VANLIFE TOILET TALK: Types of Toilets, Bathroom Layouts for Campervans, & DIY Examples

[@curlyhaircamping]

Thank you so much for watching! I know this episode is a bit longer & different than usual, but I'm really thrilled with how it's been received so far! I was kinda nervous lol. I will include any corrections or additional information in this comment in the future as well! Love that this place is becoming such an epic resource for the community. Thanks for taking the time to type out so many helpful ideas & suggestions! I read them all & YOU GUYS ROCK! EDITS: I didn't talk about the incinerator toilet because frankly, I haven't really formed my opinion on them yet... I've never used one, and I've never met anyone who owns one, so I'd be making a lot of assumptions. They require a lot of power (or diesel/gas) and are very $$, but it's an awesome idea I hope the industry starts improving. You can also poop in a bucket and set it on fire if you just like the fire part ;)

[@johnsexton3841]

There are a few price classes for the incinerator models. I think Incinolet is about $1k but is less complete with the incineration process than the nordic models at $2k+. A few use electricity to do the job which is less effective with the burning process and therefore with a larger end product. Some use propane/butane, are more expensive but do a complete job of incinerating the poo. I like the idea but not the added need for extra gas nor do I like the price.

[@G58]

I’m erring towards a rear mounted pullout composter with a pullout shower tray below and pullout wash basin and roof above with built in light and extraction fan - with one folding wall and door. This allows the waste to be stored in, accessed and disposed from the rear, along with all the other utilities. My problem is finding the right place for cooking. I’m including a dedicated sealed bike compartment along one side from the rear, so ideal space is running short. My dream is a perfect, compact super efficient rocket stove, but as far as I know, that thing hasn’t been invented yet! Thank you for sharing your poop solutions. You always inspire me Peace

[@RVingwithG]

#5 or #6

[@ritascannell8341]

The thing that grosses me out is having the smelly loo right beside the cooking area. I’m starting converting a 1.7 transit - and this problem is steering me towards not having any toilet

[@adia000002]

omg everything you said about people being inconsistent with their, "ews" really hits home. I grew up in Japan and moved to America with my boyfriend's family. Jesus christ you do not understand the frustration I feel when his family will literally change the poopy diapers in the middle of the living room floor, but when I eat seafood raw or cooked or fermented foods, its disgusting LOL WHAT? I'm tired of people being grossed out by other nations' cultures, because they didn't grow up that way. Just because it isn't normal to you doesn't mean you should label it gross or disgusting. Makes no damn sense. Anyway I love the deep dive videos, keep them coming!

[@giannimura8870]

Lmao, there's nothing wrong with raw seafood imo... Changing diapers is disgusting tho 😂

[@curlyhaircamping]

I could not agree more!

[@morganfalkdesigns]

I lived in Japan when I was small juxtaposed against the 60s rural south! I have since lived in France and travelled almost everywhere north of the equator. JAPAN WINS! Hands down...cleanest squatty potties...self flushing in the mid sixties--even the outhouses weren’t bad...left over fermented food? Outhouses in SC ... puke....squattie pottie in a Cafe in the 8th arrondissement in Paris , even in the 16th ...puke....maybe that’s where all of those handbag dogs went to die ...ewwwww!!!! LOL Culture....yes it’s all about culture .

[@Speedcuber6969]

YES!

[@mmmhhh.]

jp toilets r da best. heated seats, hands free washing(bidet), even some have massagers

[@whiteduck3140]

I’m planning a rooftop toilet combined with a catapult.

[@giuseppelarosa7808]

White Duck hahahahaha

[@ladiandmargaret]

😂😂

[@linneah8211]

Should be obvious to all but that way is the only right way to do it.😐😂

[@gracielaleon4543]

🤯🤯🤣😂🤣😂

[@AdrienneLawrence1]

😂 🤣

[@RecklessRobbie]

For a future deep dive I would love to see a review of the different cooking and other kitchen appliances people are used to from home living and which ones convert well to van life. I have no idea if a microwave, crock pot, insta pot, toaster oven, blender, ext. draw a ton of power and what other limiting factors there are to consider. Thanks!

[@campquarantine8489]

Air fryer

[@curlyhaircamping]

love this suggestion, such a good idea! thank you!

[@RecklessRobbie]

Sweet! I look forward to seeing it!

[@sampri22]

it is relatively easy to answer these by doing a little research. E.g. simply look up how much power (Watt) these appliances draw and calculate how long they could be used off your battery. there are tons of videos on YoutTube that eplain how to size battery for camper vans. if electricity and all this are greek to you, just talk to someone who would build your electricity system for your van. they will help you.

[@makalapuamegs1056]

I tend to be a little older (70), but chose to go with the separation option. Glad I did. Of course I also have a higher Ew tolerance having been a science teacher. The science behind 💩 smell comes from the uric acid creating a release of sulfuric acid mixed with methane. Love your videos as you tend to give options based on observations and logic which are based on the scientific method.

[@curlyhaircamping]

THIS COMMENT IS MY DREAM! thank you!!

[@morganfalkdesigns]

Unfortunately, in spite of multiple surgeries, following easy births, my pregnancies TRASHED my pelvis. I cannot pee and poop separately. My option would be a hole behind a sand dune...but not practical....bummer.

[@makalapuamegs1056]

Pluff Mud I am sorry and realize that we “older” people tend to all reach the time of if you have to go you HAVE to GO 🥴. Sometimes too we can’t wait to get out the toilet fast enough...if you know what I mean 🤪

[@twistedkitty1958]

P

[@mikecranapple8878]

"a littel older (70)" ?! What's a lot older? Dead? LOL But seriously, good comment and I would choose the same.

[@StacyForest738]

We opted for fixed toilet / shower room. I tried to talk my husband into convertible space, he wouldn’t budge. This is the first and only time he has been right, haha. But seriously, we love it because it’s great for privacy (when it’s raining out), great for stopping to get gas and people are walking past the van with me using the potty while they are none the wiser, and we use it to store wet clothes, be it rain coats, towels, umbrellas, bathing suits...in our next build, I would do it again in a heartbeat. We are Natures Head composting peeps btw.

[@jeffzwally]

What size/model van do you add it to?

[@thaiseathaydesantos]

I'm watching you regularly. I don't even want a van. I don't want a car. I just enjoy the content.

[@curlyhaircamping]

Thaise you are awesome thank you for the support!

[@duh123jump]

I'm just watching this because she's adorable.

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

Thaise Athayde // being ‘regular’ is important when it comes to toilet use! 🚽🧻💩😉 *see what I did there⁉️😆

[@laurelaugustine6189]

I just hit subscribe because of your comment.

[@donnacuddy3948]

Samuel, love the humor, we sure need it these days.

[@philsaunter]

Just consider when you travel internationally with your van. You might eat stuff that your digestive tract is not used to. So when you are lying there in a puddle of your sweat, at 2:30am in your bed, your intestines ready to burst: you want a proper toilet room. Ideally with sound insulation and an industrial fan blowing air outside. Just saying.

[@MarkoPetejan]

Oooor if you had lots and lots of bad vodka....

[@Mevi]

Having the squits in a van is the worst. Vomiting into a cassette toilet is the worst.

[@LilyWasHereMB]

Having a van built out now. I purchased the C-Head composting toilet. Much less expensive than the usual suspects. Uses standard parts; no proprietary custom formed molds. If the compost bucket gets nasty, toss it and get another one from Home Depot or Lowe's for a couple of bucks. Try that with the other two. The best thing I like about the C-Head, after price, is that the mixing action is vertical, not horizontal. I feel that this mixes the compost better. The C-head is also narrower, shorter, and I believe less deep. Its smaller saving space in an already small space.

[@yen_tihW]

This is what I use in my home, and will be using in my van as well. I'm so surprised C-Head isn't more popular. Standard parts, ease of dumping (caring a handled bucket vs the awkward tank thing, top mounted mixer is a HUGE upgrade, plus price. It was a no brainer to me, but give credit to nature's head they have a hell of a marketing team.

[@theronboling]

I loved the commercial break! Perfectly placed and scripted!

[@elgringoec]

Makes me want an ebike!

[@gailcraig4495]

Yes, hilarious! Great sense of humor about very real expected use in some instances.

[@MsJacquese99]

“Be consistent with your ew. Reflect on it.” Best quote EVER!!! 😂

[@atouchoffunfashion1614]

😂😂😂

[@murraymint8159]

Never thought I'd look forward to a talk about toilets 😉

[@jeffbrown4772]

Great episode - very informative and, at times, completely hilarious. I had to stop and rewind because I was laughing so much that I missed content. Also, excellent placement and voice over on the commercial! I love that you speak your mind and share real world experience. It's clear that you are enjoying creating these episodes as much as people are enjoying watching. Keep them coming.

[@Deborahtormenta]

For me, a dedicated bathroom is even more important than a dedicated kitchen. I fast most of the day, anyways but I use the bathroom several times a day.

[@socaligurrl]

"It's like I'm wiping a marker" 🤣🤣🤣. Great video thanks for mentioning the incenerator it was me who wanted you to talk about. I didn't know it cost that much!!!! But maybe it will start trending to lower the cost when others buy it (hopefully). If not the composting toilet sounds the way to go. Thanks a million for doing these videos you are appreciated:)

[@lisaschirch9979]

We looked into the incinerator. The other major issue for a van is that it takes a lot of electric draw... so in our solar powered van with 480 wattas of solar and 3000 watt inverter, we did not have enough power to occasionally burn our remains.

[@plongsta5593]

This is by far THE most useful channel for potential van self-builders, that I have seen. I have watched so many videos while researching my first van build. I’ve only watched 3 vids from this channel so far - but they have answered so many of my questions! Thank you! :)

[@lisaschirch9979]

You are hilarious, smart, and have great content. We did all the research on bathrooms and toilets and came up with the same solutions/best choices: Nature's Head toilet and a convertible space in our 170 Sprinter camper van.

[@keelangilmour2511]

I appreciate that you pause your videos long enough for the text on the screen to be read

[@GubbinsMargaret]

I use a porta potty/cassette toilet just for liquid waste and it’s really easy to manage. For solid waste I line the toilet with a plastic bag. Love your videos thank you!

[@mpadalax]

For snowy conditions - like camping in winter in Alaska/Oregon etc you definitely need a toilet (hopefully compost or incinerator). Else the remains will stay frozen for life and possibly contaminate water when ice starts to melt.

[@lenacoon5952]

Good points to add.👍🏻

[@elgringoec]

Yeah man I'm telling ya... Those bears and wolves and moose and elk, raccoons, foxes, mountain lions and bobcats, ... make sure they're locked up all winter, we can't have any frozen poop in the environment. 🤯

[@idlewildwind]

@@elgringoec LOL. I get that you're in jest, but in case someone takes this seriously - wild animal poop in nature is natural, because all their bacteria etc come from there. Humans however - not so much. We have community acquired bacteria in our poop, and those do contaminate waters in ways that are bad for both humans and other animals. This why if you do your "business" in nature, you should do so _in a hole_ far from water, as Margaret mentioned. (Not saying that freshwater with animal poop in it is good to drink, but with human poop in it... that's frickin' lethal because the bacteria we carry are the ones that can seriously harm us if they get into the wrong parts of us.)

[@mpadalax]

@@elgringoec They do not eat processed food..or medicines etc.

[@annecaulder9495]

Idle Wildly I hate to make your head spin, but I have been to parts of the U.S. where sewage is actually disposed of into the creek on a rainy day.

[@ropegirl8761]

Nice video. The options are well presented. I'd like to give a pitch for the porta-potty. We've been using one in our van conversion for the past 2 years, and it works well. We chose it mostly because the other similar options were just too expensive. (Ours cost about $120.) It's nice not to have to worry about where you're going to "go" in the middle of the night. And it's especially nice not to have to use those rank pit/vault toilets that are in many campgrounds; I've been in many that were so horribly smelly, they made my eyes water. We use the appropriate chemicals in the porta-potty waste tank and don't notice any smells in the van. Yes, it does stink a little when you're emptying it, but it's a hell of a lot less stinky than those pit/vault toilets. Pro tips for the porta-potties: 1) Don't get the ones with a battery-operated flush; the electronics break too quickly. 2) If you pump a little water (e.g. 1-2 "flushes") into the bowl after you've flushed your waste down and closed the "trap door", the standing water in the bowl keeps any smell from escaping the waste tank, via the "flush-hole." 3) You don't need to use the expensive RV toilet paper. Just use any cheap single-ply TP. 4) A good way to minimize "skid marks" in the bowl, when doing #2, is to open the "flush-hole" just before "deploying the torpedo" so that it drops straight down into the waste tank, without touching the sides of the bowl or the "trap door." (Apologies, it that was too graphic.) 5) Shake the waste tank vigorously for about a minute, before you empty it. This helps break up the TP and "other chunks" and avoids splashes when you're dumping. (More apologies, for the unpleasant "chunks" reference.)

[@seviregis7441]

Such a clear and thorough analysis of these waste disposal systems. I’d need to be on a totally liquid diet, couldn’t deal with the other aspect.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

Wednesdays have all of a sudden become my favorite day of the week :)

[@Sassyglbeauty]

Lol. I loved the commercial break 😂

[@Tinette_Izdashit]

Hey Margaret! Thanks for this informative vid. It was awesome. I found myself checking for new videos from you and was like: crap, it's not Wednesday yet?! Would you consider doing 2 videos a week? Maybe an informative one like this (eg: best shower head, best filter system, etc.) and then a van tour review. I'm enthralled by your demeanor and I would like more content if you can please. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁🤞

[@bishokhan8926]

Couldn’t agree more with this comment!!! Margaret, please hear our pleas and bestow us with your bountiful wisdom 😂😂💯💯

[@jeffzwally]

I agree!

[@itsallaboutmeshampoo6729]

I love how you look at situation and give the Question that people should ask. # be safe

[@crystalwolcott4744]

Future Video idea: different methods of making coffee in a van. What uses the least power?

[@alexandregala6343]

No which one tastes the best! Who cares about power if you have good coffee 😀

[@crystalwolcott4744]

@@alexandregala6343 Porque no los dos?

[@bliss2massage]

I loved the commercial 😂

[@j.p.thompson1125]

Your videos are the best. Can't wait to see you guys build out your new rig.

[@cfrost87]

There is also the option of the luggable loo-- just a bucket that comes with a toilet seat already attached.

[@MyWayofEverything]

i think that counts as a "creative" option haha

[@elgringoec]

That's how compost toilets were built years ago. Cut a ring that fits a used drywall compound 5gal bucket top, affix a standard seat. Throw your sawdust in on top of your poop and good to go. Pee in a separate container or outdoors. Or spend Megabucks on some sleek modern plastic rendition and convince yourself you're higher class. 🤣

[@brandoom9122]

That was my solution in my westy. Combined with composting bags and corn kitty litter and you got yourself a kinda combo compost thing. Plus the bucket fits under the bench seat when not in use like uh 23.7 hours of the day.

[@cfrost87]

@@elgringoec Oh yeah, the luggable loo costs megabucks and is so high class!!!

[@elgringoec]

@@cfrost87 It's amazing what people will pay for perception. 🤯 I get you're being sarcastic but some of those fancy pants units I've heard are in the thousand buck range. The original might be 20 or so. To people who know how to compare, that's a beeg deefrince.

[@leighblack7944]

I have a bidet in my house and it is the best thing ever! Totally recommend them to anyone who has a toilet. You feel much cleaner and you use less toilet paper.

[@V.Hansen.]

I'm determined to keep a bidet system when I do my van build. I've got some ideas. Should be awesome. Keep the undercarriage clean.

[@liannearnote2973]

Yeah, we are hooked on our bidet built into our toilet seat. It needs small water and electrical lines but worth the effort, especially for the heated seat.

[@jaxxon98]

They use less toilet paper but more water.

[@V.Hansen.]

@@jaxxon98 I'd say even less than a hand washing. Worth it.

[@jaxxon98]

@@V.Hansen. You'd still need to wash your hands too. I just thought that water being such a limited resource in a van you'd want to conserve as much as possible. Just saying.

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

You are too funny. We are 65 and just bought a used Roadtrek. We had big plans but with Covid.....sigh. Love your videos. You are easy and fun to watch and great info! Thank you! A Granny of 8. .

[@jamieabel477]

She reminds me of Allie (Trent and Allie) and ilana from broad city

[@karenclaypatch6917]

💚💚💚!!! This is the most informative video I've seen on what some may consider a noxious no no subject.

[@riekegoebel7053]

why do you not have more followers!!! Your videos are amazing. even if someone is not into vanlife you're just so humorous and educating and just so fun to watch.

[@rwhitney26]

Amazing, hilarious video Margaret! Good coverage of all the options. We are in the states and have a fixed shower/toilet room with a compost toilet. It has been a great option, especially during covid as we don't have to use public toilets (or showers) almost ever. I'm really enjoying your series. Keep up the good work. I hope you can review our van - if we ever make a video!

[@towhyir.a.w.9307]

The commercial was sooo hilarious. I f’n love it 😊😅🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MEMETHELEFT]

The timing of this video is uncanny. I'm doing my van build now and have been pondering on what type of toilet to use. Thanks for this video!!! Very helpful.

[@melaniechristman3728]

Best DIY commercial I've ever seen!

[@iluvbike]

I absolutely love your van series! The content, style, your good vibe it’s quality!!

[@1324Hairdoist]

So essentially the “dry flush” is like a baby “diaper genie”?

[@alyssahughey3182]

LOL diaper genie for adults 😂

[@mikefranks4528]

Yup. Parent's be like..."child, that ain't nothin' but a diaper genie"

[@oliverking9951]

Thanks for tackling this issue! There's precious little information for those without experience, but wanting to commit to a van conversion. I was leaning towards cassette, but now leaning towards compost, pending additional research. Great vid and great series.

[@barbaraburke2937]

I can't stop laughing... LOL 😁😄😆😅😂🤣, especially with the end having the guy talk about wiping the poop a 100x's...so funny, it can get that way😁

[@thornprick2645]

So glad you said "away from a watersource" I was gonna cry lol

[@sallymartinez592]

Your discussion of ew factor consistency had me dying!!! So true! I love your videos and this one was extremely informative. Thank you!

[@southsurreybc]

Any toilet in the van during a pandemic is awesome. Public restrooms, stores, restaurants, gyms, National parks, etc are all closed. Having a Thetford Curve let's us pee in the van, and also poop. Just put in a garbage bag, poop, then close it up and dispose in the garbage. Gag factor is huge but it works.

[@curlyhaircamping]

yes great point! I didn't mention that, and I should've

[@jeffzwally]

I'm addicted to these videos.

[@1cfkroll]

The Andy clip sealed the "like". Great info and thank you

[@adysandeddie]

Great videos, we watch them all. This one was a very insightful and made a lot of sense. Spot on.

[@findmeintime]

You're so good at dissecting all of the options, I hope you do more of these with all aspects of the van choices!

[@curlyhaircamping]

thank you!

[@annecaulder9495]

Great job on this important topic! You are so right ... I have been having a hard time understanding people having such a huge hangup on this topic when so many of us are daily pickup up dog poo and disposing of it. Not to mention diapers (which are in my far distant past).

[@aalexwmoss]

You have seriously taught me so much, it’s amazing. 🙏

[@oreonighthawk]

Thank you for summing up all of these options so well! Follow up questions: Are there certain types of toilet paper that need be used with certain toilets or not? How does managing menstruation play into each of these options? Very informative and funny! Thanks!

[@t.c.3027]

Great review!! Thanks for making me aware of the incinerator toilets!

[@morganfalkdesigns]

There is a couple in their 50s? They are currently stuck in Mexico. They made a toilet, shower room that you walk through to get to the bed. When the doors have slid into the walls and the seat cushions are on either side...one side of the shower has a seat and the other the toilet, they pull out the table and it’s the dining room!!! Wild!

[@harryleblanc4939]

This was totally awesome. Funny and helpful. I'm planning to build a van for fulltime living, alone, and my ew factor is pretty low. So I'm team compost, and it's going to be either in a convertible space (with a shower) or a drawer.

[@opinionatedartist]

I think this was a good explanation of all the options, well done!

[@producerkeshav]

The best sponsor promo I've ever watched in a youtube video @11:16

[@joanhall3718]

Great video. The problem with being older isn’t that we need comfort, it’s that when we need to go to the bathroom WE NEED TO GO RIGHT NOW. I’m set on a composition toilet.

[@michele2017promastertravel]

Best commercial break ever!!!

[@vanmore5124]

I've been living full time in a van for years and she doesn't know what she's talking about except for her composting toilet. A cassette toilet, and two spares as I have, is by far the best way and I store mine completely sealed on the bike rack.

[@NicMercy]

As expensive as it might be, I feel like the incinerator toilet is probably the ideal one, at least for me. All it results in is a pile of ash you can dump anywhere and you don't have to deal with chemicals or dumping stations.

[@sarahboo8447]

I agree. I'm hoping to switch to tiny houses--not as extreme as van--and only think I can possibly do is incinolet. I don't thing I can dump out piss or deal with emptying composts biweekly

[@NicMercy]

@@sarahboo8447 I'm the same way. If I'm going to live tiny or in something mobile, the last thing I wanna deal with is a black tank or compost. And imagine the situation with covid right now not being able to access a lot of places you normally could, making dumping even more problematic. At least with an incinerator toilet its just like dumping an ashtray. The only real issue I see with an incinerator toilet is electricity/propane (depending on which is used, I'm not sure). Using such a toilet might be a considerable drain on one or the other. A robust solar setup (for electric) might make it a non-issue, but for propane you might have to keep much more on hand than you otherwise would.

[@JD-fh1qi]

I agree. If I ever build my dream campervan. There will be money invested into an incinerator toilet.

[@sullyz22]

Unfortunately the energy requirement seems much to high for many applications.

[@JD-fh1qi]

@@sullyz22 true but I like the idea of the propane ones

[@babetdoornbos]

YOU HELP SO MANY PEOPLE, WE LOVE YOU!!!!

[@marcshawn]

Option 8: incinerating toilet Either LPG, Propane, or Electric Products include; Cinderella Motion (not available in usa, yet) Cinderella Comfort TinyJohn Incinolet (technically not suitable for solar systems) The only byproduct is sterile ashes. No smell and low emmsions thanks to a catalytic converter in the toilet. No need to clean thanks to a paper liner. A 5 lb propane tank averages 150 visits to the toilet.

[@CGZ26]

And how pee works in those toilets? Because I've seen them in some tiny houses but very little information

[@marcshawn]

@@CGZ26 All solid and liquid deposits you make go into the same paper liner that's inside the bowl. After you press the button to begin the incineration cycle the paper liner with your deposits drop down into the incineration chamber where everything is burned to sterile ashes. Before you ask, Yes the toilet can be used while an incineration cycle has been started. Just add a paper liner and repeat the process.

[@CGZ26]

@@marcshawn oh wow, that's really helpful, thanks for the info

[@TJ-jq9bz]

How well would this work for a boondocker or off grid?

[@burner887]

When comparing contamination, how does this do against a compost toilet? Correct me if I'm wrong but, don't the ashes contaminate a lot?

[@margaritasmargaritas6901]

Looove your reviews! I was looking forward to the toilet reviews and this one came out on my birthday! Thank you for your insights, very helpful!

[@curlyhaircamping]

happy birthday! you have the best handle name ever, btw I am very jealous, ha!

[@margaritasmargaritas6901]

CurlyHairCamping thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 ☺️

[@amberatartimec2564]

Everything i needed to know about evacuation on the move. Awesome, much thanks. X

[@toriamarie7018]

This was really helpful, my future bathroom has been the only thing I still can't wrap my head around

[@ygreq]

Love the commercial in-between part 1 and 2 ;))

[@MarkoPetejan]

One day my residential toilet broke and it took a week to repair. On the weekend, of course, so everything was closed. I had trash bags, a small styrofoam box from some chinese package and some cat sand leftover. At first it was very strange experience to say the least, but after day 3, I could not believe how practical and clean the whole process was. Cleaner than when I had a cat. I was seriously asking myself if I really even want my residential toilet back or not (as it has some gross cleaning duties). At the end I did, because other people, however the experience completely changed my future van plans. Maybe the best way to go about it is to try a solution at home first and then go design your van around that solution.

[@joska222]

Awesome video, so much information in a hilarious way. Can't wait for next episodes of this type.

[@ALMAPAGAN]

First: The commercial break cracked me up. Second: Your delivery mannerisms are hilarious. Third: I am designing for two options a short bus w/ a dog nose front & a ford Transit extended wheelbase high roof option...both will have a dedicated toilet room on one side & a no-wall shower on the opposite side in the grand space. I will be choosing the Laveo Dry Flush toilet...after all of my research I just rather pay upfront for the ease of use & disposal factor. I choose not to deal with black wells, chemicals, composting methods, urine diverters, or cassette disposals & definitely it just isn't my thing. With the Laveo it tells you when it is time to change & dispose of the refill bag and you can dump it anywhere a diaper can be dumped. So, I rather have a fixed space than a system that needs to moved to use. Also taking a shower where my toilet resides over the same floor space just does not work for me unless there is a zombie apocalypse event. BTW: The eBike looks awesome.

[@TravelWell333]

Thank you for covering this topic! So necessary.

[@Franceskoooo]

11:24 Best ad ever :DDD Amazing and wise videos Margaret! Thank you for your experienced tips and tricks. Please keep going on producing more videos like this I really enjoy them to watch!:))

[@curlyhaircamping]

so glad you liked it!

[@cjc9535]

Marget. I love your sense of humour!

[@peterdonnellan]

the e-bike add in the middle of this 😂.

[@cd2290]

I completely agree about people being inconsistent with their “ew” factor. That being said, parenthood has given me a whole new tolerance for “ew”. Potty training is a messy and sometimes months long process. Kids are extremely good at “ew” moments. Having been through a diaper blowout while baby was in a baby carrier on me mid grocery shopping and also a sick toddler losing her lunch on me while at a wedding when I was pregnant, you learn how to tough through some really big “EW” moments. Then when the kids dump an entire bottle of sunscreen in your carpet, it’s more of an annoyance than a gross out moment. Perspective definitely changes with life experiences

[@Greg-tj8rg]

Oh I have wanted to incorporate a bidet too! I want a floating composting toilet. Composting toilet is an insanely cheap, convenient and environmentally conscious option if you diy with recycled parts. And the floating toilet is stupid space efficient PS I never thought I would listen to someone about poop for 20 minutes 😅

[@theresahartman7465]

I’m planning to build a DIY C-Head toilet, but I think I’m going to miss using my portable bidet. I’ll keep it for when I’m using a public toilet, but I won’t be able to use it in a van. I’ve also been considering using what I’ve heard referred to as “family cloths,” which are just basically terry cloth you use instead of toilet paper, and wash separately from your clothing. Since I’ll be carrying my WonderWash with me, I won’t be using laundromat machines for this, and will be building a “One Hour Shower,” so I plan to use the bath water to wash the cloths, only rinsing with fresh water. I also think this will cut down on my footprint since I won’t have to figure out how to dispose of toilet paper. Oh, I’ll be traveling solo, so there’s less of an “ew” factor. (The used cloths will go into a bucket with a cover and some organic cleanser/water mixture.)

[@atmosvalor]

Omg. Lol. I love your part 2!!! You’re spot on.

[@Ali-7676]

Thanks so much. Learned a lot in this video about the different types of toilets, especially for defecation purposes. For urination, I use a much simpler method, thats economical, non-odorous, AND can be dumped anywhere: Add a half ounce to an ounce of bleach to a gallon bottle (preferably an old bleach bottle itself, or an Arizona Iced Tea bottle). Pee in said bottle. When full, dump anywhere. Admittedly this is easier for men than for women, but getting creative with funnels and tubes can help solve that problem. Pros - Cheap, Effective, No Smell, Environmentally friendly. All common urinary pathogens are killed by the bleach - Caveat - the cysts of common intestinal pathogens like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Isospora) are quite resistant to dilute bleach, but they shouldnt make their way into a urine bottle unless there has been fecal contamination). By that time the bottle is full, the bleach has bleach has been diluted further to non-toxic levels, while bacteria in urine have all been killed. The resulting solution can then be safely dumped even in street drains that flow out to water sources. Cons - Dumping more often as the holding tank is only a one gallon bottle. Peeing into a bottle. So, If you have a no-poop rule in your van - this is quite possibly the most cost effective, least odorous, and quite environmentally friendly way to dispose of urine.

[@sashafainberg1825]

PLEASE be careful with bleach and urine. It can produce chlorine gas which is dangerous to your health. #notadoctor #justnottryingtogetpoisoned

[@Ali-7676]

@@sashafainberg1825 Thanks. With the quantity of bleach mentioned, and the amount of urea in urine that eventually breaks down to ammonia, the quantity of chlorine and chloramine gas produced will be minimal. Now if pure ammonia was used and then household bleach in an almost 1:1 mixture, that would be very concerning. Limiting the amount of household bleach effectively limits the amount of noxious gas produced. Of course CAUTION IS MANDATORY for more reason than the gases alone. A drop of bleach on the urethra, in a situation where robust flushing with water is impossible, is also cause for concern.

[@sashafainberg1825]

@@Ali-7676 Makes sense! Thinking of a funnel diversion system for quick bathroom breaks, and this will make sense as the "destination" under a bed or utility unit.

[@colleenkaralee2280]

Humble Road KZbin channel has a transforming bathroom/closet.

[@mikefranks4528]

That mid-video e-bike commercial action was on point. LOL ROFL

[@j.r.walden9937]

For real.... Now I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to incorporate an ebike into my build.🤯

[@jelenabartels1811]

Great video. Informative and very helpful especially if you are still not committed to van life. Difficult subject handled extremely well.

[@thebrandedmama8704]

I love this! I grew up on a ranch, shoveling animal poop was necessary. Moved to the city with a dog, picked up poop. Have two kids, potty trained one and wishing the second kid would poop in the toilet so diapers could go away. Poop happens 🤣

[@samanthalodgebewellandwand3604]

Margaret I truly love you haha. The baby’s butt comment SLAYED ME 😂 My sister and I are both about to build out separate vans and are texting in real time about the video. Wouldn’t miss a Wednesday upload! ☺️🙌🏼 would love to see your take on female Van life + safety as well (things like options for safety systems, should you wall off your cab, etc).

[@hlic7941]

You do some good vids; better than most of the van life ones. Not sure why you only have 50k views. Also you are a real educated grownup. Very refreshing!

[@aleezazohar1518]

Absolutely loving your content - it’s original, entertaining and thoughtful! Here in Australia it is easier to have option one (a chemical toilet) because there are many dump stations even in remote areas that are all listed in our wikicamps app. Never been a problem on all our travels. It’s actually the pee that stinks the most, so for people who only pee in their toilets they would have a hard time keeping the smell away even with chemicals. There are also other options than chemicals that you can use that are friendlier to the environment.

[@ashley0423399993]

😂🤣😂🤣😂 Great topic. Love your sense of humour 😂🤣😂🤣

[@rislachius]

lmaooooooo to the super bike commercial break you are really good

[@Tom-qx3oq]

Very clever ad insertion for your bike biz.

[@vickisears6702]

Number 4. Looks like the campfire Jiffy 🍿 popcorn. LOL

[@traceyhill7784]

OMG so helpful - thanks for the detail, for a starter really useful

[@dipramaji4123]

Bro that mysuperbike advertisement was epic.....just epic....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BdManus]

Great information, very informative. Compost toilet is the way to go.

[@grahamewebber6760]

Another option to save space and odours is to have a simple outside shower rack and curtain that attaches to your vehicle . Use a 20 litre bucket( comfortable plastics seats are available) and for number 2 insert environmentally friendly bag ( maybe add some saw dust) and dispose of in an acceptable location . No different than disposable nappies.

[@belindachappell9875]

You are by far my favourite KZbin channel 🥰🤗 awesome hilarious content. Also super helpful insights for van life. Love it 🤣❤️

[@alyssahughey3182]

These vids are seriously so helpful, Margaret!!! Thank you for taking the time to do this, being so gracious while pointing out pros/cons, and giving GREAT build design feedback! I'm taking tons of notes and am trying to tailor things to my baby Chevy Astro 😂 would you ever do recs for living in small vans? 💖 Thanks again!

[@bray7197]

So glad i clicked your video, very informative thank you

[@LinaLina-vk5zj]

Despite of the toilet subject but you explained it all with a beautiful smile 😁

[@carmenbredy6143]

tHANKS A lot! gREAT EXPLANATIONS! BRAVOOOOO. YOU SAVE MY LIFE

[@olivia7592]

Yay!!! I search for your videos almost daily!!

[@curlyhaircamping]

thanks for the love, Olivia!

[@jasonflt]

We bought the poo bucket at Canadian tire, not he 5 gallon pail but the smaller one that's about 15 inch tall. works amazing and just use super strong plastic garbage bags or double them up.