Choosing the Best RV Toilet – Real RVers Share Their Picks

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RV toilets are available with a range of options – heights, sizes, bowl depths, flush toilet or composting toilet, etc. – so finding one that best meets your needs can be tricky (and may require some measuring).

Below, we cover 10 of the most popular toilets for campers, highlight the toilets our community members chose, and break down the unique features of each.

What to Look For in a New RV Toilet

When you’re looking to buy a new toilet for your RV or camper, there are a few important considerations.

This is likely a long-term purchase and one you and your family will use multiple times per day (not to mention cleaning and maintenance), so you want a toilet that works well for you.

Toilet Type

There are 7 types of RV toilets, including gravity flush, macerating, composting toilet, cassette toilet, dry flush, vacuum flush, and incinerator RV toilet. If you’re replacing a manufacturer-installed toilet, it’s likely a gravity flush toilet.

Weight

Plastic toilets typically weigh less than porcelain or ceramic toilets, which can help cut down on total RV weight. They are also often cheaper than their porcelain counterparts. But porcelain toilets are thought to be more durable (though I’ve never had an issue with a plastic toilet).

Height

How tall are the people on board? Are they elderly or disabled? A small portable toilet might be suitable for children, but not if everyone on the trip has unusually long legs or struggles getting up from a low toilet. Look for one that’s at least 17″ high.

Space Available

Space is always a consideration in an RV. Where is your toilet going to be stationed? How big is the area? The amount of space you have to work with significantly affects your options.

Bowl Width

Bowl width means comfort. How petite are you? Feeling like you’re going to tip over while on the toilet is neither fun nor safe.

Cleaning

Choosing the easy-to-clean option will save you a lot of frustration later on. Porcelain toilets are non-porous and typically easier to clean than plastic toilets.

Installation

Most full RV toilets are quick and easy to install. It’s a good idea to read the installation manual before buying to know the entire process (and ensure there are no surprises). You can usually find owner’s manuals on the company website.

Durability

You don’t want a toilet breaking down on your vacation trip. Invest in a reputable brand and material that’s built to last. You can’t go wrong with a Thetford or Dometic brand toilet.

Top Toilet Models to Choose From

Your typical gravity flush RV toilets are dominated by two brands – Dometic and Thetford. Below I’ll detail a little bit about the most popular models from these brands, plus highlight one model you should NOT get!

And for those interested, I even threw in a few portable toilets and a self-composting toilet.

1. Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet
Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Thetford, all around, makes some of the best RV toilets in the business. Efficient and lightweight, this model has a regular house toilet look and feel. Plus, it’s easy to use and install.

Ease of installation matters when installing, maintaining, and possibly replacing the toilet. Rest assured, the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet is quick and easy to install. No need to hire a professional. The kit instructions that come with your purchase are simple to follow.

Furthermore, full-bowl coverage, when flushed, means waste goes where it should and isn’t left standing in your toilet bowl. Tight spaces concentrate odors and unsanitary conditions. You’ll also save time cleaning your RV toilet bowl if your unit has a full-bowl flush.

The foot pedal gives you a say in the amount of water used when flushing. When you’re the one having to refill your mobile home’s water tanks, you’ll care about where every gallon goes. An adjustable flush means you’ll never use too much or too little water.

The Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet has plenty to offer, but a few drawbacks are worth mentioning.

The full-bowl flush keeps things clean, and the seat is full for comfort; however, the bowl is not quite as deep as a regular house toilet. Also, though already taller than some RV toilets on the market, it could be even taller for maximum comfort.

If you want a very comfortable and classic style toilet that’s easy to install and care for, look no further. 

Pros

  • 18.5″ tall
  • Easy installation
  • Full-bowl flush
  • Foot pedal system to adjust flush
  • Available with a hand flush
  • Durable, water-resistant lid

Cons

  • Shallow bowl
  • Could be taller
Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet

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2. Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet
Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet

Thetford and Dometic are the two most popular brands. I have the Thetford aqua magic style plus. Its got a porcelain bowl and full bowl flush. its the closest thing to a home toilet I’ve seen or used.

Bill Greene

If you’re looking for a toilet that looks and feels like your home toilet, then this is likely your best option.

From the powerful flush with 100% bowl coverage, to the home-like antimicrobial seat and cover, you’ll feel like you’re at home… when on the loo.

Unlike the Thetford mentioned above, this unit comes with a properly deep bowl. Unless you want to experience a surprise bidet-like experience now and then, you’ll appreciate a bowl with greater depth.

Overall, this option is the best porcelain RV toilet available. If you want to mimic what’s in your house, this is the choice for you. 

Pros

  • Tall seat
  • Antimicrobial seat
  • Elegant look
  • Deep bowl
  • Powerful pedal flush
  • Full-bowl flush
  • Customizable seat
  • Quick and easy installation

Cons

  • Only comes in white
Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet

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3. Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet
Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet

Another comfortable Thetford, this toilet sports a more modern design with bells and whistles like a taller antimicrobial seat, lightweight design, and comfortable experience.

The Thetford Aqua Magic Style II Toilet is similar to the options above; however, this model distinguishes itself by its modern aesthetic.

You do have to look at your toilet sometimes, and many products marketed for campers appear basic in design and made with less-than-impressive materials. This toilet’s simple, sleek appearance brings an intentional modern aspect to your mobile home.

The Thetford 42058 Aqua Magic Style II Toilet flushes with an adjustable-power pedal, helping save water and discard waste. Furthermore, full-bowl coverage will save you from cleaning down the road.

The flush is not only thorough but quiet, too. It also includes a self-wiping feature that ups the game in keeping sanitary.

Not only is it nice in appearance, but it’s also easy to use and clean. Maintenance and installation with this model do not fall short of Thetford’s standards. Follow the instructions provided in the kit, and you’ll be good to go.

Check out this quick overview of the Aqua Magic Style II.

If you’re searching for the modern RV version of your house’s toilet, then Thetford has you covered here. 

Pros

  • Tall seat
  • Lightweight
  • Antimicrobial seat
  • Modern look
  • Easy to clean
  • Deep bowl
  • Powerful pedal flush
  • Full-bowl flush
  • Quick and easy installation

Cons

  • Only comes in white
Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet

Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II RV Toilet

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4. Dometic 320 Series RV Toilet

Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet
Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet

I have the Dometic 320 in my Jayco. We did the swap out from a 310. Love the size and feel of the 320, especially compared tot he 310. Highly recommended!

Lindy

This is the toilet I’ve personally used for many years. What do I love?

  • Dometic’s elongated bowl and impressive 18″ height (on its tallest version).
  • Sleek foot pedal and a low water-waste flush with this model as well.
  • Wooden seat and a deeper bowl to avoid splash-back.

Installation is fast and easy, especially if you’re replacing an existing Dometic. But, I must caution you, make sure you have proper clearance to the back wall. Rspecially if upgrading from an older 300.

Get a closer look at the 320 Series RV Toilet with this quick video overview.

Dometic 320 Series Ceramic RV Toilet

Now that we’ve seen how the Dometic 320 stacks up with the other toilets mentioned, I have one issue with this unit.

This unit used to include a spray faucet that made routine cleaning fast and effective. Once you’ve started using one of these, you won’t want an RV toilet installed without one. However, they stopped including it for some reason.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Deep bowl
  • Built for comfort
  • Elongated bowl
  • Spray faucet for cleaning
  • Ergonomic foot pedal
  • Low water-waste flush
  • Quick and easy installation

Cons

  • No longer comes with the spray unit attached
  • Oblong base
Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet

Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet

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5. Dometic 310 Series RV Toilet

Dometic White 310 Series Standard Toilet
Dometic White 310 Series Standard Toilet

The Dometic 310 Series RV Toilet is a step up from the 300 and is, luckily, not plagued with the same issues as you’ll find out below (though some would argue that).

The 310 features a ceramic bowl that sits on a plastic base. The height of the standard profile toilet meets that of your regular in-house toilet (it also comes in a 14″ high low-profile option). Plus, you can enjoy added comfort through the elongated bowl, sturdy structure, and well-designed seat. 

We can’t stress this enough: mobile home toilets require more routine cleaning than most people give to their in-house toilets. Luckily, due to its overall compact design, ceramic bowl, and power flush technology, this toilet is very easy to clean.

The Dometic 310 is available in two different height options, 14″ and 18″, two color options, white or bone, and with or without the hand sprayer (do yourself a favor and get the hand sprayer).

Check out this quick video of the 310 Series to get a closer look.

Dometic 310 Series Porcelain RV Toilet

This model is a popular upgrade from the 300 series, but be sure to do some measuring if you plan to replace a 300 Series (or any toilet) with this model, as it is a bit larger.

The model is more expensive than the 300 series, but it’s worth it for a comfortable space-saving toilet that will last. That said, if price isn’t an issue, I’d recommend just jumping up to the 320.

Pros

  • Gravity flush
  • Regular or low-profile heights
  • Sturdy
  • Elongated bowl
  • Easy to clean
  • Ceramic bowl
  • Quick and easy two-bolt installation
  • Compact
  • Optional hand sprayer

Cons

  • Requires more room than the 300 series, so keep that in mind if upgrading
Dometic White 310 Series Standard Toilet

Dometic White 310 Series Standard Toilet

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6. Dometic 300 Series RV Toilet (Not Recommended)

Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet (Not Recommended)
Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet (Not Recommended)

If you’re looking to replace the manufacturer-installed toilet in your RV, there is a good chance it’s the Dometic 300 Series.

This was an extremely popular toilet outfitted in many new campers, likely due to the cheap cost. But, unfortunately, along with the cheap cost came cheap construction.

Essentially, there was a bad seal in the two-part construction that caused a leak inside the base of the toilet. If your Dometic 300 leaks and it’s still under warranty, you should be able to get it replaced for free. However, I’ve heard mixed results about RV’ers contacting their customer support and getting a replacement if it’s out of warranty or you’re not the original owner. It’s worth a shot, though.

I do believe the design flaw was only with a certain serial number, so the issue has been fixed.

If you are still interested in this model, it does have some nice features.

This unit has a triple-jet action bowl cleaning that blasts away waste, a feature that singlehandedly serves to alleviate a lot of RV toilet frustration. Couple the triple-jet design with an adjustable-power pedal, and you’ve got a premium-quality flush. You’ll keep your entire toilet bowl clean, which relieves you of most maintenance and conserve your camper’s H2O by using only a pint per flush.

In terms of dimensions and comfort, the Dometic 300 Series RV Toilet offers the ideal height to go easy on your legs, knees, and back.

Installation is easy, and all hardware, including gaskets, is included so that you have everything you need right from purchase.

My recommendation: If you have your heart set on a Dometic, go with the newer 310 or 320 series. Otherwise, the Thetford Aqua-Magic V is a great option.

Pros

  • Full-sized for comfort
  • Inexpensive
  • Gravity flush
  • Water-adjustable flush
  • Tall
  • Lightweight
  • Quick and easy installation

Cons

  • Had a major design flaw that causes a leak inside the base
Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet (Not Recommended)

Dometic 300 Series Standard Height Toilet (Not Recommended)

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7. Nature’s Head Self-contained Composting Toilet

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Nature’s Head provides an all-natural, environmentally sustainable, and well-designed composting toilet. If you’re into farming, homesteading, or just finding uses for compost, here’s your source of free compost!

One great benefit of a compost toilet and the golden appeal to RVers is that it uses no water. This means you don’t have to deal with your black tank, and you have more water for other purposes.

You’ll also cut down on clogs and repairs since the usual plumbing doesn’t apply to a composting self-contained toilet system.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking if you’ve never used a composting toilet before – do they smell?

While we can’t speak for all composting toilets, we can safely say this isn’t an issue for the Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet. Obviously, proper maintenance is key here, but if you take care of your composting toilet, you shouldn’t have any issues.

We’ve talked about the benefits of a composting toilet, but it’s important to mention that this model doesn’t skimp on comfort. It offers full-sized dimensions, stainless steel construction, an elongated bowl, a secure seat, and even a vent hose with a circulation fan.

The compost is as easy to discard as trash; you can toss it right in the dumpster.

The Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is surprisingly easy to install and quick to remove compost from. All those great benefits stand with a few notable drawbacks.

This composting toilet requires a hefty investment, but one that is worth it in the long run.

The biggest drawback, though, is the functionality of keeping the solid and liquid waste separate. It comes with a urine jug that requires emptying daily, making it a bit repetitive for maintenance.

All around, this is a highly environmentally friendly composting toilet. With this unit, you don’t have to worry about a black water tank or finding a dump station.

Pros

  • Good use for excess compost
  • Saves water
  • Self-contained (no black water tank needed)
  • Zero odor
  • Full-sized
  • Vent hose and circulation fan
  • Quick and easy installation
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Urine must be emptied every day
Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

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8. Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet

Camco Portable Travel Toilet
Camco Portable Travel Toilet

We’ve covered the best in standard RV toilets, including our top pick for compositing options. Now, we’ll look at portable toilets, also known as porta-potties.

First up is the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet, which proves an excellent companion for long tours and remote camping trips. It includes an impressive 5.3- gallon waste holding tank and a 2.5-gallon flush tank. The focus on holding capacity was a significant deciding factor in ranking this portable unit.

Made of durable polyethylene (seat and lid included), this portable toilet makes for a formidable structure. Flimsy models are prone to breakdowns, and Camco decided to make a statement about that with this portable travel toilet. 

Like composting toilets, Portable toilets offer RVers a workaround for dealing with black water tanks. Whether you’re boondocking or simply adventuring somewhere without a nearby sewage-treatment station, you can breathe easy: you don’t need one with a portable toilet. Simply empty the waste into residential or public bathroom toilets, and flush down the waste. The tank is made easily detachable for just this purpose.

What about the smell? Porta potties don’t exactly have a good reputation in this category. The Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet, on the other hand, wins on this front. A slide valve keeps odors from escaping, keeping your RV smelling reliably fresh.

The size and dimensions give this toilet a unique kid-friendly appeal. Young children won’t have to struggle like they would with the standard taller designs. They’ll also enjoy a better fit due to the bowl’s more compact design. The comfort offered by the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet extends to adults as well. Even taller individuals are confidently supported by the model’s impressive structure.

This portable travel toilet couldn’t be easier to install and requires little water for higher affordability. However, with great portability comes great responsibility. Let’s look at some of the cons to ownership.

A big tank means it’s heavy and a bit of a chore to handle repeatedly. But in conclusion, this portable toilet offers an impressive list of benefits and maximum ease of use for long hauls and off-grid camping. 

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • No black water tank
  • No bad smells
  • Kid-friendly
  • Works for tall people
  • Comfortable
  • Minimal water use
  • Inexpensive
  • No installation

Cons

  • Heavy waste container
Camco Portable Travel Toilet

Camco Portable Travel Toilet

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9. Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet

Porta Potti Curve
Porta Potti Curve

This is a long-time favorite among RVers and great for first-timers as well. Porta Potti gives you an excellent option for remote camping that’s cleaner to use than a truck stop, questionable public facility, or a dark spot in the shrubs.

The Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet offers an outstanding choice with proven performance. Take it with you camping, sailing, or rolling down long stretches of highway for fewer stops and better sanitation. The design, while impressive, takes some figuring out, but with a little patience, you won’t have any significant issues. No operational issues mean this unit ranks high in our books.

Water waste remains a concern. Black water tanks are never fun to maintain, require extra stops, and often produce unwanted odors. The Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet sidesteps the usual conservation issues with battery-powered flushing and very little water used. Plus, this unit comes with a large tank, which will keep you rolling for multiple days. 

In terms of design, the Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet shows superior craftsmanship. A deep bowl means greater comfort with little splash-back, a feature that shouldn’t be overlooked as it’s not so common in most portable toilets. This unit even provides you with a mechanism for holding toilet paper. 

If you’re worried about odors, rest assured that this model was made to keep your camper smelling good. Seriously, this portable toilet will redefine your view of porta-potties!

The aesthetic appeal of the Porta Potti Curve Portable Toilet must be mentioned. The standard look of cheap plastic and appearance as an afterthought doesn’t come with this model. In fact, the space-age design makes it look different from a toilet altogether. That’s not a bad thing if you ask us.

Comfort at the forefront, this portable toilet feels just like the one in your home. The well-accommodating height beats out most other porta-potties, as does the sturdy seat that will prevent unwanted shifting or tipping. This unit enjoys excellent reviews for comfort for heavier folks and those with back issues.

Last on the list of great features is the maintenance and dumping protocol, which allows you to remove the waste container and empty it quickly and easily without the usual frustration.

That said, there are a few negative considerations to include in this department.

It could be easier to set up. If you don’t put everything together correctly the first time, it can fail without warning. Otherwise, this is a reliable and comfortable porta potty. Set it up right the first time, and you won’t have any issues. 

Pros

  • Battery-powered flushing
  • Big water tank
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Odor-free
  • Modern appearance
  • Tall
  • Suitable for heavy people and those with back problems

Cons

  • Complicated to set up
  • Can fail suddenly if not set up right
Porta Potti Curve

Porta Potti Curve

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10. Dometic 301097506 Portable Toilet

Dometic Gray 5 Gallon 970 Series
Dometic Gray 5 Gallon 970 Series

The Dometic 301097506 Portable Toilet should not be overlooked as an excellent choice in porta-potties. Stylish in design, highly efficient, easy to use, and simple to clean, this portable toilet may be the perfect choice for your RV trip.

This model serves as another powerful statement in portable toilets by Dometic. The first awards go to the durable structure and overall quality of design. Only after traveling with this toilet for some time can you truly appreciate the depth of work and attention to detail.

The Dometic 301097506 Portable Toilet, admittedly, doesn’t look much like a toilet at all. But don’t let the design scare you in terms of operating. A small learning curve is worth the effort and one that you’ll find easy to master with routine use. Simply press a button to activate the battery-powered flush. The model includes a simple pump that prevents unwanted smells, too!

The size is great for kids, but it is admittedly a little low to the ground for adults. The pump is also a bit noisy and has the potential to disturb nearby sleeping campers.

Nevertheless, don’t be intimidated by this toilet. It’s incredibly well-made using state-of-the-art technology and offers a terrific option for long trips out in nature or on the road. 

Pros

  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Simple touch-based flush system
  • No odor
  • Easy to use pump-system
  • Good height for children
  • Compact
  • Surprisingly big tank

Cons

  • Low for adults
  • Noisy pump
Dometic Gray 5 Gallon 970 Series

Dometic Gray 5 Gallon 970 Series

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Install an RV Toilet?

First, make sure the area is clean of debris. Turn off the vehicle’s water pump and use the provided gasket (usually in the installation kit) to seal the toilet to the floor. Line it up and bolt it down. Don’t overtighten it, but give it a u0022sit-testu0022 to make sure there’s no wobble. Attach the hose and turn the water pump back on. Give it a flush test. Lastly, inspect for leaks.

Can You Put a Porcelain Toilet in an RV?

Yes, they make porcelain toilets for RVs. The Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus toilet is an example of a high-quality porcelain toilet designed for RV use.

Can I Replace My RV Toilet With a Regular Toilet?

No, you cannot put a regular toilet in an RV. House toilets weigh more, are more prone to damage, and have specific requirements. They aren’t designed for bumping along in your RV, and high water requirements mean more weight and hassle. Overall, your in-home toilet is less efficient than an RV toilet.

Is Replacing an RV Toilet Difficult?

You can replace your RV toilet yourself, as it’s not typically that difficult. Here’s a general replacement walkthrough.u003cbru003e1. Shut off the water supply in your RV.u003cbru003e2. Flush the toilet to depressurize the waterline.u003cbru003e3. Remove the plastic covers near the bottom of the toilet, then remove the bolts, but don’t lift it yet.u003cbru003e4. Locate the hose and have a towel ready to catch any dripping water. Detach the hose, possibly by unscrewing it.u003cbru003e5. Lift the toilet, but be careful not to tip it.u003cbru003e6. Replace the rubber gasket that seals the toilet to the floor before setting your new toilet down.u003cbru003e7. Bolt everything down, replace fixtures, and ensure it doesn’t wobble with a u0022sit test.u0022u003cbru003eEvery RV toilet model is different, so refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions. You can always hire a professional to make sure your unit is the best RV toilet it can be.

2 thoughts on “Choosing the Best RV Toilet – Real RVers Share Their Picks”

  1. I have the exact Dometic 300 issue you describe. No luck working with their customer service (out of warranty). I’m looking to upgrade to the 310. Is it a direct replacement of the 300? Not sure if it will fit in my Forest River?

    Reply

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