What is the best RV toilet for your motorhome?

Floor toilets, chemical toilets, or composting toilets? The wide range of alternatives can make the choice of the right solution seem complex at first. Here is an overview of all common options used in RVs: 

• Floor toilets
• Cassette toilets / chemical toilets 
• Macerator toilets
• Crank toilets
• Welding toilets
• Incineration toilets
• Vacuum toilets
• Composting toilets

To understand the reasons for or against each toilet system and why composting toilets are an especially good choice for use in motorhomes, we will look at all available alternatives with their respective advantages and disadvantages in the following sections. 

At first glance, the floor toilet looks like a regular toilet, just like the one you know from home. Often made of ceramic, floor toilets offer convenient bathroom use while on the go. The price for a floor toilet is quite high, typically in the four-digit range. 

For such a toilet system to be used in an RV, both a connection to a greywater tank and a blackwater tank is required. The greywater is used for flushing, while the resulting wastewater along with waste is directed into the blackwater tank. 

The blackwater tank must be placed in a way that allows the waste to enter it through the flushing process. Usually, a special tank is required in the underbody of the vehicle for this purpose. 

Overall, the necessary setup is complicated, and modifying an RV that does not yet have the appropriate tanks involves high costs, extensive modifications, and careful planning. Such a conversion is usually not worthwhile or is not feasible due to space constraints. 

Another disadvantage of floor toilets is that the waste tank can only be emptied at special blackwater disposal stations. In terms of independence, floor toilets are doubly restrictive since they rely on the availability of sufficient flushing water and disposal stations. 

Our conclusion on floor toilets: While floor toilets offer the comfort of a conventional toilet, they are expensive and require a complex setup with at least two water tanks as well as regular emptying at special disposal stations. 

Not every RV can easily accommodate a floor toilet. If the appropriate tanks are not already in place, it is generally advisable to avoid this option. Even if you have an RV with the necessary tanks, the high cost and dependence on disposal stations make floor toilets an unsuitable choice for many. 

Pros: 

• High-quality models made of ceramic 
• Familiar toilet use with flushing 

Cons:

• High price 
• Dependence on water and disposal stations 
• Not all RVs have the necessary greywater and blackwater tanks 
• Only suitable for large RVs, as it requires a lot of space 
• Heavy weight of the toilet if made of ceramic 

The cassette toilet is a chemical toilet commonly used in many RVs. Smaller RVs, in particular, which do not have space for a floor toilet along with the corresponding blackwater tank, are often equipped with cassette toilets. 

Although a blackwater tank is not required, this solution still necessitates a connection to a tank, and at least a greywater tank is needed for the flushing process. 

While chemicals suppress toilet odours, the additives themselves emit their own unpleasant smell. 

Instead of ending up in a waste tank, all waste and chemical additives are collected in a container known as the cassette, which gives this toilet system its name. 

As with the floor toilet, the cassette toilet must be emptied at special disposal stations. However, emptying the cassette is more cumbersome since it must be removed from the RV and manually emptied to dispose of the waste. The entire process is therefore quite bothersome, as it involves handling a container full of a mix of feces, urine, and chemicals. Among campers, the trip to the disposal station with the cassette is often referred to as the "Walk of Shame." 

Our conclusion on cassette toilets: Like the floor toilet, using a cassette toilet is generally comfortable. However, the process of emptying the cassette and disposing of the waste makes using the cassette toilet a rather unpleasant experience overall. 

Even when everything goes as planned, the disposal process is not for those who are easily disgusted. It becomes particularly unpleasant if the cassette is not correctly placed in the vehicle, causing waste to spill. It gets even worse if someone uses the toilet while the cassette is being emptied or if it was forgotten to be reinserted. In this case, all the waste ends up inside the RV. Therefore, it's best not only to inform all fellow travelers when removing the cassette for emptying but also to place a warning sign on the toilet to avoid serious mishaps that could lead to heavy contamination of the vehicle. 

Pros: 

• Suitable for smaller RVs 
• No toilet odours (but there is a chemical smell) 

Cons: 

• Unpleasant emptying of the cassette 
• Disposal only at designated disposal stations 
• Dependence on water and chemicals 
• Greywater tank required 
• Risk of vehicle contamination if the cassette is not properly inserted 

Macerator toilets are equipped with a grinder. The grinder mixes and reduces all waste, then directs it via flushing into a blackwater tank. This solution also requires a greywater tank for flushing water and a blackwater tank for the waste. 

Unlike floor toilets, the tank does not necessarily need to be placed directly under the toilet, as the flushing process generates enough pressure to transport the macerated waste into the waste tank. This works even if the tank is located at some distance. 

The powerful motor used for macerating the waste produces loud noises. Although these noises are only heard during the flushing process, they can still be disruptive, for example, at night when other travellers are already asleep. 

Our conclusion on macerator toilets: Like the floor toilet, the macerator toilet requires both a greywater and a blackwater tank. This is already a disadvantage as it takes up a lot of space and is only an option if your RV is equipped with the necessary tanks. On the plus side, the placement of the blackwater tank is more flexible with the macerator toilet than with the floor toilet, and an underbody tank is not strictly necessary. 

As with floor and cassette toilets, emptying relies on disposal stations, making you dependent on them for waste disposal. 

Another potential issue is if toilet paper gets caught in the grinder. In such cases, the toilet must be dismantled, and the grinder cleaned, which can be a tedious process. 

Overall, the macerator toilet has several drawbacks that one should be aware of. 

Pros: 

• No chemicals needed 
• More flexible placement of the blackwater tank compared to the floor toilet 

Cons: 

• Disposal only at designated disposal stations 
• Loud flushing process 
• Dependence on water, electricity, and disposal stations 
• Requires both a blackwater and greywater tank 
• Use of toilet paper can cause issues during the maceration process 
• High effort needed to clean the grinder if toilet paper gets caught 
• Requires a lot of space 

A crank toilet uses a crank mechanism to mix solid waste, while liquid waste is collected in a separate liquid container. This design combines elements of both macerator toilets and composting toilets. 

The liquid container can be easily removed with a simple handle and disposed of, for example, in a regular toilet. This makes the disposal of liquid waste just as straightforward as with a regular composting toilet. 

Unlike a composting toilet, the solid waste container of a crank toilet cannot be fitted with a liner. A liner would greatly simplify the removal of solid waste, as you would only need to take out the filled liner. However, the mixing mechanism would damage such a liner. 

In crank toilets, solid waste is deposited directly into the solid waste container, where it is mixed with a composting medium (such as coconut fibres) using the crank mechanism. 

The idea is to compost the solid waste directly in the solid waste container. However, since the composting of toilet waste takes about 24 months, complete composting within the toilet itself is not possible. The solid waste container fills up too quickly for this. Even with a crank toilet that has a large solid waste container, only up to 80 substantial uses are typically possible. If you use the toilet alone and only defecate once a day, you can compost the waste for a maximum of two months before the solid waste container needs to be emptied. If several people use the toilet or you use it more than once daily, emptying the container will need to occur sooner. 

Emptying the solid waste container is unpleasant, as the sticky mixture of faeces and composting medium is not yet compost but at most a pre-composted mass. Additionally, it is challenging to determine where to dispose of the solid waste. Ideally, emptying it into a composter would make the most sense. However, when on the road, finding a suitable disposal option can be difficult – after all, who wants to carry a composter on their travels in an RV? 

Our conclusion on crank toilets: The idea of composting solid waste directly in the toilet sounds interesting. However, in reality, this approach is hardly practical. Additionally, emptying and cleaning the solid waste container is quite an ordeal. 

It's also important to note that using toilet paper with a crank toilet can become a real issue—specifically, when the toilet paper gets caught in the mixing mechanism. In such cases, you have to empty the solid waste container and remove the used toilet paper from the hooks. For this reason, it's also recommended to dispose of used toilet paper separately and not simply throw it into the solid waste container. 

Overall, using a crank toilet is not comfortable, and the idea of composting solid waste directly in the solid waste container is doomed to fail from the outset. 

Pros: 

• Operates without water and chemicals 
• Easy disposal of the liquid container 

Cons: 

• Waste ends up directly in the solid waste container without a protective liner 
• Toilet paper can get caught in the mixing mechanism 
• Laborious cleaning 
• Intended composting in the solid waste container is not feasible 
• Pre-composting on thegoispointless

The welding toilet operates using film bags and a collection cassette. Both solid and liquid waste are sealed in film bags immediately after each use and then directed into the collection cassette. Since the waste is sealed airtight and watertight, there are no odours generated during use. 

Disposal is also straightforward, as the bags can be conveniently disposed of with general waste. However, the collection cassette for welding toilets is usually quite small, so it typically needs to be emptied every day or every other day. 

A key advantage of this water-free solution is that it does not require either a greywater or blackwater tank. However, the welding toilet is not completely connection-free, as the welding process requires electricity. When flushing, you can choose between a large and a small flush, although these "flushes" are more accurately described as packaging processes. A single packaging process can take several minutes. 

The purchase cost of a high-quality welding toilet is in the four-figure range, with prices of €1,500 and above being common for this type of toilet system. Additionally, running costs can become quite expensive over time, as you need special film bags to seal the waste. 

Our conclusion on welding toilets: Not only is a welding toilet associated with high initial costs, but it also incurs significant ongoing expenses. Frequent travellers who use their toilet often should carefully consider the running costs, as the required film bags can be prohibitively expensive for many travellers if used continuously. 

On the positive side, welding toilets are odourless and easy to dispose of via general waste. However, the short, daily emptying intervals are a downside. 

Overall, the welding toilet is an expensive solution with some advantages, but also significant drawbacks. In our view, the high running costs, in particular, are a major disadvantage against purchasing a welding toilet. 

Pros: 

• No water needed for operation 
• Odourless during use 
• Easy disposal of film bags 

Cons: 

• Dependence on electricity 
• High initial costs (€1,500+) 
• Ongoing high costs for consumables (film bags) 
• Nearly daily emptying required 

In an incineration toilet, waste is burned, eliminating the need for water or chemicals. This solution does not require a greywater or blackwater tank. The incineration process can be powered either by electricity or gas. 

Unlike a composting toilet, for example, installing an incineration toilet requires technical expertise, so it is best to leave the installation to professionals. For a gas-powered incineration toilet, a gas connection must be installed. Additionally, it must be ensured that the exhaust gases produced are vented to the outside. 

The disposal of waste with an incineration toilet is simple. Since all waste is incinerated, only ash remains, which can be disposed of with general waste. 

The incineration of waste is quite loud, and the process can take several hours. Consequently, the electricity or gas consumption is quite high. 

It is also important to know that an incineration toilet and its installation typically cost several thousand euros. Overall, a budget of at least €4,000 should be planned. 

Our conclusion on incineration toilets: Purchasing an incineration toilet comes with immense costs. The ongoing expenses for electricity or gas should also not be underestimated. 

A positive aspect is the disposal of the incinerated waste, which can be easily placed in the general waste bin. No water or chemicals are needed for this toilet system! 

However, a downside is the long incineration process, which is associated with loud noises and unpleasant odours. 

Combined with the high costs, the incineration toilet can only be somewhat convincing overall. 

Pros: 

• No water or chemicals needed 
• No greywater or blackwater tank required 
• Easy disposal of waste 

Cons: 

• High cost of several thousand euros 
• Complicated installation 
• Long, loud incineration process (about 3 hours) 
• Requires electricity, so not 100% self-sufficient 
• Not odour-free 
• Heavy weight 

Almost everyone has used a vacuum toilet at some point. This principle is, after all, the basis for the toilets found on trains and aeroplanes. In RVs, vacuum toilets are rarely used and, when they are, it's typically in particularly large, luxury models. 

In this toilet system, waste is transported to the blackwater tank via a suction mechanism. Because this suction is very powerful, the blackwater tank can be placed anywhere and does not need to be in close proximity to the toilet. As usual, the blackwater tank must be emptied at an appropriate blackwater disposal station. 

In addition to the blackwater tank, a greywater tank is also required for flushing a vacuum toilet. Instead of the usual flushing mechanism, however, a vacuum is used to direct waste, including toilet paper, into the blackwater tank. 

Our conclusion on the vacuum toilet: The vacuum toilet is a rather expensive, complex, and space-demanding toilet solution for an RV. While it may provide a comfortable toilet experience for those with a high budget, plenty of space, and sufficient patience, it is unlikely to be a viable option for most RV users. 

Pros: 

• No chemicals needed 
• Blackwater tank can be flexibly positioned 

Cons: 

• Expensive and complex to implement 
• Not a practical solution for most RVs 
• Dependence on water and disposal stations 
• Both greywater and blackwater tanks are required 
• Requires a lot of space 

Composting toilets operate on a separation principle that separates solid and liquid waste into separate containers for solids and liquids. 

This separation offers numerous advantages, such as hygienic removal and easy disposal of waste. Since the solids are collected in a liner within the solids container, you only need to remove the liner, seal it, and dispose of it with the general waste. Liquid waste can be collected and disposed of via a conventional toilet. Alternatively, composting is also possible, although this is of less significance when using the toilet in an RV. At no point during the emptying and disposal process is there direct contact with the waste. 

Another advantage of separation is that it minimises odour, which can be entirely eliminated with the additional use of litter or an electric ventilation system. 

Despite the separation mechanism, using a composting toilet does not differ from using a conventional toilet, except that one should avoid urinating while standing to ensure proper separation. 

There are various types of composting toilets. Some models have a closed system that collects all waste in internal containers, while others have an external urine diversion to the RV’s waste tank. Additionally, some variants are equipped with an electric ventilation system that directs odours outside. For those who prefer to avoid using electricity, litter can be used instead. This flexibility makes composting toilets a particularly adaptable option that can be tailored to suit individual needs. 

Our conclusion on the composting toilet: The composting toilet is an especially convenient solution, as using it is much like a traditional toilet, while the disposal of the separated waste is clean and hygienic, without the need for disposal stations. 

With a composting toilet, you are generally very independent. No chemical additives are required, and depending on the model, you can even do without electricity and a connection to a water tank. 

The composting toilet also offers advantages in terms of installation. The space-saving models can be easily installed and fixed in place by yourself. 

Overall, the composting toilet is an often underestimated solution for motorhomes, providing easy use and high comfort at a fair price. 

Pros: 

• Easy disposal of waste 
• Odour-neutral usage 
• Very good value for money 
• Comparatively long emptying intervals 
• Simple installation 
• No dependence on disposal stations 
• Optional operation without connection to a water tank 
• No use of environmentally harmful chemicals 

Cons: 

• Not possible to urinate standing up 
• Use of litter or an exhaust system is necessary 

Which toilet is best for your own RV depends on your personal needs and options. Personal preference regarding disposal, the available budget and the requirements of the vehicle itself all play an important role.  

Not every motorhome is suitable for the installation of a floor-mounted toilet, for example, as the presence of a faeces tank in the underbody is a prerequisite for this. The conditions of the vehicle can therefore already limit the choice of possible toilet systems.   

When comparing all the toilet systems presented, the composting toilet scores particularly well for the following reasons:  

• Easy installation without specialist knowledge: The installation is very straightforward and can be done independently with minimal tools, such as a screwdriver and drill. 
• Comfort similar to a conventional toilet: Using the toilet is just as comfortable as using a traditional toilet. Additionally, it is completely odourless, thanks to the separation principle and the addition of litter or a ventilation system. 
• Easy emptying and disposal: The disposal of separated waste is simple and hygienic, even when travelling. Moreover, with composting toilets, you are not dependent on disposal stations, as solid waste can be disposed of with household rubbish, and collected liquids can be disposed of in a conventional toilet. 
• Ideal for the budget-conscious: Both the purchase price and ongoing costs are reasonable. Additionally, thanks to the simple installation, there are generally no costs for remodelling or similar expenses. 

A composting toilet, therefore, offers many advantages over other solutions. For many composting toilet users, the easy disposal is one of the main reasons they ultimately choose this toilet system. 

In summary, composting toilets excel in terms of cost, comfort, and disposal. By the way, unlike all other options, the composting toilet is a particularly environmentally friendly solution. 

With numerous toilet systems and models available, choosing the right one isn’t easy—after all, having a choice means having a dilemma. With our checklist, you can keep track of the most important selection criteria and find exactly what suits you. 

• Installation: First, you should check which toilet systems you can actually install in your RV and which ones are unsuitable due to your vehicle's specifications. Then, measure the dimensions to ensure your chosen toilet will fit in your vehicle. Once you know what is technically feasible, move on to the next point. 
• Cost: Consider how much you want to invest in your toilet system. Keep in mind not only the purchase price of the toilet itself but also the potential costs for any necessary modifications as well as ongoing costs for accessories, electricity, and other related expenses. 
• Usage and comfort: Which type of use is really comfortable for you and your fellow travellers? The actual use of all toilet systems for RVs is comparable to that of a conventional toilet. However, in terms of odour development, cleaning, and—most importantly—disposal and emptying, the various systems differ significantly. Disposal and emptying play such an important role that we will discuss this aspect separately below. 
• Emptying and disposal: While floor toilets, macerator toilets, and cassette toilets must be emptied at special disposal stations, composting toilets and welding toilets offer the convenient option of disposing of waste with general rubbish. It’s also important to consider how frequently emptying is required. 

The permanent installation of our composting toilets is a breeze! Simply follow our assembly guide and the steps below to fit your composting toilet in your RV.

Firstly, you should make sure that you have everything you need to install your composting toilet.

If you opt for a TROBOLO composting toilet that is designed for permanent installation, you will receive a practical installation kit that contains all the necessary screws and plugs.

You will also need a screwdriver and a drill. With the drill, you can easily drill holes in the floor or back wall of your composting toilet, into which you can then insert the screws or plugs and screws directly.

To make it easier to install your composting toilet, you should remove all containers from it that are not needed during installation, giving you more space to work comfortably. 

You can then drill the holes. You have the option to drill in the base or the back wall of your composting toilet, depending on whether you prefer to attach it to the floor of your RV or to a wall. 

After that, you can position your composting toilet at the desired location. Make sure to place it exactly where you want to secure it. 

Now, it's time to actually screw it in place. You can use a regular screwdriver for this. 

If you are installing your composting toilet on the floor, use the two wooden blocks provided, as well as the supplied screws. 

For wall mounting, you can either use screws alone or a combination of wall plugs and screws. Which option you choose should depend on the material. If mounting on wood, you can skip the wall plugs. For other materials, such as plastic, wall plugs are recommended. 

That's it! You have successfully installed your composting toilet. Now, you just need to put the containers back in place and, if necessary, connect the external urine outlet to the tank of your RV.