Is This the Best RV Toilet or a BIG Mistake?

[@sammysicknessirl]

Did this 2 years ago in our Class A RV, and will never look back. A couple of things to consider though: the water in the bowl starts burping once the black tank gets over half full if you have the dump valve closed, but leaving the dump valve open while connected to the dump/septic solves that. If you empty the tank, turn off the shut off valve, flush the bowl and stow the tank lid, traveling with a real toilet becomes a non-issue. Just dump a gallon of water in the bowl if you need to use the John while on the road. Lastly, although the dump valve is open, a weekly tank flush will prevent “poop pyramids” from ever forming. Holding down the flush handle during every flush will help with completing a full flush out of the black tank. Happy Relieving!

[@ryankennedy9414]

Do you know why this would be? The tank is vented so there should be no air pressure inside the tank regardless of level. At least on our tank the vent comes off the top, and when the trailer is level the tank would have to be 95%+ full to cover it up. I was planning on doing this in our trailer but its permanently parked and we get pumped out once a week so our dump is closed. But with the vent I didn't ever think this would be an issue.

[@lorrieleaver2447]

This is a great idea to upgrade the usual RV toilets and improve the quality and comfort whilst camping. It’s possible to insert a shut off valve on the water inlet hose thus making it safe for traveling in my opinion. It’s common on most UK toilets and will solve a multitude of potential problems including winterisation and traveling. If you need to flush whilst traveling just switch the valve on to fill the tank and off again when finished. I’m hoping this makes sense 😉 Great stuff James 🥰💫

[@akshonclip]

Kohler makes a one piece elongated bowl residential toilet that saves a few inches in front over a two piece (tank and bowl). Fit really well in my Jayco.

[@mikequick6941]

I installed a dometic 320. It is elongated,standard hight and porcelain bowl with a hand sprayer. It has a residential seat. So the best of both worlds. The elongated bowl is a great upgrade over the round bowl.

[@jgardne1]

This comment should be a sticky. I installed a Dometic 320 in my travel trailer and it makes a huge difference in using the RV. It's plenty stable and the elongated porcelain bowl is great.

[@blueballsbkueballs]

Americans wash their hand? That's new.

[@melvinp.h.3069]

Yes but still no p trap in it so not ideal for most of us.

[@matts1166]

Noob question: I'm looking at buying my first camper. I really like the Snoozy 2 camper, but it only comes with a cassette toilet. Pretty much all the campsites I'd ever plan on going to either have full hookups per campsite (including full sewer hookups) and/or they have full toilet and shower facilities. So I'd either not use my toilet or shower at all, or I'd be fully hooked up to sewer. I was contemplating converting the cassette toilet to a domestic 320 (yes, I know I'd have to run water line). Is it feasible under these circumstances to have a gravity toilet that dumps strait into a connected sewer line and NOT have a black tank at all?

[@mikequick6941]

@@matts1166 I don’t see why not. You must have the dump valve open going to the dump when you flush. You would be flushing against an air bubble if not and could burp back. You would have nothing to winterized. A straight drain and single waterline.

[@jillhall9024]

I sure appreciate this! We just purchased an older, used 5th wheel that has a residential toilet installed. I wondered if that was even doable! Now I know. I also prefer to use the waxless rings when installing toilets. I've never had problems with them. I haven't heard of anyone else using them. Folks around here think that is a crazy idea. Oh well. Works for me! Thanks again, for the very helpful video.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Most excellent and innovative James! Its all about having the right clearance for toilet. For stationary RV life, especially park-models/destination coaches, its a slam-dunk!

[@delcallman5525]

Thanks in part to your video I just installed a Costco WaterRidge one-piece residential toilet ( $99 while supplies last) in our 2024 Salem Grand Villa 44 View destination trailer. Worked like a charm in the master bath but wouldn't fit in the half bath. The added benefit is being able to add shut off valves which Forest River and every other RV company should install in the first place. Thanks for the tips!!!

[@AZExpert]

That is awesome!

[@ShermMorty]

You might want to also add that not only do you take the water out so it doesn’t splash around, but you also need to take the tank lid off so it doesn’t bust going down the road. Some pot holes are brutal 😰🤣 Btw we absolutely love all of your videos, and you sure have helped me fix a lot of issues with our rvs. Thank you, and keep up the good work.

[@jthonn]

No problem, the round toilet would be better because of the size. When it goes for a ride, turn the water valve off, flush, the little bit of water that would be left in the tank will not be an issue. Also tape down the tank lid where it won't bounce around. Good to go!

[@alanthompson7674]

Install an after market pressurized tank insert to solve tank sloshing issues. This will also reduce water usage. If you want to really conserve fresh water, you can install a secondary water pump/filter and y valve/anti siphon to charge the tank from gray water when boondocking.

[@dodgeguyz]

As long as you always have FHU’s there is nothing wrong with a residential toilet. Some of the newer ones have the water saving 1.5 gallon per flush. And that can even be lowered a bit if needed!

[@timmysrvlife]

17:44 You know what we are thinking😂 I was just thinking using the rag that cleaned the sewer connection then cleaning the seating part of a new toilet is gross.

[@michaelprue9024]

Our little travel trailer came with a porcelain rv toilet with foot flush. We’ve owned the trailer for about 4 years now and have never had a problem with the toilet. But I’ve been a maniac about maintaining the trailer. We are the 2nd owners and couldn’t be happier with it, as I’m sure all of the bugs got worked out of it before we ever laid eyes on it lol. I don’t see a need for us to swap out our toilet, but if we ever get the opportunity to end up with a giant 5th wheel like that I’ll know what I need to if we decided to go that route. Great video bud

[@hoppy2515]

Hey son you read my mind! I've been waiting for someone for a whole year to throw out their RV toilet and upgrade to a residential porcelain. You did it bro! You the man!😅

[@MagicHawkeye]

I was glad to see you used a waxless seal. Not only is heat an issue, but they tend to leak when jostled. Had you used a wax seal, likely it would have begun to leak as soon as it was towed. Caulking around the skirt is always a bad idea. If the toilet doesn't fit flush, shims are a better solution (and can be inserted in a way that they aren't visible). The Niagara Stealth is a 0.8 GPF single flush toilet, and uses about 40% less water than the 1.28 GPF toilet installed in this video. I installed one of those in my house a year ago and it has never clogged once (it replaced a 3.5 GPF toilet which clogged every other day!) On rare occasions, a second flush may be necessary to fully evacuate the bowl. The Stealth is also very quiet. By the way, that was PEX-B in that RV (can tell by the steel clamp on the fitting). PEX-A would have been a better choice for an RV, in my opinion, because it is less likely to break when frozen (i.e. can withstand expansion). But PEX-B is cheaper, and likely why the manufacturer chose it.

[@jeffbienvenu9937]

With the recent Coronation in England, this certainly is a throne for a King (or Queen).

[@bobellis1022]

I'm so glad you posted this video! I've been thinking about doing this for my 5th wheel. I also am permanently parked so this should work for me. Love the channel by the way!

[@AZExpert]

thank you

[@nicola3060]

This is the ideal thing for permanently place rvs. I have a permanently placed rv on my Moms farm and it has a residential toilet and installed a mr cool mini split AC unit. It’s amazing. I wish there was more KZbin videos on upgrades and things for permanently placed RVs because it seems like different rules apply when it’s never gonna be in motion again.

[@rustybpot]

just watched the video, It's a game-changer for sure, I Love it!

[@AZExpert]

I am glad you liked it!

[@stephenlevan6676]

I'm so happy you bought them an elongated toilet. So much nicer!

[@proudtexan5513]

Great job!! What a great upgrade for a stationary fifth wheel!!

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

I had a 2011 35' Springdale (by Keystone, Western Edition 2 BR) that I purchased for a lot (2nd owner) and the 1st owner had installed a residential toilet (rounded). For being like a park model trailer and not being used to travel, it was perfect and liked it much better than the usual RV toilet (I had in my other two RV's both purchased new in '05 and '09).

[@paulgreen5713]

We have a 2021 Jayco, and we just experienced our first valve blowout in our unit. I had the idea to change our unit out for a residential one. I wasn't sure if it would be possible, so I referred to KZbin and found your video. You have inspired me to convert our unit. I also was not happy with the stock unit. The standard RV units are low to the ground and small. I am a large guy, and I find a standard home unit more comfortable for sure. Thanks for the video it was very useful. 👍

[@LayloNewt]

Thanks James pretty neat and a first for sure. Hopefully they can get it to it's park site without the china bowl cracking. Always enjoy your videos

[@mikemotorbike4283]

I'd use big rubber washers on the toilet base nuts and strap the tank to the back wall firmly to keep it stable side to side and back to front to avoid stressing the bolt holes on the base.

[@Buck1954]

Mine sits in one place. I've been thinking about doing this to mine. Thank you! One thing I like is I don't have to teach people how to use a RV toilet.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DaveDrawing]

Another great video! No surprise there.. I like the idea of the residential toilet, and while this rig will be more or less permanently parked, you mentioned at the end the toilet will use a lot more water. With that in mind, a toilet with two stage flushing would help. 👍

[@AZExpert]

Good call!

[@MagicHawkeye]

Dual flush toilets are a bit of a bother. The Niagara Stealth is a 0.8 GPF single flush toilet. I installed one of those in my house a year ago and it has never clogged once (it replaced a 3.5 GPF toilet which clogged every other day!) On rare occasions, a second flush may be necessary to fully evacuate the bowl, which is the equivalent water of the second stage flush of most dual flush toilets: 1.6 gallons. Simple operation, and guests know how to use it. The Stealth is also very quiet.

[@CHRISINMCNEILL]

Thanks for taking time to make these videos. Must be lots of work after you shot the video. Bought my first rv, 2017 Alpine 3660FL. You are lots of help!

[@tambram4677]

Amazing! Thank you!! Ive been looking for a video for a few weeks. Im stationary, need to replace RV toilet and want to upgrade to residential. Adding a bidet to mine as well. I have a 2007 so keeping my fingers crossed the rough in will work.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@solebrth]

You just started a game changer ! Well done !!!

[@JamesStaudacher]

This is funny, I added an RV toilet to my small bathroom cabin because space was so limited. I really love the RV toilet. Sure beats an outhouse.

[@Daniel-k4t3n]

Doing this today. Going to store lid, drain tank obv, then I am going to install soke thin rubber membrane between tank and bowl to help for few travels I do now

[@mikemiller8850]

nice job on toilet. I put a shut off valve on my rv toilet along time ago

[@VOOODOOO37]

wow cool. Nice to see how to remove a toiled from an RV anyway, in case I might have to do it sometime. Full timer here. Love your very detailed videos.

[@edwardnigma2216]

I did something quite similar on my boat recently... Had to get a bit more creative with the plumbing, but damn is it nice having an adult sized toilet to sit down and take a dump on.

[@matts1166]

Noob question: I'm looking at buying my first camper. I really like the Snoozy 2 camper, but it only comes with a cassette toilet. Pretty much all the campsites I'd ever plan on going to either have full hookups per campsite (including full sewer hookups) and/or they have full toilet and shower facilities. So I'd either not use my toilet or shower at all, or I'd be fully hooked up to sewer. I was contemplating converting the cassette toilet to a domestic 320 (yes, I know I'd have to run water line). Is it feasible under these circumstances to have a gravity toilet that dumps strait into a connected sewer line and NOT have a black tank at all?

[@kevinplunkett6393]

Nice upgrade for a stationary rig. A lot of Park Model rigs have residential toilets vs foot flush.

[@gary.joseph]

ALWAYS the BEST videos and content James! 😁 Thank you!

[@klaatu2]

Of course the issue is the water in the bowl will splash out as you stop, start, turn, etc Adding vertical baffles can resolve this

[@Takethatakethatakethat]

Solid Buck knife you got there. I love mine!

[@hoppy2515]

Hellzzzyea😂

[@itwasaliens]

I can't believe I'm just seeing this. I have been thinking this for years every time I'm looking at RVs. As weird as it sounds RV toilets had been one of the things golding me back. Id be full time and Id only feel comfortable ever using it for #1. Most cert6couldnt use it for 2 regularly.

[@AZExpert]

I was dancing around the subject of #2

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

Hoping you see this. How do you feel about changing to a composting toilet in an RV? We will do a lot of Boondocking and it seems to maybe be an advantage.

[@AZExpert]

I think they are overpriced and a cassette potty seems much easier to me.

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

@@AZExpert I'll have to look into that. Just got a nice 98 Itasca pusher. Thank you.

[@scottcampbell4116]

I had a damaged skylight from a RV repair facility in Agoura (created by their "technician" roofer-not part of contracted roof repair) and, when they were shown their damage, I was appalled when they both stood in my shower in their shoes. Do you people stand in your clients shower without floor covering also? This video answered my question...

[@AZExpert]

"best practices" are not always possible, booties can be a slip and tripping hazard too

[@loydalexander154]

Yes I've seen people seal the toilets to the floor and have to replace house floors. Didn't know it was leaking 😮

[@cggage]

Very well-done video! You are a great narrator!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you kindly!

[@Scott924m]

Just to make it fair I did find something to complain about . You didn't break down the box before throwing it away that huge box taking up space in someone else's dumpster how rude . I'm just being facetious of course. But neat video I always wondered if that could be done now I know ! Thanks James.

[@oldnorthsider]

When I started watching this I thought I was watching the Elvis rv repair channel 😂

[@scarter176]

James, they make offset flanges so you could move it away from cabinet door.

[@jimmyaber5920]

The larger footprint seems a good idea. Spreading the load is nicer to floor structure. I replaced two toilets recently and they are 1.2 gpf. I am not in a place where low use toilets are the code.

[@rapierce99]

We had one in our park model and towed it all over with absolutely no issues.

[@handyran1726]

For ease, install the bowl alone then bolt the tank on-less weight to lift! A bidet seat recommended.

[@arkman8109]

I agree 100percent on my toilet. I'm building my own RV just because of the bathroom.

[@davidparker2417]

Oh Yeah that is definitely happing in our Sierra 379flok

[@MaryWehmeier]

I wish they would put they would put shut offs in RVs. We will be upgrading ours. Upgrading the toilet on a permanent spot-makes perfect sense.

[@personthatexists07]

would recommend a round bowl

[@Handl3sAreStupid]

This is a great upgrade. The only time I've stayed in an RV, the smell of the bathroom was too much to handle.

[@AvenEngineer]

Thanks for this video, I'm currently considering replacing my RV toilet with a residential bidet/toilet.

[@AZExpert]

It works great if you plan on not moving around and being hooked up to sewer full time. Otherwise it will fill your black tank at least every other day if not every day

[@AvenEngineer]

Good point, in my case it will be hooked up to a septic system, but at about 2 gal per flush, we'd fill the 25 gal black tank before taco Tuesday is over.

[@KevinCoop1]

I replaced two toilets in our house. I bought “contractors” toilet. No tools required. Also had two buttons on the top. For 1.1 gal and 1.6 gallons. $99.00 each.

[@Masterchief68]

Actually I would think a RV toilet would use a lot less water and would be a great water saver in residential homes!

[@paulshannon4576]

I now need to do the upgrade for a shut off valve.

[@loydalexander154]

James good to see a new video from you miss them thanks man 😊

[@eskieguy9355]

But, is it a prime pooping position?

[@cullenmiller8170]

I had wondered about that when I lived in my fifth wheel that was stationary. Thanks for bringing us along. I guess the new owner is ready for a taco Tuesday. 😂😂

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

As long as it has the 10 inch fan Of course.

[@joegarcia2969]

outstanding video...info great shooting great...work great...keep up the good work bud

[@AZExpert]

Hey thanks!

[@rja12]

I highly suggest to all you full-time RVers to upgrade to a heated toilet seat. We did it a few years ago and man oh man it's so nice to have a heated seat.

[@pkav8tor]

A pump to empty the tank ?? How about close the supply and flush it ................... nice install !

[@dannyheiple7469]

I like this video..by a very nice gentleman!! People can learn alot from you!!

[@cpowerdesign]

I think I may give this a shot on my 97 Safari Trek. The bathroom in ours is huge. My wife and I have a 2830 with the rear bathroom. I've been looking at remodeling the bathroom and this changes things now.

[@AZExpert]

It's pretty great but it does use A LOT of water to flush so your black tank fills up quickly

[@rudynon956]

​@AZExpert do you still have to keep black tank closed ? Or can you leave black tank open ? I was worried about pyramids forming

[@gladlisa1]

thanks for this video i'm switching my rv toylet to ceramic and this video makes the job much better to

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@cindyrose4155]

If you add a (portable) bidet, you can forget about the RV toilet paper! 😉

[@easytomove]

Bidet is underated. It will be perfect with bidet 😊

[@philw7174]

Interesting. Thank you James for this video. Happy trails!

[@leonardh8269]

And as people get older ...some need the comfort hight hopper....I put mine in before knee replacement

[@hillbillyrv]

That worked out well. Nice job.

[@dmc522]

Fantastic sideburns ❤ Oh! Cool video too

[@kennethshelton9976]

I put a house toilet 🚽 in my bus build. Works great. I drain the water before driving , shut off valve to toilet, strap the top and drive.

[@rnreajr9184]

I replaced my RV with a porcelain, elongated bowl RV toilet. It just feels right!

[@patbullard9276]

FYI. A residential toilet seat will work fine on a rv toilet. I replaced mine on a Thetfort toilet like the one you just removed. Worked just fine.

[@AZExpert]

Many toilets but not all

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

Bro... I'm on my third Dometic thunder mug in six years!

[@konavader]

This is my next investment, size does matter! Aloha

[@billygraham5589]

Uhhhhh, if you spend up a bit and buy a power flush toilet the water is 100% hermetically sealed in a pressure tank and they use very little water, like between 1.2 to 0.7 gal/flush.

[@VideoByPatrick]

I now learned that those two floor mounting bolts can be renewed. I was afraid to saw my rusty frozen bolts off.

[@AZExpert]

:D

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

100% round bowl but YES!!! thanks for the video.

[@robertburgess6100]

Great video, Jamea. I've seen that done before.

[@bdpbdp9988]

I’ve got a residential toilet in my RV I’ve used it now in my RVs for 15 years I’ve traveled all over the country couldn’t tell you how many miles I’ve put on the RV with it I drain all the water out of it take the lid off store in a safe place and I’ve never had any trouble except for one winter one I forgot to drain it and the cold cracked it so I had to change it

[@twiggerdug33]

I just came across this video and love this install. Do you think a person could strap that down somehow; sort of like earthquake straps that are put on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes? Im thinking you need to come up with something, some idea!!

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

Nothin moe impotent than the cushy for the tushy! 😱😝🤪🤣😁👍👍🇺🇲

[@leonardh8269]

You can put foam or a pool noodle behind tank

[@kululv]

I'm glad that after touching the fridge you decided to take toilet gloves off your hands!

[@AZExpert]

I know, right?

[@TurkiAlsubiee]

Great work, and I support this idea, but the door handles of the sink cabinet will break if they are not replaced with others.

[@TimothyMichaels]

Mine needs replaced urgent, maybe next year, floor is warping. Nice upgrade 👍

[@mikeyadrick5154]

I own and live in a 38 ft Montana-2011. I will be thinking about that toilet conversion--Great Idea. The king mattress I gave away, sliced the plywood deck to accomondate a new queen mattress I had--excellent move--that bedroom is way too small for a king , making the bed up is so much easier. Question here--do you now leave the Black tank dump valve open to the sewer line? I have a 3 bedroom septic system on my property--Mikey, in Belfair, Wa

[@AZExpert]

I would not leave the black tank valve open, the tank will clog up over time

[@ronb6182]

I seen a real house toilet in an old travel trailer with a real 4 burner stove with gas oven. Probably not self contained but would be good enough for a permanent rv park stay. So the idea was around back i would say early 60s or 70s. I guess it didnt catch on on new RV designs. Maybe if enough people ask for upgraded toilets this may become standard in the future. 73

[@loydalexander154]

Wow James you get a new truck

[@mariolima9111]

Can I remove the black tank and make it a house hold system

[@Robiko9]

I did on my grand design same model as this one

[@dand5829]

If you do want to put in a residential toilet on an RV you plan to move a lot, I would get a one-piece toilet and a vandal resistant lid lock kit. These are used in light commercial applications to prevent people from stealing the lid. And if you can find a 0.8 gpf toilet then even better. Also, get the fluidmaster seal. That korky stuff is garbage.

[@ernielansford8710]

Have to wonder if you can do this to your Beaver.

[@AZExpert]

I have other plans for the Beaver ;)

[@sigmacentauri6191]

Cabinet doors clear? That’s the pass or fail for me

[@AZExpert]

yes they open just fine

[@clydeallen120]

Got 9n with it man. I don't need a run down on the rv.

[@alexgomez-ce8ev]

I bought a 2008 weekend warrior ftl 4005 used with a residential toilet and about a month in I noticed it sinking in upon investigation, and the whole floor underneath the toilet was rotted out. The toilet was just too heavy for the area it was in I believe in overtime. It started leaking and became rotted. Had to change the whole floor in the restroom

[@AZExpert]

Weekend warriors of that era do tend to have some serious issues

[@gruponemesis]

So glad I bought a Prevost

[@mcsg_pelecan]

Could you somehow plumb the gray water for the flush?