Ultimate Guide to Caravan Toilets: RV, Cassette, and Camping Toilets

There's nothing worse than being stuck without a toilet on a long road trip. If you're in the outback, at a remote campsite, or avoiding dodgy public restrooms, a good caravan toilet makes all the difference. The right one keeps things convenient, hygienic, and eco-friendly while you're on the road.

With so many options - cassette and portable toilets - it can be hard to choose the right one for your caravan, travel style, and budget. That’s where this guide helps. We’ll explain the different types, their pros and cons, and what to consider when picking one. Plus, we’ll share key maintenance tips and must-have accessories to keep your setup clean and hassle-free.

If you're new to camping or a regular traveler looking for an upgrade, this guide will help you choose the right toilet. Travel with ease, no matter where the road leads.

Types of Caravan Toilets

Choosing the right caravan toilet depends on your travel needs, available space, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. The two main types - RV cassette and portable - each have their own benefits. Below, we explain their features, pros, and things to consider so you can find the best fit.

RV Cassette Toilets (Built-in & Removable Tank)

These toilets are built into caravans and motorhomes. Waste is stored in a removable cassette, which you can reach through an outside hatch. Some models hook up to the caravan’s water system for flushing, while others need to be filled by hand.

Pros

• Saves space and easily fits into caravan layouts
• Stays in one place so you don’t need to move it
• Easy to use after setup

Cons

• Needs to be emptied often at proper dump sites
• Can smell bad if not cleaned well
• Installing it means you can’t move it easily

Best For

• Best for people who want a toilet that stays in one place
• Great for long trips with access to waste dump sites
• Feels more like a regular bathroom

Top Picks

⭐ Dometic CTS 4110 – Scratch-resistant ceramic bowl with a swivelling seat for better space utilisation.
⭐ Thetford C402 – Large waste capacity, electric flush, and user-friendly design

Portable Camping Toilets (Self-Contained & Compact)

These portable toilets have a top flush tank and a bottom waste container. They don’t need installation, making them easy to use for campers who travel often. When full, the waste is emptied at designated disposal points.

Pros

• Affordable and doesn’t need to be set up
• Light and easy to carry
• Great for short trips

Cons

• Holds less waste, so it needs to be emptied more often
• Some are low to the ground, which may be uncomfortable
• Can start to smell if not cleaned properly

Best For

• Great for weekend campers and people who travel sometimes
• Perfect for 4WD trips since it’s small and easy to move
• A good choice for those who want a cheap and simple toilet

Top Picks

⭐ Thetford Porta Potti 565E – Electric flush with a large waste tank for added convenience. Thetford’s products, such as the Thetford’s Porta Potti, are a great option for tent camping.
⭐ Portable Toilet, 20L, Aussie Traveller – Strong and won’t leak, making it great for camping in remote areas.

How to Choose the Right Caravan Toilet

The right caravan toilet depends on how often you travel, your budget, and how much work you want to do when emptying it. If you want a built-in toilet that’s easy to care for, a cassette toilet is a good choice. If you need something cheaper and easy to move, a portable toilet is best.

Space Considerations:

Cassette toilets are built into caravans and RVs, offering a permanent and convenient option. Portable toilets, on the other hand, are small, lightweight, and easy to store. They are a great choice for campers who need to save space or want a flexible setup.

Budget Breakdown:

Portable toilets cost less upfront and are easy to use. Cassette toilets are more convenient but cost more because they need to be installed and may have electric flushing.

Ease of Maintenance:

Both cassette and portable toilets need to be emptied often and use chemicals to stop bad smells and stay clean. Using the right products and cleaning regularly makes it easier to get rid of waste and keep it fresh.

Water & Power Usage:

Water and power use are different for each type. Cassette toilets may need plumbing and a water tank to flush, which makes them easy to use but requires a water supply. Portable toilets have built-in tanks and use little water, so they work well for camping off-grid.

Essential Accessories for Caravan Toilets

When camping in a caravan or motorhome, having the right toilet accessories can make a big difference.

Some toilet types have a sealed cassette that you empty when it gets full to maintain hygiene. For these, it's important to use toilet chemicals which come in purple, blue, orange and green, including eco-friendly choices. Special toilet paper made for these toilets should be used to avoid clogs.

Using a ventilation system, like SOG toilet ventilation, helps reduce bad smells. Toilet liners make cleaning easier and more hygienic. Waste disposal bags are great for bucket and collapsible toilets because they make waste easier to get rid of. To keep a flushable system working well, it’s important to keep the bowl clean and have a comfortable seat.

How to Maintain & Empty Your Caravan Toilet

Emptying your caravan toilet and taking care of it properly is important for any camping trip you want to enjoy. You need the right chemicals to break down waste and stop bad smells. Cleaning it often for odour control is essential and using the toilet chemicals mentioned above will keep it running well and flushing properly.

Follow this Emptying Guide:

Cassette Toilets: First, take the waste cassette out of the van, empty it at a proper dump site, rinse it, and put it back. To avoid problems, don’t use regular toilet paper and always seal the waste tank properly. Motorhome owners can find easy-to-install options from brands like Thetford’s range.

Portable Toilets: Make sure the toilet seat and toilet bowl are clean. Separate the top and bottom sections to empty waste, rinse thoroughly, and make sure the flush water container is refilled regularly. Always empty the waste holding tank before it gets full for a clean tent camping experience.

Be safe and responsible. For proper waste disposal, use approved dump sites. Enjoy your camping location and leave it clean for the next visitors. Don’t be the one to leave waste and damage the environment.

Comparison Table: Cassette vs. Portable Toilets

 

Final Thoughts

Picking the right caravan toilet makes your trips easier. A cassette toilet is a built-in option. A portable toilet is a flexible choice. Keeping it clean is important. Use the right chemicals, clean often, and empty waste properly to stop bad smells. This will keep everything working well.

At Outback Equipment, we have a great range of caravan toilets and extras. Shop online now or call our friendly team at 1300 854 185 for help choosing the best toilet for your setup.

FAQs About Caravan Toilets

What is the most hygienic caravan toilet?
Cassette toilets offer a more integrated and hygienic experience, while portable toilets require more frequent cleaning.

What’s the best way to prevent odours?
Using the right toilet chemicals, cleaning regularly, and ensuring proper ventilation will keep your caravan toilet fresh.

Can I use regular toilet paper in a caravan toilet?
Quick-dissolving toilet paper is recommended to prevent clogs and make emptying easier.