Choosing the right toilet for an RV depends on available space and intended use. The most common type uses a ball valve and empties into a wastewater tank, while portable toilets are suited to small RVs. Composting toilets are expensive but useful for extended trips in remote areas.
There are three main types of toilets that can be used in recreational vehicles (RVs), and choosing the right one can depend on both the space available and the intended use. Most RVs use a ball valve toilet that empties directly into a wastewater tank. If an RV has a running black water tank, this is usually the best toilet to choose. Another option is a portable RV toilet with a tank cartridge that can be manually removed and flushed. Composting toilets are also available, and these may be the best option for people who spend a considerable amount of time camping in areas without access to public services.
The most common type of RV toilet uses a ball valve and is designed to use very little water for each flush. Instead of holding water in a tank or bowl like regular toilets, these units only use water when flushed. The ball valve normally seals the underside of the bowl and is rotated during the flushing process to provide a direct conduit to a wastewater tank. This is usually the best option for any RV that has a proper waste tank due to the ease of use and operation.
Some advanced models can more closely mimic the action of a normal toilet by automating the application of pressurized water and the opening and closing of the ball valve. These units still conserve water by using only enough for each flush, although they can reduce the amount of cleaning or rinsing needed after each use. An RV toilet like this can be more expensive than simpler designs, though it can also be more comfortable and convenient to use.
Portable RV toilets are an option that can be well suited to small RVs and trailers. If an RV has only one wastewater tank, one way to prevent it from filling up too quickly is to use an RV portable toilet that can be flushed separately. Some motorhomes lack built-in toilet facilities, in which case a portable unit may be the cheapest and easiest way to add a toilet.
Another RV toilet option is a composting unit. These unique toilets can be quite expensive, although they are a common choice for people who like to camp in remote areas. Dry camping, or boondocking, is an activity that involves visiting wilderness areas or non-standard camping areas for extended periods. Since these areas lack utilities like water or RV dumps, a composting toilet that requires little to no water and doesn’t need to be flushed can be instrumental in extending the length of a trip.
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