Thread: what toilet option to go for?

Having used a cassette type for many years and switching to a composting toilet a few years back I can tell you that I would never go back to a cassette style toilet. Composting toilets are far easier to manage overall IMO. Easy to dispose of the waste and if you're travelling as a couple you'll only need to worry about it once every week or 2 depending on use. The pee bottle will need emptying every few days but you can do that anywhere. The solids go into a garbage bag and into the bin. They don't smell even when you're using them as there's a small fan that runs constantly and ducts that outside.

Do some research and watch some videos on them - I was a bit dubious when all the videos I watched had everyone saying 'I wouldn't go back' - but guess what - I wouldn't go back. Couldn't recommend one highly enough.

Originally Posted by Homestar

Composting toilets are far easier to manage overall IMO.

In regard to composting toilets for caravans do you use a composting accelerant? Do they have more than one drum?

We used a house bound Rota-loo for several years, 6 drums, no issues. But it would seem you need more than a couple of weeks for composting to occur. Took several years to fill all drums, and on the return of the first drum you would empty a very coherent dry block of compost into a slit trench next to a tree for benefit, dung/paper/straw/kitchen waste unrecognisable

Originally Posted by V8Ian

I'll take you up on that Prelude, but I might wait until after your first toilet visit.
ETA?

Good call! hahaha

Wel, since I broke my foot I am running into unfortunate delays but the original planning was month 9-10 this year. Gotta see how things will be going because I can't work on the car right now so there is that.

I see many happy composting people, yes. Perhaps finding composting agents is not the worst problem, I might over think/worry (about) it. The one major concern I have and what most people that I watched reviewing them is: moist. You just don't want them to get wet and therein lies my problem.

Yes, I think cassette type is low on my list. My only major concern with the black water tank and the absolute pro of the composting toilet: what to do in places where you can't empty it. Where I live you can throw it down the sewer, though people will no doubt frown upon it, since that ends up at the sewage treatment plant anyway but I reckon in most countries that is not the case and tossing a bag on the rubbish tip (in some countries that is literally just in a field somewhere) is always going to be easier.

decisions decisions...

-P

Originally Posted by workingonit

In regard to composting toilets for caravans do you use a composting accelerant? Do they have more than one drum?

We used a house bound Rota-loo for several years, 6 drums, no issues. But it would seem you need more than a couple of weeks for composting to occur. Took several years to fill all drums, and on the return of the first drum you would empty a very coherent dry block of compost into a slit trench next to a tree for benefit, dung/paper/straw/kitchen waste unrecognisable

No accelerant used. Just the coconut coir from Bunnings. I just clean it out after a trip and before the next trip get it ready to go again. We’ve been away for 13 nights in it once and not needed to touch it during the trip apart from emptying the pee bottle once every few days.

Can't speak for other countries, but here in Oz you can find dumping sites for your black tank or inbuilt chemical loo in many places. As a coach driver I could approach most country based bus operators and use theirs. Also caravan parks, although that wasn't often a good option for the coach. Just make sure the dump slide and hose are in good condition

Originally Posted by prelude

Hi Guys, and Galls,

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this but.. I am currently designing/building my overland camper and I was wondering about the different toilet options...... I am hoping the braintrust here has some experience and advice.

Cheers,
-P

Also when travelling around Aus don't be tempted to buy some of the space saving single rolls or the money saving cheaper toilet roll brands, as some of those can make a grown man cry, being akin to sandpaper.

A good option for a toilet is the Joolca gotta go which is a cassette and composting toilet in one, not a full composting process but still better than emptying the **** can. No toilet in our van but next one will and i fit either the Joolca or other composting toilet.

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I have been using a Thetford toilet for many years. Many country towns have dumps and there are many truck stop service stations that have a dump point. Just about every caravan park has a dump point. The Motorhome Association has subsidised dump points in many towns and they produce maps.
I must admit that we do not use the toilet for poo , as most? country towns have public toilets and there are some in the outback at highway stops. these can be of dubious cleanliness as many seem to dump their cassette toilets in there.
I was amazed that some found it difficult to lug cassettes as they have wheels . In any case you can buy very light little trolleys on ebay.
The worst offenders for no dump point are National Parks. However they nearly always have "long Drop" toilets.
There are many hotels in even outback Australia and in a pinch you can use their toilet. There are many hotels that offer camping and 24 hour toilet availability. There is a Facebook Group called "Country Pub Camping" which produces a list and what amenities they provide.
My wife has serious bowel damage from radiation therapy yet we manage .
If you intend to "free Camp" I offer commiserations as we rarely free camp as they are often in to me undesirable places "cattle stockyard in Queensland" and groups reserve places for their mates and they fill up often by midday. On the other hand had a great pub camp at Derwent Bridge in Tasmania.
Regards PhilipA