Are you struggling to find the right caravan toilet for your camping vehicle?
Toilet technology has come a long way with numerous options available on the market. These include cassette toilets, portable units and even gravity loos. We all have to go so it’s important to find the best caravan toilet for your budget and specifications.
Size matters when it comes to caravan toilets because you have to think about the space and weight that you have available. That’s why we’re going to take a look at a range of toilets in different styles.
We’ve chosen these products because there is something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an RV toilet or a light Porta Potty, you’re sure to find something that suits you and integrates nicely with your water system.
| Dometic CTS 4110 Cassette Toilet | Thetford C263-CS Cassette Toilet | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 | Dometic 972 SaniPottie Portable Toilet | Dometic 510 Traveller White |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Cassette | Best Portable | Best Gravity | |||
*Using coupon CRCSAVE20 | *Using coupon CRCSAVE20 | ||||
Cassette | Cassette | Portable | Portable | Gravity | |
Electric | Electric | Bellows/Piston Pump | Push Button/Piston Pump | Vacuum Flush | |
19L | 17.5L | 10L | 9.8L | N/A | |
530mm x 672mm x 382mm | 600mm x 750mm x 417mm | 342mm x 382mm x 315mm | 387mm x 318mm x 334mm | 521mm x 476mm x 387mm | |
12 kg | 17.5 kg | 3.3 kg | 5.4 kg | 17 kg | |
Ceramic | Ceramic | Plastic | Plastic | Ceramic | |
1 Year | 3 Years | 3 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Best Caravan Toilets Australia
Dometic CTS 4110 Cassette Toilet
Best Cassette Toilet
Dometic is a respected brand in the world of caravan toilets.
We’ve chosen the CTS 4110 as a direct competitor for the Thetford cassette toilet below. It’s a little bit cheaper but comes with a larger 19 L tank capacity. This is excellent and serves a family for multiple days without any problems.
Similarly to the Thetford below, this expensive unit may function better as a campervan toilet because you will need to permanently install it. Another disadvantage is that it only comes with a one-year warranty.
However, if you’re committed to getting a cassette toilet then this is a great option. Designed in the United States, Dometic toilets are some of the most durable units on the market.
It also boasts a lot more positive customer reviews than the Thetford cassette toilet.
Users revealed that the Dometic was easy to install and that the product works very well. They were also pleased with the company's support and quick shipping.
That’s why we recommend the Dometic CTS 4110 as the best campervan toilet available today.
Thetford C263-CS Cassette Toilet
Runner Up
Designed for permanent installation, this Thetford cassette toilet will bring the comforts of home to your camping vehicle. It’s around the same height as a regular home toilet, making it an attractive option for taller users. There’s nothing less dignified than sitting down with your knees almost touching your chin!
An indicator alerts the user when the tank is full. This prevents any risk of the tank overflowing. It is also very easy to flush with no need to pump like with a portable unit. Thetford also makes it easy to access the large 17.5 L cassette through an external hatch.
Thetford is a high-quality brand that are well known and highly regarded by all caravanners. They are based in the Netherlands although their products are made in China. The fact that this RV toilet comes with a three-year warranty shows Thetford’s faith in their product.
Of course, there’s no getting away from the price tag. The C263-CS is a very expensive piece of kit, costing up to $700. Realistically, this is more than many campers are willing to pay. It’s also probably more suitable as a campervan toilet than for caravans.
There is no denying that this may be too heavy for those looking for a caravan toilet. While it offers more dignity, it has less in the way of flexibility because it's a large fixed unit.
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335
Best Portable Toilet
We would all love a cassette toilet but they aren’t suitable for everybody. A caravan toilet must be light, hygienic and easy to use.
The Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 is a fantastic caravan chemical toilet.
Costing around $200, the company designed it with space-saving in mind. It also comes with a hold-down kit so there’s no risk of it moving about on rough terrain. You can easily fix it to the floor without having to worry about it spilling.
Incredibly hygienic, you can easily detach the toilet seat and cover to sanitise them. Also, at just 3.3 kg, this is an incredibly light caravan toilet. In fact it weighs less than most of its competitors.
Users like how this compact caravan toilet is easy to use and that the cleaning products don’t leave any smells or leaks. They advised that it is perfect for two people for about five days. However, a family of four may need to empty it every couple of days.
Also coming with Thetford’s three-year warranty, this is a great caravan chemical toilet and our number one pick.
Dometic 972 SaniPottie Portable Toilet
Runner Up
Another popular caravan chemical toilet, the SaniPottie comes in at about $135.
This is a substantial saving when you look at the cost of Thetford’s offering. The tank size is almost the same as its rivals but the overall caravan toilet weighs about 2kg more. Every extra kilo counts when it comes to caravans.
One of the best aspects of the SaniPottie is that it is very easy to use. Unlike similar caravan chemical toilets, there is no need to pump it like you’re trying to fill a bicycle tyre. Simply press a button and the waste will disappear.
It’s also a high-grade product. The durable design and tough plastic make this a long-lasting caravan toilet. Australia can be an unforgiving country to travel in, but your SaniPottie should go the distance.
Another attractive specification is that it has a full seat making it very comfortable for users. Furthermore, the lid clicks shut so that there won’t be any unfortunate splashes or spills when you hit bumps on the road.
Dometic 510 Traveller White
Best Gravity Toilet
If you’re looking for a great RV toilet then go no further.
The Dometic 510 Traveller reigns supreme over its rivals. Made from high-quality ceramic, it might be better than the one in your bathroom. With a comfortable wooden seat, you’ll never want to stand up again.
A really nice touch is this unit’s adjustable seat. This makes it one of the most luxurious campervan toilets on the market.
It also comes with low-flush water consumption so you won’t have to keep filling your tank. However, the flush is still powerful and features a unique mechanism that creates an airtight seal to prevent bad smells from flooding your van.
This vacuum toilet must sit directly above a holding tank. You don’t need any electric power to use it but it does draw from your water tank. Keep that in mind if you’re planning on going off the grid. Also, there is a risk of the waste tank clogging with this design.
If you're not familiar with gravity and other caravan toilets, check out my guide on how they work.
It’s simply not suitable for use as a toilet in a small caravan, when compared to the other options. It’s too heavy and the need for holding tanks makes it unrealistic. However it is an excellent RV toilet or for bigger caravans.
The high-cost and short warranty may also dissuade some potential customers.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Caravan Toilet
There are several factors to consider before you spend hundreds of dollars on a new caravan or campervan toilet. Let’s take a look at these now.
Space
Time and again we come back to this factor.
Space is the number one aspect to consider when you’re installing anything in your camping vehicle. The size of an appliance and its weight will affect everything around it. This is especially true of a caravan toilet.
Many people buy a portable chemical caravan toilet because they understand it’s more space-friendly than fixed options like cassettes or vacuum toilets. It’s important to know the size of your van and to think about where your toilet will sit and how much space it will occupy.
Value for Money
Nobody wants to spend a lot of money on something they don’t use.
The Thetford cassette toilet costs about $600 but do you really need it if you’re going to spend your entire holiday at a campsite with toilet facilities?
If you’re only using it when you’re on the road then a chemical caravan toilet might be your best option. Weigh that up before you spend your hard-earned cash.
Where Are You Going?
Australia boasts some of the most incredible landscapes in the world.
However, the further off the beaten track you go, the less likely you are to find approved dump points. If you’re planning on driving into the wilderness then consider a good cassette toilet or even a vacuum.
Not only are they more comfortable, but you won’t have to empty them every couple of days.
The increased waste tank space makes a lot of difference. Remember, it’s not just about the inconvenience of emptying it but also finding a designated place where you’re able to.
The Dometic CTS 4110’s massive 19L capacity makes it ideal for this purpose.
Also keep in mind that larger toilets may use more water with each flush, to make sure that your water tank and water pump are appropriately sized to handle this.
If you want to use your toilet for tent/swag camping trips, take a look at this list of regular camping toilets instead.
Keep it Clean
Regardless of the type of caravan toilet you buy, it’s crucial to look after it properly.
All of these toilets claim to have some kind of design feature to remove bad smells and prevent leakages. But that means nothing if you don’t clean your toilet regularly and empty the tank when you need to.
It’s the least glamorous aspect of camping but it’s one that you need to get to grips with very quickly. Check out this guide for tips on how to clean your caravan toilet.
Don't forget to regularly dose your unit with cleaning chemicals (preferably environmentally-friendly ones!) to keep the odours at bay.
Final Thoughts
When you’re buying a caravan toilet you need to know how much you’re planning on using it.
Cassette toilets are great if you want to install a full-time, heavy-duty fixture. They’re very comfortable and low maintenance. They’re especially useful in campervans. We recommend the Dometic CTS 4110 because of its lower price, massive tank, and ease of use.
Portable toilets are worth considering if you own a caravan or a lighter motorhome. Yes, they’re less dignified than a cassette toilet. But their compact nature makes this a price worth paying.
In this case, we recommend the Thetford PortaPotti Qube because it's lighter than its competitors despite having a slightly larger capacity. It also comes with a great three-year warranty.
Finally, if you are looking for an RV toilet, then a good old-fashioned vacuum unit may be right for you. RVs have the luxury of more space and heavier load limits. The Dometic Traveller 410 is a magnificent toilet and the most comfortable on this list.
I hope that you now understand the pros and cons of different types of camping toilets. It could turn out to be the most important product you buy for your vehicle.
If you’ve any questions about these products or want to ask about using a caravan toilet, please comment below!
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
Great to read a current review of these toilets. I have a question which maybe you could answer, In my caravan I have a Thetford C232CS and I want to upgrade to the ceramic C263CS. Is that possible as it’s my understanding they are the same footprint , however the access door for the cassette needs to be landscape and of course mine is portrait.
If the answer is no is there any other options for me that are ceramic. Not enough room to say why I’m changing the toilet but thought I’d ask anyway.
Regards
Mark