Motorhome toilets in comparison
Comparison of motorhome toilets - This is what this article is about. We will differentiate between the standard chemical toilets
chemical toilets and the increasingly common composting toilets. Both have a similarly long history.
In particular, however, we will present the advantages and disadvantages of each toilet.
There are the following types of motorhome toilets: chemical toilets and sustainable motorhome toilets. Chemical toilets are still very common.
However, due to the use of chemical additives that pollute sewage treatment plants, they are no longer up to date.
In contrast, sustainable camping toilets are becoming increasingly popular. They work without chemicals and without water.
If you are looking for detailed information on how a composting toilet works, then take a look here: How a composting toilet works.
The most popular composting toilets in our shop:
The motorhome toilet is usually permanently installed. It should be ready for use at any time and offer a similar level of comfort as the toilet at home. This includes that the motorhome toilet is also easy to handle.
History of the motorhome toilet
When you think of a motorhome toilet, most people think of the classic cassette toilet, which is fitted as standard in almost all motorhomes.
Thetford, Dometic or Enders toilets are probably the most common of the chemical toilets.
In 1960, the American Frank Sargent invented the camping toilet. It was similar to the Porta Potti. In 1963, Sargent founded the company Thetford, which spread worldwide. In 1988, the classic cassette toilets came onto the market and moved into all motorhomes.¹
At this point we would like to express our gratitude to the Thetford company, as they equipped motorhomes with toilets and motorhome travel became more independent and free.
Cassette toilet catches on as motorhome toilet
The permanently installed cassette toilets are gaining ground compared to the mobile chemical toilets because they are less complicated to use.
Only the cassette has to be changed through an external compartment in the motorhome. The rest of the toilet remains permanently installed in the motorhome.
composting toilet - Alternative motorhome toilet
The partition toilet also has a long history. The development of the dry toilet began in Sweden at the end of 1930. In 1970, the dry toilet was also used in the USA, in national parks.
Nevertheless, water toilets have prevailed. The composting toilet is hygienic, odourless, waterless and environmentally friendly.
A composting toilet separates the excreta from each other so that the putrefaction processes do not even take place. The urine can be diluted and used as fertiliser in the garden. Of course, it can also be disposed of in gullies or drains.
The solids are covered with scattering material such as sawdust or bark mulch and thus aerated and dried out. In this way, they can be collected for longer and are finally disposed of either in the rubbish bin or on the compost heap.
Some also bury the solids if there is no other option available. This prevents animals from getting at it and nature transforms the organic matter into soil.
However, the solids tend to have a peaty structure, so it is not unpleasant to dispose of them. As the faeces dry out, odours do not stand a chance.
Gradually, the demand is growing for alternative toilet concepts for mobile use, such as for motor homes, boats or camping.
The decisive difference is the independence created from supply and disposal stations. Separating toilets bring the possibility to stand freely for longer.
Advantages and disadvantages of the individual motorhome toilets
1. classic cassette toilet
A camper van toilet has to be practical, which is why the cassette toilets developed in the 80s have become popular. Instead of going down the drain, everything goes into the cassette and is collected there.
The business is flushed down with water. The handling is similar to that of the toilet at home. Sit on it, flush - done for now. The big difference is the regular disposal of the collected faeces in the cassette.
Advantages:
- Cassette toilets are usually already installed in the motorhome. This means that all the connections are already in place
- Nothing else needs to be done when going to the toilet, except flushing
- Usual toilet use with flush
- Lower purchase price ~ 600,- €
Disadvantages
- The cassettes have a filling capacity of between 17 l and 20 l. With 2 persons, a cassette is full after about 2-3 days and must be emptied
- Due to the mixing of the excreta, odours arise which are covered up with chemical additives
- Disposal and cleaning is done at special supply and disposal stations
- More harmful to the environment due to chemical use
- Full - weight = over 20 kg
- Water consumption
- follow-up costs for chemical additives and disposal
- Unpleasant disposal procedure
2. NaturesHead composting toilet
The NaturesHead with its granite look comes from the USA. It has a very narrow design and is ideal for motorhomes, boats and caravans.
It weighs 14.5 kg. The NaturesHead is suitable for fixed installations and for wet cells. An 8.3 l urine tank is built in and the solids tank is sufficient for about 60-80 sessions. The NaturesHead has a crank and a fan.
Advantages:
- Privacy flap installed
- Integrated urine hose can be used for external urine drainage.
- Solid waste container must be emptied approximately every 5-6 weeks when used by 2 people
- can be used in wet rooms
- can be installed on boats due to its special shape
- no odours due to crank and fan
- robust and light
- Due to the fixed installation also suitable for adverse conditions, such as expedition vehicles or boats.
- No littering after each use, as the coconut brick is only put in once at the beginning. Mixing and drying takes place via the crank. Only after emptying does a new coconut brick go in.
- Ready for use immediately.
Disadvantages:
- High acquisition costs of around €999
- Optics are rather optimised for use
- Coconut brick must be soaked for about 10 hours before use
- No possibility to use compostable bags
3. Trennto - Designer composting Toilet from the Carpenter
The "Trennto" composting toilet is ideally suited for motorhomes. It has a noble look and is therefore more like a beautiful toilet at home.
Nevertheless, the designer toilet is a modern dry composting toilet with the special feature that it is handmade by a carpenter. It is made of veneered MDF panels and has a soft close plastic toilet seat.
The designer toilet from Scheiner is elegant and luxurious.
7ℓ solid waste containers and 10ℓ urine canisters are installed in this composting toilet. The Trennto also has a fan for better ventilation.
Advantages:
- It can be installed in confined spaces and is designed for fixed installations.
- The joiner's composting toilet has a classy look and clearly stands out from many composting toilets.
- Compostable bags can be used
- Integrated fan ensures improved ventilation and thus faster drying. Litter material can be reduced or completely avoided.
- No water consumption
- No odours
- Immediately ready for use
Nachteile:
- It is not suitable for wet rooms as it is made of wood.
- High purchase costs at € 999.
- Comparatively rather small solids tank.
- Comparatively rather high weight at 16 kg.
- Additional costs for compostable bags
4. Trelino L
The new Trelino L is a very compact partition toilet that fits even in cramped installation situations.
This partition toilet has also only been available since the winter of 2020. With its dimensions, it does not require more space than many narrow cassette toilets. The lid, which can be opened upwards, is an advantage as it does not require any additional space to the rear.
It has an integrated 10-litre urine and 15-litre solids tank. It also has a fan to optimise drying.
The Trelino L consists of a plastic housing that is robust and hard-wearing. The composting toilet is finished with a wooden lid.
The highlight of the Trelino L is that it can stand freely and thus remain mobile, or it can be permanently mounted. Both are possible. The Trelino L is currently available in two colours: white and anthracite.
Vorteile:
- very compact composting toilet
- suitable for mobile and stationary use
- Durable plastic housing
- Integrated fan
- Litter can be reduced or completely omitted when using the fan.
- Use of compostable bags possible
- with 10 kg rather a light composting toilet
Nachteile:
- Not 100 % waterproof due to the wooden lid
- Lid must be removed and placed to the side when in use
Zusammenfassung Vor- und Nachteile der Wohnmobiltoilette
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