feel like I’m sitting on my household toilet. Sadly, most RV toilets don’t come close to offering a similar feel.

Meanwhile, the removable seat makes cleaning the toilet much easier than expected. I only need a second to take out the fixture before dealing with all the grossness lying under the rim. From there, I grab my trusted toilet bowl cleaner and get to work.

5. AW Gravity Flush RV Toilet

Finding a reliable and convenient tall RV toilet is almost impossible. But the AW Gravity Flush RV Toilet breaks the trend with its 20-inch seat height. Therefore, it’ll make taller and heavier people feel more comfortable using cramped RV bathrooms. It also doesn’t affect the experience of users who don’t fit into that demographic like me.

But its tall seat height isn’t this toilet’s only exciting attribute. I was also delighted by its durable construction made from HDPE material that can handle up to 441 pounds. So there shouldn’t be many situations where it’s not a sturdy, reliable toilet.

The product’s foot pedal flush system was another intriguing feature. It allows me to avoid germs by offering a way to flush without touching a handle. Instead, I press the pedal with my foot, and the waste goes into my rig’s holding tanks.

Installing this RV toilet couldn’t have been more practical, either. It has a relatively lightweight design that’s almost at the level of RV portable toilet options. So I didn’t have trouble carrying it into my rig during the setup process. Plus, AW did a great job ensuring the provided directions were easy to follow.

RV owners will also love this product’s versatility. It shouldn’t have any issue working in most larger rigs, such as Class A RVs or 5th wheels. I can even see it being a practical addition to regular-sized travel trailers if there’s a big enough bathroom.

6. Dometic 320 Series RV Toilet

The Dometic 320 Series RV Toilet continues to demonstrate why Dometic has been a force in the RV part marketplace for decades. It has a design that’ll be able to last for years with it being made from durable vitreous ceramic material.

This material coupled with a wide enameled wood seat and deep bowl depth ensure the user will feel completely comfortable using this toilet. No more feeling like you’re going to slide right off the bowl with this fantastic design.

It also has a convenient foot pedal that promotes easy flushing. All you need to do is press it with your foot, and all the nasty waste will flush right down the toilet. It only uses one pint per flush, which means it’s helping you conserve water as well.

And Dometic made sure the installation process was as simple as possible by including all the necessary items with your purchase. Most customers have found it so easy that it can be done in as quickly as 10 minutes.

But if you expect you’ll have some issues, the company does give you the option of adding on an expert installation for a fee. As a customer who isn’t great with these sort of things, an add-on like this one could be incredibly helpful for me.

Another helpful feature is the inclusion of the spray faucet, which gives the capability of cleaning a problem area in the toilet when you need. This feature even comes with a wall mount, which speaks to the user-friendliness of this model.

7. Thetford 42062 Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet

Once again, we come across an outstanding product from Thetford, the Thetford 42062 Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet. It has all the necessary qualities you could be looking for in an RV toilet and offers them in a stylish design.

This stylish design features a tall toilet seat, which won’t even give the tallest person issues with standing up or sitting down. Given the frequent complaints from customers about RV toilets being uncomfortable nightmares, this feature is a welcome addition.

This seat is also an anti-microbial seat, which will inhibit both the growth of mold and bacteria. As a result, this model is very easy to clean; another benefit that any RV owner would love their toilet to offer.

Likewise, the china bowl will keep the cleaning process rather simple as it’s much easier to clean than your standard toilet bowl. But don’t worry, Thetford made sure the inclusion of the china bowl didn’t affect the overall weight of this model.

It’s still very lightweight and comes with an installation process that doesn’t take much effort. In fact, customers were often reporting the whole thing was installed in less than 20 minutes. Considering the horror stories you hear with other products this feature is a home run.

It also helps that like all Thetford Aqua Magic toilets; this model has a single-pedal flush system with complete bowl coverage. And it includes a flush mechanism that will wipe the toilet bowl clean after every use.

8. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Our first composting RV toilet is the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet, which provides you with an organic and environmentally conscious solution for your toilet waste. Plus, as a composting toilet, it doesn’t even use any water.

Without the use of water, you won’t have to work about your water consumption as much as you would with a regular RV toilet. It also ensures that you won’t have to fill up the fresh water tank as much either.

This unit is also self-contained, which is a great feature to have in an RV toilet because it means the black tank becomes unnecessary; therefore, giving you less to worry about onboard your RV and you can focus your energy toward having fun on your trip.

It also helps that this model doesn’t falter in providing its user with comfort either with its full-sized elongated seat. You won’t have any issues of feeling uncomfortable using this product’s thanks to its seat size and overall design.

And since it’s a composting toilet, you never have to worry about where the next dumping station is either. Whether it be dumping the waste back into the soil or throwing it out in nearest garbage, you can empty this toilet almost anywhere.

9. Dometic 310 Series Standard RV Toilet

As another product from Dometic that doesn’t fail to meet its manufacturer’s reputation, the Dometic 310 Series Standard RV Toilet should be near the top of any prospective buyer’s list. It earns this placement through its number of fantastic features.

For instance, it’s gravity flushing system is second to none as it will save water and provide with levels of convenience unseen with most RV toilets. This convenience is further conveyed in its easy to install process: a simple 2-bolt setup.

The easy to access water line connection also helps in this regard as well. Honestly, you shouldn’t have any issues getting this toilet set up; Dometic really made this aspect of their product as simple as humanly possible.

And don’t worry; Dometic didn’t forget about comfort either as the toilet seat is made out of slow closing wood, which is one of the more comfortable materials used on the market. The slow closing aspect will make there are no issues with the hinges wearing down on the seat ensuring the toilet lasts for a long time as well.

The toilet even has a swirl-jet cleaning action, which will make it seem like the unit cleans itself; therefore, lifting another burden from your plate on your relaxing vacation. The actual operation is another area where this unit excels as it only uses one pint of water per flush.

10. Thetford 31647 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

The Thetford 31647 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet is one of our most rudimentary toilets on this list. However, it does have a bargain quality to it that a lot of other products simply lack, which is why it deserves your consideration.

This bargain quality doesn’t mean it lacks high-quality features either; it just has less than some of the others on this list, but the ones it does have are pretty impressive. For instance, its 2-in-1 flushing system is a useful quality for an RV toilet to have in its arsenal.

This feature allows the user to either pressure the handle halfway for adding water or fully for a complete flush. And once you do use a full flush, this toilet offers a 100% bowl coverage flush, which will make sure any residue waste particles are dealt with accordingly.

It also has a textured lid that’ll help reduce scuffs and sheds water; therefore, keeping your RV toilet in tip-top shape for years to come. The comfortability of this toilet isn’t too bad either with its 13-inch height.

Now, this height is a little bit shorter than some of the other models on here, but still tall enough to offer enough comfort. In other words, you won’t feel weird using this toilet as you do with some other models.

11. Palm Springs Portable Outdoor Camping Recreation Toilet

Our first portable RV toilet on this list is the Palm Springs Portable Outdoor Camping Recreation Toilet. This model’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to buy a unit usable on their next camping trip with its comfortable seating.

The seat is designed similar to what you’d see on household toilets, which ensures using it won’t be the awful experience you might expect. And this particular model’s lightweight too, making it easy to carry around on your camping trip.

This unit’s 3-gallon freshwater and 5-gallon waste tanks will also offer you enough capacity for at least a couple of uses before it needs to be emptied. In terms of portable RV toilets, these gallon capacities are among the largest on the market.

These tanks are also completely made of high-density polyethylene, which provides them with durability and ensures they’re leak-proof. Plus, this RV toilet is easily one of the cheapest options on this entire list.

It also comes completely assembled and requires absolutely nothing on your part to get it ready for use. Honestly, there’s nothing better than a product that it’s functional the moment you take it out of the packaging.

12. Thetford 34429 Aqua Magic Style Plus Toilet

Here’s a shocking development; you’ve reached another product from Thetford on our list. And just like the other ones we reviewed above, the Thetford 34429 Aqua Magic Style Plus Toilet’s features prove why this manufacturer continues to be a force in this marketplace.

The first feature that really stands out is the antimicrobial seat, which ensures the toilet will remain hygienic through preventing mold and bacteria growth. A function like this one will give you peace of mind and make sure you never need to think about gross things like bathroom bacteria.

Its design is another aspect of this product that helps convey its high-quality status. It has a china bowl that sits on a nice polymer base, which creates a design that’s actually nice to look at rather than ugly traditional RV toilets you usually see.

Aside from looking nice, it has a tall seat ensuring even the tallest RVers won’t feel uncomfortable using this toilet. It was shocking how many customers reviews were praising the comfortability of this model; this type of praise isn’t common in this marketplace.

The flushing operating system isn’t substandard either with its single pedal flush, which provides 100% bowl coverage. And it makes sure it doesn’t use a lot of water effectively reducing your consumption by a ton.

13. Thetford 31646 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

The Thetford 31646 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet is another outstanding product from this top-notch manufacturer. As a result, this unit has a multitude of features that separate it from its competitors and make it a product that’s worth your consideration.

For instance, it has an easy to use a single-hand system, which can be used in two different ways: pressing it down halfway for adding water and pushing down fully for a thorough flush.

When you do use the full flush, it has added benefit of offering the all too important 100% bowl coverage; therefore, cleaning the toilet will be a much less frequent and stressful experience. As someone who gets grossed out by the thought of cleaning a toilet, this feature is much appreciated.

It also comes with the option of installing a hand sprayer to help along with the cleaning process and reduce the water consumption the toilet uses. If you’re paranoid about your water use, this feature could be a lifesaver for you.

And just like the other Aqua-Magic toilets from Thetford, this unit puts a premium on the comfort of its customer. It has a nice toilet seat height at almost 13 inches that’ll be more than enough to ensure you’re quite comfortable during your bathroom time.

14. Thetford 42170 Aqua-Magic Residence RV Toilet

Another RV toilet that would be a godsend on an RV trip is the Thetford 42170 Aqua-Magic Residence RV Toilet. This model is a comfortable and convenient product that any RV owner would be proud to own.

It has all the features you’ve come to expect from this manufacturer: household toilet-esque design, comfortable and full-size seat, easy to install, lightweight, 100% bowl coverage, ball valve that wipes the toilet clean after each flush, pedal flushing mechanism, etc.

It even has an 18-inch seat for peak comfortability. It has all of these features and the overwhelming support from the customers who’ve bought it. Given all these factors, it’s hard to see how you wouldn’t at least consider buying this model.

It also helps that this unit is considered one of the more versatile options on the market with its ability to work in any RV that allows permanent installation. In any circumstances, buying this particular model won’t be a choice you’d end up regretting.

Plus, it helps that this unit gives you the option of choosing either low or high profile, which offers you further control over the buying experience. You can basically tailor this product to your specific needs and come away with the best version possible for your RV.

15. Thetford 31668 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Our last product from Thetford is the Thetford 31668 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet, which like all the products from this manufacturer helps set the standard in this marketplace. It’s able to do this by having some fantastic features that would benefit any RV owner.

The first one of these features we must discuss is the high-quality toilet design. It’s made from top-notch, durable plastic, which means this RV toilet is built to last. If you buy it, you won’t have to worry about spending another truckload of money on a toilet anytime soon.

Its design also features a 17 ½ inch tall toilet seat, which provides more than enough room for even the tallest RVers. As a tall RVer myself, I can’t tell you the number of times where it was quite uncomfortable using one of these products because the seat was too short.

With this product, this issue wouldn’t be a problem. It also helps that this model is an easy install thanks to it being lightweight and the simple instructions. It wasn’t uncommon to see people praise how easy the installation process was in the customer reviews, which is always a welcomed sight.

Its hand flush operation gives it a household toilet esque feel that further conveys your RV as your second home. It might seem like a little detail, but anything that can provide a feeling of familiarity while you’re on the road is always a good thing.

16. Camco 41544 Travel Toilet

If you’re looking for a high-quality portable RV toilet, the Camco 41544 Travel Toilet could be an incredible option. It’s easily one of our least expensive options on this list and has all the qualities you’re looking for in a portable RV toilet.

Both its waste and freshwater tank capacities prove this by being well above what you’d expect from a product such as this one: 5.3 gallons for the former and 3.75 gallons for latter. These tanks easily last through a couple of people using before it needs to be emptied.

It also helps that the waste holding tank’s detachable, which makes the emptying process much more convenient. Plus, it has a latch that makes transporting this product an accident-free experience; it only weighing 11 pounds isn’t something you should look over either.

And the flushing operation is second to none as well with its pumping flush action, which will clean the bowl. The swivel dumping elbow also helps in this regard by making the waste removal incredibly easy.

Camco even figured out a way to ensure this toilet didn’t smell when you’re on the move with it. See, it has a sliding gate valve, which will contain any odor or leak; therefore, you’ll never have to experience the awful smells that could lie within this toilet.

17. Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet for RV

If you’re in need of a portable toilet, the Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet for RV would be a product that you must consider getting. It works flawlessly thanks to its magnificent design and features, which provide top-notch results.

The one area where this portable toilet truly outshines its competition is in toilet bowl’s depth. As you probably know, most portable toilets have an issue of being rather shallow and can be quite uncomfortable to use.

However, this unit doesn’t have this issue and provides a bowl depth that won’t make using this product a pain. And given it’s odor-free and leak-proof as well, this unit does an excellent job of making sure this product doesn’t become a nasty nuisance.

It’s also imperative that we mention how little water this particular unit uses. With its 5-gallon waste holding tank and 4-gallon freshwater tank, you could use this toilet several times throughout a multiple day period and not have to empty it.

And when you do have to empty it, the process for doing so is hassle-free, which is always a plus with a product such as this one. Honestly, everything about this toilet’s design screams high-quality and low-maintenance.

18. SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet

Our last product is another portable RV toilet, the SereneLife Outdoor Portable Toilet that features several qualities that would be attractive to any RV owner. Plus, it comes at a price that doesn’t empty your bank account, which is always a nice touch.

The splash-free spout is an example of one of these qualities with its ability to make the waste removal process incredibly simple. Anything feature that reduces the time spend emptying waste on a camping trip should be seen as a win.

It also helps that this toilet has a level indicator, which will tell you whether or not the toilet is ready for use. Seems like a simple feature for a portable toilet to have, but it really does make this unit a more convenient option than most on the market.

Speaking of convenience, this model’s also one of these easiest portable toilets to carry around as it comes with a carrying case. This carrying case is lightweight and easy to move wherever you plan on taking it.

And finally, the tank capacities this unit has are also second to none with a 3.2-gallon freshwater tank and a 5.3-gallon waste holding tank. As a result, you won’t have to empty this unit as much as you would other portable toilets on the market.

Dometic 300 Series Standard Height RV Toilet (Outdated)

The Dometic 300 Series Standard Height RV Toilet is a perfect option for something looking to buy a unit that offers high-quality features at a bargain price. There’s nothing about this model that feels cheaply done, which is a rarity for a toilet that costs this little.

For instance, it has a top-notch gravity flush system that’ll ensure all the waste gets where it needs to go efficiently. This toilet also will make sure waste doesn’t linger around either with its triple jet action feature.

This triple jet action will take care of all the unwanted waste particles that tend to hang around after it flushes. As a result, this unit’s cleaning process will be much less involved or frequent, which something every RV owner can appreciate.

Another area where this Dometic product offers its customer peak convenience is with the installation. It’ll only take a couple of minutes, and they provide you with all the materials needed to get the job done: bolts, gaskets, etc.

The water adjustable foot pedal flush system is another highlight feature that this unit offers as it lets you be in control of the amount of water used for each flush. Pretty cool, right? And a full flush only uses a pint of water anyway; therefore, your water consumption will be significantly lowered.

RV Toilet Buyer’s Guide

Just like with any product, there are some critical decisions and information that will determine which is the right toilet for your RV. And within this section, we’ll go over the things you need to understand about these products before making an informed decision about buying one.

Things to know before buying an RV toilet

The key to finding an RV toilet comes down understanding certain factors about these products. Once you do, you’ll be able to determine whether or not a specific model is the best one for your situation.

With this in mind, we’ll discuss these factors in this section to ensure this search becomes as easy as possible.

Durability

As with any product, durability is a huge concern with an RV toilet. After all, you’ll need whatever model you end up buying to last a long time; therefore, you’ll want to ensure the toilet you’re considering is built durably.

The easiest way to determine an RV toilet’s durability is through reading the customer reviews. These reviews will allude to any issues with the construction of the unit as well as make it evident whether or not the product’s high-quality.

Trust me; reading the product description isn’t enough. Some of these manufacturers will lie about the quality of the material used in creating their toilets. It’s best to rely on other customers’ experiences rather than the company’s word.

Easy to Install

Maybe the most essential factor in this entire section is how easy the model is to install. I mean, an RV toilet can be made from the good material possible and have fantastic features, but if you can’t figure out how to install it, what’s the point?

A vital quality in determining whether or not an RV toilet’s easy to install is its size; the bigger the model, the harder it’ll be to move around during the install process. It’s also a good idea to look at the installation instructions before buying one of these models.

Sometimes the manufacturers will provide these in images with the ad. Other times you might have to do a little more research and google for them: customer reviews could help out with this fact-finding mission as well.

Comfort

The main complaint about RV toilets is often about their comfortability. With many models, the seat isn’t wide enough for a normally sized human being to sit on it comfortably. You instead feel like you’re going to fall over at any second when you’re sitting on it.

Given this information, it becomes essential that you find a toilet with a seat that’s wide enough. Honestly, there isn’t much that’s more unpleasant than a unit with an uncomfortable seat, especially on RVs.

It also helps that certain manufacturers have figured out a solution for this issue by incorporating seats that are made from slow-closing material or enameled wood. It would be in your best interest to search for an RV toilet with a seat made from either of these materials.

Features

When you’re considering an RV toilet, make sure you check out the features each one provides. I know, this factor might sound unneeded given the product we’re talking about is a toilet; all we really want is something that effectively flushes the waste away after all.

But some of these features can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with each model. For instance, making sure it has the necessary coverage for unwanted smells and leaks is an essential piece of getting the top-rated toilet for RV.

It’s also imperative that you ensure the features provided with the product actually work or are included: see the customer reviews. If you don’t, you might end up with a product that doesn’t offer you everything you’re looking for in an RV toilet.

It’s little things like identifying features you want that can drastically affect the experience you have with the product you buy. In other words, don’t assume the first RV toilet you see includes all the features you want, make sure it does.

Sanitation

Making sure the RV toilet you buy is sanitary should be high on your list of priorities. You’re probably thinking aren’t all the toilets being sold able to ensure that using them is sanitary? Sadly, the answer is no, and it’s something you’ll need to research before making a decision.

The first thing you should search for is a toilet that can flush adequately; if it can’t, it’s most likely going to leave waste and bacteria behind. From there, ensure the unit has been proven to be leak-free among the customers who’ve bought it.

It also essential that you find an RV toilet with the capabilities of containing the smells. If not, an RV is a small space, and those smells could linger for days. It would make what’s supposed to be a relaxing experience a smelly nightmare.

What are the different types of RV toilets?

Like I discussed before, there are several different kinds of RV toilets available to choose from on the market. The six primary types are the gravity flush RV toilet, macerating flush RV toilet, portable RV toilet, vacuum flush RV toilet, cassette or cartridge RV toilet, and composting RV toilet.

Each one of these types has a different way it operates, but the result is the same: a product that effectively transports your waste. We’ll go over the way each kind works in the following discussion.

Gravity Flush RV Toilet

The gravity flush RV toilet is the type that’s most used onboard RVs. In fact, these products operate just as your household toilet would by using gravity to pull the waste down. This kind of toilet has been used in RVs for decades and is seen as the traditional one.

But we must note that a gravity flush toilet must be installed directly over your black tank. See, this product is meant to drop the waste directly into the black tank; therefore, if it isn’t installed directly above it, the toilet won’t function correctly.

Macerating Flush RV Toilet

A macerating flush RV toilet uses blades to break down the waste particles before they adventure into the black tank. The breaking down process turns the waste into a slurry that’ll have a much smoother flow and less likely to clog.

Since I‘m guessing you’re someone who would like to avoid any clogging issues, you could see how incredibly useful this kind of RV toilet could be on an RV. I mean, I can’t think of anything grosser than a clogged toilet, can you?

Portable RV Toilet

Given the name portable RV toilet, you shouldn’t be shocked to learn that these toilets are small and rather lightweight. As a result, these particular models are fantastic for people who have campers or caravans.

Concerning disposal, all you need to do is remove the lower tank from the seat and bowl when it’s full. From there, you just empty the waste into a regular toilet or a nearby dumping station and reconnect it to the toilet bowl.

Vacuum Flush RV Toilet

A vacuum flush RV toilet works pretty similarly to how a macerating flush one would function. But these particular models offer a little bit more productivity because this type turns the waste into liquid before rerouting it to the black tank.

As a result, it ends up flowing incredibly smoothly, and the chance of a clog is non-existent. It also helps that a vacuum flush RV toilet can be installed anywhere in your RV: a useful aspect that some of the other types lack.

Cassette or Cartridge RV Toilet

Another type that’s more for a caravan or camper, the cassette or cartridge RV toilet is incredibly easy to use. These models are designed with a small bowl, which is installed over a little, removable waste tank.

When it’s being used, the waste drops right into the waste tank: when it becomes full, you just manually remove the tank through the service door and empty into a regular toilet. After doing so, you reinstall the tank under the toilet bowl and its ready to be used once again.

Composting RV Toilet

The most unique of the RV toilet types is the composting RV toilet. At first, the idea of a composting toilet most likely seems off-putting; however, this environmentally friendly option is a fantastic way to deal with waste during your RV trips.

These models work without the use of water, which make them a perfect option for trips away from reliable water sources. And it’s able to contain the smell of the waste, so that’s not an issue either.

The overall function process consists of separating the liquid waste from the solid waste. After doing so, the solid waste is then converted into humus, which can be repurposed into the ground.

Sounds pretty neat, right? Well, it is, and these models can be incredibly useful in the right situations. But you must make sure the composting RV toilet that you get is perfectly suited for your kind of RV.

How to use an RV toilet?

RV toilets aren’t much different the toilets inside your home. But there are a few differences that we should go over to ensure you know what you should expect. For instance, these toilets have a smaller waste holding tank and are removable, unlike a typical household toilet.

They’re designed this way for easy transport as you’ll have to empty the waste holding tank regularly. There’s typically a seal on the base of the bowl, which will keep odors from stinking up your RV.

Regarding the actual toilet bowl, there will be a minimal amount of water inside it. As noted earlier, RV toilets use less water to ensure your RV’s water bill isn’t incredibly high. And the flushing process is a bit different as well.

See, flushing an RV toilet usually doesn’t involve a handle. You instead step on a pedal, which will be in front or on the side of you, to flush the system. From there, the seal will open, and water will flood into the bowl and flush whatever waste that was present down.

How to clean an RV toilet (tank, bowl, seal)?

Cleaning an RV toilet is a gross, but necessary part of RV living. But thankfully, the actual process of doing it isn’t overly complicated. All you’ll need is a rag, toilet cleaner, toilet brush, sanitary wipes, and rubber gloves.

Once you got all your supplies ready, take the cloth and use hot water or some cleaning supply to wet it. Use the cloth to then wipe the outside part of the toilet with a heightened focus being put on the seat and lid areas.

After successfully cleaning the outside part of the toilet, it’s time to clean the inside; use toilet cleaner and brush to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Make sure you scrub hard to ensure no stain or waste residue gets left behind.

Proceed to flush the toilet, which will get rid of all the dirty water left behind by the cleaning process. And after doing so, you’re are done. Simple enough, right? So please, do this process regularly and keep your toilet sanitary.

RV Toilet FAQs

What is the best RV toilet?

An RV toilet is exactly what it sounds likes like, a toilet designed to work onboard your RV. And before you even think about it, no you can’t install a regular household toilet in your RV. It just would end up being a disaster.

See, these products use less water than your household toilets, which will save a lot more money on your water bill. Trust me; a regular one would end up costing you a lot of extra money that could be put towards other things.

RV toilets also don’t have a flush tank. Without a flush tank, these RV toilets are capable of preventing water spills from happening as you drive your RV around. As a result, you can rest easy knowing toilet water won’t be flying around in the back of your RV when you’re driving.

Given these two qualities, it seems quite evident that an RV toilet should be an essential purchase for any RV owner. I mean, thinking about it practically there isn’t a single reason I could rationalize that would make me consider not buying one.

How does it work?

As you’ll see later on in this article, there are several different types of RV toilets; but all of them provide the same service as you’d expect out of your household toilet. It gets rid of your waste without causing too much of a hassle.

But the primary difference between these products and a household toilet is you’ll have to dispose of the waste yourself with an RV toilet regularly. You don’t have the luxury of having a sewage system or septic tank on an RV.

You instead will have to dump the waste yourself every couple of days. Regardless of the type of RV toilet, this dumping is typically done through either disposing the waste to a dumping station.

It’s also essential you understand that every RV has three tanks: a white tank for the freshwater, a black tank for holding your toilet’s waste, and a gray tank where the dirty water from your shower and sink goes.

With this in mind, this process will mainly concern the black tank. This tank is usually mounted underneath your RV. It can come in many different sizes, which depends on the size of the RV it’s installed onto.

It shouldn’t shocking for you to learn that the larger the black tank, the longer you can refrain from disposing the waste inside it. In most cases, a large tank will hold anywhere from 48 to 90 gallons. But there are smaller ones available as well that often hold about 32 or so gallons.

As for how an RV toilet operates, these products typically have a pedal that’s beneath the bowl rather than the handle you’re used to on a household toilet. All you have to do is press it, and the waste will soon disappear to the aforementioned black tank.

After a few days, you should then dump the waste into a dumping station. If there is an excess of people on your RV, you should empty your waste tank more frequently. It’s also imperative you dump the waste before each new stop.

What are the most trusted RV toilet brands?

All the brands mentioned in our product review section are considered top-notch manufacturers. However, even in this pack of stellar companies, there are two that stand out from the rest of their competitors.

Given how many times both show up in this article, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m talking about Thetford and Dometic. And below we’ll give you some background information on both companies to get you more familiar with each one.

Thetford

Being the leading manufacturer of mobile sanitation products, “Thetford prides itself on creative design and is committed to the production of high-quality products that exceed the needs of a demanding marketplace.”

And given the constant praise this manufacturer receives from its customer base; I think it’s fair to say they more than meet this goal. It’s not shocking that this company has such a pristine reputation among RV owners given their constant dedication to improving their products.

Dometic

As a manufacturer of multiple RV parts, Dometic is probably a familiar name for most of you. Honestly, it should be as this company has been a leader in the RV part industry for ages and they continue cultivating a strong relationship with their customers to this day.

And they do this “by staying true to its roots and relentlessly developing smart, often award-winning, solutions.” It’s an attitude like this one that makes me feel confident about buying from this manufacturer.

All in all, you’d be incredibly lucky to buy an RV toilet from either of these two companies. In fact, if you find one that fits all your particular needs and wants, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be in your Amazon cart right now.

How to unclog an RV toilet?

One thing no RV owner wants to experience on their relaxing trip is a clogged toilet. I mean, it’s a nightmare for everyone involved, but the actual process of fixing one isn’t too bad. In fact, it’s a rather quick and straightforward procedure that won’t require a call to your plumper most of the time.

In most cases, the reason your toilet’s clogged is an overwhelming amount of toilet paper, which can be solved easily. All you need to do is open up the toilet’s valve and pour boiling hot water down it. This will allow the hot water to break down the toilet paper that’s causing the issue.

If this method doesn’t work, you could also try products like Drano that are specifically designed for this very issue. But before you do use it, make sure you check that it’s septic tank safe. And if neither of these methods works, it’s time to call the plumber.

How to make RV toilet smell better?

If your RV experience is suffering because a smelly toilet there’s a likely cause that’s easily fixable; it’s most likely coming from the fact that the waste holding tank is placed too close to the bathroom.

When it’s located near your RV’s bathroom, this allows the bad odor to come back into the bathroom. From there, it makes its way to the rest of RV and ends up making your life utterly miserable.

In most cases, this tends to happen with RV owners who have gravity flush toilets; the waste doesn’t get broken down as much with these models as it would with other types. Due to this, you should always make sure there’s enough water inside the bowl.

Having enough water will help contain the smell in the waste holding tank rather than making its presence known around your RV. You could also look into purchasing a different type of toilet that has a different setup.

For instance, both macerating and vacuum RV toilets have holding tanks that are situated away from the bathroom, which means it’s less likely for bad smells to waft through your RV. And if you don’t want to spend more money on a different toilet, there are tank treatment solutions you use as well.

All in all, there are many different ways to solve this annoying nuisance, it’s just about finding the one that works best for your situation. And if all else fails, you can always call a professional to fix the issue for you: it might be a more significant issue after all.

How to replace a broken RV toilet seal?

Sometimes you might find yourself in the awful predicament of having a broken RV toilet seal. In this case, it’s essential that you don’t panic, but there’s a high probability you’re going to need a replacement.

The good news is replacing a broken RV toilet seal isn’t the complicated process you might envision. In fact, if you follow the following steps, the whole experience should be remarkably smooth and simple.

Step 1: Clean the toilet

You’re going to be working on the toilet; therefore, make sure it’s clean. Working on a dirty toilet is gross and could end up spreading bacteria, which is just unsanitary. So please, follow the steps we laid out in the “How to clean an RV toilet” section of this article before proceeding.

Step 2: Figure out your RV toilet’s model and type

Understanding what model and type your RV toilet is will make finding the right seal a much easier process. After all, nobody wants to spend money on a part that they can’t use; so ensure you know exactly what seal you need before spending your money.

Step 3: Buy the replacement seals

Once you know the model and type, finding the correct seal should be simple. But before you buy, make sure you extensively research the seal to make sure you’re buying a high-quality product; you don’t want to be doing this again anytime soon.

Step 4: Disconnect your water supply and lines

You don’t want anything inferring with the install; therefore, make sure both the water supply and lines are disconnected from your toilet. It also essential you use a bowl to collect any water.

Step 5: Remove the toilet

All you need to do is unscrew the two bolts that keep the toilet secure on the floor. From there, lift the toilet and place it on a towel. If the smell from the black tank hole is unbearable, it’s best you use a rag and plug it.

Step 6: Uncovering the seal

Find the bolts and clamps that keep the bowl attached to the base. Once you locate them, remove them and the bowl, which will uncover the seal.

Step 7: Remove the bowl valve seal

Once you do remove the bowl valve seal, make sure you clean the area.

Step 8: Disconnect the bottom seal from the base

After doing so, proceed to clean the area just like with the step before this one.

Step 9: Install the new valve seal

When installing the new valve seal, it’s a good idea to put some plumbers grease on the seal’s bottom, which will make sure it doesn’t slide when you reattach the bowl later.

Step 10: Put in the new bottom seal

It should fit right between the base and the tank opening.

Step 11: Reattach all the things you disconnected

Reconnect the bowl to the base; the new seal should be centered over the ball. From there, reattach the toilet to the floor and screw the bolts back in where they were before; the new seal should compress as you screw in the bolts.

And finally, connect the water lines and turn on the water supply. Look for any warning signs something might be wrong such as leaks.

Do RV toilets smell?

Many rig owners assume RV toilets will constantly be smelly during travel. After all, in traffic, motorhomes are confined spaces where there’s no escape. So a terrible smell will linger and make your life a nightmare.

However, these toilets won’t be stinky if you stay on top of their cleaning and maintenance. You can then travel peacefully without breathing in toxic bathroom fumers every few seconds. Anyone who needs help with the cleaning should check out “How to clean an RV toilet (tank, bowl, seal)?”

But mainly, it consists of flushing your black tank whenever possible. This action alone should keep stinky RV toilet smells to an absolute minimum.

What toilet paper can be used in an RV toilet?

RV toilets require a specific type of paper, or clogs will occur. When such things happen, your traveling experience will quickly become an absolute nightmare. I once endured the displeasure of this experience when I tried using traditional household toilet paper in my rig’s toilet.

So please, don’t make the same mistake as me. Instead, buy RV or septic-safe toilet paper meant for camper plumbing systems. My recommended choice would be Thetford’s Aqua-Soft RV Toilet Tissue. So far, I haven’t found another RV-usable option that matches its overall quality.

Do RV toilets have wax rings?

Some RV toilets do utilize wax rings like the ones on household toilets. However, it’s common to see rubber gaskets in place of them. These rubber gaskets are much more practical on a toilet for camper trailer usage as they’re easier to remove.

Given this information, I often suggest rig owners buy RV toilets with rubber gaskets. It might not seem like a massive deal, but it can make your life easier.

What is the tallest RV toilet?

AW’s Gravity Flush is the tallest RV toilet option I’ve encountered. Its 20-inch seat height should provide comfortable usage for taller people. Therefore, anyone who needs a toilet that’s ideal for heavy person or a tall person should look at this model.

Heights aside, people with physical restrictions may prefer a lavatory with a higher seat as well. In this case, a handicap toilet for RV will suit this requirement, especially if it’s ADA-compliant.

Why does my RV toilet bubble when I flush?

With a functioning RV toilet, air will be removed when water is added to the black tank. This air will exit the black tank through a vent, but if your toilet starts bubbling this a sign that the vent isn’t working correctly.

In other words, it’s not allowing the air to escape the black tank. If this bubbling is a common occurrence you notice when the tank is full, it’s most likely you have an issue with the vent’s pipe: it sticks too far down into the black tank.

As a result, this pipe will no longer allow air to escape when the water is covering the pipe’s opening. The air then has no choice but to go back up into the toilet, hence, the bubbling, which can cause all sorts of issues.

For instance, this bubbling can splash waste out of the toilet, which is just gross. It can also make sure that the stinky odors are being spread throughout your RV bathroom. Now, this problem isn’t the only issue that could cause this bubbling.

If the bubbling is a constant issue, then it most likely you have a clog in the vent. This situation can arise from you letting the tank get overwhelmingly full, which then causes waste to pill up and form a clog.

Conclusion

Since you’re now equipped with all this RV toilet knowledge, the process of finding the best RV toilet for you shouldn’t be as complicated as you imagined. All you need to is use all the information you’ve learned from this article and the right choice should present itself.

And who knows it might even be one of the toilets from our product review section. After all, these are the very best on the market. But if it’s not, that’s okay too; it’s all about finding a model that fulfills all your needs and wants.

Once you find that model, your RVing life should become much simpler and less stressful. Honestly, a high-quality RV toilet can make your trips a much better experience. Plus, you ’ll never have to worry about gross issues like a clogged toilet or bad bathroom odors ever again.