Does the VW California have a toilet? + The *BEST* Options!

[@Trevor.Adams640]

We keep our Thetford 335 behind the passenger seat. With the Dunelm cover, makes a good footstool when watching the telly in the evening and our dog uses it as a step to get into her bed on the passenger seat, in camping mode.

[@CampervanTime]

That’s one clever dog! Great tip and thanks for sharing!

[@blacktiger955i]

When wild camping in my Freelander2 I use what is essentially a bucket with a toilet seat on top. Put a bin liner inside and away you go.

[@ginabrooks8492]

Bucket & Chuckit - responsibly of course! We keep a plastic binliner close by during the night for the loo paper.

[@brightonbongo]

We use campsites most of the time, so ditched the space-hogging porta-potti. We have a "Bog-in-a-bag" which takes up a tiny amount of space in the main storage drawer of our Cali. It is a modified folding stool (pardon the pun) with a hole in, holding a watertight bag with an absorbent pad in it. Same technology as a disposable nappy. It gives us peace of mind and is very rarely used! Wild camping at the roadside on the route of the Tour de France, for example.

[@JamboLinnman]

Same here.

[@Bobtheguilder]

The people who design campervans without a loo that is accessible with the bed up must be anally retentive at least. There are three necessities to live, food&drink, sleep and removal of waste, simple. Get those fitted before worrying about twinkly led lights and surround sound music systems.

[@unclebob8419]

Most people don't want them in a small campervan. They don't want it taking up the space, they don't want to deal with emptying or they don't want to do their business in a small van.

[@alanbenham4139]

Thanks guys. 1 Porta Potti added to our ever growing shopping list.

[@stewieDM]

When we started tent camping years ago we used a nappy bucket (nappy buckets have a fitted lid) for night time emergencies, we would put a small amount of disinfectant and water in the bucket and then just empty and rinse out (or wash if used) every morning.

[@CampervanTime]

Yep, we had a car wash bucket ! Bought for the purpose and not used after for washing cars!!

[@billaspin]

Re Porta Potti: Beware of blowback during warm weather if unemptied for a few days by slightly opening the valve with lid down to release any methane build up before using. A cautionary note from personal experience!

[@CampervanTime]

😩😳😂 sound advice from personal experience - love it!

[@stevezodiac491]

Only release the blade valve with the lid in place.

[@ianbriden7907]

Stool and porta potti in the same sentence did make me smile

[@maselm]

Always really informative. Great for prospective buyers of a Cali - especially us with two young kids, we’ll definitely need something like this “just in case” 😂

[@CampervanTime]

Our pleasure!

[@benlamachine4042]

Will , are you Mentalist ? It's incredible , i ordered last Friday this famous PP 335 ! To be honest , i was ready to order 345 model , put your illustration storage in boot confirms i made right choice . all the best for california Time

[@CampervanTime]

Good choice sir!

[@Circa35mm]

The fixed toilet in Jerba Campervans Sanna layout was definitely a big appeal.

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for sharing - really good to know that there are other nice options for anyone who’s after a fixed toilet layout 👍

[@cherylnorth9823]

I’ve got a PortaPotty 145. It fits under the shelf. We tow our horsebox with the van and are often without facilities but this will be for no.2s only - in the hope that it lasts a 5day trip for myself and 2 daughters! I can store a loo cleaner spray bottle, a loo-only-cloth and also a Loof Co bottle brush inside it and shut the lid so I’m ready for daily cleans. Winning! We will use the loo in the horsebox bc the ponies won’t be in it and no.1s can be in the field with the ponies or our Potette Travel Potty which has a silicone liner if you can empty/swill or bags if you can’t

[@MrDods26]

We use the Thetford 165, and it's a essential item 👌

[@christianlewisphotography6910]

From experience I would only have the Thetford 335. They are made and designed so much better than any others.

[@chrismutter3044]

Tow-bar toilet looks like a novel attachment, especially if someone drives off while you’re using it :)

[@CampervanTime]

Seatbelt required!!

[@fionarobertson4914]

Yes we started with a fancy shaped "bottle" but I had a problem aiming properly and my "P" went all over my hands 🤣 so we now have a Thetford like yours which is great- kept in the boot - but we also take our pop up portable toilet tent which is fab 👌 Result!! 🤣

[@CampervanTime]

🤣 ooo that sounds messy! We haven’t got a toilet tent but we do wonder about it sometimes… might be quite handy 🤔

[@fionarobertson4914]

@@CampervanTime it's a pop up one and it's fab .👌

[@simonatkins5759]

Do you have a link to the pop-up tent or brand name etc?

[@fannyalgra]

I bought the bivvy-Loo.. small when not neaded.. but for emergency it functions great.

[@CampervanTime]

👍

[@robbrigham5926]

bivvy loo for the win - means you can do number 2s if necessary, folds up really small when not in use and you can dump the results in a dog bin each day.

[@pluc99-pl99]

I'd be concerned about hidden tears in the bag.

[@robbrigham5926]

@@pluc99-pl99 The bag sits inside the bivvy-loo, which is water tight itself. I cant see why the bag would tear though unless you are silly with it. I guess it might not be such a great idea if you had children using it. Its the only answer for emergency number 2s though - no way would I want those going in a cassette and smearing the inside plus smearing the hole and the rubber seal if aim is not perfect... Disgusting beyond belief.

[@pluc99-pl99]

@@robbrigham5926 Thanks for the feedback!

[@paulw103]

Well, never knew about that button on the Thetford to release the vacuum, thanks👍 BTW we have a his and hers She Wee and after a typical night in the Cali I use both of them so the wife still has to hang on 😂😂

[@CampervanTime]

Ha! Never thought of having his and hers !! Good for additional capacity :)

[@adrianlee9846]

I like the look of the larger 565E for lots of reasons ……thoughts please?

[@CampervanTime]

We’ve not seen or tried one of those but I’ve had a look online at them. I would be concerned about how tall it is / storage of it when not in use, but it depends on what van you’ve got and how important the higher design of it is to you. It’s nice to have different options though.

[@AlexSlaets]

For number 1 a hospital solution (urinal) is sufficient. As mentioned 1 per person is needed if because + 500ml “production” is quite normal and they hold 1000 ml. Number 2, being more of a daily matter has never been a problem planning. The emergency solutions were interesting.

[@CAZZIEK321]

We have one and it’s great.

[@j4nch]

Well, we do the "full-nature" version and make sure we don't leave any paper.

[@STARGASER8591]

VW T2 74-79 The Thetford 335 porta potti fits perfect between center cabinets for them midnight wee's

[@CampervanTime]

Yes, absolutely - although a little tricky when you have a dog that sleeps there when the downstairs bed is out!

[@19seal65]

My van is too full for one of those. I have a Bivvy loo. Used it once in 2 years. Folds down really small and is much lighter.

[@CampervanTime]

Great suggestion! Thanks for sharing

[@phillr6855]

Another great vid.. I'll be ordering my 335 when the beach arrives. Just out of interest are there any compressor fridges that fit in the back under the shelf that you've come across? (Not that you need it in the Ocean of course).

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’m not sure on the fridges to be honest. Not something we’ve looked at as stand-alone items I’m afraid. I’m sure campervanbits or one of the others might be able to advise perhaps ?

[@suzannegough9375]

Thank you, this was so helpful. We already have one and the cover too but there were some useful tips -can you let me know the name of the crystals please as I missed the name. I have googled and see Thetford aqua kem sachets is this the one?

[@CampervanTime]

Yes that’s right! They are the ones. We cover them in our new toilet video too! 👍

[@JulianHutchings]

Thanks - very helpful.

[@CampervanTime]

Excellent, glad to hear it is useful

[@nickleyshon8431]

Hi Enjoying your presentations - very helpful as newby cali owners. Just wondering what crystals you put in the portablepotti please. Cheers Nick and Jill

[@CampervanTime]

Hi! Thetford Aqua Chem Green Sachets 👍

[@briandowling4240]

Great review and thanks

[@CampervanTime]

No problem 👍

[@DoctorFish10]

With space being a premium, we use a pop-a-loo, it folds flat when not in use, no chemicals, and the bags are biodegradable

[@mariabarciacalvino7327]

Nice video! We are newbies with a Cali and we have a lot to learn. Would be nice to know about shower options? How do you shower while in a trip?

[@CampervanTime]

Well, we've done a shower video you can take a look at - but I suspect you might want warm water !! We have only ever really had a shower in shower blocks on campsites or in pubs etc - not tried other wild camping options yet :)

[@Lizapendleton]

Bog in a bag the best.

[@AnneRogersPhoto]

Thetford loo roll is just 2ply paper. Just use any basic supermarket 2ply loo roll (NOT the Andrex quilted stuff!), which is in fact just the same as the Thetford stuff, but half the price. Never had any issues with 'blockages' in 9 years..

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ianharrop6580]

Great info

[@Deepthought-42]

335 and Dunelm ottoman cover for footstool during the day. Stick felt/velcro to the bottom and or attach to rear of seat with a bungee to stop it sliding around. For no 2s when absolutely necessary. Pump once with the flush to wet the pan, then make a “star” with three double lengths of Thetford soft toilet paper. Flushes away easier with no nasty skid marks. There was a time during covid when we couldn’t or did not want to use public toilets and being totally self contained felt safer.

[@Mikadiesel]

Portapotti 335 fits in kitchen cupboard

[@robertdon777]

I have a full toilet with a closing door, full sized sit down loo and wash basin in my VW California....and it's not a Grand California and only 5.3M long, why VW didn't keep producing them is beyond me. 6ft 6" Standing room with both beds set up...full height wardrobe etc...

[@Loz2286]

Ah! Nothing like a bumper dumper. Australia's finest invention!

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@andyblake1849]

Every days a school day eh 😂👏

[@CampervanTime]

When it comes to the world of campervans and the Cali it certainly is!!

[@francodelrio7989]

we use it as a picknick table! As long nobody works on it!

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@stevezodiac491]

A bigger cheaper toilet from amazon is better, because you can put it in a black bag with a piece of foam between the lid and the cover and you have got a foot stool or another seat when not in use. The porta potti is too small to do this. Also the capacity is much greater and will last much longer, before it needs emptying. We put a bungee chord around ours when travelling and attach the ends to either side of the front passenger seat frame. During the day it stays in the awning, at night, it comes inside for quick use when it is bedtime. As for toilet roll, use normal toilet paper and put it in a bag. We only use ours for no 1's anyway.

[@haydnball990]

Any smell issues? I've heard best to use for #2's rather than #1's as a rule, as urine can start to whiff

[@CampervanTime]

No smell issues at all, as long as you use the chemicals. When hiring a van in Oz a few years ago we didn’t have chemicals and it did start to smell very quickly, never any issues with our porta potti though

[@spivvo]

Are you sure the handle thing you pull out and push back in on the front isn't for chopping your number twos into manageable slices? You've got to get the timing right though. 😂 The 335 is brilliant though... with the cloth cover that has the integral top cushion you just don't feel like you have a bog in the van... it's just a really good footrest.

[@darrenmeaden312]

I always remember Pink for Pee and Blue for Poo when filling the loo 💩

[@CampervanTime]

🤣🤣🤣 Brilliant tip!!

[@Magictina-po3ur]

I don‘t have a California but another campervan on the VW T6.1. I prefer to use a dry toilet, where you seperate liquid and solid, as I don‘t like the smell of the chemicals very much. And as I don‘t like the idea to use it right next to the place where I eat and cook, I have found another place, when I turn my passenger seat and pull it as much in the front as possible, there is space on the console and I put a wooden box in the footspace with a lid (store there toilet paper and stuff) and put the toilet on the seat console and this box. That is not possible for really tall people, but for me at 170 cm height, it works perfectly. So I have no fixed toilet but I can seperate it from my living area.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Where do you put it at night when the bed is out? There is no room between the bed and the front seats. For No 1 we use a small pot. For No 2 - campsite toilt and for extreme emergencies a Bivvyloo.

[@CampervanTime]

We have managed to get the toilet on the floor with the bed out but you're right, it's certainly a tight squeeze to use it like that. We tend to sleep upstairs so it's not really a problem for us.

[@stevezodiac491]

That is one of the many reasons why a lwb van is so good. I have no problem getting my toilet in at night with the bed out.

[@JamboLinnman]

Depends how you use your Cali. I originally used mine exclusively on my own for my landscape photography so a bed bottle and a Bog-in-a-Bag was fine for me, although the latter was only for emergencies as I just used public loos or cafes/pubs’ loos etc. Now starting to use it for trips with my wife but will stick with this solution as well use campsites most of the time. A porta-potti is space hogging and a hassle to empty. Bog in a bag goes in a dog poo bin.

[@andresgonzalezcerda7635]

And what do you do with the bag after usage?

[@JamboLinnman]

@@andresgonzalezcerda7635 as I said, it goes in a dog poo bin.

[@IronMountainx]

This was one of the reasons I didn't purchase a used Cali as I wanted a space to stow away the toilet. I wanted a 4x4 camper and opted to import a 2010 Nissan Elgrand with 39k miles full service history, 250bhp V6 full leather interior, 4 wheel drivefor £7800 inc all fees. I then converted myself for £4300 (pop top fitted professionally). I now have a lovely camper for a fraction of the cost of the Cali I was considering and it has a place to stow the toilet, not to mention the £30,000 I saved on purchasing a Cali....

[@Paul-kp1tu]

Ha, the ford nugget has a toilet, i nearly fell over.

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@johnashworth7455]

The problem is t6/.1 are not exactly vw,s they have the very very bad ford transit engine fitted why vw would of ever done that is beyond me

[@garybrown5769]

Mans defo gone no.2 when no one’s been looking , that’s what they are for though, love mine but yeah “only no.1s” 🤭🤭

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@liudizzle]

A large empty Taco Bell cup works great!

[@CampervanTime]

🤣

[@darrenmeaden312]

Ridgemonkey do one

[@midnightmover2329]

I bring a shovel and 2 rolls of toilet paper

[@lgx2410]

Crazy question, but do you just pop on the toilet in front of your spouse? Seems a bit weird.

[@CampervanTime]

Ha! No not unless we really have to. That said, being in a small campervan does bring you closer together somewhat!

[@atakd]

Things are only weird if you're not use to them. I'm in a diving club and men and women go to the toilet over the side of an open 6 m boat. Not much choice when you're in a drysuit for 5 hours. Everybody knows how to be distracted by an interesting cloud in the opposite direction.

[@brunohenriques7721]

❤

[@crisrocha4802]

He keeps interrupting her, and talking over her. Not very nice

[@jasondow8885]

Does a bear 🐻 shit in the woods lol 😆

[@Deepthought-42]

335 and Dunelm ottoman cover for footstool during the day. Stick felt/velcro to the bottom and or attach to rear of seat with a bungee to stop it sliding around. For no 2s when absolutely necessary. Pump once with the flush to wet the pan, then make a “star” with three double lengths of Thetford soft toilet paper. Flushes away easier with no nasty skid marks. There was a time during covid when we couldn’t or did not want to use public toilets and being totally self contained felt safer.

[@michaelwilmes5271]

Separating compost toilet. Fits into the Cali kitchen. No smell. No chemicals. No hassle with disposal.

[@CampervanTime]

Sounds good, do you have a link or item you would suggest?

[@michaelwilmes5271]

We opted for the Kildwick MicroLoo. Very tight fit but apart from that served us just great.

[@ChrisGallone]

Cant beat a hedge