This material will be useful both for those who are just planning to build their motorhome and choosing a toilet, and for experienced travelers who want to better understand what toilets exist. Visual videos have been added for each type of toilet so that you can better understand their features and choose the appropriate model.
Cassette toilets:
Cassette toilets use a removable tank to collect waste, making it easier to dispose of. Chemical reagents are used inside the cassette, which not only dilute the waste, making it easier to remove, but also neutralize odors, creating more comfortable conditions for use. This solution is ideal for motorhome travel where cleanliness and order are important.
- pros: Portable and built-in, suitable for both small and regular motorhomes, easy to clean.
- Cons: The need for frequent cleaning and the small volume of the tank require regular emptying. As a solution, many users purchase an additional cassette, which allows them to double the time between cleanings.
- Cost: From $97 to $1500. Additionally, you need to purchase special chemicals to neutralize odor and liquefy waste, on average $20 for 13 doses.
- Manufacturers: Thetford и Dometic.
Dry Flush toilets:
A key feature of dry toilets is their ability to package waste into individual plastic cartridges, eliminating the need for water and sewer. Each use causes a new section of the bag to separate from the cartridge, ensuring hygiene and convenience when emptying the toilet. At the same time, cleanliness and absence of odors are maintained.
- pros: Saves water, minimizes odors, does not require connection to a sewer system.
- Cons: High cost of replacing cartridges, the need for power supply.
- Cost: The toilet itself is $895.00 – $975.00, cartridges are about $50 per pack.
- Manufacturers: Laveo by Dry Flush.
Incination toilets (gas):
Incineration toilets work on the unique principle of burning solid waste in a closed system, turning it into sterile ash. This process helps maintain hygiene and eliminates the need for water and sewerage.
- pros: Requires no water, converts waste to ash, minimal contact with waste.
- Cons: High cost, electricity consumption, as well as additional gas consumption.
- Cost: Typically starts at $3000.
- Manufacturers: Cinderella Eco, Incinolet.
Maceration toilets:
Maceration toilets are ideal for installation in motorhomes due to their ability to grind waste before discharging into a black tank. This reduces the risk of blockages and simplifies the drainage system in the confined spaces of the motorhome, making it more self-contained and convenient for long trips. However, it is worth considering that it will not be possible to empty the black tank everywhere due to the lack of infrastructure, but there is always an understanding, depending on the volume of the tank, how long it will take to empty it.
- pros: Convenient placement anywhere thanks to the powerful waste shredding mechanism.
- Cons: High maintenance requirements, potential for blockages, and difficulty emptying the black tank due to the lack of necessary infrastructure in many parking lots.
- Cost: Average cost is about $600-$1200.
- Manufacturers: Saniflo, Liberty Pumps, jabsco, Dometic.
Composting toilets:
Compost toilets use a natural fermentation process to process waste inside an insulated container. No need for water or a complex sewer system makes them an ideal choice for RVs. Waste is mixed with composting additives, which promotes rapid decomposition and minimizes the need for frequent disposal.
- pros: Eco-friendly, compact.
- Cons: Requires regular addition of composting material, frequent cleaning.
- Cost: On average from $800 to $1000.
- Manufacturers: Nature's Head, Sun-Mar, Clivus Multrum, BioLet.
Portable toilets:
Portable toilets, similar to compact cassette toilets, use a removable tank to collect waste, making disposal much easier. Inside each cassette, chemical reagents are used that dilute waste and neutralize odors, creating comfortable conditions for use. These toilets require no prior installation and are ideal for use in motorhomes where mobility, cleanliness and order are important. Their lightness and ease of handling make them an excellent choice for travelers who value convenience and independence.
- pros: Mobility, ease of use, low cost.
- Cons: Frequent cleaning required, low capacity.
- Cost: Typically $50 to $150.
- Manufacturers: camco, Thetford.
In conclusion, choosing an RV toilet depends on many factors, including travel preferences, infrastructure availability, and budget. Cassette toilets and portable models provide convenience and mobility, allowing you to easily manage waste. Incinization toilets offer an effective solution for waste disposal without the use of water, but require a significant initial investment and a constant source of energy. Maceration toilets, due to their ability to grind waste, minimize the risk of clogging and facilitate waste management in confined spaces.
Choosing the right toilet will improve your quality of life on the road, make travel more comfortable and minimize your impact on the environment. By considering all aspects and comparing different types of toilets, you can make an informed choice that will suit all your needs and preferences.
