Portable toilets for camping
Camping toilets are portable toilets used by caravan, tent, and wild campers.
Ever wondered how many people would be willing to go camping if it wasn’t necessary to share toilets with other campers? We’ve got good news for those people. Portable toilets are the answer to your prayers.
Mobile toilets that campers use are mostly cassette toilets which are toilets installed over a removable waste tank. They are also called porta-potty and are compact and lightweight.
Portable toilets are suitable to be used when camping, at the beach, on boats, caravans or motorhomes. They make your camping experience comfortable and are especially valuable at night when you do not need to leave your tent or caravan to visit the resort ablutions. The design makes camping toilets such as porta-pottys the most hygienic alternative to your home bathroom.
Chemical camping toilets are actually just ablution devices that use the natural process of composting to get rid of human waste.
Portable toilets come in many different designs, depending on their intended use.
A portable camping toilet is a simple bucket or box with a seat mounted on top and a way to empty the waste out at the bottom. The simplest version is a bucket design that uses disposable bags as liners.
When we discuss mobile toilets or porta-pottys we refer to chemical-based toilets. These smaller units hold about nine litres of waste and are fairly easy to transport. They work by adding chemicals to the waste after each use which help to break down solids and neutralize odours.
A portable or camping toilet is a sturdy toilet manufactured from thick and durable plastic that does not leak. The waste tank beneath the seat is removable for easy cleaning. If a camping toilet does not come with a removable waste tank, then you need to use a large plastic bag that you can get rid of easily.
Portable toilets come in different sizes and designs. There are larger versions that are intended for events like weddings or other big gatherings where people might need to use the restroom and there aren’t any public bathrooms nearby. Smaller versions are designed for individual use or can be used for smaller groups of people like families going on a camping trip together.
Portable toilets can either be tall enclosed plastic toilets that are used at construction sites and festivals or they can be mobile camping toilets which is an exposed seat and tank that are used inside a tent or caravan.
Holding tank
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Although not all porta pottys come with a cassette holding tank, for those that do I recommend using environmentally friendly toilet waste chemicals to prolong the life of your tank or toilet and also to make emptying easier.
They come as single- or dual-use models. You simply add water to the reservoir via the detachable water tank (for single-use models) or pull out the waste cassette and place it in the basin for rinsing (for dual-use models). Most reputable retailers offer camping toilets from some of the best brands like Thetford.
Portable toilets have chemicals added to them that neutralize bacteria and keep things sanitary. They are lighter, more compact, easier to transport than traditional toilets, and also more affordable.
Mobile toilets make it possible to go camping and still enjoy the comforts of home. When you have a portable toilet you won’t have to worry about your health because there aren’t any germs involved with using these toilets.
Other types of portable toilets are available in different sizes so they can fit almost anywhere and accommodate any number of campers. They come with handles on top for easy carrying and access from all sides for added convenience.
Chemical toilets are more affordable and easy to maintain, however, the chemicals used to treat the waste have been known to cause pollution in rivers and lakes if disposed of improperly.
Most campsites in South Africa now offer chemical toilet disposal facilities which makes it safer and camping friendly for campers.
Camping porta potty
The portable toilet or camping potty is a relatively new innovation in the camping space.
The invention was first called a porta-potty but was later renamed to just a “portable toilet.” South African campers still talk of a “porta-potty” when they mean any mobile toilet used by campers.
But then, South Africans call all toothpaste “Colgate”!
Camping toilets for sale
Portable toilets are available at most camping supply stores and online retailers. They are convenient toilets for disabled campers although some models can’t accommodate disabled users.
Camping shower tents
Shower tents are sometimes used to house the camping toilet to keep it out of the tent or caravan but still private.
There is no reason why a shower tent can’t be used for this dual purpose.
Camping toilet tents
Camping toilet tents are portable, foldable upright tents or shower tents used as toilet tents or tents that are designed to accommodate a camping toilet.
They differ in height from a shower tent and has the appearance of a canvas version of the traditional “outhouse”.
It provides shelter and privacy when using the toilet.
Pop-up toilet tents
Pop-up toilet tents are camping toilet tents with a spring frame, usually steel wire, that makes the tent “spring” open when it is erected.
They are folded using a specific technique that lets the spring wire fold or collapses on itself.
Camping toilet seats
Camping toilets and porta-pottys usually have their own seats but when you use a ‘homemade” toilet such as a bucket, the toilet seat is usually a pool noodle of the right length cut open and folded over the bucket edge.
Best portable toilets
Thetford Porta Potti
Thetford has been preaching and guaranteeing carefree holidays for more than 40 years. Thetford is the world market leader in mobile sanitary systems, refrigerators, cooking equipment, and toilet additives
The Thetford Porta Potti 165 portable toilet is designed to go wherever you do. Versatile, easy to use and maintain, and comfortable due to the redesigned seat height and bowl size. This product is rated highly among users.
The Porta Potti Qube 165 is a basic model with a natural seating height and a high-capacity waste-holding tank.
Specifications:
- 21L Waste tank
- 15L Flush water tank
- Dimensions 42cm x 42cm x 38cm
- Manual pump
The Porta Potti Qube 145 is a basic model portable toilet with a natural seating height and a high capacity waste-holding tank.
Features
- White finish
- Manual flush, bellow pump
- Integrated pour-out spout
- Integrated cover-lock
Benefits
- Modern, refreshed design
- Improved valve handle system
- Improved carry handle of the waste holding tank
- Improved seating comfort
Tentco Portable Toilet
Specifications:
- 20L Waste tank
- 12L Fresh water tank
- Full-size seat and lid provide comfort and support
- Comfort tank won’t Leak
- Easy to clean
- Matt finish
- Up to 20 uses between tank discharges
Using toilet paper in a chemical toilet
The “chemical” in chemical toilets refers to the use of chemicals that are used to make sure there are no smells and to promote the natural breakdown process of the contents in the tank.
Camping toilets have a limited volume of water to do the flushing, and that means that it should be made as easy as possible for the system to work effectively.
Campers who use chemical toilets should be aware not to flush anything like wet wipes, antiseptic wipes, kitchen towels, or sanitary products into the toilet cassette. These items can clog up the insides when emptying the cassette and also the local drains.
The toilet paper you use at home may work well but it would be wise to use the softest possible toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, in your porta-potty.
Chemical toilet problems
When chemical toilets are emptied into French drains as is often done at camping grounds, the chemicals that are disinfecting the toilet may kill the bacteria needed to operate the French drain system.
How to clean your porta-potty
The purpose of cleaning your mobile toilet is to get rid of waste and smells and to eliminate the regrowth of bacteria.
Products that are used in the waste-holding cassette should be cleaning products recommended for this purpose because they smell good, stimulate waste breakdown, reduce gas formation, protect moving parts, and keep the tank fresh.
Do not use acids, concentrated cleaners, or scouring powders. They might damage the surface of the toilet and create microscopic scratches that become the breeding ground for bad smells and bacterial takeovers.
If your toilet has a flush water tank make sure it has no deposits sticking to the sides as that will become a breeding medium for bacteria. Use the correct cleaning materials to help fight the build-up of calcium found in water.
DIY Porta Potty Chemicals: How to Make Your Own
Portable toilets are convenient, but they require special chemicals that are quite expensive.
Making your own porta potty chemicals can save you money and allow you to customize the formula to your liking.
Here are some DIY porta potty chemical recipes.
Recipe 1: Basic DIY Porta Potty Chemicals
Materials:
- 4 liters of water
- 240 ml of vinegar
- 120 grams of baking soda
Instructions:
- Mix the water and vinegar in a large container.
- Add the baking soda to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the porta potty before use.
Recipe 2: Citrus-Scented DIY Porta Potty Chemicals
Materials:
- 4 liters of water
- 240 ml of lemon juice
- 120 grams of baking soda
- 120 ml of hydrogen peroxide
- 120 ml of dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the water and lemon juice in a large container.
- Add the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the porta potty before use.
Recipe 3: Tea Tree Oil DIY Porta Potty Chemicals
Materials:
- 4 liters of water
- 240 ml of vinegar
- 120 grams of baking soda
- 60 ml of tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Mix the water and vinegar in a large container.
- Add the baking soda and tea tree oil to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the porta potty before use.
Here are some additional DIY porta potty cleaner recipes
- Borax: Mix 120 milliliters of borax with 3.8 liters of water. Pour the mixture into the tank to help break down waste and eliminate odors.
- Enzyme-based cleaner: You can purchase an enzyme-based cleaner or make your own by mixing 240 milliliters of water with 15 milliliters of sugar and 15 milliliters of yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours until it becomes foamy, then add it to the porta potty tank.
- Citric Acid: Mix 240 milliliters of citric acid with 3.8 liters of water. Pour the mixture into the tank to help break down waste and eliminate odors.
It’s important to note that homemade porta potty chemicals may not be as effective as commercial products, so be sure to test your mixture before using it for an extended period of time.
Also, always follow proper sanitation practices when using a porta potty.
These recipes can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
For example, you can add more or less of a particular ingredient to adjust the scent or strength of the solution.
Just be sure to test the solution before using it in your porta potty to ensure that it works effectively.
It’s worth noting that these DIY porta potty chemical recipes should not damage the material of a porta potty.
However, it’s always a good idea to test a small area of the porta potty first to make sure that the solution doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Please keep in mind that this article is for general information purposes and we do not guarantee any of the recipes for DIY porta potty cleaners.
Additionally, you should avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaning tools, such as wire brushes or steel wool, as these can scratch or damage the surface of the porta potty.
In conclusion, making your own DIY porta potty chemicals is easy and cost-effective.
By using natural ingredients, you can control odors and break down waste without harming the environment.
How to store your porta-potty
Wash your mobile toilet with water and disinfectants and dry it thoroughly before storing it.
The best is to keep all openings uncovered to ensure proper ventilation. Seals should be sprayed with silicone spray to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. If the seals become brittle you may end up with a leaking waste holding tank the next time you use it.
Do not use household silicone spray unless you are completely sure it has the same ingredients as the manufacturer’s prescribed seal silicone.
Before you store your mobile toilet for an extended time it should be cleaned properly. There is no room for error if your toilet cassette is going to be stored without receiving attention for a month or longer. Use cassette tank cleaner to wash the cassette and unscrew the pour spout cap.
In the case of porta-pottys, ventilation is your friend and dead air is your enemy.
That’s it!
An increasing number of campgrounds have “porta-potty” dispensing areas which are dedicated areas where the toilet waste can be washed directly into the sewerage system.
Portable toilets are available at most camping supply stores and online retailers. They are convenient toilets for disabled campers although some models can’t accommodate disabled users.
Mobile toilets are also convenient for extended camping trips and road trips through areas without many places to stop along the way.