Is This the Best RV Toilet or a BIG Mistake?

The owner of this 2022 Solitude 5th Wheel from Grand Designs is going to leave this RV at a year round RV site and wanted to upgrade the terrible RV toilet that came from the factory: Thetford Style II. While it is a passably good RV toilet, it is leaking already, and the owner, like me, does not enjoy using RV toilets as they are unsteady and unsatisfying to flush. So I was asked if it was possible to install a normal flushing residential toilet in a RV. While this is a more rare scenario for RV toilets it is possible. Please join me as I install a residential toilet in a RV, and explain why you should or shouldn't and how incredibly easy it is. If you stay to the end, I will also give a quick walk thru of this beautiful 2022 Solitude!
A big THANK YOU to Chad Stevens and the Premium Coach Group in Gilbert, Arizona for allowing me to work on this 5th wheel in the rear parking lot.
premiumcoachgroup.com
378 S Hamilton Ct, Gilbert, AZ 85233
[phone]
Thanks for watching!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🥰💫

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeffbienvenu9937]

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

[@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!😅

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

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

[@philw7174]

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

[@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.

[@gary.joseph]

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

[@proudtexan5513]

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

[@loydalexander154]

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

[@MA-jx6yq]

Well done!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@stephenlevan6676]

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

[@davidparker2417]

Oh Yeah that is definitely happing in our Sierra 379flok

[@kevinplunkett6393]

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

[@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.

[@dmc522]

Fantastic sideburns ❤ Oh! Cool video too

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 👍

[@hillbillyrv]

That worked out well. Nice job.

[@mikemiller8850]

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

[@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.

[@Takethatakethatakethat]

Solid Buck knife you got there. I love mine!

[@hoppy2515]

Hellzzzyea😂

[@robertburgess6100]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@joegarcia2969]

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

[@AZExpert]

Hey thanks!

[@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

[@arkman8109]

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

[@loydalexander154]

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

[@gladlisa1]

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

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@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.

[@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.

[@loydalexander154]

You are the man James. You come up with some stuff hu😊

[@TimothyMichaels]

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

[@paulshannon4576]

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

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

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

[@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!!

[@Masterchief68]

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

[@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!

[@miketracy9571]

Good work and nice rv

[@rapierce99]

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

[@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.

[@konavader]

This is my next investment, size does matter! Aloha

[@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.

[@cindyrose4155]

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

[@oldnorthsider]

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

[@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]

Wow James you get a new truck

[@scarter176]

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

[@pkav8tor]

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

[@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.

[@clydeallen120]

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

[@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.

[@correygoffney7054]

Nice video

[@QSSCEO]

@1:28 ..... I see what you did there...lol

[@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

[@rnreajr9184]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@michaelschmidt7014]

James, I watched your video well... I want to do the same to my 1993 Winnebago Elante'. My problem is the clamp on the two piece toilet came loose leakiing black water on to the carpeted floor of course it capillaried out into the hallway. This then is going to require removing the carpet in the toilet and the hallway. My problem is the carpet around the toilet is GLUED to the floor I can not get it loose even by grabbing with visegripes and pulling. I thought about pouring denatured alcohol on the carpet in hopes of loosening the glue from the carpet but what ever spirit I use it will cause a set of problems of its own i.e ventilation, flammabillity problems. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[@gruponemesis]

So glad I bought a Prevost

[@kululv]

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

[@AZExpert]

I know, right?

[@JohnMcCullough-wr9hj]

that is great!

[@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

[@barryrobertson8745]

Use foam tape on the bottom of the tank lid and a couple of bungee cords whole traveling and no need to store or drain tank while traveling.

[@shanemazurek9061]

Now they just need an electric black tank dump valve with the dump switch inside the unit…..

[@robfl07]

I love the upgrade for full time/stationary RVs…. But I kept wondering what kind of semi would be needed to haul this beast around if you were doing regular parks… (yeah, I know… not a realistic use case.. but still)

[@kenj.8897]

350 dually

[@cherylfurman2187]

I have a used 2011 surveyor sp239 came with a house toilet but how do i fill and flush the black tank now .?? I need help.!

[@dionyangeles2334]

Do you think it would be possible to install a tankless toilet that might resolve the issue of having a water tank toilet but the price is double

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@jockosboy17]

Google after watching this video "plastic residential toilet" 😂

[@perry9492]

This might solve my problems. I am stationary and probably will be for a while. RV toilets are crap. Fill valve leaks and just replaced it. This morning did my number 2 and the ball won't move and toilet is full of poop. I am sure if I completely rebuild this toilet, it will happen again.

[@maelandcindydisseau3654]

Question: If you park an RV and install a residential toilet, given the higher gallon flush, can you leave the black tank open, or should you still keep it closed and empty it regularly (actually, more regularly given the higher gallon flushes)?

[@AZExpert]

I would still keep the valve closed

[@joelshaw1961]

Do you winterize by allow some pink antifreeze to come into the back tank then pour pink anti-freeze down the drain part?

[@AZExpert]

Best to pump the water out of the bowl and tank then turn the water valve off

[@JeffinTD]

A person could probably blow the water out of the toilet’s trap with a leaf blower, then add enough rv anti freeze to keep smells out.

[@raystanton238]

Just use a toilet plunger to push most of the water out of the toilet bowl.

[@rf2611]

I have a 1998 nomad 2455 skyline rv, could I put a toilet on it? , it is to live, it will not move from place, I hope you can help me, thanks

[@leonardh8269]

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

[@diesylone]

Wonder how much faster will the black tank fill up using a toilet that flushes a couple gallons at a time

[@richardbelisle4807]

Hi I’ve talking with ReRe at premium coach group she says you have been doing all their inspections? How do I get a hold of you…

[@jswik2085]

What is the tutorial for the black tank now? Keep the black valve open or closed? The RV Repair Guy, LLC Vernon AZ

[@AZExpert]

keep it closed and dump when full it still needs chemicals

[@kevinbarry71]

I laughed when in your list you said "number two". Must be the inner five-year-old

[@dh-in8qr]

Are "P-traps" possible in RV plumbing? Is the "P-trap" built into the residential toilet? Thanks.

[@AZExpert]

most RV toilets are gravity assist into the holding tank with a trap door, others are a macerating type the chops the waste and pumps it into the holding tank.

[@advent35]

Thank you for the video, one-legged grandpa I've been living in my RV for 6 years now. I'm going to have to do this now.😊 Super cool video Thank you for putting this out. RV toilets suck haha 🦿🐕‍🦺🥳

[@eskieguy9355]

But, is it a prime pooping position?

[@kcgunesq]

I love the idea and appreciate the thought, but the lack of space in front of it would be unacceptable to me. I'd like to see how much more room a round bowl would give.

[@AZExpert]

only really saves about 2 inches maybe

[@kcgunesq]

@@AZExpert That could be huge in this case, though.