What are the different types of toilet systems for a caravan / motorhome?

        The Internal Cassette Type Toilet

The toilet consists of two parts: a permanently installed toilet and a waste tank that you can access and easily detach from outside. To prepare the toilet for use, you simply add toilet fluid to the waste tank. For models with an in-built water tank, you also need to fill the water tank.  The toilet is then ready for use. A level indicator shows when you have to empty the waste tank.  Then all you have to do is detach the waste tank and empty it in the nearest authorised waste dump. After that, you make the toilet ready for use again.

A small door on the outside of your caravan or motorhome gives you access to the detachable waste tank, making it much easier to prepare the tank for use from outside. It also makes it easier to empty and top up the waste tank hygienically.

The various models, with either rotating or fixed toilet bowls, blend in seamlessly with your bathroom, making the best use of the limited space.

                The Porta Potti

Because these toilets are compact, lightweight and easy to use, the porta potti is often used in caravans, motorhomes, boats and camper trailers. The porta potti is simple to transport and really can be placed anywhere.  It is small enough to pull out from under your caravan bed and slides neatly away again when not in use.

The porta potti consists of two sections. The upper section is a combined flush water tank and toilet bowl with detachable seat and cover. The lower section is the waste holding tank. These two parts are easy to attach and detach using a lever at the rear of the toilet. In this way, the waste holding tank can be simply and hygienically emptied and cleaned.  Most porta pottis are equipped with a level indicator. In this way you are warned in good time that the waste holding tank must be emptied.

Can I empty my porta potti / toilet cassette in septic toilets ?

Thetford Australia advises "Both Aqua Kem Green and Premium Aqua Kem Green can be disposed of into a septic system"

What chemicals should I use for my porta potti / toilet ?

Things to consider when assessing many of the different chemicals available for your caravan's toilet / porta potti are -

Does the chemical chosen

• suppress unpleasant smells;
• promote the breakdown of solids and toilet paper;
• protect moving parts and extend the life span of your toilet / porta potti;
• reduce formation of gas;
• keep your waste tank hygienic and clean;
• meet environmentally free standards ie: is it formaldehyde free?

Why should I choose formaldehyde free toilet chemicals ?

What is formaldehyde ?

It is defined as ‘a chemical used in manufacturing and chemical industries, and as a preservative by anatomists, embalmers, and pathologists. Being exposed to formaldehyde may increase the risk of developing leukaemia and brain cancer.’

Formaldehyde is toxic to animals, plants and humans and exposure may cause irritation to the eyes, throat and nose and can cause lung and skin allergies.  It is often used as an active ingredient in toilet chemicals to break down and sterilize the ‘black water’ or toilet waste.

Toilet waste containing the formaldehyde chemical is really only suitable for disposing of in sewerage systems in the city where there is sufficient water and other wastes to break down or dilute the formaldehyde.  When travelling in regional or remote areas it is not suitable to dispose of in drop toilets, country town septic toilets or even buried in the bush.

Some regional towns have CMCA/ KEA sponsored ‘dump’ points however if your toilet cassette or ‘black water’ waste contains formaldehyde it should not be disposed of in those facilities as it can de-nature the waste breakdown.  There is also considerable cost for local shire councils to remedy the problem as they often lack the availability of sufficient water to dilute the waste solutions.

Some toilet products may also be formaldehyde free but unsuitable for recirculating toilets and holding tank models.

SOG Toilet Ventilator

The SOG toilet ventilation system is a 12V fan kit system that can be connected to the toilet cassette holding tanks.  There are 4 kit types - Type A kit system is for the C2, C3 and C4 models.  Type B for C200, Type D for C400 and Type F for C250 model.  Installation instructions are included with the SOG kit and it comes with a 2 year warranty.

The SOG toilet ventilation system comprises a 90 degree connecting elbow which is inserted into a 35mm hole drilled into the elbow of the pour out spout of the cassette toilet and an exhaust hose that connects from the elbow of the pour out spout to a 36mm hole in the cassette door where an air exit hole is covered by a filter housing containing a carbon filter.  Replacement carbon filters are available and it is recommended the carbon filter be changed once a year depending upon use. 

Cables are connected to the 12V caravan supply and once the blade valve is opened the ventilator will run.  The unit will stop as soon as you close the blade valve.  The power current consumption is stated at 0.43 Watts and only uses this while the toilet is in use.

Information available with the SOG toilet ventilation system states no toilet chemicals are needed as decomposition is optimum due to the increased oxygen flow.  There are no smells as the fresh air acts as a seal and prevents smells from rising with the smell ventilated outside the RV through the carbon filter. It states that you can use normal commercial toilet paper and this is fully decomposed and the toilet cassette can be emptied every 5 days (or when full).

To empty the toilet cassette the hose from the connecting elbow needs to be removed and a stopper is provided to plug the elbow.  If removing the hose is difficult spray the stopper and plastic parts with silicone spray. 

SOG Toilet Ventilators are available from Aussie Traveller, caravan accessory stores and online caravan, motorhome & RV accessory stores.