Porta Potty toilets for campers
Camping toilets may be of any brand but in the vernacular, they are all called Porta Potty.
I suppose it is like people calling toothpaste, Colgate, washing powder, Omo and jeans, Levi’s.
Toilets for campers or porta pottys are portable and are mainly chemical toilets with different container sizes that provide different levels of comfort.
What do you use as a toilet when camping?
Campers are practical people who always look for a more affordable way of doing things. Many campers use self-devised solutions for their ablution needs.
Camping resorts in South Africa are designed in such a way that the ablution facilities are usually within easy walking distance of all the campsites, so for most campers, buying a mobile toilet is not really worth it.
A popular self-made camping toilet just uses a plastic bucket with pool noodles over the rim to provide basic comfort.
Some campers (male and female) are content with a laundry soap bottle with a wide opening.
What is the best porta potty toilet to buy?
Keep in mind that camping toilets are meant to be used for what is generally referred to as “nr 1”. Nr 2 provides solid waste and nr 1 only fluids namely urine.
In “emergencies” it can be used for solid waste but then the bowl needs to be lined with toilet paper referred to as a “flower”. It describes the pattern in which the toilet paper is arranged on the sides of the bowl.
Folding camping toilets
There is a range of folding camping toilets on the market.
Most are made from canvas or ripstop to make them foldable, while others are made from interlinked plastic or PVC panels.
Foldable camping toilets are aimed at the tent and backpacking market and not at the caravan and RV camping fraternity.
Camping toilets for small spaces
Most camping toilets fit the description of small space camping toilets as they are made to fits shower tents, tents, RVs or caravans. They all fit into a space of 0,5m² to 1m².
Camping toilets for long trips
South Africans need toilets for long trips because of the proximity of towns and stop-overs with ablution facilities.
Campers who travel in neighbouring Namibia may travel routes where towns are long distances from other towns. In those cases the mobile toilet used in the caravan or tent is always near enough to use.
Camping toilets for offroad camping
Camping toilets for off-road camping or bush-toilets are mostly the same portable toilets used in tents and caravans.
Offroad camping toilets are often housed in a camping shower pop-up tent.
Bush toilets are often collapsible or foldable toilets with a chemical bowl inside.
Camping toilets of whatever kind always use chemical to neutralize odours so, it must be emptied in a designated “porta potty” disposal station.
The disposal station empties into a septic tank (usually underground) that can be emptied by a vacuum or sewage truck or vactor which pumps the content into a tank on the truck bed for disposal at a sewage treatment plant.
Portable toilets should never be emptied into a natural wastewater treatment system because these systems depend on bacteria to break down the waste.
Toilet chemicals kill the bacteria and renders the natural treatment system ineffective with serious health and management repercussions.
What to look for in a camping toilet
There are a number of basic things to look at when choosing a camping toilet, but you may have other requirements to suit your personal needs.
Comfort
It is always the best idea to test the toilet by sitting on it.
Although you may feel awkward sitting on a camping toilet in the showroom of the shop, be assured that many people will look at what you are doing and in their minds work out how comfortable the toilet will be for them!
You will be using the camping toilet in a limited space and at awkward hours. The last thing you need is an uncomfortable toilet.
Capacity
Capacity of Camping Toilets:
Waste Holding Tank: Depending on the design and model of the caravan toilet, waste holding tank capacities can range widely. Commonly, they are between 12 to 150 liters.
The actual number of uses before it needs to be emptied depends on the tank size, but smaller tanks might require daily emptying if the caravan is fully occupied.
Flush Water Tank: Some caravan toilets come with a separate flush water tank.
This can range from 3.8 to 19 liters, depending on the model.
Toilet Paper: These toilets usually have a dedicated spot or holder for toilet paper.
It’s essential to use rapidly dissolving toilet paper made for caravans and campers (RVs) to prevent clogs.
Importance of Understanding Capacity:
- Sanitation and Odor Control: Overfilling the waste holding tank can lead to unpleasant odours or even potential leaks. Regularly emptying the tank based on its capacity ensures a more hygienic environment within the caravan.
- Preventing Clogs and Damage: Overloading the waste tank or using non-RV toilet paper can cause clogs. Being aware of capacity limits and using appropriate consumables helps avoid these issues.
- Planning Trips: If you use your camping toilet while travelling, knowing how long your toilet can last before needing to be emptied can help in planning your route. You can identify and plan stops at locations where waste disposal facilities are available.
- Maintenance and Longevity: Regularly emptying and cleaning the toilet based on its capacity can help in extending its lifespan. Some toilets have indicators to show when they’re nearing capacity, which aids in timely maintenance.
- Comfort and Accessibility: Especially during long road trips, ensuring that the caravan toilet is in good working condition and not near its capacity limit provides comfort and peace of mind to travelers.
- Environmental Considerations: Proper disposal of waste from caravan toilets is vital for environmental reasons. Overflows or leaks can be detrimental to the environment. Moreover, caravan users should only empty their waste tanks at designated dump stations to ensure the waste is treated properly.
Flushing mechanics
Flushing Mechanics of a Camping Portable Toilet:
Flush Mechanism: Many portable toilets have a bellows or piston pump flush mechanism.
When the pump is pressed, it forces freshwater from a separate compartment to rinse waste into the waste holding tank.
Two Compartments: Portable toilets usually have two compartments: one for fresh water and another for waste.
When you flush, the freshwater rinses the bowl and moves the waste to the waste compartment.
Seal/Valve: To keep odours at bay, most portable toilets use a sliding gate valve or a seal at the base of the bowl.
This seal separates the bowl from the waste storage compartment. After use, you slide or seal this valve shut, ensuring that waste and odours remain contained.
Ventilation: Some portable toilets have a vent system in the waste tank.
This helps minimize odours by allowing them to escape, and also helps in breaking down waste.
Chemicals: To aid in odor control and waste decomposition, special deodorizing chemicals or enzyme packets are added to the waste compartment.
These break down the waste and control the smell, making the disposal process less unpleasant.
What to Look Out For When Choosing a Camping Toilet:
- Capacity: Ensure that the toilet’s waste holding tank and freshwater tank meet your needs, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods without emptying.
- Sturdy Construction: Look for a toilet with good build quality. It should be sturdy enough to handle the weight and usage it will endure.
- A convenient flushing system: It should be visible and have an easily reachable handle
- Ease of Cleaning: It should be easy to empty and clean. Models with a removable waste tank can be particularly convenient.
- Odor Seal: Ensure that the seal/valve works effectively to keep odours contained.
- Chemicals and Biodegradability: If you’re eco-conscious, consider biodegradable toilet chemicals or enzyme treatments that won’t harm the environment.
- Weight and Portability: If you’re hiking or moving frequently, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to carry. Conversely, if you’re setting up a more permanent camp, a heavier, more robust toilet might be suitable.
- Vent System: A good vent system will help minimize odours, so check for this feature.
- Frequency of Use: If the toilet is being used by multiple people or for several days, you’ll need to empty and maintain it more frequently. Plan accordingly.
Choosing a Porta Potty for Your Caravan
While a comfortable, high-capacity toilet with efficient flushing mechanics is essential, there are additional factors to consider for campers:
1. Portability and Size
- Ensure the toilet fits comfortably in your caravan without taking up too much room.
- Consider weight and design for ease of movement.
2. Ease of Cleaning
- Look for a smooth interior surface.
- A simple design with few crevices is best for cleanliness.
3. Odor Control
- Some toilets have seals to prevent odours.
- Others use chemicals or other mechanisms for odor control.
4. Waste Disposal
- Options include removable waste tanks or disposable bags.
- Consider where you’ll be disposing of the waste.
5. Durability
- A durable material can withstand wear and tear.
- Essential given the movement and potential rough use during camping.
6. Eco-friendliness
- Some toilets are designed to be environmentally friendly.
- Consider models that use fewer chemicals or break down waste eco-friendly.
7. Price
- Balance your budget with the features you prioritize.
- Don’t just go for the cheapest option.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
- Read reviews from other caravan owners.
- Gain insights into longevity, usability, and potential issues.
9. Accessories and Extras
- Features like built-in toilet paper holder or hand sanitizer dispenser might be beneficial.
- Some toilets even have battery-operated flushes.
10. Installation and Setup
- Ensure you can comfortably set up the toilet with minimal assistance.
11. Availability of Replacement Parts
- Useful to choose models with easily sourced replacement parts or repair options.
Porta Potty toilets for campers come in such a wide range of designs and specifications, it is best to test before you buy.
If you buy online, make sure that you understand and know what the dimensions are. Two-hundred millimeters sound large but 20cm is not a very large space to sit on.
Do you due diligence, evaluate what you need, buy wisely and happy sitting!
When you have decided on what porta potty to buy, take the time to see what other camping accessories can make your camping easier.