Dunnies

[AnD3rew]

So, for those of you who like bush camps what you you all do for toilets?

Dig a hole and squat?, dig a hole and use a folding toilet seat or folding thunder box, or use a bucket and plastic bag? Porta potty?

And of you use the bucket, bag, potty etc where do u store the gear, and what about storing and disposing of waste?

Sorry if all a bit personal but trying to figure out a compact and sanitary solution.

I have a camper trailer and some limited space, but don't really fancy having sloshing porta loo in there with food and camping gear etc. I have one of those pop up cubicle tents.

I don't mind a hole in in the ground, but SWMBO and teenage daughter less keen on the idea.

[snowbound]

spade & a bush for me. Warning, maintaining balance is paramount!

[Tank]

Next time you drive to a favourite camping spot and find **** stained toilet paper streamers all over the place might convince you that a Porta-Potti is the way to go.
They are totally sealed so no smells or liquids get out and they can be emptied at home or most decent rest areas have dump points. I keep mine in the original plastic bag packing and box and have never had a problem.
My worry is that NPWS will start shutting down some of the more popular campsites because of people leaving their mess behind, even if you bury it, you will still get animals digging it up, esp. Goannas. A lot of places the ground is too hard and a hole can't be dug, unless you have a backhoe, $90 to $100 for a decent Porta-Potti makes for a cleaner and more comfortable camp, Regards Frank.

[Kevin B]

I use a folding toilet seat, from rays outdoors, it folds flat ans stores well, the bags I use for them are the little green ones the council deliver for free for kitchen greenwaste, as all my food scraps go to the chooks I had no use for them until it occurred to me that they break down in the ground, there compact, there is no smell ones sealed so if you cant bury it then its easy to dispose of at the first rubbish stop on way home and best of all there home delivered :D

[Xtreme]

Pity you've got a camper trailer, otherwise you could use a bumper dumper. :wasntme:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/07/1300.jpg

[POD]

I dig a hole, and when finished burn the toilet paper in the hole, also when possible put a large rock or similar on top of the filled hole when finished. If stopping for a few days, the hole is dug fairly deep and filled in stages with use, then filled in when leaving. By burning the paper, if animals dig for the smell there will not be streamers festooning the area which is a disgusting side-effect of many camping areas. Another option, in areas where it is safe to do so, is to put a shovel-full of burning coals from the fire into the hole after use, then cover that with dirt- further covers the scent.

[JamesB71]

For years I just had a shovel and buried it deep, but these days with my daughter in tow I have a porta potty and a toilet tent.

[Chookie]

Porta Potti = huge "brownie" points with the fairer sex..
I was always sceptical with these things as I was always a dig/squat/bury person, but purchased one a couple of years ago to accommodate my wife and daughters needs and am now a convert.. They are pretty easy and clean to empty if you do the right things.
Couple of pointers..
*make a landing pad of loo paper in the pan - helps to keep it cleaner and prevent skid marks
*use the home-brand nappy soaker powder in the holding tanks rather than the expensive fluids - it works a treat...

I bought a book a couple of years ago called "How to S#it in the Woods" which is actually a pretty serious book which among the instructions on the various methods, goes on to outline the problem of outdoor defecation is having on the wilderness areas of the States (and would apply here as well) They have in most cases had to adopt a carry-out approach at nearly all of the national parks as the popular areas are literally filling up with crap..

The biggest thing was if you do have to go in a hole, mix in a bit of dirt from the surface and stir it in with a stick (to encourage the good bacteria to start breaking it down - there aren't as many good bacteria in the dirt under the surface as on top) and burn the paper after use... oh and as said earlier, balance is paramount!

Cheers
Chookie
'98 300Tdi Disco

[The ho har's]

When we had the Disco the porta-loo was behind my head, the other of the cargo barrier, never smelt anything or had an oopps:) And that was on the rough Cape York trip.

We have travelled all over Aus, never had a problem. The loo is now stored in the "boot" of the camper with tarps etc, no problem.

I have recipe for the the stuff you put in the top and botton tank.

Mrs hh:angel:

[Learner]

Hi Mrs hh,
Would you please post the recipes.

TIA,
Peter

[TerryO]

In caravan toilets the trick is throw away the chemicals and use some warm water and Nappysan. Not sure about Porta Potties.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

ok,, I'll bite,
I can dig the nappy san,,
but how do you get the water warm to flush with?

[Tank]

I have a solution for weak flushers, instead of filling the flush tank with water and pumping like crazy to get skid marks off the toilet bowl, I use a 4 to 5 litre plastic garden pump sprayer, the ones with the Stirrup type pump on top.
Pick them up at bunnings cheap, sit it beside the porta potti and when finished spray with the wand, give it a few pumps to replenish the air pressure for the next crapee.
Also comes in handy for fighting grass (saltbush) fires caught up and around mufflers, much more effective than a powder extinguisher, has a million and one uses around the campsite, can get them up to 7L if you wish, Regards Frank.

[TerryO]

ok,, I'll bite,
I can dig the nappy san,,
but how do you get the water warm to flush with?


No you mix the Nappysan with warm water and put it in the header tank, the wrm water helps to dissolve the nappy San. Then just flush the toilet as per normal.

We also put some in the holding tnk after emptying it so its already dissolving the left overs which it does usually without any chemical smells at all.

Plus instead of spending big bucks on chemicals, nappy San only costs a couple of dollars in comparison.

[CapableCate]

I dig a hole, and when finished burn the toilet paper in the hole, also when possible put a large rock or similar on top of the filled hole when finished. If stopping for a few days, the hole is dug fairly deep and filled in stages with use, then filled in when leaving. By burning the paper, if animals dig for the smell there will not be streamers festooning the area which is a disgusting side-effect of many camping areas. Another option, in areas where it is safe to do so, is to put a shovel-full of burning coals from the fire into the hole after use, then cover that with dirt- further covers the scent.
I concur! This is how my father, brother & I have 'done the business' for decades, and yes, as a previous post suggests, sometimes it's difficult to get depth on rocky country, but I've found in those areas if any uprooted trees about, or old ant mounds, you can improvise! As long as the paper is burnt to avoid the tree streamer problem, all is well, as even if an animal, or pesky Lyrebird as I've experienced, goes exploring, it will only be organic matter that gets disturbed, and it dries out quickly and goes to dust [thumbsupbig]

[Bushie]

For us it's been shovel and hole for the last 30+ years. Bury deep and if possible a little water, helps with breaking down the paper if you can't burn it (and I've camped plenty of times when I've been reluctant to drop matches into the hole due to the fire danger :D:D)

I would hazard a guess that the paper streamers are primarily from those arseholes that couldn't even bother attempting to bury/cover things.

Much of the recent camping I've done has been remote trips where water is scarce (and for drinking), I'd hate to carry a porta-potti for 14/15days over dunes without being able to empty & refill :(:(:(:(

The kids when they were young thought if there were even long drops then it wasn't fair dinkum camping.


Martyn

[Eevo]

Just a thought and no I'm not serious. If the animals don't dig a hole and burry it, why should we?

[Yorkie]

Just a thought and no I'm not serious. If the animals don't dig a hole and burry it, why should we?

true, but animals dont use paper to wipe there derriere?.:p

[marty]

Try searching for Jimmy's thunderbox
A mate put me on to these
The minister for fun and finance even approves

[ss_0001]

Wow, that bumper dumper is impressive! Are those smears or drop marks we can see down the side of the bag?

Maybe a clear bag would showcase your good work better ;)

[Tombie]

Just a thought and no I'm not serious. If the animals don't dig a hole and burry it, why should we?


Because you're often so full of **** that the pile would alter weather patterns :D

[steveG]

Try searching for Jimmy's thunderbox
A mate put me on to these
The minister for fun and finance even approves

They're a good thing I reckon. Take up bugger all room and are a decent height for those with dodgy knees and backs. A biodegradeable rubbish bag (ie breaks down in a couple of months not the 10 year ones) with the bottom torn out prevents any soiling of the inside of the thunderbox, and you can just drop it down the hole when you pack up before filling it in.
Really need to make a base plate for them though as they will sink into sand - a piece of 60cm square plywood with a hole cut out and a couple of locating strips for the thunderbox works great.

Steve

[The Cone of Silence]

I normally try and locate a fallen tree and use that for a seat - dig a big hole behind it and enthrone thyself onto it.

However, the missus isn't keen so I'm going to get her a Thunderbox and if the ground is too hard and a hole can't be dug underneath it, some of the biodegradable bags as SteveG suggests.

Bobby

[VladTepes]

porta pottie best money I ever spent.....

ho hars - how bout those 'recipes' ?

[weeds]

I was given a porta poti years ago never used......gave it away on the forum....now looking to buy one...how the wheel goes around

[austastar]

Hi,
About $90 from Bunnings.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/1163.jpg

It digs a good hole for dumping, when camped at the one spot for a while.

cheers

[Tank]

Hi,
About $90 from Bunnings.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/1163.jpg

It digs a good hole for dumping, when camped at the one spot for a while.

cheers
You can buy a porta potty for that and it works regardless of how hard the ground is, have a look at what is happening in National parks in Vic., if we don't clean our act up we will be camping in our backyards, Regards Frank.

[The ho har's]

Sorry I forgot about this thread :)

Toilet Chemical

1 cup borax mixed with 11/2 litres hot water (not boiling) in a 4 litre container. When cool add 1 cup of ammonia and 1 cup pineocleen, fill and shake well.

Add 25ml to 5 litre tank, 50ml/10 litre etc.

To keep the bowl clean;)
Add a squirt of pineoleen and a squirt of dishwashing liquid with the water.

Mrs hh:angel:

[zulu Delta 534]

I was down at the Army camp at Canungra the other day and commented on the long row of toilet trailers parked in the transport compound. I enquired re the reason for these lovely little trailers (each one has its own ARN...wonder there isn't a register for them by now!) and was told that they (soldiers) are no longer allowed to dig a hole and mark with a ring of stones to denote foul ground as we once did, but instead must be supplied with trailers.

I do realise that Canungra is a training establishment and therefore stuck with this unnecessary civvy OH&S garbage, but this is verging on the ridiculous. It won't be long before this restriction is enforced on us mere mortals.
Makes the imagination go wild when envisaging an all out Infantry siege sometime in the future, all these little trailers parked in a circle.
Regards
Glen

[dhc4ever]

Regarding the post above, this has been happening in high use military training areas for 20 years.
We were literally running out of non fowl ground. Regardless of the fact the old ration packs would only supply enough for 3 dumps a week ( less if you ate more cheese) thats still a lot of poo.
OH&S, yep you cant hold an exercise if everyone literally has the ****s after 5 days.
The toilet trailers also beat that time honoured past time of burning out the crap cans with kero, while mixing with a long stick to make sure it was all burnt. It is a smell that you dont forget easily.
Also beats dumping in a plastic bag and carrying it in your pack ala the chicken stranglers.

Due to the wife's insistence we use a porta potti when camping.

[Signal1]

We have a Dometic 18L portaloo which I finally decided to take away and use in November. Problem is I didn't read the instructions before heading off. Had the chemicals but didn't realise it wanted 12+ litres of water in the holding tank and flush tank to work. Unfortunately that was the trip I had bottled drinking water and not a jerry.

Question is - do I have to follow the instructions to the letter or can I skimp a little on water?

Thanks, Peter
Sent from my ASUS Pad

[Tombie]

Skimp on water? Are you seriously asking that question :D
Get the mix wrong and you will end up in the ****!

[Tank]

My Porta-Potti only requires water in the flush tank, the holding tank only has the correct amount of chemicals, a few capfuls.
I don't put any water in the flush tank till I set up camp (usually a river or creek nearby).
Lately I have switched over to a 5L garden sprayer to flush the bowl, does a better job and uses less water as well.
No need to carry all that water, fill it up when you need it, Regards Frank.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Chemicals?
you're not( I cant believe I'm saying this) still using chemicals??:o

[Signal1]

I've never used it so yes have chemicals it came with. In saying that, I read this thread last night and now understand there are alternatives.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I believe Mrs HH is the head witch when it comes to these recipes--:angel:

[The ho har's]

I believe Mrs HH is the head witch when it comes to these recipes--:angel:


You will keep Pedro:p Just as well we are not going this weekend...

Mrs hh:angel:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

:(:(:(

[Signal1]

I misread the instructions, 3ltr in bottom tank and 1in below top of flush tank. 😱

[The ho har's]

I misread the instructions, 3ltr in bottom tank and 1in below top of flush tank. ��


Don't put water in the bottom tank, where is your **** going to go otherwise:) bottom tank is for waste top is for flushing;)

Water only in the top tank to flush with my recipe :D

bottom tank has the borax mixture added to stop smells etc:D


Pedro.... can you edit my post To say the borax mixture is for the bottom tank and the pineocleen etc is for the top.. thanks C


OH and I still love you ;)


Mrs hh:angel:

[Signal1]

Thank you - who needs instructions when AULRO exists. 😊

[Bushy049]

Yep have to agree that the porta dunny is the way to go, was converted after somone gave me one so I decided to use it the missus is much happier too

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using AULRO mobile app

[steveG]

Question for those of you who are using a porta-loo.
When on a trip where you only stopping one night at each location, do you empty the loo each day, or wait until it needs emptying? Any issues with leakage - particularly over "sloshy" terrain such as sand dunes or rocks?

Must admit - SWMBO isn't keen on the idea of multiple litres of liquid waste sloshing around in the back of the vehicle. Pretty sure I know who'd be cleaning it up if it was my suggestion to take it.....:eek:

Steve

[Signal1]

We have a 18L Dometic unit. Have used it on a two day trip through the Vic High Country (so two nights) and quite rough terrain. Second trip was a four day basecamp in the Buckland Valley. Both occasions it was in the car, no issues and emptied at home. Certainly don't enjoy emptying it.

[gusthedog]

Just a thought and no I'm not serious. If the animals don't dig a hole and burry it, why should we?

The serious answer is that wild animals don't just **** in the one spot like people do. Even if you do walk a ways and dig a hole, how many other people have done the exact same thing? The only sanitary and environmentally friendly way to do number 2's in the bush is to use a porta potti. Buy a good unit and they will never leak or smell. Use Napi San for the cheap way and dispose of your waste in an rv dump point. Rv dump points are everywhere! The big loo's will hold enough **** for you to do the canning without ****ting in the woods! So those of you who think you are old school for digging a hole - you're not. You're just unhygienic, environmentally destructive and a bit gross*. :D

* none of this sentence is actually scientifically proven and the authors opinion should be taken with a grain of salt. No offence or **** stirring was meant to those of an "old school" nature who love nothing more than ****ting in a hole in the ground. The author simply finds portable toilets to be a good solution, particularly in heavily utilised areas where one often finds themselves knee deep in ****. No ****!

[Chookie]

Question for those of you who are using a porta-loo.
When on a trip where you only stopping one night at each location, do you empty the loo each day, or wait until it needs emptying? Any issues with leakage - particularly over "sloshy" terrain such as sand dunes or rocks?

Must admit - SWMBO isn't keen on the idea of multiple litres of liquid waste sloshing around in the back of the vehicle. Pretty sure I know who'd be cleaning it up if it was my suggestion to take it.....:eek:

Steve

I have a Thetford Porta-potti and have had no issues with leakage at all (did a 4 week stint in the Kimberly with no problem - was emptied regularly - wouldn't want a months worth in there ;)). You will actually appreciate bumpy roads as the sloshing help to break up the "solids" making emptying easier. If you go for the Mid-sized Thetford, Oztrail make a canvas bag which fits neatly and makes packing it a bit easier but just be careful how you lay it - holding tank to bottom as the top fresh water tank has a small breather hole which will leak if upturned - bottom tank no worries.
Cheers
Chookie
'98 300Tdi Disco

[Signal1]

Clever Chookie - would never have thought to split them when packing. :|

[The ho har's]

We have never had a problem with leakage. When in the disco the loo sat behind the cargo barrier which was directly behind the front seats (rear's seats removed) so behind me and I never smelt anything. HH made a little box that the loo fits in when travelling, a safety against leakage, and when camped upturn the box put loo on top, same height as a normal loo:cool:

Mrs hh:angel: