Which Toilet is Best for Vanlife? A breakdown and thoughts for 2024

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Toilets today are for many little sanctuaries of scroll and bog-roll but not so much for vanlife. Probably the biggest pain in the ass of vanlife, going for a number two is a key concern for many people as they look to live in a van and live a more adventurous life.
In this video we break down the main toilet options for self-build van conversions and what I will be using moving forward.
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00:00 Introduction
00:33 Main Options Overview
05:45 Compost & Chemical Intro
06:22 Chemical Toilet - Thetford
09:12 Compost Toilet - Trelino
12:04 Verdict

[@Fldonna]

I have a Trelino. Doesn’t look like a toilet. It’s easy to clean, lightweight, and high quality. I’ve owned RVs with black tanks and cassettes but the Trelino is my favorite. 😊

[@sherryb2855]

The Trelino is really a dry toilet, not composting toilet. If you want a composting toilet that fits in a van, check out the Cuddy. It has an agitator, a trap door over the solids and a charcoal filter. I have one in a small 5 window skoolie. If you would rather bag the solids, you can get one without the agitator.

[@yvan2563]

The Trelino series seems to be gaining in popularity. I only wish they weren't as expensive as they are.

[@mfj197]

We've a Trobolo which is cheaper, and also has a clever base to allow it to be full height in use but compact like the Trelino for storage.

[@yvan2563]

@@mfj197 I've added the Trobolo to my list of options, thank you.

[@joeythenomad]

Nate really laid it all out for the van life bathroom situation! That Trino Evo seems like a sleek option for tight spaces.

[@johnvollmer4851]

I use a 3 gallon bucket, because it’s lower to the ground than 5 gallon. I put a small trash bag inside with a baby diaper to absorb the urine. I used to use cat litter but it doesn’t seem to absorb human urine. After a day or two, just throw away the trash bag. Lately I also use a Powerade bottle to urinate in.

[@josephpiskac2781]

Very useful important guidance. I lost my housing five years ago and I had no idea what or how I would live in my SUV. I had a gallon Igloo water canister and with a plastic bag Liner I find it is a great solid waste receiver. I use also a pee bottle. I tie the plastic bag and drop it outside until morning. Then t separate the waste paper bury the waste and burn the paper and plastic Liner. Much smaller than your composed box.

[@taniayorgey9150]

Thank you. Very helpful info. I have a composting toilet, the larger version. I find it a hassle to empty, clean and refresh but it works well, and I've only been living in my van for a few months. I'm sure it will get easier (?)

[@NateMurphy]

I think there are few ideal ways (the best is digging a hole in nature - but for the occasions when that is not possible, the other options all have pros and cons). The disposal of the composting system does make it easier imo.

[@suefenn7035]

You are lucky you can use a pee bottle and the loo just for solids. Us women pee when we poo, so it’s more difficult to separate the two. Female astronauts have to learn to separate the two functions!! That small composting loo looks brill, but not for me for the above reason. I’ve tried a shewee to help, it didn’t!

[@NateMurphy]

That does add some complication, although if pooping is once a day - its not so bad as the bottle is easy to empty.

[@sroberts605]

Actually watched this while eating breakfast - made me think quite a lot about what was going to happen to it. Otherwise, great advice! I haven't used a composting loo but if it works as said, what's not to like? The chemical smell is just about bearable for me once in a while at a festival, but to live with it? No waY.

[@NateMurphy]

Yes, the chemical smell is not the best! Perhaps better than the alternative.. but ideally neither!

[@mark2782]

Thank you for your excellent video.......Is there a type of RV/camping toilet that automatically wraps the waste in a plastic/ foil bag and seals it automatically?...I have a vague memory of seeing a KZbin video about this type of solution and it looked very easy and efficient......ignoring the price, could any RV experts here offer any advice about the pros and cons of this type of toilet?

[@johumm455]

Why is a chemical toilet bad ? it's enzymes that do the work...