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Which Off-Grid Toilet Is Right For You? | RVs Of America

Written by jordan | Oct 19, 2023 3:53:56 PM

Exploring Your RV Toilet Options: Which One is Right for You?

When you hit the open road and especially once you get off-grid in your RV, one of the essential considerations is the type of toilet you’ll have on board. The right off-grid toilet can make a significant difference in your comfort and convenience during your travels. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at four different types of RV toilets to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

1. Standard RV Toilet with Black Tank

Pros:

  • Reliable Toilet
  • Many Manufacturers to Choose From
  • Affordable Pricing
  • Easy to Get Serviced

Cons:

  • Disposal and Maintenance
  • Unpleasant Odors

Compatible Units: Palomino Pause trailer (stock for all Palomino Pause Units) A standard RV toilet with a black tank is the industry standard for a reason. It operates like the toilets in your home, using fresh water for flushing and a black tank to hold waste until you can empty it at a dump site. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Reliable Toilet: This type of toilet is widely used and trusted in the RV community.
  • Many Different Manufacturers: The market offers a variety of styles and types to suit your preferences.
  • Affordable Pricing: You can find a decent standard RV toilet for as little as $200.
  • Easy to Get Service: RV service centers are well-versed in handling this type of toilet.

On the flip side:

  • Disposal/Maintenance: You’ll need to empty the black tank regularly and perform periodic cleaning to prevent odors and issues.
  • Smell: Many RVers find that this type of toilet can produce unpleasant odors, but with proper care, it’s manageable.

In conclusion, the standard RV toilet is a reliable and cost-effective option, though it does require more maintenance compared to some other choices.

2. Laveo Dry Flush Toilet

Pros:

  • No Odors
  • Portable
  • Easy to Dispose Of
  • Waterless
  • Non-Invasive Installation

Cons:

  • Refill Cartridge Size and Cost

Compatible Units: Imperial Outdoors – Xplore Units( comes stock), ROAMER 1; Pause XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC 21.4; Smaller trailers with no inside bathroom (TAXA, High Altitude, Scout, BRS) The Laveo Dry Flush Off-Grid Toilet offers a unique solution. It seals waste in an airtight bag, effectively locking in odors. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • No Smell: It excels at keeping odors at bay, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
  • Portable: This toilet doesn’t need to be permanently installed, making it perfect for various types of campers.
  • Easy to Use & Dispose: With only one button to flush, disposing of the waste is simple and odor-free.
  • Waterless: It doesn’t use water, helping you conserve your fresh water supply.
  • Non-Invasive Install: Installing it requires minimal effort with just two screws. You can power it with a battery or hardwired connection.

However, keep in mind:

  • Refill Cartridge Size and Cost: Cartridges are sold in sets of 3 and cost around $67, which might make it less ideal for full-time RVers.

In summary, the Laveo Dry Flush Toilet is a favorite due to its exceptional odor control, ease of use, and portability. It’s a suitable choice for those who want to keep their distance from waste.

3. Cinderella Travel Incineration Toilet

Pros:

  • No Odors
  • Minimal Additional Costs
  • Aesthetic Design
  • Environmentally Friendly Disposal

Cons:

  • High Upfront Cost
  • Involved Installation
  • Limited Service Availability

Compatible Units: Pause XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, and ROAMER 1 The Cinderella Travel Incineration  Off-Grid Toilet takes a unique approach by incinerating waste. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • No Smell: Despite the burning process, it manages to eliminate odors completely.
  • Minimal Additional Costs: You’ll mainly need toilet paper and liners for cleanliness.
  • Aesthetic Design: This toilet adds an aesthetic upgrade to your bathroom.
  • Environmentally Friendly Disposal: It turns waste into compostable ashes, allowing for eco-friendly disposal.

On the flip side:

  • High Upfront Cost: This is the most expensive option on the list.
  • Involved Installation: Installation requires some effort, including running the exhaust and a 12V connection.
  • Limited Service Availability: Not as widely known, which may affect servicing options.

In conclusion, the Cinderella Travel Incineration Toilet is an excellent investment for full-time RVers due to its low maintenance costs and effective odor control.

4. Tiny by Separett

Pros:

  • No Odors
  • Simple and Easy Disposal
  • Low Cost After Install
  • Low Maintenance
  • Waterless

Cons:

  • Disposal

Compatible Units: Pause: XC 16.4, XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, ROAMER 1 The Tiny by Separett is a waterless Off-Grid Toilet that separates urine and solids for less frequent maintenance. Here’s what makes it an attractive choice:

  • No Smell: Ventilation and separation prevent odors from entering the cabin.
  • Simple, Easy Disposal: Disposing of solid waste is straightforward, and the toilet uses regular garbage bags.
  • Low Cost After Install: After the initial installation, you’ll mainly need to purchase garbage bags.
  • Low Maintenance: Cleaning is minimal, mostly involving the vent filter and urine catch.
  • Waterless: Preserves water for other uses.

However, consider:

  • Disposal: While easier than emptying a black tank, some people may find the disposal process less preferable compared to other options.

In conclusion, the Tiny by Separett is a fan favorite for its reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, making it a good choice for full-timers looking to conserve water.

5. Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Pros:

  • Environmentally Friendly
  • Moderately Priced
  • Waterless
  • Easy Maintenance and Disposal
  • No Smell

Cons:

  • Slightly Involved Installation
  • Some Maintenance Required

Compatible Units: Pause: XC 16.4, XC 20.2, XC 20.3, and XC21.4; Xplore: X145, X195, ROAMER 1 Nature’s Head Composting Toilet separates urine from solid waste, allowing for easy disposal. Here’s what it offers:

  • Environmentally Friendly: It’s a green solution that turns waste into something useful.
  • Moderately Priced: While not the cheapest option, it’s still reasonably priced.
  • Waterless: It conserves water, extending your freshwater supply.
  • Easy Maintenance and Disposal: Urine can be used as fertilizer, and compost can be disposed of conveniently.