Toilet options are hardly the glamorous discussion point of campervan life, however all the same, it’s good to be prepared for the road and this includes thought into what your toilet option will be. We discuss the most common van road toilet options and the pros & cons of each.
There’s a topic whispered about in hushed tones and yet is a crucial consideration for anyone embarking on a van life journey. For those not accustomed to the lifestyle, it’s usually the first question out of their mouths. “How do you go to the toilet?”
Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar abodes, van bathrooms require careful planning and sometimes even a touch of ingenuity. Allow me to delve into the world of van life toilets (figuratively not literally) and take you through some of the pros and cons of each van life toilet option.
In an ideal world, I think this would be everyone’s first choice. These toilets separate liquid and solid waste, decomposing the solids with bulking agents like sawdust or coconut coir. The resulting compost can then be safely disposed of (provided you check local regulations).
Composting toilets are odor-controlled and require minimal water, making them ideal for off-grid living and a great eco-friendly choice. If you want one it’s going to cost you – they are the most expensive option and they do require regular maintenance, including turning the compost and emptying the liquid waste container.
Lastly, there’s the space they take up. You may or not want to include a bathroom in your van build – sometimes there just isn’t enough space. I’ve seen some vans where a composting toilet is on rails so it slides out from a cupboard into the central isle of the van – but unless you want to lock eyes with anyone else in the van, you’ll need a privacy curtain or just politely ask them to wait outside!
Option #2 – The Cassette Toilet
This is the other ‘fancy’ option for a toilet in your van. It’s another compact toilet which functions similarly to a normal toilet, however, the waste collects inside a removable cassette tank which needs to be emptied periodically at a designated waste station. Use eco-friendly chemicals wherever possible.
The most common location for these stations would be campsites but don’t assume they’re going to be there! Always check first as they aren’t always available. Emptying the tank can be a bit messy and you’ll need a water source for flushing – which either means constantly topping it up or even plumbing it into your water tank if you’ve got enough room for one.
Option #3 – Portable Toilets
I don’t mean the big blue portaloos you’ll see at festivals or building sites – what I’m essentially talking about is a bucket with a toilet seat on the top. It’s simple (no installation required) and doesn’t cost that much at all, especially compared to the above toilet options.
You’re still facing the same problem of having to find a dumping station and the potential lack of privacy. They do have a chemical mix that helps to keep odours at bay but you still need to rinse it out and replace the chemicals whenever you empty it. My final piece of advice would be to make sure it’s put somewhere secure and you don’t drive around corners too aggressively!
Option #4 – Dig a Hole
This one is more of a camping solution as opposed to a van life solution but I thought I’d throw it in here anyway as we’ve all been caught out on a hike from time to time. No? Just me?
I’m not sure what the rules are like around the world but my understanding is that, in the UK, you can dig a hole to bury your waste provided that it’s away from a water source, away from animals and it’s in a deep hole. Don’t be one of those people who does it behind a bush and leaves a heap of toilet paper on top. It’s not cool.
Here are some Outdoor toilet tips in the Lake District in the UK.
Final thought about van toilet options on the go
The last thing I want to mention is what to do if you only need to pee. It’s a lot easier for a man to just nip behind a tree than it is for anyone else, so one solution I’ve seen is to just use a jug. You can keep it inside the van, go when you need to go then take it outside and pour it onto the grass or under a bush. Give it a quick rinse when you get back to the van and it’s as simple as that!
I personally don’t like having to rely on being near a coffee shop or a service station at all times, so it’s better to have something rather than nothing – even if you only use it as a last resort. If you’re going to install a toilet in your van, then make sure you’ve got some kind of ventilation – a fan is the best option but a window you can open does the same job.
Andrew has been doing vanlife on & off for years. In fact, one of the reasons Andrew went into writing is so he can work from anywhere with an internet connection – so a prefect fit with van life and he does exactly this during his many vanlife escapades.
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