Looking for the best RV toilets? Discover the ultimate guide to choosing RV toilets for optimal comfort and efficiency. Find your perfect fit now!
To choose the best RV toilet, consider the size, height, flushing mechanism (gravity or macerator), and how often you use the RV. Look for models that have an easy-to-clean process and require decent water usage. The Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet is a popular recommendation in many RV communities. But other options can better suit your situation.
Toilets aren’t the most glamorous thing in our motorhomes to talk about, but they are essential. I remember attempting to upgrade the toilet in one of my RV in 2022, the Jayco Bhs264. It was a struggle because there were many options, and I was unsure about many factors. I needed something relatively higher off the ground. Many recommendations from my RV buddies pointed at the standard Dometic 310 model, and I’ve been happy with the purchase so far.
However, before making the purchase decision, I had to consider a few factors, like my family size, how often I use my RV, and the camper’s bathroom dimensions. So if you’re looking to invest in an RV toilet, these questions can help you narrow down the type of camper toilet ideal for your situation.
Even with answers to these questions, making the first and best purchase is not always easy. Fortunately, I’ve walked this path, so you don’t have to. I’ve written this article to walk you through the key areas you must look at when shopping for an RV toilet. With this knowledge, you can determine precisely what you’re looking for and the models you need to avoid.
It begins with knowing the type of RV toilet you want. There are five main types:
Types Of RV Toilets
The main factors differentiating the types of RV toilets lie in the flushing system, holding capacity, and waste disposal method. Most of them have similar body construction.
| RV Toilets Type | How It Works |
| Gravity flush toilets | Similar to household toilets. Waste is pulled down by gravity into the black water tank. |
| Macerator toilets | Smaller holding capacityEquipped with motorized blades that cut the solid into pieces before it goes to the black water tank. |
| Vacuum flush toilets | Vacuum liquefies the solid before it goes down to the black water tank. |
| Cassettes | Equipped with cassette – portable waste tank – that you can remove and dump. Easy to install and do not rely on the black water tank. |
| Composting RV toilets | Instead of flushing waste with water, it separates the solid and the liquid and turns the rest into humus, which is beneficial for the soil. |
Now let’s look at more detail on how these types of RV toilet work and the situations in which they are best suitable. With this knowledge, you’ll know which type is best for you before narrowing down on model and brand.
1. Gravity Flush Toilet
A gravity flush toilet is installed permanently in your RV. It allows the waste in the bowl to drop directly into the black water tank installed under the toilet.
It’s the best type of RV toilet if you prefer something similar to your household toilet. However, gravity flush toilets use more water than other RV toilet types. So it’s not an excellent option to look at if you do a lot of boondocking.
2. Macerator Toilet
A Macerator toilet is similar to gravity flush toilets, only with additional features. It works by grounding up waste to ensure a smooth flow of the waste from the bowl to the black water tank. The mechanism is similar to the garbage disposal in the kitchen sink.
It pulverizes waste so it won’t get stuck in your black water tank. However, it also requires more water and electricity.
3. Vacuum Flush Toilet
A vacuum flush toilet works by incinerating your waste. Models of this construction typically feature a button you can press to heat the bowl to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. This will burn the waste into ash.
It’s a great option if you don’t want to get hands-on with your waste. But these models are expensive because they have unique toilet bowl liners.
4. Composting RV Toilet
A composting RV toilet doesn’t use water to flush or rinse the toilet bowl. In most cases, models of this kind are attached directly to the waste-holding tank.
It separates liquid waste from solid waste so that it goes into a bottle you can dump in a public toilet. It mixes the solid waste with coconut coir or other composting medium for plant fertilization. It’s an eco-friendly option and requires less water.
A composting RV toilet is a great option if you often camp off-grid. But if you can’t bear carrying waste inside the interior of your RV, this option is not for you.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing The Best RV Toilet For Your Needs
Now that you know the types of RV toilets available, here are the key factors to keep in mind as you shop for models in the market.
1. Your RV Bathroom Space
Large-sized toilets will take up more space and will reduce the comfort level of your RV bathroom area. So focus on models with size specifications that suit your space.
For example, in my case, I went with the Dometic 310 model for my 2020 Jayco Bhs264 camper because of the space of my bathroom. My initial interest was the Domestic 320 upgrade, but it’s an elongated version that will occupy more space in the small bathroom.
If you use campers like the Crossroads Volante VL29RB or Keystone Hideouts 243RB, you won’t be so bothered about size because these campers have considerably large bathroom spaces.
But a cassette toilet is the way to go if you use rigs like NuCamp Tab 320 S or any 15′ TT. You can also consider low-profile options like the Dometic 321 series.
2. Your RV Tank
Frequent cleaning is required since RV toilets have installed portable black tanks. It would help to consider the frequency of waste disposal and how comfortable you are with the process.
Casste toilets like the Thetford C402 require frequent waste disposal, while Dometic 310 and similar models can go straight to your black water tank.
3. The Material
RV toilets are either hard plastic or porcelain. When you pick a product, look at the material specifications. It will be heavier than other options and possibly more expensive if made of porcelain. RV toiles made with plastic are affordable, lightweight, and easy to install.
4. Durability
No matter your budget, you want a toilet that you won’t change too frequently. To choose an RV toilet that offers value for money, you must prioritize durability.
I recommend you focus on toilets made with Polypropylene. They may not look as luxurious as models made with porcelain, but they are durable and give you peace of mind when you bump down on the road.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Consider the flushing and waste disposal process for the toilet you want to pick. Is it convenient for your RV lifestyle?
Cassette toilet models are easy and quick to empty. But poorly designed ones can be messy. So focus on top-rated options like Thetford Porta Potti.
6. Toilet Profile
The toilet profile has to do with the height of the toilet. If the average person using the RV is tall, go for high-profile models, such as the Aqua Magic V RV Toilet or the Dometic High Profile 320 Series Gravity Discharge Toilet.
Low-profile RV toilets like the Dometic 321 Series are better for shorter people so their feet won’t hang down when seated.
7. Comfort
Comfort is non-negotiable when choosing an RV toilet. You want it to feel like a household toilet without sacrificing space. So, the area of focus is the toilet seat size.
I like the Aqua-Magic V RV toilet in this regard because it takes the construction of a regular household toilet and is affordable. But the bowl is relatively shallow, so you may experience toilet splashback.
8. Your Budget
Overall, your budget will also have a say in your decision. According to my analysis of Amazon listings, the average cost of a new RV seat toilet (gravity flush models) ranges from $250 to $500. But if you don’t mind splurging on specialized toilets like incinerators (vacuum flush), expect to spend between $2,000 and $3,000 or more.
Cassette toilets, however, are much more affordable as the average cost sits between $100 and$150, depending on the brand and model.
What Are The Top-rated RV Toilets On The Market?
Now that you know what to look out for before choosing an RV toilet, some top-rated brands dominate the market for their durability and positive reviews.
While I’ve not tested every product, I have used a few RV toilets over the years, and here are my top recommendations cutting across the different RV toilet types:
| Best RV toilet seats | Why I recommend | Price* |
| Dometic High Profile 310 Series Gravity Discharge Toilet | Best overall | $300 |
| Vivohome 5.3 Gallon Waste Tank Portable Toilet | Best cassette toilet | $120 |
| Aqua-Magic Bravura RV Toilet | Best for easy installation | $191 |
| Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet | Best composting toilet | $1,000 |
| Thetford Aqua-Magic V Toilet | Best for high profile RV toilet | $169 |
| Dometic 321 Series Low Profile RV Toilet | Best for low profile RV toilet | $317 |
*At time of publishing.
The Dometic High Profile 310 Series Gravity Discharge Toilet is a vitreous ceramic bowl with a 360-degree vortex flush pattern and decisive swirl-jet cleaning action. It’s praised for its lightweight feel and durability.
On the other hand, the Vivohome 5.3 Gallon Waste Tank Portable Toilet is the best camper toilet if you’re concerned about space and practicality for waste disposal. This cassette toilet has grip handles for easy cleaning and a large tank for up to 40 flushes.
With a single-pedal system, the Aqua-Magic Bravura RV Toilet is an easy-to-install RV toilet seat. I recommend it for beginner campers and those on a tight budget who need more than a cassette.
You can go for Nature’s Head model. It is arguably the best composting toilet for an RV if you want an eco-friendly toilet option and have the budget for it.. However, it holds waste longer, so it’s not an ideal option if you like to dispose of waste as soon as possible.
If you’re tall, the high-profile construction of the Thetford Aqua-Magic V toilet makes sense. It measures 17 x 15 x 18.5 inches. It also comes with chemicals to help you with maintenance.
On the other hand, the Dometic 321 Series Low Profile RV Toilet is a fantastic low-profile RV toilet. The porcelain RV toilet feels and functions like the toilet you use at home, thanks to the elongated, vitreous ceramic bowl and a full-size enameled wood seat for comfort.
In Summary
Your trips into new wide-open spaces can become terrible without a good, quality RV toilet. If you’re in the market to get the best RV toilet and want to make a fulfilling purchase decision, focus on these areas:
- Do you often travel off-grid, where you have less access to water?
- How much space are you working with, and what’s your RV bathroom layout?
- What’s your family size?
- What waste disposal method suits your RV lifestyle?
- What’s your budget?
Your answers to these questions will help you narrow down the RV toilet type that suits your situation perfectly. Now, the search will be reduced to only brand preference.
Unfortunately, – or fortunately depending on how you look at it – there are a lot of choices out there, and many even seem identical to one another. But I hope my top product recommendations have helped you decide.
Do you have other specific camper needs and need extra guidance to pick an RV toilet? Feel free to share in the comment section below. I’ll be happy to help.
FAQs
Are any specific brands or models consistently ranked as the best RV toilets?
Brands and models consistently ranked as the best RV toilets include Dometic 320 Series, Thetford Aqua Magic V, and Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet. Many users praise their durability and ease of installation. However, there are other rivals in terms of affordability and suitability in each use case.
What is the difference between an RV toilet and a regular toilet?
RV toilets are compact and fit in small spaces, while regular toilets are more extensive and permanently installed in buildings.
Also, RV toilets use less water and have a trap to prevent odors. They may require special maintenance due to their portable nature.
How do I keep my RV toilet smelling fresh?
Use RV-friendly toilet paper like the Better Boat and Camco RV bathroom toilet tissue to keep your RV toilet smelling fresh. Also, empty the holding tank regularly and add RV-specific holding tank treatments to control odors. Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use, and periodically clean the toilet and surrounding area.
What is the weight limit for RV toilets?
The weight limit for RV toilets is typically around 250 to 300 pounds. However, it varies depending on the model and design, so you have to check the specifications provided by the manufacturer of your RV toilet to ensure proper usage and avoid damage.
