The caravan toilet

▶ All the products shown are available here : www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thetrud...
In this video i discuss the chemical toilet in the caravan. After a brief explanation to how the toilet works, I go into how to prepare, empty and use the toilet and give some hints and tips along the way. Finally i list just a couple of areas that need occasional maintenance when not in use.
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[@uhno123no9]

We’re thinking of getting a caravan... your videos have helped us to learn what to do. Thank you Dan.

[@MrJona7han]

Never knew what the orange button was for, thanks Dan👍 Just ended up doing a lot of shaking the of the tank😆

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

'FULL POTENTIAL' - Great - This guy should be a TV presenter - always good vids

[@Slash1066]

I concur with all you say, we are a family of 4 with teenage kids and we used our caravan toilet to it's fullest potential this summer. In the end I emptied it last thing so it was ready for the morning. As you say, it's just a coloured soup that comes out, it's really not that bad and I'm pretty squeamish about things like that! Top tip, put a loo roll on the toilet to signal the cassette is out so nobody uses it while you are away emptying it!

[@henryv3943]

Morning Mr T. You're a font of knowledge and even though next year we are picking up our new 2021 Bailey Phoenix 640+ ive learnt a hell of a lot from this video. I always wondered what that orange button was on our cassette. The cleaning products make sense as our old caravan's toilet did seem dull !. Our new caravan next year we will cherish and although it will be our 3rd van I still know nothing about caravanning ! Carry on the good work buddy. Tony

[@Gixer750pilot]

Dan, it’s a hot day, you are looking “flushed” 🚽 😂

[@dominobeauty]

I don’t know what I would have done without your advice. Thank you so much

[@amandamcnab8791]

Sent this to family, after I told them sites are opening in Scotland on the 3rd but you’ve no public toilet blocks! Trying to explain that chemicals deal with the 💩💩💩💩 they seemed more relieved lol.... pardon the pun!!😆 so looking forward to getting time at the seaside after months in lockdown! Great vid! Xx

[@suvallejo]

I ADORED your video! You covered all the points that were making me not too confident about renting a van with a loo for the first time during our next trip. Now I'm more at ease with the idea! Thank you a lot!

[@danieltranter9578]

As I’m new to caravaning this video was very informative and a great source of information that I needed to know. Well done. 👍

[@bluesantafe]

Ive only had the caravan a short time and only used the toilet for number 1’s but with so many sites having the facilities closed just now I’m just about to try and use it all the time. Great video and I didn’t know about the button to let’s air in either

[@ttxela]

Always amazed how small the modern cassettes are, the one on our 1990 motorhome is massive! We use the green fluid. I also tried the seal lubricant but he had trouble catching the fish or balancing the ball on his nose afterwards.

[@TheTrudgians]

this made me laugh out loud. Nice one...

[@teepee4296]

I do like watching your videos Dan & this was a good one as I didn’t know what the orange button was for even after 12 years caravanning. Many thanks 👍

[@noormancrabb6428]

Yet another informative video Dan. I’ll look at using the green fluid now.

[@chrisd6563]

Just started watching your videos absolute mine of information for us newbies, many thanks for this

[@jaynehook2520]

Brilliant video, really helpful to check we had all the relevant information we needed before taking out our new to us caravan.

[@brianmeiklejohn5427]

Recently found you (2019) Absolutely fantastic .thanks for showing insight to New Caravaners way down South in New Zealand . Loving you down to earth help videos. Cheers Brian

[@janebethel1977]

Very helpful. We are going camping with our new caravan and this is the one thing that has had me stressed. So has reassured me alittle. Haha.

[@barryeaton8907]

Thanks Dan. I've been reluctant to give the green chemical a go but you have persuaded me to give it a try.

[@keithcole8594]

Thanks again for the video Trudgies. Really helpful as I'm a new solo caravanner and off to Charmouth tomorrow with my Elddis and plan to use the chemical loo for the first time as a precaution - given the virus risks of using shared loos etc on site. I will look out for the orange butoon - good tip. So thanks again Dan. Keith

[@terryclark7864]

Never used one. Obviously now going to have to. Very informative and eased my mind. Thank you

[@leesmith8420]

Great and informative video as away! That reminds me I need to go to that Storage facility and air out mine!

[@antmanp6rover96]

The most helpful video i have seen on this subject. Thank you.

[@2escapees1947]

Thanks but you should mention that Thetford Produce a toilet riser great for older disabled campers. My wife had new new hip and the physio recommenced one for the house but having found one for the van we were able To go away without problems

[@tinasmith7982]

Thanks dan for the info on toilet cassette really helpful being new to caravanning thanks again

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Good video with lots of good points. Reminded about the button to make it easier to empty

[@caravanpastimes8011]

Great video Dan. Very informative and practical advice. We haven’t tried the green fluid but will give it a go.

[@TheTrudgians]

if you're in the mood for going green - try the teabags too. they are really good.

[@karlthompson1961]

As usual, a great video. Thanks old bean👍🏻

[@jonnyandvonny]

Thanks Dan. Always excellent!

[@kevinburrows1705]

Hi, What an excellent tutorial. Most of that I didn’t know. Thank you very much

[@howardpalin67]

Thanks Dan all very helpful information and as always a great video..👍

[@kathleenalarid1150]

Thank you. Very informative and right to the point.

[@johngrabowski5259]

Well mentioned about putting the lid in a safe place while emptying the cassette. There must be hundreds of lids floating in sewers and septic tanks all over the country.

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Thanks Dan, very professional and comprehensive as always.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Bob.

[@nigegarnham8623]

Another clear and concise vid. Thumbs up from me.

[@PaulSpencerImages2012]

Great tips Thank-you so much especially the info on the up keep 👍

[@robswiseways5697]

A good time to release this video Dan when more people are likely to use their own toilet more than ever before. We've used the green additive on a few sites and it's as good as the blue. A very good instructional video. Best Regards Rob

[@TheTrudgians]

Thanks Rob, i think we may switch over to the "tea bags" they are brilliant.

[@towingthetin6469]

Another great video Dan. Thanks

[@TheCaravanNut]

Great vlog Dan with in-depth knowledge of the caravan toilet. We need to look at changing to Green chemicals as the blue can be a little stronger in smell. Top info for all levels of caravanning experience, Take care, Martin

[@justmark1976]

I've been camping and caravanning since I was very young, got our first caravan after being flooded out of our tent in the middle of the night. It would have been early 1980's and the caravan was a alpine sprite, the water for the sink was pumped using a foot pump in the floor. It must have been nearly 20 years old when we brought it. Now I have my own family and caravan which is still 20 years old but has all the equipment you need onboard. Anyway... the point of my post was actually a question about toilet chemicals, I keep hearing bio detergent is better and cheaper than the "proper" chemicals. I get that the enzymes in the detergent will breakdown the solids and will probably work quite well but my concern is any effect they might have on metal parts and seals. I'm not an expert on washing machine or chemical toilet components so don't know if your washer parts are designed to withstand chemicals your caravan toilet is not. Has anyone had any experience of using bio detergent in their chemical toilet over a period of time and had any problems?

[@fredohyeah]

another great vid, hopefully help more people to use to their full potential cheers dan

[@kevinjpeters8546]

New cassette toilet user. Great video, very helpful.

[@InverhavonRailways]

I've always found that toilet duck discs on the bowl are very effective at reducing odour without chemicals in the top tank.

[@delboy9904]

Thank you for this.

[@andrewmuckley2277]

Great information as always

[@jonwagstaff6613]

Top tips. Learned something new which will save me money.. awesome 👌

[@ruggertictac526]

Thank you..going green now too! Caroline👍

[@gilltate3029]

Very useful, thank you x

[@alangarner4095]

Very well said I enjoyed your video it was so easy to understand and you made it all look so easy 😎

[@Fixingthingz4u]

Your videos are so good mate awesome job !! watching from OZ with my Swift 645 Con

[@TheTrudgians]

Glad you like them! Thank you

[@JohnWalshLegend]

'Always put the cap safely away fro the hole'! Yes I found that out once......Luckily someone had one of those grabber things nearby........

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Nice video Dan. I have to say I didn’t know what the Orange button was until we bought our new one. We use Blue Chemical but might change to green when we run out. You haven’t had any experience with the concentrated chemicals? I have to say the budget versions of the chemicals are very good too, we bought 5ltr of blue for £5 at chelston motor homes. Nice video, Cheers, Oliver.

[@markkemsley8872]

Thanks Dan. A timely video on using the toilet for its “full potential”. I’m was certainly apprehensive about the family using toilet for everything. But feel ok about after watching, particularly as you said if you’ve got a dog or children you’d have dealt with a lot worse; I’ve got both 😀

[@MD-gc4xq]

Aldi have got all three fluids on sale at the moment and they are brilliant, by far the best smelling I’ve ever used, so much so I bought 6 to keep topped up.

[@andrewnatt1448]

Great vid, thanks

[@DennisRobinson-jq1zg]

Very helpful afvice

[@leighmoring676]

Hi dan great information as always I’ve seen a few like that and none including yourself mention it is a good idea to let anyone in your party know that the cassette has been removed for emptying could be messy otherwise

[@daveydillon]

Good advice. Also don't empty the kitchen sink when you're emptying the grey waste too, it happens.

[@annemariestewart8252]

Lovely your video tutorial I have learnt so many ideas from your video I wanted to know if I can use these products 😃 cleaning in Thetford porta potti as we are going camping

[@niallokane1110]

Good video Dan cheers! I always use disposable rubber gloves purely for handling the washing hose at the empty point because people do as you have and insert it into the tank, I prefer to hold it and wash the exit nozzle too... Another option is yeast tablets for brewing beer to throw into the tank, they break up the solids as well and are environmentally sound. Thing is your loo smells a bit like a brewery!

[@TheTrudgians]

So.... the Mrs will moan that I and the loo smell like a brewery lol... Good advice Niall, I will be using gloves when we venture out next - even for collecting fresh water.

[@thecaravanaddys]

Great video 👍

[@friarjaxmost-holy.17.46]

Good video big fella,hope you get out soon.👊🏼

[@eatmyshorts8456]

Just ordered some blue chemical bags will give them a go and the pink spray

[@colinrimmer789]

Great one Dan, you meet some lovely people at the disposal point 🤣😂

[@colinrimmer789]

Forgot to mention, some of the Blue toilet fluids are Green, Formaldehyde is the bad boy. It’s damaging to septic tank systems as it kills the little bugs that work to break down the waste matter.

[@TheTrudgians]

the unwritten rule is no eye contact lol....

[@garybloxsom7538]

i keep a pair of marigolds in the front locker of my bailey for emptying haha.btw getting a motor mover this week...had to tell someone #beyond exited.

[@TheTrudgians]

Excellent news. Which mover did you go for in the end?

[@Gixer750pilot]

“Use the toilet in the normal way” made me chuckle . No hand stands then ?

[@friarjaxmost-holy.17.46]

Lol,they used to say that to us in the army when the loo roll had run out.we used to buy our own,and guard it lol.

[@CaravanShorts]

Good video Dan, like others have commented, I'm going to take a look at the Green 👍

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jon, have a look at the teabags - they are brilliant. Think we may swap from the liquid to the bags.

[@paulefc1971]

We used the green bags at Love2Stay and will probably never go back to blue, so much easier, to the point of opening the blade and just chucking one in on arrival and pouring a bit of cold water into the toilet, saves having to take the cassette out

[@CaravanShorts]

Probably a silly question ..... but do the green tea bags break everything down 💩 like the blue does? 😁

[@paulefc1971]

Caravan Shorts they do but not as well as the blue in my experience, don’t think it makes what is generally an unpleasant job any worse though 😂😂

[@philtimson5449]

Top tips Dan 🧻

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

Hi Dan great video. Our 1st trip is this weekend. We use flushable toilet wipes in the house for the kids, can these be used in the caravan? Alan

[@martinplatts2901]

Hi Dan , well you won't believe this I have just sat down with a cuppa after completely what you have just posted , what a coincidence, like the idea of the green alternative, once Ive used up all of my blue I'm going to try the green instead. Great video 👌🏻👌🏻, this my be a stupid question but how do you become a member? Many thanks Martin

[@kevandrews6418]

Hi Dan what do u use to clean the flush tank out with thanks Kev

[@Casperjason]

What can I use to clean out the flush tank as there is some build up of sludge Many thanks Jason

[@rogerjones2706]

How about using bio washing pods in your loo? seems to be a lot of people using these with good effect, I will change what I use when my current stock of fluid runs out (roll on 4th July) when campsites are out of lockdown.

[@kevinwallbank5918]

Hi Dan grest video. Can you put green in top tank as well?

[@dennisbuckley]

Hi, total caravan newbie here, soon to head off to our local caravan dealer’s accessory shop to buy the final few essentials before our first trip. We’ll be going with the green fluid but reading the comments, I’m curious to know how you’re getting on with Zoflora disinfectant for the flush, and whether this is still a sound recommendation (especially as you also advise against household cleaning products)? Thanks

[@teepee4296]

Fingers crossed we’re away 2nd August. I think we are using the caravan & the toilet to the full potential. I will however be using disposable gloves, mask & most importantly protective eyewear for the chemical disposal point I bought some Bolle safety glasses with the rubber eyepieces from screwfix for a tenner they also have a strap to attach so you don’t drop them down the hole !

[@daveandow2809]

Hi Dan Sorry but I just can't understand why people don't use the toilet, or for that matter the shower, they paid good money for the van , then don't use half of it. Good Vlog, no drama. Have watch some where the demonstrator is reaching as if to bring up last years Christmas dinner.. How they would have coped when we stated 48 years ago, with the Bucket and Chuck it, systems.

[@kenplatt7332]

Hi This video was extremely informative Now maybe it’s staring me in the face but what do you do with the water from sinks and shower Regards Ken & Lynne

[@ronhill2]

Hello Dan, I changed to the green and this season I am trying Top and Tail same chemical for the flush and cassette. It is also worth noting that if you plan to use the onboard toilet on the journey the water in the flush tank is an extra weight, and must be accounted for.

[@Gixer750pilot]

ron hill isn’t 1 litre of water in the flush tank already accounted for In then MIRO?

[@dominicmacdonald-wallace6851]

Yes Ron I agree. I overfilled it once and arrived at the site with the shower room floor swilling with pink water. I recomment only have a very small amount in the tank when travelling, or use a separate plastic bottle to pour flush into the toilet.

[@ronhill2]

@@Gixer750pilot I think that it varies according to van make and age. My 2005 van does not include gas battery or spare wheel as far as I can ascertain and no mention of fluids. I err on the safe side and account for everything as extra.

[@Gixer750pilot]

ron hill fair point Ron . I’m pretty sure the newer van MIRO include power lead, one bottle , 1 litre of water. I’ve not the light about clue tyre I will need to check

[@KevLynes]

I quite like being on toilet emptying duty

[@davidmorley2995]

We hve a 2004 Lunar Lexon E.B Is it possible to overfill the flusher there is no sight glass

[@andrewseamaster]

good title!

[@TheTrudgians]

It says what it is on the tin...

[@charlesdickinson7180]

Thanks for your video.if you’re moving on to a different camp site do you have to drain the water before you move? Or can you leave it save doing it again when you arrive at the next place? Thanks Charles

[@debbiewoods7477]

Charles we left pink flush in the top tank and then found we had a pink stain appear on the flooring so would say best not to if you're moving from site to site

[@williamthompson2942]

What about the top and tail chemical are they any good

[@andrewpudney3338]

Hi hope you can help ,I’ve managed to get my thetford cassette stuck inside my caravan Bailey brandisi. Gt70 2018 it looks like the blade has come off inside when you move the handle back and forth and can’t remove the full toilet please can you help

[@matthewstevens7486]

says place cap for toilet in a safe place,,,,,,, then places it on the wall above the great big drain hole.........😂. great video though.

[@ashhammond]

Chemical soup! Brilliant. 🤣

[@Stickymicky25]

Hello, new caravaner here, and me and my partner are working through your channel, so thanks for all the tips! But what do you do when camping off grid and there is no chemical waste point? Where and how do you dispose? Can the green product be simply flushed down a normal toilet/drain being environmentally friendly?... hope I’ve not said anything stupid. Thanks

[@EmilysDadd]

I agree with the comment re dealing with small children .... the time when it's coming out of the sleeves of the baby grow & you can't decide where to start! lol We've never had a problem using the caravan toilet to its 'full potential' ... it's something we all do ;-)

[@paulsuddes1144]

Love the channel, thanks,....I,m looking to buy my first caravan, essentially for trips for a couple, plus occasionally one small child. (Looking at 4 berth). Willing to spend 14-20k. Prefer new, or nearly new. Any recommendations?

[@TheTrudgians]

i would certainly look at the nearly new market, you will have a vast choice available to you. Dont forget though that once you have bough the caravan, you will need to fill it, insure it, store it and buy accessories for it too. We budgeted 15k on our 1st caravan purchase, the van was 11k in the end, and the remaining 4k was spent on all the extras that we purchased. My overarching advice would be take your time, spend at least 30mins to an hour in each caravan, make notes of what you like / dont like - try different layouts and try the beds for all 3 of you.

[@paulsuddes1144]

Thanks.

[@lizsallustio6694]

After cleaning the cassette and replacing it back into the van we have an orange light flashing in the van??

[@davethompson6726]

Thanks Dan wife was watching with me and said look he said it’s ok to use the toilet for twos why do I have to go out late at night to use the site toilets had no answer she forgot when we bought our first caravan four years ago she set the toilet rules I did tell her then it’s ok we can empty every morning on the new to be used caravan the new rule is we can use the toilet it’s so hard being a man during lock down Dan confirmed it think I will start a petition to bring back Tom to the video’s so he can keep an eye on you haha👍😂

[@kerbdog74]

I usually have the duty of emptying the cassette and on a trip away a few years ago duly set off to do so having first informed every one in the van not to use the loo. Came back to pop the cassette in the hatch and well.. my nine year old obviously hadnt been listening.... >

[@lisawalsh6702]

😱

[@joanneclark5921]

😅😂🤣

[@birminghammotorhomeman]

when i empty cassette i use pine disinfectant when rinsing cassette out and the fill with water and blu

[@colinburnett100]

Hi I have a problem with the flush button it does not flush

[@clivesutcliffe5351]

In one of your previous videos you mentioned about "the black bits" in the flush and that instead of using the pink additive, which can cause them , you suggested using Zoflora Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectant instead. As I have had experience of this, I am going to try it out now we are out of lockdown. Seems that the change will not only be better but also cheaper. My one question would be, which is the cheaper in the long run, the green aqua chem liquid or the green aqua chem sachets? Thanks for your continued advice, I'm learning a lot from you. Stay safe and happy caravaning

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Clive we stopped using pink about 3 years ago - due to the black bits, we started using zaflora and i think personally its better and cheaper. We are about to switch over to the teabags, and see how they fair for us, we know exactly how long they will last which is nice, the pot is smaller and its a lot easier to dose the loo.

[@clivesutcliffe5351]

@@TheTrudgians Thanks for your reply, appreciate it, as you must get hundreds. When we run out of our blue liquid we might change to the bags. as it seems so much easier. Knowing by then, how you get on with yours, as you are so good at follow ups.

[@anthearichardson1697]

clive sutcliffe We gave up using pink additive in the flush tank de to the black bits. Have been using plain water for the last 3 years with no adverse effects (no more odour), and even cheaper.

[@eatmyshorts8456]

Question for you all my water pump and the part you plug is knackered it is easy to replace it all

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Kieran, is this the fresh water pump (that goes into your water container?) if so, then yes very easy to replace. I recommend you take it to a caravan accessory store to find the suitable replacement.

[@eatmyshorts8456]

@@TheTrudgians yes it is the pump it's self is ok it's the connection on the caravan

[@andrewnatt1448]

Hi, why do you have to empty the header tank before leaving the site?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Andrew, although not compulsory it is highly recommended. 1 Litre of liquid = 1 Kg of weight. The toilets can be found right at the back of some caravans, and an extra 9Kg of flush liquid at the rear could make make a difference when towing. Also, its good practice to always empty the tank as it limits the amount of sloshing around and will discourage any build up of algae in the tank (those black bits you may see) Finally if stored during winter make sure the tank and pump is empty or you will incur some frost damage.

[@andrewnatt1448]

@@TheTrudgians Thank you. Still can't decide whether to buy a motorhome or caravan! It's driving us mad, but the decision needs to be made now we are nearly out of lockdown.

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Andrew, Make that decision based upon experience. So, hire a motorhome, and hire a caravan - there are lots available around the country - they can really help make your mind up. If you have itchy feet and like to explore, maybe a motorhome would be better, whereas if you like to have a base in an area, consider a caravan. - i do recommend hiring though.

[@andrewnatt1448]

@@TheTrudgians Thanks, great advice.

[@daviespowell1467]

Hi Dan. You mentioned becoming a member. How do we do this please?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Davis, apologies i should have put a link. Here is the direct link for becoming a member - its not compulsory but really helps us keep creating content. kzbin.info/door/aDq_8K1E5LCSnqU3qaL-QAjoin

[@daviespowell1467]

Can’t see the join option. Maybe it’s not showing on my iPhone. I’ll have a look on my laptop later

[@daviespowell1467]

👍 Thanks. Ian

[@shaunythompson5155]

We have a 2005 Lunar Quasar EB, and I cannot find how to empty the flush tank. We run the pump into the tank at the end of the trip. our loo looks nothing like these modern ones, its all molded into the shower cubical. can anyone help me?

[@williamthompson2942]

Have a look in were cassette toilet is near the top mine is only small bung at top left hand corner if it wasn't pointed out id missed it

[@covinhas87]

Or you can save the money of most of those chemicals and use a compost toilet. I just got my first motorhome and I'm scared of using the toilet (or perhaps emptying the cassette)... :)

[@stephanieclarke2699]

Hi Dan great video as usual but did you know Caravan Guard Insurance is using your video but dubbing over with a ladies voice lol

[@TheTrudgians]

Thanks Stephanie, it’s nothing to be concerned about. I create the majority of content for Caravan guard and this one I created some weeks ago for them.

[@stephanieclarke2699]

No worries we were just watching your video and the link for caravan guard came through looking forward to getting away in our van shortly keep safe all