Campervan Toilets: The best options & guide

Going to the toilet can be tricky when on the road, but there’s no need to let this stress you out. Numerous toilets are available for campervans, including fixed and portable options, so there’s guaranteed something to suit you.

Read on to find out all you need to know about campervan toilets, including the main types, how to clean them, and how often they need to be emptied.

What is the best campervan toilet option?

The best campervan toilet depends on your specific needs and available space. There are two main options to choose from: a fixed toilet or a portable toilet.

Fixed campervan toilet

A fixed campervan toilet works in the same way as a domestic toilet, using water from your campervan’s freshwater tank and flushing waste into a holding tank located underneath. This can then be emptied as and when required. Fixed toilets are only really an option in larger campervans as they take up quite a bit of space which you may prefer to use as part of your living area. Typically, a cubicle for your fixed toilet will need to be around 2m x 3m in size.

Portable campervan toilet

A portable toilet is ideal for those with smaller campervans or who aren’t too concerned about having a fixed toilet. With portable toilets, there will be a tank for water and a tank for waste. Waste will be broken down using chemicals that help to control odours and make it easier to dispose of. A portable toilet can be stored in your campervan and just taken out when needed. Be mindful of whether you’ll have enough space to use a portable toilet, especially when beds or tables are pulled out.

 

Do you need a toilet in a campervan?

If you don’t have room for a fixed toilet and don’t like the idea of keeping a portable campervan or have the space to store it– you can rely on service station and campsite toilets during your travels.

If you prefer wild camping on your campervan adventures, having a toilet installed or with you is a good idea. All waste must be disposed of correctly, either at dedicated chemical disposal points or in your own toilet at home. This is something else to consider when deciding what type of campervan toilet you should get.

 

How to empty a toilet in a campervan

The process involved with emptying your campervan toilet depends on whether you’ve opted for a fixed toilet or a portable toilet. However, most steps involved are similar and as follows:

• Have everything you need to hand before you start the task. You’ll need the right chemicals to clean the tank, a dedicated hose to wash it down, and PPE for yourself, including gloves and a mask.
• Carefully remove the waste tank ensuring that everything is sealed as it should be. Don’t rush – spills and leaks need to be avoided, so it’s important to check everything properly and take your time.
• Carry the tank to the dedicated chemical disposal point. Most campsites will have these. If you're back home, you can also dispose of the waste in your own toilet. There are no other places where it’s safe to discard campervan toilet waste.
• Empty the waste following whichever rules are in place where you’re disposing of it. Different campsites may have different regulations, so be mindful of this.
• Wash the tank out with water and tip this into the disposal point too. Most campsites will have a hose located here to make this task easier. Then clean the tank properly, following the guidelines of your cleaning products. Some will need to be mixed with warm water. Typically, you’ll need to leave the products in the toilet tank for 15 minutes or so to let them do their job. This can then be tipped into the disposal point.
• You might also want to check your toilet’s water tank to ensure a good level in there.

 

How often should you empty a campervan toilet?

How often you need to empty your campervan toilet depends on the size of the waste tank, how many people are using it, and how long you’re on the road between stops. Emptying the toilet’s waste tank every three to five days is fairly standard. But if your toilet has a waste indicator light, starts to smell or doesn’t seem to be flushing efficiently, these are good signs that you need to empty it.

 

Other types of campervan toilet

Although fixed and portable toilets with a waste tank are the most common campervan toilets, there are a few other options you could consider.

• Wag bag toilet: A wag bag toilet has a bag fitted to the toilet seat, which is mostly suitable for solid waste. Once used, the bag must be disposed of fairly quickly, and it is not really designed for liquid waste.
• Foldable toilet: A foldable toilet is a portable toilet with legs, providing a bit more of a fixed toilet experience. It is ideal if a bit of extra height would be more comfortable for you.
• Bucket toilet: Essentially a bucket, this style of toilet can be quickly emptied of liquid waste, and bags are also available for times when you may need a #2.

 

Can you put toilet paper down a campervan toilet?

You can put toilet paper down a campervan toilet if you have the right type. Standard household toilet paper doesn’t necessarily break down properly and can have a negative effect on the toilet’s system. However, you can buy toilet paper specifically for use in campervans and portable toilets, which breaks down quickly and ensures your toilet stays in good working order. Don’t worry—this toilet roll is just as soft and strong as household options!

 

Finding toilets on the road

If you decide not to have a toilet in your campervan and would prefer to use public options, you can plan service station stops for your route when organising your journey. Google Maps is a useful tool for this, and you may also find that your sat nav has the option to input toilet stops. Campsites will have toilet facilities too, so you can always rest assured you’ll be able to use these when you reach your destination.

Related: The best motorhome sat nav apps

Specialist campervan insurance through Ripe

Campervan toilets are an essential consideration of campervan ownership. Once you’ve decided on a campervan toilet, you may want to consider campervan insurance. Through Ripe, you can protect your campervan from theft, accidental damage, fire, flood, and more.

You can also get cover for your motorhome equipment and accessories, giving you complete peace of mind on the road.

Find out more about specialist campervan insurance through Ripe or get a quote online today