I tested out 7 products and determined that the Dometic 320 was the best option when it comes to RV toilets.
Although it’s not something we gave a lot of thought to before we got serious about the RV lifestyle, having a functioning toilet is essential. The whole point of owning a camper is to have all the comforts of home on the road with you. That includes indoor plumbing—or as close as you can come to it, depending on the size and style of your rig.
1. Dometic 320 -Best Overall
2. Thetford Curve 92306 Porta Potti -Best Portable Option
3. Thetford Porta Potti 550P -Best Manual Pump Option
4. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet -Best Composting Option
5. Alpcour Portable Toilet For Camping And RVing -Best For Small Rigs
6. Thetford 31100 Aqua-Magic Bravura -Easiest Installation
7. Aqua-Magic V 31647 Hand Flush -Best Low-Profile Option
There’s a reason why the Dometic name pops up on so many “Best Of” lists. They’re one of the top-rated brands when it comes to waste management. Their 320 model stands as a great example of the company’s devotion to quality and efficiency.
With a simple design and a number of small but useful features, the Dometic 320 is a good all-purpose option. While the other models we tested all had their strong points, this one stood out in just about every way.
Read on to find out more about the Dometic 320 and the other RV toilets on our list.
Best 7 Camper and RV Toilets—Product Review Guide
1. Dometic 320—Best Overall
In contrast to the Dometic 310, one of the company’s previous offerings, the 320 offers an elongated seat and a fully enclosed rim to prevent spillage. You may not have paid much attention to the shape of the seat in the past, but you’re bound to notice the difference once you’ve tried this model.
The seat is also made out of wood rather than plastic, which is a feature we especially appreciate in cooler weather. What’s more, the unit uses less water than some of the competition, so it’s an energy-efficient choice.
One thing to remember: Because of the uniquely shaped bowl, this unit will need at least 11 inches of space between the rear wall and the floor flange. This shouldn’t be an issue if you plan ahead, but we thought it was worth mentioning.
In case you’re having a hard time visualizing the Dometic 320, here’s a video demonstration.
2. Thetford Curve 92306 Porta Potti—Best Portable Option
If it’s a portable model you’re looking for, consider the Thetford Curve 93206. With its convenient carrying handle, battery-powered flush feature, and oversized bowl, this is as good as portable RV toilets get.
A sealed valve helps the unit maintain a relatively odor-free environment, and the rotating pour spout lets you empty the tank without fear of spillage. A tank level indicator lets you know when it’s time to do that. The unit is also very easy to clean, which is a must in our opinion.
Be forewarned that while Thetford does offer a one-year warranty, the customer service department can be difficult to deal with if you do have a problem.
3. Thetford Porta Potti 550P—Best Manual Pump Option
The 550P is another portable option from Thetford. We’ve chosen to add this one to the list because of its manual pump feature, which eliminates the possibility of mechanical failure.
Like the Curve model, this unit comes with a sealed valve to keep odors to a minimum, as well as a large holding tank that’s designed for easy waste management. We especially appreciate the extra height, which isn’t so different from residential toilets. The manual flush design might not be for everyone, but this is a nice option if that’s what you’re looking for.
4. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet—Best Composting Option
With a composting toilet, you never have to deal with emptying an RV black tank again. That perk alone is reason enough for us to give the Nature’s Head unit a prime spot on our list.
You can also conserve your water supply when you invest in a composting unit. This is a good idea in any case, but it’s essential when you’re boondocking.
One caveat: You’ll need to compartmentalize the solid and liquid waste. What’s more, the urine container needs to be emptied on a regular basis, so we would suggest “nature peeing” whenever possible, especially for the guys.
5. Alpcour Portable Toilet For Camping And RVing—Best For Small Rigs
Alpcour makes a portable unit that doesn’t require permanent mounting, so you can use it both in and out of doors. Because of its diminutive size, it’s also a good fit for camper vans or any small RV that doesn’t have an onboard installation option.
At 5.3 gallons, the waste tank is sufficient but not oversized. There’s also a freshwater tank that allows for 50 flushes, with a hand sprayer to help keep the unit clean. The included storage kit, coupled with the fact that it weighs just 11 pounds, allows you to pack it up easily.
6. Thetford 31100 Aqua-Magic Bravura—Easiest Installation
Those of you who are apprehensive about installing RV toilets should consider Thetford’s 31100 Aqua-Magic Bravura model. It’s compatible with all flange types, and since it weighs just 18 pounds, installation should be a snap.
The unit is equipped with a removable seat for easy cleaning, and the overall design is cutting-edge. Our main complaint is that it doesn’t come with a hand sprayer to further assist with cleanup, but you should be able to buy one separately.
7. Thetford Aqua-Magic V 31647 Hand Flush—Best Low-Profile Option
In addition to being low-profile, Thetford’s Aqua-Magic V 31647 unit is one of the most affordable options listed here. With a total weight of just 8.5 pounds, it’s also the most portable.
Low-profile toilets are convenient for shorter folks, but they can also come in handy if you’ll be installing the unit on a raised platform. What’s nice about the Thetford model is the hand-lever flushing system that you can access even while you’re seated on the bowl. This feature is more convenient than the common pedal-flush mechanism, but be careful—the handle may break off if you’re not gentle with it.
Buyer’s Guide
Important Considerations
When it comes to RV toilets, you have a surprising number of options. In this section, we’ll help you narrow down the list. Here are the main things to consider as you begin your search.
Type
Gravity Flush
These models are equipped with motorized blades that break up the waste before depositing it into your black water tank. The word macerate means to separate into pieces, usually by soaking in a liquid.
Gravity Flush
This is probably the most common version you’ll come across. The system uses the force of gravity to suck the waste into the tank. This is similar to what takes place in residential bathrooms, so the process should be familiar.
Vacuum Flush
Like macerating toilets, these units break down waste products into tiny pieces, which are then deposited in your black water tank. The difference is that vacuum flush systems use vacuums instead of macerating blades to liquefy the waste.
Portable RV
These toilets are ideal for cab-over or class B campers that don’t have a lot of room to spare for bathroom facilities. Because the holding tanks are on the small side, you might even be able to dispose of the waste in a public restroom when the container is full.
Cassette
These may also be called “cartridge” toilets, and they’ve been popular with the European RVing crowd for quite some time. While they can be installed permanently, the cassette holding tank needs to be removed for emptying—usually quite often, as the tanks tend to be fairly small.
Composting
Composting toilets don’t require water in order to function, making them an eco-friendly choice. When they’re installed properly and in good working order, they’re essentially odor-free, which is another plus. Unfortunately, they’re also pricier than most of their counterparts.
Amount of Available Space
In the world of RVing, space is often at a premium. This is true particularly if your rig is on the smaller side. Therefore, it’s important to select a model that will fit within its designated area.
If you’re replacing an older bathroom fixture, make sure you measure the old unit before you choose a new one. Length and width are the most important considerations, but you should take the height into account as well.
Remember that RV toilets need at least 4 inches of clearance on each side. This will make it much easier for you to perform routine maintenance, such as emptying and cleaning the tank. Having more clearance will also make the installation process go more smoothly.
Profile
Do you want the seat to be positioned high above the floor, or low to the ground? Taller individuals usually prefer high-profile toilets, but if the bathroom area is configured with a raised platform, a low-profile model might be in order.
Flush System
There are two basic flushing mechanisms for RV toilets: hand levers and foot pedals. In both cases, you should be able to fill the bowl with water before disposing of the waste.
Hand levers are easy to reach, especially when they’re located at hip level, but the fixtures may also break easily. Foot pedals have the benefit of durability, and you don’t need to bend down in order to access them. However, they also require a bit more force, so they may not be the best choice for elderly or infirm users.
Composting and portable toilets don’t always have flushing systems, but most will be equipped with hand sprayers that allow you to clean out the bowl. If there’s no sprayer included, you’ll have to shell out more cash.
Ease of Installation
how difficult will it be to install the unit? This is especially important for first-timers, but it’s a factor that everyone should consider.
Gravity flush toilets are held in place by a pair of nut-and-bolt systems and sealed by a rubber gasket around the base. You’ll need to hook them up to the water source and make sure you have the right fittings and adapters for the hose. The installation may go more smoothly if you pay close attention to the fittings for the old model when you’re disconnecting it.
Portable and composting toilets don’t need to be connected to a water source. This makes them a better choice for anyone who’s apprehensive about the installation process. You can also take portable units outdoors, if you’d prefer.
Materials
Obviously, you want to be on the lookout for a durable model that won’t need to be replaced for years. But comfort is just as important as longevity.
Hard plastic is your best bet for the overall construction. The material is long-lasting, but it won’t crack and shatter the way porcelain will. You also won’t have to worry about damage due to corrosion, and cleanup should be a breeze.
As we mentioned, the wooden seat is one of the reasons we love the Dometic 320. If possible, try to find a unit that includes something similar.
Capacity
You want to find a happy medium when it comes to tank capacity. If the tank is too small, you’ll spend a lot of time emptying it, which probably isn’t how you envisioned your camping lifestyle.
On the other hand, oversized tanks may cause odor issues, as the waste is allowed to build up over longer periods of time. Make sure to buy a toilet with a tank that’s just large enough to suit your needs.
In Conclusion
The Dometic 320 offers comfort, durability, and convenience—the top three hallmarks of a functional RV toilet. While it’s not a budget option, it’s not overpriced, either. In our opinion, it’s worth spending a bit more for a quality product, especially one as important as this.
Good luck, and happy camping!
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