Three mugs of coffee and two hours later we all know what’s about to happen. You run to the back of your camper only to stare at the sad excuse of your RV toilet. You think to yourself, it’s probably time to upgrade, and now, here you are. Whether we want to think about it or not, having one of the best RV toilets around is absolutely essential. But in some cases, choosing the right one can be quite the task. Do you get a gravity flush, composting or maybe the ever elusive cassette toilet?
Over the next few sections, we’ll clear up the mystery and give the necessary information and our recommendations for the best RV Toilet money can buy. And trust us…you don’t want to go cheap on this one. To keep things quick for those who want to cut straight to it, below we have listed our top recommendations.
Best Gravity Flush RV Toilet – Dometic 320 Series Standard Height w/ Hand Spray
- Full-Size Residential Style Wood Seat
- Deep, 100% Vitreous Ceramic Bowl
In general if you plan to grab a new or upgraded RV Toilet you’ll want to go with the time tested Dometic 320 series. It uses incredibly reliable gravity flush technology (gravity never turns off!) to ensure everything flushes as intended. The 320 is super easy to clean due to its porcelain bowl and with the elongated seat and standard height is extremely comfortable. We specifically recommended the standard height model with the optional hand sprayer. The sprayer lets you get any bits down and may help the environment a bit depending how you use it.
Best RV Composting Toilet – Nature’s Head NH-SPH Self Contained Composting Toilet
- No one - and I mean no one - will beat my customer service and individual support
- Easy to install by any reasonably handy person.
When it comes to RV composting toilets, Nature’s head has the market cornered, and for good reason. Without the need for plumbing or electricity, this unit is simply put, the best in its class. With a comfortable seat, rugged design and top of the line materials (ie. easy to clean), there is no better choice. While it is pricey, especially when compared to a traditional toilet, you’ll find it’s easy to disassemble for emptying, and has top notch stainless steel hardware for that modern touch. If your going to get an RV composting toilet, the Nature’s Head NH-SPH is the one to get.
Best Portable Camping Toilet – Dometic 5 Gallon 301097606 970 Series Portable Toilet
- High-strength ABS construction withstands harsh environments; smooth, easy-to-clean finish
- Prismatic tank level indicator allows easy tank level monitoring
Looking for something midway between a composting and a standard toilet? Well look no further. The Dometic 970 is the perfect blend of portability and cost savings. With a low price tag and a simplistic, yet efficient design, it makes for a great portable camping toilet. You’ll find it has hygienic ABS (plastic) components, and easy to clean finish and a handy tank level monitor so you know when it’s time to… well you know. Plus, it’s got an ultra comfy full sized seat and a latching lid to prevent any accidental spills (yuck). In the end, if you want a portable RV toilet to take on the go, buy the Dometic 5 Gallon 970 Series and don’t look back.
Best RV Cassette Toilet – Thetford 32812 Cassette Toilet
The Thetford 32812 Cassette Toilet is top on our list when it comes to cassette toilets. This semi-permanent toilet offers the convenience of a bench style toilet with a few modern touches such as an electric push button flush, LED level indicator and a waste holding tank with wheels and a retractable handle. You’ll even find it has an advanced automatic pressure release vend for safe operation. In the end, this is the Rolls Royce of RV cassette toilets and is easily our favorite choice.
Top 3 Best RV Toilets Comparison table
To make things quick and simple, we’ve put together the below table showing our top 3 recommended RV Toilets. You’ll see we have a few selections highlighted which depict our favorites for various types such as gravity fed RV toilets or Composting RV toilets. This is just a quick way to see everything together. You can read the full reviews in the section after our buyers guide.
RV Toilet Buyers Guide
Ah yes, the often overlooked RV toilet. How hard could it be to pick up a new one, it’s just a toilet after all? Well if you’ve ever browsed the irv2 forums or the Forest River Forums you’ll find that there are tons of posts covering the subject. Why is this you might ask? Well, picking the best RV Toilet is actually fairly involved. From determining which type of RV toilet you want, to the materials, ease of installation, price, etc.
When it comes to RV’s you can’t just pop down to your local hardware store and pick up a replacement. You’ll need to figure out what you want and make sure it fits. Unless that is you want to risk leakage, flushing problems or even worse, back flow. *shudders*. So without further ado, let’s take a look at what you should be concerned about when choosing your next RV Toilet.
Types of RV Toilets
RV Toilets are available in more or less six different types, each with their own pros and cons. Take a look at the list below to get a general idea of what they are and how they work. You’ll want to make sure your new or replacement RV Toilet is the right type before proceeding much farther.
Gravity Flush RV Toilets
Even the best gravity flush RV Toilet relies on the earth’s gravity to pull waste down and out. Simply put, the toilet is located above the drain line and waste tank, when you flush it everything simply drops down. While not the most complex RV toilet out there, these are simple, effective and cheap, making them the #1 choice for most RV’ers.
You’ll find that with less moving parts than many of the more complex toilet, they are more reliable and require less overall maintenance. The one downside to these and the cassette toilets below is on occasion, waste smells can escape from the tank directly below.
Macerating Flush RV Toilets
Macerating flush RV Toilets (also known as up flush toilets) send waste to a macerating unit which is typically located behind the unit. Once there, high powered blades liquefy and solids which are then pumped out of the unit though the RV drain line. You’ll find than an RV Macerating toilet system is a bit more expensive than a gravity flush alternative, but will make things a bit easier to clean out.
While these are not the most common when it comes to an RV toilet, they make a great choice if you don’t mind the extra maintenance for the macerating unit and additional pump. Plus, it allows you to have the toilet located farther away from the waste tank.
Vacuum Flush RV Toilets
Similar to the macerating flush RV toilet, a vacuum flush RV toilet does not need to be positioned directly over the waste tank. Instead it can be placed farther away as a separate vacuum vessel and macerating vacuum pump gets the waste into the storage tank, wherever it might be. In reality this is simply an advanced macerating flush toilet which has a bit of extra power, relying on an additional vacuum for extra oomph.
Portable RV Toilets
Portable RV Toilets, as their name suggests, are lightweight, easily moved toilets that are perfect for small camper vans, and for folks who like to tent camp as well as RV. These are typically made from lower end materials to not only keep the cost down, but keep the weight down as well. They “operate” in the most simple way of any option, with waste going directly into a bucket or holding tank below the toilet seat. Once the tank fills up, which can be fairly quick on some small unit, you can unsnap it and empty it at the nearest waste disposal station.
Cassette RV Toilets
If you’ve purchased a new, larger RV, there is a pretty good chance you’ve got a cassette RV Toilet installed. These are more or less permanent installation on the RV, similar to your toilet at home. They are always installed directly attached to the waste tank so the waste doesn’t have to travel far and they have limited moving parts. These are more or less glorified, and more expensive, gravity flush RV toilets. However, you might find some power flush options or additional large bench space on these more expensive units.
Composting RV Toilet
Composting toilets are some of the most expensive yet eco friendly RV toilets on the market. These are self-contained toilets which contain everything they need to deal with waste. One of the key advantages of a composting RV toilet is they do not require water. This makes them a breeze to install. However you will need to provide 12V (or 110V power with an adapter kit) to get these to work. However electrical work is much easier the plumping work in our opinion. If smells are a concern you can also use specific vent kits with any composting RV toilet.
Material
When it comes to the best RV toilet, material choice is one of the most important things to understand. No only does it affect the durability and longevity of any toilet, it’ll also affect the weight and most importantly hygiene of the unit as well.
In general you’ll find three main RV toilet material options. ABS (plastic), porcelain (china), and on occasion wood or wood veneered seats. When it comes to hardware, stainless steel and plastic will be your only two options. Both ABS and porcelain are easy to clean and great for long term use. However, ABS is a bit cheaper, while porcelain is a tad easier to keep clean and will have a longer life span.
Personally, I think we’d recommend you stay clear of wood or imitation wood products. They are a bit more difficult to clean, tend to warp or bulge over time and are (in our opinion) a bit dated overall.
Whether you choose stainless steel or plastic hardware (ie. the flushing mechanism) is totally up to you. Both will last for a very long time and are easy to clean. The only difference is the stainless steel looks more modern, but it also is a fingerprint magnet.
Convenience
While convenience might not be your top priority when it comes to an RV toilet, it’s not something to be overlooked. Afterall, your the ones who’s going to have to clean, transport and maintain it. Convenience wise we look for sprayers as our single most important feature. Not only do they help flush waste down, thus making cleanup a breeze. They also are more eco-friendly as less paper is required.
We also recommend you go for a toilet that has an easy to use flushing mechanism. Some of the lesser quality brands can have difficult to use, or constantly sticking mechanisms. Finally you’ll want to make sure that if you’ve got a portable toilet, the waste container is easy to get on and off and has a good seal. This will prevent a lot of future heartache and is super important to pay attention to.
Hygiene
We’ve actually already talked a lot about hygiene in the previous sections. RV Toilets are notoriously difficult to clean so materials and design play the two most important roles here. You want to ensure your RV toilet of choice has a limited number of nooks and crannies. This will prevent bacterial buildup and make your your weekly cleaning sessions much more pleasant. (You do clean the toilet weekly right?!)
In the hygiene department you’ll also want to pay attention to the type of toilet your getting. If you’ve decided to go with a more basic gravity flush or cassette RV toilet, you’ll need to realize that some smells may escape. While this is not very typical, the bumps and jostles of the open road can cause even the most robust of seals to fail.
Something else to consider is whether or not you want to have to manually dispose of waste or if you’d prefer to use a sewage hookup and be done with it. If you’re a bit more of a germaphobe, you might want to stay away from portable toilets and ever possibly composting RV toilets. As both, if not constantly watched, can cause rather…smelly issues.
Installation Process
When it comes to installing the best RV toilet, the installation process is usually pretty straightforward. However of all the items in this guide, this is pretty much the least important. Some of the installations can be pretty lengthy, such as with cassette toilets. Others however, like portable RV toilets or composting RV toilets are extremely easy and frankly aren’t even worth noting. We wouldn’t recommend picking a toilet based on it’s installation complexity along, unless you are both really short of cash and not DIY savvy.
Price
As with most things, the price of an RV toilet can vary greatly between the cheapest and most expensive options available. In general for a simple gravity flush RV toilet, you can expect to spend right around $200. If you’re opting for a minimalist portable RV toilet, that number will be closer to $120. However if you’ve decided to with a more pricey composting RV toilet or a built in cassette toilet you should expect a price tag of right under $1,000.
In addition to the brand and type of RV toilet you choose, the features will also play a big role in the overall cost. For example, if you want a porcelain bowl and a spray handle, you can expect to spend about $50 to $100 more than on a more standard toilet. In the end prices are pretty consistent across brands assuming you are comparing similar types of RV toilets.
Features
RV toilets come with a few fairly standard features such as a flush handle, lid and rim. However there are a few extra features you might want to consider to make your life a little easier. The first of which is a hand sprayer. As we mentioned above, if you select an RV toilet with a hand sprayer, you can expect to pay a bit more. It is in our opinion however, worth the cost. You can use it to save on paper and to assist in cleaning the toilet. Both are huge pluses in our book.
You’ll also find that some toilets come with electronic flushes, while not necessary, they are quite nice to have. The only downside is that, like any electronic gizmo, they have the potential to break. It’s much easier to fix a manual flush than an electric one.
Another often looked over feature is a repairable ball valve and if applicable, float mechanism. Some of the more tailored RV toilets have repairable components which make them much more cost effective in the long run. Instead of having to buy an entire new RV toilet, you can just replace a single component.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are what really help the best RV toilet stand apart from the riff raff. You should be mainly concerned with the seat height and the rim size. To keep things simple the best toilet will have a high enough seat height that you can comfortably get up and down. It’ll also have an extended bowl which is more comfy to sit down on and has less potential for messes.
If you’ve opted for a portable toilet, you might also want to consider weight. After all, you’ll be the one who has to lug it around and empty the waste container. We’d recommend you get the lightest toilet possible to make carrying it around a breeze.
Available Space
While small, RV toilets still require a minimum amount of room to use and install. As such, your available space will play a big part in determining what type of toilet you can fit. If you’ve got a smaller space you’ll want a small form factor gravity flush toilet with a low seat height and a standard (not elongated) commode. This will maximize your available space and keep things from feeling too cramped.
If instead you’ve got a ton of space available, you can opt for a vacuum flush, cassette rv toilet, or composting RV toilet which while larger, are generally more ergonomic.
On the flip side, as we mentioned above, if space is at an absolute premium or you like to have dual purpose gear, a portable toilet might be the way to go. Just chuck it in your storage compartment and your off to the races. Just don’t forget to empty it when your done!
Trip Duration
This is another one of those things that seems of little importance on the outside but can really affect your RV toilet choice. If you’re planning a small weekend outing and won’t need to worry about a buildup of waste, a portable RV toilet might be perfect. If however, you plan on a week long, or longer, adventure, having a full fledged gravity flush and composting RV toilet can be very convenient. After all, you won’t have to constantly stop and empty the tank, nor would you have to deal with potential spillage. In the end, the longer the trip, the more permanent you’ll want your RV toilet.
Users
Bad knees, bad backs and short or tall statues are also things that need to be taken into account when picking the best RV toilet. If your taller you definitely want to to ensure you don’t get a toilet that is too low. On the flipside if you are a bit on the shorter side, you might want to consider a more compact toilet, it’ll save you space and keep you from having dangling feet.
Whichever toilet you choose just keep in mind you’ll be the one using it, so it needs to be the right height and have a seat that is of the appropriate size. If you get this one detail right, you’ll enjoy you new toilet much more in the long run.
Best RV Toilets Detailed Reviews
Now that we’ve had a chance to discuss what makes a good RV toilet and what the various types and options available are, let’s take a closer look at individual toilets. In this next section we will review a selection of the best RV toilets on the market. We’ll see what makes each one great and compare them against one another so you can make a well informed buying decision.
#1 Dometic 320 Series Standard Height Toilet w/Hand Spray, White
- Full-Size Residential Style Wood Seat
- Deep, 100% Vitreous Ceramic Bowl
When it comes to the best RV toilet, the Dometic 320 Series is the clear winner. With top of the line materials an ergonomic design and an ultra useful hand spray it’s got it all. If you’re skeptical, don’t just take our word on it. We also poured through pages of the most popular RV forum like MontanaOwners.com and ForestRiverForums.com to get there take on the subject. It was pretty much unanimous, the Dometic 320 RV toilet is the king of toilets.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Dometic 320 is the conveniently placed right side foot pedal. This enables you to easily flush the toilet without having to bend down and is significantly more hygienic than the traditional hand flush.
The 320 series RV toilet also has a full sized toilet bowl seat! Why is this important you may ask? Well, many RV toilets don’t come with one making it pretty difficult to relax on the loo. The bowl and the base also come factory sealed so you can be sure of a tight seal with no leakage. Some cheaper offerings require you to do the sealing yourself which, while not difficult, is just another thing to do.
Materials are what really make this RV toilet stand apart from the rest. It’s got a 100% vitreous ceramic bowl which is nearly unheard of in a standard RV toilet. Ceramic is more resistant to staining, easier to clean and in general more robust and less prone to warping than plastic.
The Dometic 320 standard height toilet is also very easy on the water and only uses 1 pint of water per flush. Speaking of which this is a rim flush toilet, meaning the water comes from the top of the rim and washes down. Typically an RV toilet relies on suction or a small trickle of water from the base. The 320 has no issues flushing down waste and works like a charm.
We’ve also selected the 320 with hand sprayer model as the hand sprayer is great for a quick cleanup and can also save on toilet paper! Overall, the Dometic 320 series standard height toilet with hand spray dominate our list. It’s is the perfect blend of form, function and price. Unless you have a very good reason, just go ahead and buy this one now.
#2 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet Thetford 31672
- Aqua-Magic V is the RV toilet with a classic style and taller seating height, suited for all recreational vehicles
- The toilet has a single-pedal system - press it halfway to add water to the bowl and all the way to flush - and offers 100% bowl coverage flush
The Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet (Thetford 31672) is another extremely well rated RV toilet made by a very distinguished brand. With a taller seating height and a centered flush pedal it’s ultra convenient and very comfy.
When you first get this toilet, you’ll notice just how light it is. Bing made entirely from plastic, the Thetford 31672 weighs in at only 9.8 lbs. For an RV toilet, this is extremely light and makes moving it into the RV and installing it a breeze. We do feel however it is a bit flimsier than the Dometic 320, but so far we’ve not known anyone who cracked the unit. Also, because it is made of plastic, it is fairly easy to clean and keep clean.
The Aqua-Magic V is actually one of the taller, but skinner RV toilets on the market. It measures in at 17.5” tall, which is fairly typical, but the bowl and seat is a bit on the slimmer side. As such, if you like a bit more sturdy feel, you might opt for our #1 choice instead. The textured lid is great at repelling water and is just grippy enough to easily lift it up and down.
Moving down the unit, the centered flush pedal is great for not having to bend down to flush and is also a great space saver. You won’t need any extra room on the left of right of the toilet to stick your leg into. Another plus is the pedal operates in two modes, the first fills the tank with water, while the second actually activates the flush.
The flushing mechanism on the Aqua-Magic V is also very robust and uses an updated sliding horizontal plate instead of a traditional flap. These are much less likely to fail and work better at isolating any smells from the waste tank. You will find that while the flush is extremely powerful, it’s also quite loud. So if your trying to take a quick pit stop at night, you’ll probably end up waking up the entire RV.
One of the few downsides of this RV toilet is just how shallow the bowl is. Many users complain about splashback as the bowl just isn’t deep enough. But if you’re looking for a compact RV toilet, you know what your getting yourself into. The Dometic 320 on the other hand has an elongated bowl and does not have this issue.
Installation wise, things could not be easier. Everything you need to install the Thetford 31672 is included in the kit. From the seal ring to the tank chemicals, you’ll get it all. With only a ½” water line hose two bolts to hold the unit down, you’ll be up and running in no time. Make sure you have 40 to 60 psi water for optimal flushing strength. Also, be aware of the color, it might be a bit more off white than the picture would suggest.
Overall, this is an excellent cost effective RV toilet and is packed full of features. While it is a bit on the small and shallow side, if space is a concern, it’s perfect. Plus with its powerful flush and great sealing capabilities it will be an awesome investment for years to come.
#3 Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet
- True, 100% bowl coverage
- Euro Design
Available in multiple colors, sizes and with various features, the Dometic 310 Series Standard Height Toilet is another big player in the RV toilet market. While it’s not a features packed and well reviewed as the 320, it’s a bit cheaper and if you’re a bit cash strapped would make for an excellent choice.
You’ll find it comes with all the necessary components for installation. That includes the flange seal ring, plastic bolts and the bolt covers. We’d suggest you upgrade the bolts to metal equivalents for a bit of added durability. After a few years and a particularly hard bump, it’s not unheard of for plastic bolts to snap. While installation is quite easy, it’s not something you’ll want to do year after year for no good reason.
Dometic offers this toilet in two different height configurations, low profile and standard. Just trust us and go with the standard height. It’s virtually identical to sitting on a toilet at home. The low profile option is nearly 5” shorter and is no different than sitting on the floor. Unless you’re really short in which case you might consider it.
Similar to the upgraded Dometic 320, the 310 has a right hand side foot flush mechanism. It’s easy to use and quite durable. Some users recommend putting a soft stopper under it so you don’t constantly band the pedal on the floor. While not necessary, it will help prevent cracking and future issues.
By far the best feature on the RV toilet is the elongated full sized porcelain bowl. It’s deep, easy to clean and frankly, just like home. You won’t have to worry about splashback or unsightly stains every again. If you want the full experience, upgrade the standard plastic toilet seat to a wood or porcelain equivalent.
You’ll find that the Dometic 310 RV toilet has an easy to access horizontal water inlet which makes hooking it up and disconnecting it a walk in the park. Plus, due to its excellent design it can hold water in the bowl between uses to reduce any smells from the waste holding container.
Overall, if you can’t find the Dometic 320 RV toilet in stock the 310 is an excellent alternative and well worth it, especially considering it is a budget option. Depending on your height, you might even prefer it over the Aqua-Magic V and if you don’t have a brand preference you’ll be able to save some cash as well. In the end the Dometic 310 is a great RV toilet and will last for many seasons to come.
#4 Dometic 310 Series Standard Height w/ Hand Spray
- Includes Hand Sprayer Option
- Tasteful and elegant euro design
If you’re looking for a budget option with a bit more in the way of features, the Dometic 310 Series Standard Height RV Toilet with Hand Spray is they way to go. You’ll find that it has all of the same features of the above reviewed basic Dometic 310 series with an additional hand spray for convenience.
As you’d expect it has got a wonderful porcelain bowl that is easy to keep clean and extremely resilient to staining and cracking. Plus it has a nice and solid feel to it, none of the cheap plastic found on lower end models. Unfortunately, just like the standard 310 and 320, it’s got a plastic seat which can be replaced for a truly luxurious feel.
The right hand side foot flush pedal is quite durable and very easy to use. A quick motion with your foot and you’re out the door. Messes and spills are also a thing of the past with the deeper bowl on the Dometic 310. If you’ve previously used a Thetford you might understand the splashback issues that can potentially occur.
As this is a standard height RV toilet, it is very user friendly and extremely comfortable. The seat is at just the right height to make getting up and down easy. No longer do you have to dread getting up after having played on your phone for 15 minutes.
Similar to the other Dometic toilets it is also very easy to install and comes with all the required components for the installation. That includes the seal rings, plastic bolts and bolt covers. If you watch a few videos before installing this guy, you’ll be up and running in less than 15 minutes. (and maybe one trip to the hardware store as that always seems to happen)
In general, this is a great entry level RV toilet and in fact a great toilet no matter what the occasion. It’ll fit quite nicely in with any existing RV setup and makes for a great upgrade if you’ve got an older model you’ve been looking to replace for quite some time.
#5 Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
- No one - and I mean no one - will beat my customer service and individual support
- Easy to install by any reasonably handy person.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly RV toilet that is made from high quality materials and requires minimal pre-existing tanks and utilities, the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet is the best RV toilet on the market. Although if you want one, you’ll have to pay a pretty good chunk of change to get it.
To start off with the build quality on the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet is top notch. Everything is made (or at least assembled) in the USA and it’s got great looking stainless steel hardware to seal the deal. The body of the RV toilet is made from a durable plastic that won’t absorb odors and is able to support in excess of 350 pounds.
You’ll find that comfort wise this composting RV toilet is a dream. It’s got a full sized elongated seat for extended…sessions, as well (on this specific model at least) a very convenient spider handle design. It means that in order to “flush” the toilet, you’ll need to expend a lot less effort and it’s much more ergonomically placed than the traditional handle option.
When it comes time to clean the tanks, the Nature’s Head Composting RV toilet disassembles in seconds. To empty solids, simply slide off the top from the base and there are two knobs which release it from the floor mount. From there you can empty it easily. The liquids compartment is even easier as it’s located right in front.
Capacity wise this RV toilet has got a 4 gallon solids capacity and 2.2 gallons of liquid storage space. For two grown adults that equates to about 2-4 weeks of use. Again that does depend a bit on your diet and beer consumption, but it’s a fairly accurate estimate. Oh and did we also mention that this toilet requires absolutely no running water? That means you have a 0% chance of a water leak!
Installation wise the Nature’s Head Composting RV toilet is super simple to get up and running. Simply bolt the base unit in place, or Velcro it if you are constantly using to for camp or swapping vehicles. Afterward you can hook up the optional, but recommended, fan to a 12V power source to eliminate any lingering odors. You’ll also find that this toilet is great if your a bad plumber because it requires no water hookup. We’ve linked a video of replacing a traditional toilet with one of these below so you can see how it’s done.
When it comes to operating costs, they are fairly minimal. You’ll just need to pick up some sphagnum moss or coconut coir to act as the composting agent. In a pinch you can also use sawdust if you’ve got it. During installation you can also switch the vent to the opposite side if needed.
Now some people have reported that it smells terrible and doesn’t work very well. But in general these bad reviews can be chalked up to poor installation and poor maintenance. So long as you keep on top of everything the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet is a dream come true.
Overall, this is the best composting RV toilet on the market, while it isn’t cheap, it’s wonderfully well constructed, intuitively designed and a fair bit better than even its closest competitor. There is a reason it’s the number one best known composting RV toilet on the market and we have no issues recommend it to anyone looking to go the eco-friendly route.
#6 Thetford Aqua Magic V RV Toilet Hand Flush-High Profile 31668
- [VERSATILITY]: Classic style with taller seating height, can be installed in all RV types
- [FUNCTIONALITY]: Single-hand system for adding water to bowl and for flushing, with 100% bowl coverage flush
The Thetford Aqua Magic V High Profile RV toilet also make it on our list as one of the best, and classic, RV toilets around. We’ve already reviewed its more popular cousin, but figured this specific high profile design deserved its own section.
You’ll find that the high profile makes this RV toilet very similar to your toilet at home. The Aqua Magic V also has a very deep bowl to prevent splashback and keep things nice and clean. Speaking of clean, the ABS plastic construction is very easy to wipe down and doesn’t stain very easily. Plus the textured lid is hydrophobic (meaning it resists water) and is quite durable.
Installing the Thetford Aqua Magic V High Profile RV Toilet is super easy. A couple of bolts, a flange seal and a water line is all you’ll need to get up and running. All of the required materials and components are included in the kit which is quite convenient. Even if you plan to install this and leave it unheated over the winter, it can withstand extremely cold temperatures with no problem.
When it comes to operation, this unit is a king. It’s got a powerful flush and a very user friendly single handle flush operation. If you depress the handle half way, the bowl fills with water. Pressing it fully will activate the flush. If you’ve opted for the optional hand sprayer you’ll have even more options for cleaning and using less toilet paper.
This RV Toilet is also great if you want to save a bit of water. Each flush only uses between .25 and .5 gallons of water for a very environmentally friendly option. When sitting you’ll also notice just how comfortable the unit is. The high profile design is also a perfect imitation of an at home toilet, and you’ll have no trouble spending a half hour sitting there without noticing any discomfort.
Overall, the Thetford Aqua Magic V High Profile RV Toilet is a great choice for any RV’er. It’s cost effective, reliable and easy to install. Plus, because it’s from a name brand the warranty is top notch and you can easily find repair components if necessary. In the end though, we’d recommend you go with the standard profile toilet unless your on the taller side.
#7 Aqua-Magic Residence RV toilet
- [VERSATILITY]: Aqua-Magic Residence is a stylish, comfortable, and lightweight toilet, suited for all RV type
- [FUNCTIONALITY]: The toilet uses a single-pedal system - pressing the pedal half way adds water to the bowl, while pressing the pedal all the way flushes, giving 100% bowl coverage flush
The Aqua Magic Residence RV toilet, it a slightly higher end RV toilet on the lower end of the price scale. The main feature it’s best known for is how similar it is to a toilet at home. It’s got a slightly elongated bowl, higher seat height and a powerful flush. All of which aim to replicate that true toilet feel.
As with nearly all of the Thetford RV toilets, the Aqua Magic Residence is made entirely of plastic. While this does give it a bit of a flimsy feel and appearance, it is built to hold up and based on our research have never known it to crack. But that only goes as far as the foot pedal.
There have been numerous reports of the foot pedal breaking and cracking under pressure. These have typically been in very cramped RV bathrooms where there wasn’t quite enough foot room and the user tripped and accidentally stepped full force on the pedal.
But, enough of the negative, let’s take a look at the antimicrobial seat that comes standard with this unit. The high end seat is a passive mold inhibitor. This keeps it clean and free of any nasties that tend to accumulate on older toilets seats. It’s also helps to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria which is definitely a concern for most RV’ers.
One of the great things about this RV toilet is that it is offered in both high and low profile designs. The low profile design is perfect if you’re a bit short on space or not quite as tall. The high profile on the flipside is great for a more traditional toilet feel and for those of us with a bit more vertical elevation.
As with most of the Thetford designs, the flush has 100% bowl coverage and is very powerful. You won’t have to worry about cleaning up skid marks with this unit. Plus due to the way the base is designed, you’ll have a lot of foot room to move around. This is great for cramped spaces and smaller RV’s.
We also like the fact that the ball valve wipes clean with every flush. This keeps the toilet internals nice and clean and prevent the accumulation of waste and potential degradation issues in the valve.
You’ll also find that the Aqua Magic Residence RV toilet comes with all the necessary components for installation. Although the water inlet is about 8.5” off the floor and pointed straight back, so you might want to grab a 90 degree elbow to help make installation easier.
Overall, this is a great RV toilet and well worth the price. While users have reported a few issues with it and it’s overall durability, they are not common enough for use to worry. All we’d say is if you’ve got a smaller space, opt for the Dometic 320 instead.
#8 Aqua-Magic V Toilet, Hand Flush
- [VERSATILITY]: Aqua-Magic Residence is a stylish, comfortable, and lightweight toilet, suited for all RV type
- [FUNCTIONALITY]: The toilet uses a single-pedal system - pressing the pedal half way adds water to the bowl, while pressing the pedal all the way flushes, giving 100% bowl coverage flush
If you’re looking for the cheapest full sized RV toilet on the market, the Aqua Magic V with a hand flush is going to be your golden egg. While you won’t be getting a porcelain bowl or a rock sturdy toilet, you’ll be getting something that works on the cheap.
We’ve already reviewed quite a few of the Aqua Magic V series toilet, this one is slightly different and in some ways better than the others. The main difference is the hand flush. Most of these style RV toilets come with a foot pedal which, while my hygiene, can be easily broken and is often a tripping hazard.
The hand flush is more akin to a traditional toilet and you won’t be tripping all over it. Plus, because it is less likely to break, you’ll find you get a longer lifespan out of this toilet than others in its class.
You can still expect the standard all plastic construction of the other Aqua Magic V toilets, as well as a similar flushing mechanics. In addition, the antimicrobial seat is standard on this model which is another big plus. If for some reason you ever wanted to replace it you could easily swap it out for a seat found at home depot.
Overall, Aqua Magic V with hand flush is a great budget RV toilet and will last for years to come. It’s easy to install, easy to use and frankly has let many RV’res wondering why there are more expensive toilets on the market. If you want a basic toilet that just works, get this one.
#9 Dometic 5 Gallon 301097606 970 Series Portable Toilet
- High-strength ABS construction withstands harsh environments; smooth, easy-to-clean finish
- Prismatic tank level indicator allows easy tank level monitoring
Alas, we finally come to the best (an only) portable RV toilet on the list, the famed Dometic 5 Gallon Series Portable Toilet. As the name would suggest, this unit is super lightweight and perfect for those who don’t want to invest or install a more permanent addition to their RV.
The Dometic 970 Portable RV toilet is available in both 2.6 and 5 gallon varieties. Unless you have a really good reason, we’d recommend the 5 gallon. It’s not that much heavier but is big enough that you’ll be emptying it a lot less frequently. Emptying it after all, is the worst thing about these types of toilets anyway.
Installing this, if you can call is that is quite simple, just sit it in place and do your business. If you really want to go the distance you can pick up the deck bracket which you can use to secure this portable RV toilet in place. At only 22 pound when full though, securing it in place is kind of strange. Especially when you’ll need to be emptying it every few days.
One of the features that many owners love is the built in toilet paper holder. Not only is it convenient, it stop the dreaded walk of shame if you accidentally forget to bring the roll with you. Even better, this unit relies on a pressurized flush mechanism and does not need any batteries to operate. No longer will you have to worry about whether you remembered to replace the batteries or not.
The push-button pressurized flush clears the bowl nearly instantly, however it is quite loud. We’d recommend you place this as far away from your sleeping area as possible. If not, the loud pumping sound might wake your travel partners. You’ll also want to pick up some waste tank chemicals to eliminate any odors as none ship with the Dometic 5 Gallon Portable RV Toilet itself.
One of the few complaints about this unit is that emptying it can be a bit of a chore. Older models had a straight shot from the waste tank out. This new unit has an elbow which means some shaking and prodding is required to get everything to come out. It also makes cleaning a bit more of a pain. In general though, this design is still better than the other options on the market.
The Dometic portable RV Toilet is made from high quality ABS which is able to withstand season after season of abuse. Plus it’s very easy to keep clean with its smooth finish and won’t scuff up easily. The waste tank also include multiple handles making it super easy to carry around.
The so called prismatic tank level indicator should allow you to quickly glance at the level of the waste tank. In practice however, it often jams due to the thickness of the waste and shouldn’t be relied upon entirely.
Size wise, this unit is touted as full sized, but in reality it is on the small side. While not a bad thing for a portable RV toilet, we’d have liked a slightly larger seat to make things more comfy. On the bright side, the small size and unique design means you don’t have to “burp” the toilet and there is no risk of pressurized waste shooting at you.
Overall the Dometic 5 Gallon 301097606 970 Series Portable Toilet is the best Portable RV toilet on the market bar none. It’s got the features, price and function to beat the rest. Plus it’s extremely convenient and lightweight making it perfect for campers, RV’ers and smaller vehicles. If you’re looking for the best lightweight RV toilet on the market, go ahead and buy this one now.
#10 Thetford 32812 Cassette Toilet
Last up on our list of the best RV toilets is the Thetford 32812 Cassette Toilet. This is the one and only cassette we’ll be reviewing and is honestly one of the best on the market. It’s got the comfort of indoor plumbing and convenience of an external holding tank. That means no more carrying a full waste tank down the RV interior.
One of the things that users really like about this Cassette RV toilet is the height it sits at. It’s perfect for getting up and down from and is very easy on the knees. Plus with the external storage tank it is quite simple to empty the waste tank.
Upon sitting down you will notice that the seat is fairly small but that isn’t too much of an issue. It’s easy to get used to and you won’t notice it over time. Plus with the ultra reliable 12V electric flush, you’ll have a powerful water stream to make cleaning up a dream.
You’ll find that when you first use the Cassette RV Toilet, it’ll feel a bit flimsy but it’s built to last and a little flex doesn’t hurt the overall structural integrity of the unit. Users also like that the waste holding tank is on wheels making it a quick and easy task to empty the tank. No carrying around heavy buckets of waste with the potential for disaster.
Even better the unit has an integrated no-splash pour spout so you don’t have to worry about any accidental splashing. In older competing models this was sometimes an issue, but it has since been perfected.
You’ll also find a handy LED display which indicates when the waste tank is full. This is a wonderful feature and will save you having to look in the tank or use older mechanical float type indicators. While it does rely on electricity, so does the flushing mechanism so I wouldn’t worry too much.
The waste tank has a capacity of 5.1 gallons which will give you days of use before having to empty it. The flush water tank also has a sizable 4 gallon capacity meaning you won’t need to fill it up after every use. When it does you’ll find the tank empties on the right side of the unit if you are sitting down on it.
Overall, the Thetford 32812 Cassette Toilet is a great option if your in the market for the best cassette RV toilet. It’s reliable, well built and has just enough technology to make it “smart”. While we’d still recommend you opt for the classic upgraded Dometic 320 series RV toilet, the Thetford 32812 would be a perfect replacement if you already have an existing cassette toilet.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a great many choices when it comes to the best RV toilet. But in our opinion a simple gravity flush toilet like the Dometic 320 will always be a great option. It’s reliable, easy to maintain and fairly cost effective. If you need to get an upgrade for an older toilet you couldn’t make a better choice. And while you’re at it you might as well look at upgrading to the Best RV Refrigerator to get the full new RV smell going on.
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