The Best Portable Toilet For Van Life: Buying Guide Of 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
SereneLife Portable Toilet with Carry Bag – Indoor Outdoor Toilet
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: SereneLife Portable Toilet with Carry Bag – Indoor Outdoor Toilet

Gain the outdoor and indoor convenience of a toilet with this portable toilet. It is crafted from high-density, premium quality polyethylene that makes it highly durable. This leak-proof cassette toilet for RV travel is easy to clean. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: TRIPTIPS Portable Toilet Foldable Toilet for Car Camping

Take your toilet wherever you go with the TRIPTIPS Portable Toilet. It can be folded up into 2 inches and is easy to carry. This portable toilet is perfect for camping, boating, long road trips, and even traffic jams. Read Review

3. Best Realiable: Alpcour Portable Toilet – Compact Indoor & Outdoor Commode w/Travel Bag

Alpcour is a compact, portable and easy-to-use commode that takes all the stress out of your bathroom. Cleaning up is a breeze with the sprayer that keeps the bowl clean 360°, the rotating spout to dispense contents in an anti-leak design and an indicator to show when it's time to empty. Read Review

4. Best Easy Set Up: Camping Brothers Outdoor Portable Toilet with Carry Bag

The Camping Brothers Outdoor Portable Toilet is designed to be easy to clean and carry. It comes with a detachable waste holding tank, making it convenient to empty and clean. With its one-piece construction, it's easy to use too! The built-in carrying bag allows for more portability while traveling and makes this the perfect toilet for camping. Read Review

The idea of camping in a van is certainly an exciting one for many people. After all, who would have the guts to go off into the woods with just their clothes and live there? The answer to that question is, pretty much anyone these days. Unless you have a lot of money, there’s no better way to enjoy nature and save money at the same time than by camping.

Not only does this help you reconnect with your surroundings but it also helps you save money by not staying in hotels or hostels as often. As wonderful as it sounds, camping can be a challenge if you don’t prepare beforehand. With all of your possessions packed into a small space and limited access to amenities, it’s almost impossible to make it through one trip. That’s where portable toilets come in handy.

They are an absolute necessity when camping in a van or camper trailer because you can’t always get access to a bathroom inside your home setting either. There are various types of toilets depending on your budget and needs so we will take a look at some of the best ones for van life so that you can make an informed decision before heading out into nature alone and unfavored.

After spending 19 hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly SereneLife Portable Toilet with Carry Bag – Indoor Outdoor Toilet. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

  • LARGE CAPACITY OF UP TO 120 FLUSHES – Our extra-large tank of 5.3 gallons holds more sewage than ever before, saving you the hassle of changing it often. Flush it up to 120 times with confidence – the waste tank level indicator will let you know when to empty it.
  • DO YOUR BUSINESS ANYWHERE – Take our small, portable toilet anywhere you need to go. From camping, caravan, or trailer vacations with your family to boating trips with friends, use this portable bathroom both inside and outside with ease.
  • STURDY AND EASY TO CLEAN – This leak-proof cassette toilet for RV travel is crafted from high-density, premium quality polyethylene for a corrosion-resistant travel toilet. It is an easy-to-clean material that is highly durable, making it perfect for your adventures.
TOP Choice #2 TRIPTIPS Portable Toilet Foldable Toilet for Car Camping
Our Score:
9.6
TRIPTIPS
  • 【PACKAGE】 : 1x Portable toilet , 1x Waterproof handy bag, 1x Manual.
  • 【MULTI-FUNCTIONS】: It can be used not only as a toilet for car or camping, but also a small stool, trash can, storage box, indoor toilet for people in need of care, vomiting bucket for pregnant women, etc.
  • 【SIMPLE TO USE】: Set up and fold down in seconds, super easy! Compatible with any 6-8 gallon bag for easier clean up. Make doing your business on the road a breeze.
  • SUPER COMFORTABLE SETUP – Unit is Made of Durable, Heavy Duty Material That Naturally Minimizes Odors & Resists Rust & Corrosion – Lightweight Yet Sturdy Seat Supports the Entire Family Including Toddlers, Kids, Teenagers, Adults & the Elderly
  • AMAZING 50+ FLUSH CAPACITY – Built-In Piston Pump Flusher Provides Powerful Cleaning Action, No Plumbing or External Hookups Required – Features Extra Large 5.3 Gallon Waste Tank & 3.2 Gallon Water Tank for Fewer Emptying Trips
  • THE ULTIMATE PORTABLE TOILET – No More Emergency Potty Runs While Camping, Boating or Traveling on the Road! Compact, Fully Functional Latrine Provides Anytime, Anywhere Bathroom Relief with All the Comforts of a Real Home Toilet
  • COMPACT - Fits most compact spaces, dimensions: (16.14” x 13.78” x 16.14” inches) compact design for easy storage and will provide you with Bathroom Relief practically anywhere you are!
  • EASY TO CLEAN - Comes with a detachable waste holding tank to make it even more convenient to empty and clean. No tools required since both tanks are a one-piece construction. Simply detach and clean.
  • New Update - New foldable portable toilet for adults, the larger size and wider portable toilet seat brings a more relax experience. Our camping toilet is made of premium quality ABS plastic and unique fastener design, it weighs only 3.19 pounds and has a load capacity of up to 400 pounds, sturdy and washable
  • Easy to Carry - This portable toilet for car is foldable for convenient storage, space-saving. It has the characteristics of excellent load-bearing capacity and light weight. This is a perfect portable folding toilet for traffic jam, camping, traveling, riding, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, marine, long road trips, beach, outdoor living, construction sites and anywhere anytime for emergencies, etc
  • Package & Service - Included 1 x portable toilet bucket with lid, 1 x carry bag, 1 x exquisite packaging box, 20 x garbage bag. The extra thick and black odor-free toilet bags keep you away from embarrassment. If there are any problems with our products, contact us and you will get a satisfactory solution
  • 【EASY TO CARRY】Packs down only 2.4 inches high, very compact and space-saving!Lightweight and Comes with a handy bag for easy transport.
  • 【WHAT YOU GET】1x portable folding toilet + 1x Manual + 1x Waterproof carry bag. Worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
  • Make the Journey Worry-free: This compact toilet can be used indoors and outdoors without taking up much space. It's perfect for camping, hiking, boating and road trips and can provide all the comforts of a real home toilet. It can meet your emergency needs and let you enjoy nature with peace of mind.
  • Easy to Clean & Prevent Odor: The toilet comes with a removable inner bucket so you can use it with trash bags for no cleaning. The inner bucket has a firm handle for easy carrying and cleaning. The inner and outer lids can effectively seal off odors and keep the air fresh.
  • ✔ VARIOUS APPLICATION: Not only ideal for outdoor events like camping, hiking, boating, fishing, road trip etc., but for indoor temporary use like healthcare or festival parties. Space-saving design allows you to store one in your vehicles for emergency use. Decent look may you prepare one in home basement or hunting shed.
  • ✔ EASY CLEANUP & LESS ODOR: Dual lid seal and reduce the odor. Removable inner bucket allows easy and decent empty. Moreover, no cleaning is needed when you use a toilet bag in the barrel.
  • ✔ HIGHER SEAT HEIGHT: Features more comfort for an adult at average height. Suggested for adults under 300 lbs. Measures 18'' L x 15.5" W x 15.7'' H when stands up and lid closed.
  • 【Portable & Easy To Carry】: Portable toilet seat is designed to be both portable and lightweight. This toilet seat can be folded and fit into your car’s storage or compartment and be rrought during long Car Trips, beach nights, and camping. It takes up minimal space in the storage.
  • 【Suitable for All Ages】: This folding toilet seat only weighs 4.4 pounds and has a stainless steel frame, rust resistance and durability. Long lasting comfort——SOFT, cushioned seat with wood core provides long lasting durability. With its capacity to hold weight up to 350 lbs, this portable toilet seat is suitable for various ages.
  • ✔ [EXTRA-LARGE CAPACITY]: Sink – 5 gallon self-contained tank provides fresh water for washing hands and food. Made of eco-friendly food grade material, drinking water is allowed for storage. Toilet – 3 gallon flushing tank and 5.3 gallon waste tank; provide 95 to 98 times effective flushes in a flat state; allows to empty or refill it less often. Both can be supported by extra water tank.
  • ✔ [ODORLESS & LEAK-PROOF]: Made of high density polyethylene, it features anti-leakage and anti-crackable. Sealing value prevents the waste from leaking and giving off smell. Liquid chemicals can be put into fresh water tank for aromatic air.

What to Look For in a best portable toilet for van life?

The best portable toilet for van life is the standard appliance in your life. Seeing that the item is introduced with many models with distinct functions and features, several challenges in selecting. However, anything has its solution, not except for that. We, the high-qualified expert in this area, will be available here to give you support.

Of course, looking for the best portable toilet for van life which suits you most requires many criteria to consider. You are projected to think carefully about each of the features below so that your choice will be appropriate:

Weight Limit

These camping toilets are limited in weight. Most of them weigh around 300 pounds. While some portable toilets can hold up to 300 lbs, others have weight limits that are lower. It is essential that the toilet you choose is capable of handling your body weight. Make sure you check any weight restrictions.

Size

Portable toilets are sometimes too bulky to be used for camping. This is why you need a smaller solution. A lightweight and compact toilet that can be used for multiple purposes is the best combination.

Comfort

A portable toilet that is suitable for everyone in the family should be considered. It can either have a removable seat or an all-purpose one. Comfortable sitting is important, and it all comes down to the size of the toilet and its materials.
Polyurethane plastic is a good choice if you are going with plastic. It reduces the odor and provides better comfort. An HDPE-material mix will also be eco-friendly.

Waste Tank

Two main types of portable toilets are available: those that come with a waste container or ones that just have toilet seats and legs. What type of portable toilet do you prefer?
Portable toilets that have tanks have the advantage of having a flushing system. This allows you to use the toilet multiple times without needing to empty it. They can be heavy so make sure to store the toilet in a safe place.
The advantage of bucket-less toilets is that they are lighter and more portable. For backpackers that already carry heavy bags, and don't want to have to carry bulky tanks on top of them, this is a great advantage.
These toilets have a downside: you will need to buy waste bags that you can repurchase repeatedly. Portable camping toilets can be more complicated and therefore costlier in the end.
Except if you are a wild animal who refuses to take out the trash bags. You will need to locate a spot where fertilizer could be beneficial.
Which one do you prefer? You can either use a heavy toilet anywhere, or you could carry a light toilet seat, which is portable and only requires waste bags.

Flushing Mechanics

Toilets are often affected by the flushing mechanism. Portable toilets that are portable and can be used outdoors require a flushing system that is easy to reach.
A water tank is also important. Manual flushes are the best option. It doesn't mean you have to spend a lot to enjoy a flushing system that is efficient.

Tank Capacity

The flushing tank is the main component of most portable toilets. It is important to choose a toilet with a bigger waste tank to ensure that it doesn't need to be emptied every time you use the toilet.
It doesn't mean you have to buy the biggest toilet available to make sure it holds enough water. There are many options that offer a combination of small size and large tanks for waste disposal.

FAQs

What Chemicals Do You Need For A Camping Toilet?

You can choose to purchase the chemicals in tablet or liquid form. The chemical toilet chemicals will kill germs, and mask odors. Because they are different, it is important to choose the right portable toilet chemical.
You still require chemicals to clean the waste, even if your tank is larger for camping toilets. Chemicals are used to not only remove the waste, but also reduce smell and gas buildup.
Remember to add chemicals to your waste tank prior and again after each emptying. Also, ensure you handle chemicals carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

How To Stop A Portable Camping Toilet From Smelling?

If you do not clean your portable toilet regularly, the smell can become very unpleasant. You may find it difficult to walk near it. To prevent this from happening and to keep your portable camping toilets smelling fresh, you can use an air freshener or cleaning tablet. There are also options that can help deodorize portable toilets and keep them smelling fresh.
Open the bathroom door frequently and allow it to ventilate. You should find an occasion when no one will use your caravan toilet. Keep the door open at all times for at least 30 minutes.

Can You Empty A Camping Toilet Into A Normal Toilet?

You cannot flush your camping toilet in a regular bathroom. You should empty the tank into a sewage line. The chemicals that are used to kill bacteria in the system can cause hygiene issues and can make it difficult for campers to use the toilet. You can't find an emptying site for your camping toilet so you will have to use a normal toilet.

How Often Do You Need To Empty A Camping Toilet?

The use of the camping toilet and its climate will determine how much water is used. If you travel with just two people, the caravan toilet tank should be full within two-three days.
To give you an example, the 20-liter chemical toilet tank will fill in within three days if it is used daily. Portable toilets can also be equipped with indicators that indicate when the tank is full.
You should clean the tank regularly and not leave it to be filled up. It is important to remember that the more full the tank, the easier it will be to transport it from your camp to the appropriate disposal location.

Can You Poop In A Portable Camping Toilet?

You can use a camping toilet to poop. You can choose from three main types of portable toilets: compost, bucket, or chemical.
Chemical toilets and compost share the same characteristics. There are two trap doors on a portable toilet for pee and one trap door for poop. This is very simple. It is so easy!
The bucket toilet comes equipped with waste bags that can be easily disposed of. You can manage a portable toilet while camping in the woods or on your boat weekend.

How Do You Empty A Camping Toilet?

Camping is more than just sitting by a bonfire and sharing stories with friends. Other tasks must be done, such as cleaning your tent and drying your clothes.
The portable toilet that you use will have different rules about how to dispose of your waste bags. Bucket toilets are equipped with waste bags. Once the bag is full, you can tie it securely and dispose of it at the appropriate disposal location.
You can use any caravan toilet. First, find the area that you can empty it and then wash it. Next, take the portable toilet to be unloaded carefully in the designated area. Be aware that disposal locations can be varied. Take off the cap on your waste tank to prepare for emptying. After you have finished pouring the waste into the disposal tank or grid, rinse it and then refill with water if necessary.

Look through again. The brand of product you choose will affect the options available to you. Moreover, pricer models will offer more customization options. We've covered top-scoring models varying at some price. So you have more choices to consider. Furthermore, our staff will update the info related to best portable toilet for van life with the newest data. Let check our site more regularly to get the latest options.

If you want to take practical support from our expert, don't hesitate to give us feedback. Please feel free to contact us. Hopefully, with our buying guide, you can have a happy shopping for the product.


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

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