Toilets are the most overthought part of a campervan build. We’ve seen people spend weeks agonising over a system they might only use a handful of times per trip. Interestingly, a large percentage of our customers rarely use their toilet as much as they initially expect.
There is no perfect solution, only the right compromise for how you travel. Most decisions become obvious once you answer four questions honestly:
- Is this for “just in case”, or will you use it daily?
- Are you moving between UK campsites or staying off-grid for days?
- How much space are you willing to give up for it?
- And how close do you want to get to the process?
The Best Campervan Toilets: Our Refined Selection
We’ve seen these systems play out over seasons of real-world use. These are the only four we currently recommend.
1. The Trelino Evo (Separating Toilet)
The Bhode choice.
The Trelino is a urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT). It’s simple, requires no plumbing, and fits our minimalist design ethos.
The reality
It uses a “doggie bag” system for solids. You bag it, seal it, and dispose of it. Used properly, there’s minimal smell and fuss.
Expert tip
To keep the urine tank fresh, skip harsh chemicals. A spray of lemon juice or contact lens solution neutralises ammonia naturally and effectively.
Best for
Most modern builds. It’s the sweet spot for cost, size, and maintenance.
2. The Laveo Dry Flush
The luxury of convenience.
This system seals waste in an airtight wrap at the push of a button.
The reality
You never see or smell anything. The trade-off is ongoing cost and reliance on proprietary foil cartridges.
Best for
Those who want a more domestic experience and to skip the emptying process entirely.
3. The Porta Potti
The functional entry point.
The classic chemical toilet. Portable, affordable, and reliable.
The reality
It does the job. It just never disappears into the background. That distinct “lavender-meets-plastic” scent tends to linger.
Best for
Weekend trips and campsite use with easy access to Elsan points.
4. The Airhead Composting Toilet
The off-grid authority.
A true campervan composting toilet with an internal agitator.
The reality
It asks more of you. It’s larger, needs 12V venting, and comes with a learning curve. In return, you get much longer intervals between emptying.
Best for
Full-time van life and longer off-grid travel.
Explore our
campervan packages
Whether you’re planning weekends in the Peaks or long trips into Europe, our packages are designed for calm, capable off-grid travel.
| If you primarily... | We recommend... |
|---|---|
| Use UK campsites | A Porta Potti, or often no toilet at all |
| Value aesthetics and ease | The Trelino separating toilet |
| Travel with a family | A Laveo for volume and convenience |
| Stay off-grid for weeks | The Airhead composting toilet |
A Note on the “Yuck” Factor
A toilet should be a utility, not a hobby. Complexity in a small space usually leads to frustration. We’ve seen it time and again.
Many customers feel they should want a composting system, only to switch back to a simple separating toilet after a season. Most issues come down to overcomplicating something that doesn’t need to be.
By keeping liquids and solids separate, you remove the chemical reaction that creates sewage smell. No heavy chemicals, no masked odours, just a system that stays in the background.
Do campervan toilets smell?
What is the easiest campervan toilet to maintain?
Do I actually need a toilet in a campervan?
What’s the best campervan toilet for off-grid travel?
Are chemical toilets still worth it?
Designing for Ease
At Bhode Vans, we don’t just install systems. We design spaces that feel easy to live in.
Whether you’re planning a full build or simply figuring out your layout, our advice is always grounded in lived experience.
If you’re planning a build, we’re always happy to talk things through.
Ready to build it
properly?
If this guide helped, you’re already thinking seriously about your own campervan. We design calm, capable builds for real travel, with layouts and systems that work in the real world.
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