Reddit mentions: The best rv toilets, fittings & parts

Ooooh, wow, I loooove that van. Everything about it is just awesome looking!

Anyhow, not a female, but on my camping and on adventures I've had lots of advice passed along from them. For things like vandwelling and longer adventures, I think the number one concern and thing that came up was waking up and having to pee.

Some resolved this by way of having a portable RV toilet setup that they toted along with, similar to this: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004SFKJIQ

I have one of those I bring with me on remote camping expeditions, especially, as it's very handy.

In more constrained situations, a pee bottle is typically used and is entirely functional. Folks, especially backpackers and other 'dwellers mention http://www.thepstyle.com/ as a great investment to allow them to use said pee bottles effectively, too.

Outside of that, carry an extra jug of gas as a 'just in case' situation and test the condition of your batteries and how well you can boondock with them (not connected to shore power and not getting the batteries actively recharged by driving.) Also, a portable jumper pack is an AWESOME investment, as that extra juice and get you out of a jam nicely, and if someone else is stuck with a dead battery, it saves you the trouble of having to use jumpers and doing vehicular gymnastics, which can be annoying.

If you want a shaded/shielded sitting area in remote areas, an awning can be a nice addition if you can afford one, and investing in a nice outdoor welcome mat/runner is super handy for if you're hiking or just want to take your boots or shoes off before you enter the camper.

In the woods or, again, remote locations, you could have a compact hammock on hand that you can set up to give yourself some more seating/laying about options, too, the value of which is hard to quantify when you're feeling claustrophobic from being inside the van too much.

Anyway, just a few thoughts for you! Have awesome adventures, and check in to let us know how they are going once in a while. =)

1. Looks like an E150 is 4'6" inside. I think one of those GMC high tops would be perfect for you, height wise at least: http://www.paulsherryconversionvans.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2004-gmc-regency-mobility-conversion-van-CP14850T-6.jpg
   
   
   
   
2. Solar panels harvest energy, battery stores it. You only need solar panels if you don't drive a lot, otherwise charge from alternator.
   
   
   
   
3. Running water is nice to have and more sanitary.
   
   
   
   
4. Yes. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Portable-Toilet-gallon/dp/B004RNOV9M/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494442610&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=dometic%2Bcassette%2Btoilet&th=1
   
   
   
   
5. Yes you can use a cooler. But I prefer solar panels and a 12v compressor fridge.
   
   
   
   
6. See "Dashboard herb garden". Yes it is feasible
   
   
   
   
7. Planet fitness is $10/month. Not sure if you can find a better deal.
   
   
   
   
8. I have heard here of a gym worker mentioning that "They know" the person only comes here to shower. Or complaining about parking in the lot overnight. In both situation the person basically said yeah and what about it and nothing happened. I'd keep it private.
   
   
   
9. Vehicle repair? Find the van you want and read the write ups/repair forum for them. Learn to change oil, then learn to change the rest of the fluids, and filters. Get yourself an automotive mechanics textbook like a student would use at school.
   
   
   
   
10. Don't worry about your parents opinions. Just tell them it's for weekend getaways and festivals and self reliance.
    
    
    
    
11. Work on a van during college? Yeah. I did most all my van wrenching at my college.
    
    
    
    
12. Plenty of people live in a van while working on it
    
    
    
    
13. Yes you can have mobile internet but it might cost you $500 a year for something decent. Search
    
    
    
    
14. Search for makerspace, re-cology, or just buy tools on craigslist or at pawn shops. I recommend getting your own tools.
    
    
    
    
15. A storage place will cost you $20-50+ a month and is definitely an option. I'll have to have one for my moto and tools
    
    
    
    
16. Mini washers, yes, there's a tiny one that spins around fast like at the swimming pool, search. Dryers take a lot of energy, you'd either need a generator or a combustion engine to provide that kind of power. Or you could use a clothesline, or a wood stove, or a roof rack.
    
    
    
    
17. Travelling overseas? I would leave the van with a family friend.
    
    
    
    
18. Mail goes to a p.o. box
    
    
    
    
19. Trash goes in trash bins at local parks. Poop bags can go in dog park bins, pet store bins, hospital dumpsters, etc.
    
    
    
    
20. Smells? Keep everything clean, ventilated, humidity free with adequate heat source, keep trash bin sealed and throw it out often. Don't have too many dirty clothes or socks, keep them in a tied off contractor bag, wash them often. Throw out any carpet.
    

Toilet type issues can be solved easily and cheaply, but there are draw backs.

We have one of these - just a port-a-potty really. But until we get blackwater tanks and everything sorted this does the job.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Portable-Toilet-gallon/dp/B004SFKJIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501018052&sr=8-1&keywords=porta+potty


Running water? Get a manual pump that connects to a 5 gal water tank. https://www.amazon.com/Wealers-Camping-Gallon-Manual-Drinking/dp/B00QLRCTUU/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1501018150&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=manual+water+camping+pump

We started our build in May and we've camped in it twice now... each time it's less like camping and more like a home.

We have a fridge, 4 bunks, master bedroom, bathroom (walls only) shower (walls only) living area, kitchen (no water yet). We're probably $10k into it and I've been working on it an average of 10-20 hours a week every week since may.


Bus, RV and Van all have pros and cons.

One article that turned me onto a bus was http://www.technomadia.com/2011/06/why-a-bus/ Specifically the heading A Bus???

If you have room, time, money and know how and want to make something uniquely yours, a bus would be a good fit.

If you want to move into something right away an RV could work out nice.

If you both want something uniquely yours but have less time, money and space, van dwelling can be a nice step into this type of living.

It's great actually we both have our own routines that put us outside of the truck so we only use it for like peeing in morning and before bed. They have a really nice one I'd recommend that I want when I go big like motor home a $1000 one it's the best . I change it about once a week for free and take it to a treatment plant and get flavored tst tabs online for the smell of the toilet

Nature's head https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009Z7EKIC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464768144&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=composting+toilet&dpPl=1&dpID=41k7Tv5c0KL&ref=plSrch


Edit what I have https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004SFKJIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1464768144&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=composting+toilet&dpPl=1&dpID=31o62v345UL&ref=plSrch

A shovel and some time in the woods, and maybe a solar shower if you're in a warm climate.

Sure you could buy a Dometic 2.6 gallon chemical toilet, they're 12 inches tall, but well you'd probably have to live a little too close to it in a Prius. But reportedly they don't really smell (as they're chemical toilets - the chemical controls odor). https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-301097206-Portable-Toilet-Gallon/dp/B00194F0CE

A Prius isn't really a great living solution. Sure, it's nice as cars go with all that battery, but it's still tiny, so not going to be easy to get much creature comforts going.

Questions|Answers

--|:--
Do you park down by the river? Also, how do you get any ass living in that?|W4M: You host. W4MM: You host and clean up.
Ok, I think this has gone on long enough. I get it.. you're very zooey deschanel in "New Girl" ... but obviously you've gone through some kind of trauma (possibly related to your job). I hope you get the counseling / find what you're looking for.|1) I love it! A woman makes a crude sex joke and that means she's "obviously gone through some kind of trauma". Brilliant. 2) Zooey Deschanel wouldn't say penis. So. PENIS. 3) Boston area hotel minimum = $80 30 days...for something super seedy = $2400 / month. Nope.
Ps - if you really make 6 figures, why not live out of hotels? i've done it, and it's infinitely more rewarding, plus you feel like james bond. |
If you make six figures why are you living in an ambulance...?|Why not? It's an adventure. It's life. Why avoid the unknown fun?
Where do you poop? |That sounds like a title to a children's book...maybe I should steal it. I had a coworker once who had a goal to poop in every restroom in the hospital. I guess now it's my goal to poop in every Starbucks, Panera, and Walgreens in New England. I also have this guy: Link to www.amazon.com that even has a little flush.

View the full table on /r/tabled! | Last updated: 2012-03-30 23:55 UTC | Next update: 2012-03-31 00:55 UTC

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On the cheap: blackout curtains from WalMart and some heavy duty magnets would work for temporary attachment of a privacy curtain.

We use an $80 camping potty, and it doesn't smell if you add the enzyme to the collection tank. We deuce elsewhere, if at all possible...

CamCo Travel Toilet

Many people use a 5-gallon bucket with a trash bag in it. Make your business, twist it up tight, and drop in a trash can. You can even buy little tops that feel like a regular commode seat! 🚽

Shower: 3-gallon yard sprayer that pumps up for pressure, and it works GREAT!

Hot Water Shower

(We are in a van, so our back doors open up "barn-style" and it makes a perfect shower stall with a privacy curtain across them!)

Thinking about getting this Camco toilet. Although I was also considering just doing the 5 gallon bucket with a trash bag and kitty litter. I like the Camco because the sealing bit seems to help reduce smell, being able to easily dump into toilets is great, and I think I can theoretically rig the flushing mechanism into some kind of low powered bidet, although I'll live even if I can't do that.

I know my body enough to know that I can't reasonably expect myself to be able to separate solid and liquid waste or sit once in the morning and be done with it. So I feel like the Camco might fit my needs better. If anyone also has thoughts on the tank size that'd be good, I feel like the smaller one would be easier to walk into a normal restroom with and dump it, while the bigger would mean less frequent dumping...I've never like measured my waste so I have 0 idea on how long or short that is.

I’ve got a rock wood premier, 2018. Assuming they’re pretty similar, I’ve got a bit of a wacky setup for my grey water. For the shower drain, I use this:

Valterra Black T01-0091VP Swivel Drain Connector-90°, 1-1/2" x 3/4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006MTREC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qignDbNYV2HMN

To connect to a regular hose that I run to this:

Barker (11104) Tote Tank - 22 Gallon Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B61TPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rlgnDb95MB2C0.

For the sink grey water I connect a brass 90 degree elbow to a 3 foot hose (if the hose is too long your sink won’t drain) to this:

Barker Manufacturing Company 10887 Barker 5 Gallon Tote-Along Drain Water Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B61TP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mqgnDbNK22E51.

The sink 5 gallon tank is too small, I have to drain it every couple of days. The whole setup is a little difficult and I want to figure out a way to run it all to one tank instead of two. Just as a heads up, measure the shower drain pipe, it’s smaller than the one most RVs have, so if you buy a tank with a hose, it probably won’t fit. Might have to look for an adapter of some type.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you’ve got more questions, hopefully I’ve already made all the mistakes and can save you some headache. Also, check out popupportal.com. Lots of knowledgeable folks there.

I bought a thetford curve for my van, tho i did the bucket too. The curve is the most like a regular toilet. It isn't hard to empty but it isn't exactly pleasant either but that goes for all rvs really. Thee bucket is easier to empty, you just toss in a trash can somewhere.

I shower by truckstop or in warmer weather solar shower (black bag). They make propane hot camp showers. If i need privacy, i make a tent with my tarp off my van, but normal sized people can get these cool little shower tents.

so first of, I am a dude and it is a lot easier to pee in certain situations being a guy... If I was a girl maybe I would be more inclined to install a bathroom, but I can't speak for everyone. But anyways.... I will be working in healthcare facilities that have locker rooms including showers that I will have access to 24/7. I also plan on getting a planet fitness membership and can also use those facilities 24/5 (24hrs during weekdays). I already workout every day at a gym so going to a bathroom and showering in a gym is more normal than using my bathroom at home to be honest. Regardless, I will also have a non translucent bottle with me in case I really need to pee but can't find a place to go. If something is going on with my stomach and I really can't make it somewhere to take a crap I might get something like this but I really really only want that to be for emergency situations..... My friend just started vandwelling and he decided to go a little more luxurious and he got a portable toilet similar to this for emergencies and apparently they are pretty odorless and emptying them isn't that bad....I may end up getting one but I want to see how well I can deal without one. The benefit of those portable toilets is that they prevent you from having to deal with black water plumbing which adds complexity to your design and increases maintenance a lot. You also have to empty the black water tank at specific dumping locations. But some models of the portable toilet are not completely odorless and I've never personally emptied one so it might suck. As for showers, besides the health center and planet fitness I may get a camping shower or just get one of these and rig it into a jerry can or something for outdoor showers.

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Standard-Recreational-Activities-41541/dp/B004SFKJIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541377758&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=porta+potty&dpPl=1&dpID=31hF22FyXtL&ref=plSrch

Works great, and seems to store well enough. It's inexpensive and practical. There are probably nicer, more expensive ones you could find, but this serves me well.

I recommend this for a restroom

For a shower all you need is a body wash, towels, a poof, water.

Don't over think power, I use 12v USB power banks. And its all the power I need. Although my 900amp battery converter that hook up to my battery is great sometimes..

> I've got a buddy wanting to do nearly exactly what's above. My recommendation was a sprinter as well cause he's not too set on requiring a bathroom/shower.
>

Sorta, I think that the outdoor shower solution shown in the dezeen link would be enough for me, and then just one of the fully enclosed little toilets. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WPQMOA/ref=psdc_2504403011_t1_B004RNOV9M

No enclosed anything. If you want to use the bathroom you can either take it outside with a pop up tent, or close curtains inside vehicle main space. It would be a last resort sort of thing, probably if stealth camping.

• A Dickinson propane heater.
  
  
• A Dometic portable toilet.
  
  and...um... I'll ask my gf. She has a huge list of cool things to use in tiny houses.

If your brother will allow you to use his bathroom at specific times of the day you could get one of these and empty it every few days:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Portable-Toilet-gallon/dp/B004SFKJIQ/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31o62v345UL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=42105QHT69TP4BJVD42M

Do you need to use a lot of soap for showering? I tend to shower with just water on my body and a bit of shampoo in my hair. if you aren't using harsh soap chemicals I don't see what would be so bad about discharging to the yard it shouldn't be particularly different from rain. They make expensive soaps made for campers in the wilderness that might be ok.

The most space efficient solution is to use wag bags. If not familiar with them, they're used extensively by campers and hikers; basically a couple of bags with some absorbent material inside. Can be used alone or with a toilet seat that folds up into a very small space like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-271-Portable-Folding-Travel/dp/B000K6HN22/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=camping+toilet+seat&qid=1555773820&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Some have entirely biodegradable bags, most can be just tossed in landfill. NOT in pit toilets, etc. Folks make their own with bags and kitty litter. Urine goes into a pee bottle.

Some camping areas now require a system where all human solid waste is carried out, so useful in those scenarios.

You could also look at cassette toilets, kind of an improvement over the bucket-and-seat, but a bit easier to use to dump the waste, and sometimes even smaller. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-White-92860-Porta-Potti/dp/B07CHLVS16/ref=sr_1_21?keywords=cassette+toilet&qid=1555774170&s=gateway&sr=8-21

Just pee in a jug and poop when you come across toilets lol. They’re all over the place these days.

That would be funny as hell if I just dookied in an open bucket in the back of the van. “Don’t mind the smell...”

There are nice little toilets available for emergencies, or if you’re a chick. I got this one:

link

I would pull that compost toilet out and just put a brand new portable toilet in there. It'll be a lot easier to sell. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074YW746P

https://imgur.com/IMfoESO. Gray on the left. Black far right.

Included adapter is like. https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T01-0091VP-1-1-Drain-Connector/dp/B0006MTREC

Bathroom, yes

Shower, no...

I have a 24 hour fitness pass

Found it on Amazon here:

Valterra Products, Inc. R920TWVP... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N5PNOS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004SFKJIQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8 this one hasn't mentioned fans/vents unless I'm missing something and the reviews are pretty favorable. For $80 I'm not sure you can beat that.

Edit; not sure if it's actually a composting toilet though, I could be wrong on that front

Just search “chemical toilet” on Amazon

Pull out the little Camco cassette flush toilet that I bought for such situations.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Portable-Toilet-gallon/dp/B018LBYB7C?th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Standard-Recreational-Activities-41541/dp/B004SFKJIQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538225132&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=compost+toilet&psc=1

>toilet

That's what they say but I heard it's just a very small chemical toilet.

This one

Public toilets, a portable toilet, or the toilet is in the bathroom area with an in built sewage compartment that you have to empty.

Reminds me of this.

Your body is more important than shame. :/ if they're decent enough, they won't give you grief. Or you could say you're terrified of restrooms in gas stations and diners.

Camping toilets seem to be a good option. These look pretty discreet (and even flush!)

• http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/general/toilet.htm
  
  
• www.amazon.com/Thetford-92360-Porta-Portable-Toilet/dp/B006WPQNB2/

Just get hot showers via gym memberships, truck stop gas cards, couchsurfing website.

Public toilets, also stuff like this, composting toilets.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-41541-Portable-Toilet-gallon/dp/B004SFKJIQ

It just comes down to being clever. Hell, people put wood stoves in vans.

Paying rent is overrated.

They are dirt cheap!

ok, no problem:

http://www.amazon.com/Sanitation-Equipment-Deluxe-Portable-Toilet/dp/B000FBNWYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301763030&sr=8-1

There are a couple types;

This for example would require no cutting/framing of the camper

This type for example has the cassette remove from the back, so you would need to have a cutout somewhere for it

Edit: Meant to add that you basically remove the 'cassette' which holds the business and take it to any toilet to empty it.

For bigger tailgates (like Opening Day) I have a small toilet like this one that we put in the back of the SUV with a small curtain around it. 50% tinted windows help too. It may sound weird but it beats waiting a half hour to pee. I just stick it underneath the car when we go in for the game so that it doesn't heat up and stink up the car. I know miller park 'banned' these but I've been doing it for years.

My only rule is #1s only.

For smaller tailgates just pee in a bottle if you don't want to wait in line? Idk what else to tell you.

Would a portable camping toilet help? You can dump the waste tank in the outhouse and it shouldn’t be a problem: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Standard-Recreational-Activites-41541/dp/B004SFKJIQ/

Alternatively, there are biodegradable/compostable bags you could use to line a bucket that could be disposed in an outhouse: https://www.amazon.com/Green-Elephant-Replacement-Biodegradable-Compostable/dp/B079N33LKC/

I am in trucking and a lot of drivers say this is the best thing out there, really odourless, http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-92360-Porta-Portable-Toilet/dp/B006WPQNB2/ , it costs more than a portapotty you might find at walmart, but its what I'd use in an self made RV Van, over a composting toilet. The base detaches and you can take it like a jug of water to a toilet or RV waste spot and dump your waste.