Best RV Toilets: Top Commodes to Make Camping More Comfortable

The top RV toilets to make your road trip stress-free.

byHeather Fishel|
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BYHeather Fishel/ LAST UPDATED ON May 10, 2023

No one wants to think about their RV’s toilet. At least, most folks. But while it isn’t the most glamorous aspect of RV camping, it’s a pretty essential one. Without a good, quality RV toilet, you can find that your trips out into new wide-open spaces become serious adventures. After all, there’s no one out there who enjoys creating their own bathroom out in nature. Having an RV toilet that’s functional, well-built, and works flawlessly will make every trip more enjoyable and relaxing. 


But how do you know which RV toilets are really the best and worth investing in? There are a lot of choices out there, and many even seem identical to one another. We’ve done the hard work for you, and we have a list of the best RV toilets available right here. Plus, you’ll find all of the advice and insight you need to find the best RV toilet for your specific camper’s needs.

Best Overall

Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet

Summary
This gravity-flush toilet with an 18-inch-tall seat has a ceramic bowl and 360-degree vortex flush pattern. It includes a water line connection, two-bolt installation, optional hand spray, and two-year warranty.
Pros
The product is sturdy, well-designed, and flushes like a house toilet. It's also easy to clean and fosters a fast clean-water refill with the touch of your foot.
Cons
The seat is plastic, not ceramic, and there have been some reports that the valve or seals leak.
Best Value

Thetford Aqua-Magic V Toilet

Summary
This toilet features a single-handle flush system, it weighs 9.6 pounds, and it can be fitted with a hand sprayer. Its higher profile provides a taller seat height for comfort.
Pros
It's sturdy and easy to install. It also has a solid handle and is easy to flush. It comes with a flange seal, bolting hardware, and a bottle of chemicals.
Cons
The toilet is plastic, and the lid is a little flimsy. The seat ring may be uncomfortable, and it may also be difficult for larger adults to use.
Easiest Install

Aqua-Magic Bravura RV Toilet

Summary
This toilet has a single-pedal system and a removable seat and cover for cleaning and service. The front shroud pulls off for easy access to mounting bolts and the pedal mechanism.
Pros
It's easy to install and use. The flushing is smooth and simple, and the flush mechanism cleans the bowl well. Its base is also strong and sturdy for larger individuals.
Cons
The toilet is large, completely plastic, and may use more water than other models. Also, your foot may slip on the pedal when flushing, slamming the valve shut.

Summary List

Our Methodology

Obviously, we can’t test every commode. But we’ve sat on a few different types in our lives. We used that prior knowledge to inform our decisions and be extra choosy to form this list. 

For more on how we come up with these lists of products, check this out.

Best RV Toilest Reviews & Recommendations

This gravity flush toilet has a 100-percent vitreous ceramic bowl and 360-degree vortex flush pattern with powerful swirl-jet cleaning action. It's lightweight and features a long, full-sized seat. It has a two-year warranty, two-bolt installation, and an optional hand sprayer.

Specs

  • Material: Ceramic
  • Size: 19 x 15 x 20 inches
  • Weight: 23.5 lbs
  • Model: 310
  • Pros

    Installation is straightforward

    Designed well

    Taller than most standard toilets (good flushing power)

    Easy to clean

    Foot controls

    Sturdy construction

    Cons

    Reports of leakage

    Care must be taken with the plastic lid

    This toilet features a single-handle flush system: simply press it halfway to add water to the bowl and all the way to flush. It has a textured lid that sheds water and resists scuffs. It weighs just 9.4 pounds and can be fitted with a hand sprayer to reduce water consumption. Also, its higher profile provides a taller seat height for comfort.

    Specs

  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Size: 17 x 15 x 18.5 inches
  • Weight: Not listed
  • Model: 31661
  • Pros

    Sturdy construction

    Light weight

    Easy installation

    Comes with chemicals for the black tank

    Cons

    Small size

    Uncomfortable seat ring

    Bowl doesn't hold much water

    This toilet features a single-pedal system: press the pedal half way to add water to the bowl and press all the way to flush. The seat and cover is easy to remove for cleaning and service, and the front shroud pulls off for easy access to mounting bolts and the pedal mechanism. It comes with a hand sprayer to reduce water consumption.

    Specs

  • Material: Plastic
  • Size: 20.75 x 17 x 19.25 inches
  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Model: 3110
  • Pros

    Resembles a residential unit

    Good overall construction

    Good bowl spraying

    Cons

    Large size might not fit in some RV bathrooms

    Completely made of plastic

    Uses more water than competing products

    Dometic's 320 Series toilet is designed to feel and function like the toilet you use at home. It includes an elongated, vitreous ceramic bowl and a full-size enameled wood seat for comfort. Specs: the one-direction foot pedal provides hands-free flushing: simply press partially to add water and fully to flush. It requires just one pint of water per flush, and the design of the rim prevents spills from occurring. It also operates using a gravity flush system and comes with a hand spray, and is available in multiple colors.

    Specs

  • Material: Plastic
  • Size: 22 x 14.75 x 15.5 inches
  • Weight: 36 lbs
  • Model: 321
  • Pros

    Easy installation

    Standard and low-profile heights

    Good bowl size and shape

    Cons

    Heavier than competing products due to being made of ceramic

    Large size might not fit some RV bathrooms

    The standard profile might not be high enough for some consumers

    If you're looking for a portable toilet, consider the VIVOHOME 5.3 Gallon Waste Tank Portable Indoor Outdoor Toilet. It's great for RVs, camping, boating, fishing, and more. Made of corrosion-resistant polyethylene, this toilet is odorless, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. It can accommodate 286 pounds and is strong yet portable.

    Specs

  • Material: Polyethylene
  • Size: 16.14 x 13.78 x 16.14
  • Weight: 11 lbs
  • Model: VH540
  • Pros

    Grip handles for easy cleaning

    Has a large tank for up to 40 flushes

    Lightweight

    Good profile

    Cons

    Flimsy seat

    Bowl might be too shallow

    A portable toilet is an excellent option for smaller RVs and this is one of the best options for one. Instead of being mounted permanently to the RV, it’s designed to be moved around in and outside of the RV. Thus, it’s great for camping. It measures 16.38 x 13.75 x 16.13 inches in total, and it weighs 11.5 pounds when empty.

    Specs

  • Material: Polyethylene
  • Size: 16.25 x 14 x 16.88 inches
  • Weight: 13.1 lbs
  • Model: 41541
  • Pros

    Made out of tough polyethylene

    5.3-gallon holding tank

    Lightweight and compact construction

    Portable and easy to use outside of RV

    Cons

    Small size might be too small for some consumers

    Can be tough to clean

    Composting toilets are another option in the deep matrix of RV toilets. They are similar to a portable toilet, except that they are meant to hold more waste for a lot longer, keeping it environmentally friendly and reusable for long-term camping. Nature’s Head is one of the leading compost toilet brands.

    Pros

    Different, more environmentally friendly approach to waste disposal

    Large capacity

    Chemical-less

    Cons

    The composting aspect takes commitment

    Higher price

    Our Verdict on the Best RV Toilets

    Our pick for the best RV toilet is the Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet. Its high-profile design provides a taller seat height, and it can be fitted with a hand sprayer. It's sturdy, easy to flush, and comes with equipment that makes installation easy.

    For a less expensive option, consider the Aqua-Magic V Toilet.

    FAQs

    You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

    Q: Can I use a residential style toilet in my RV? 

    A: A home toilet is not recommended. A replacement RV toilet is specially designed for a motorhome. Most importantly, it uses much less water than a toilet in your house. Some new, efficient ones use as little as a pint of water. Also, the best RV toilets are designed to withstand the RV traveling on twisty roads; home toilets don’t have a flush tank, which would cause spills.

    Q: How much should I expect to spend for an EV toilet?

    A: If you’re hoping to spend $150 or less, your RV toilet options will be a bit limited. Few RV toilets are this affordable, and most are just portable cubes. This makes them easier to locate and position, but the lack of integration makes the care and cleaning of them a bit more difficult. Between $150-$250 is which most standard RV toilets fall. You’ll find RV-sized toilets that mount to the floor, include flushing capability, and work like a typical toilet. Available in plastic and ceramic, you’ll have quite a few options to choose from.

    Q: What are the different types of RV toilets?

    A: Traditional Gravity Flush: this type of RV toilet is similar to a household toilet, except it doesn't include a water holding tank. As a result, it can only be used when it’s connected to an outside water source or if it’s used when the water pump from the RV holding tank is on. Typically, you flush the toilet with a foot pedal. You’ll also need to fill the tank with water using a lever.

    Macerating Flush: This type of toilet has motor-powered blades that soften and thin the waste before it's transported into the holding tank (AKA black tank). The waste in the holding tank becomes much more fluid because of how it's crushed down into tiny pieces before it moves from the toilet to the black tank.

    Vacuum Flush: a toilet with a vacuum flush uses a macerating pump and a vacuum unit to remove all the contents in the bowl. The vacuum makes flushing much more powerful and liquefies solid waste. It's convenient because you can typically place it in several areas of your RV.

    Composting Toilet: composting toilets do not use any water, and they separate solids from liquids. They're useful if you have a limited water supply, and you're part of a couple or a single traveler. When used properly, they do not smell bad. However, they may emit a soil-like smell, but a vent fan moves the air from the bowl outside. It's not ideal for a family because of the number of times you have to change the tank.

    Portable Toilet: this type of toilet does not separate solids from liquids, so it produces raw sewage. While they're very portable and easy to install, you must dump the waste quite frequently at an RV dump or in a toilet. Also, because no hose is involved, you will see and smell the sewage.

    Cassette Toilet: a cassette toilet is like a portable camping toilet in several ways. However, it's fixed in place, and you can usually access the waste storage tank from outside your RV. Like the portable toilet, you will see and smell the sewage as you eliminate it at a dump station or toilet. Van owners often use cassette toilets because their rigs are smaller.

    Q: How often do I need to empty the compartments from a composting toilet?

    A: It depends on how many people use the toilet and how frequently they do so. For example, one person who lives in an RV full time may need to change the liquid compartment every other day and the solid compartment once a month. The more deposits in the solid compartment, the wetter it will be. When the waste takes longer to dry, the toilet will stop composting and start to smell.

    Q: Is special toilet paper required? 

    A: Yes. If you don't use the proper toilet paper, you can clog your tank. The best kind of RV toilet paper will disintegrate quickly in water. Some popular brands include Charmin Ultra Soft and Angel Soft. There is also toilet paper designed especially for RV use, but it may be rough on your bum. Look for brands marked "septic safe."

    Q: How do I fix a clogged RV toilet? 

    A: Usually, RV toilets become clogged due to toilet paper. The first thing you should do is open the valve and pour hot water inside it. This should break down the matter that is clogging the toilet. Certain chemicals designed for septic use may also fix a clogged toilet.

    Q: Is there a way to keep the toilet from smelling?

    A: An RV toilet may start to smell because there’s a leak, the sewer tank is damaged, there's a clog, or it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Some of these problems you can resolve yourself, such as removing a clog or sanitizing the tank. Other issues may require a professional.

    Why Trust Us

    Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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