When converting your campervan, choosing the right toilet is a crucial part of ensuring your comfort while on the road. With a wide range of options available, it can be tricky to decide which one fits your needs.
To help, we’ve rounded up the top five campervan toilets: Porta Potti, Airhead Composting Toilet, Cinderella Freedom, Trelino Composting Toilet, and the Cassette Toilet. Let’s dive into each option, comparing key factors like cost, smell, ease of use, and more.
Wondering which one is right for your campervan conversion? Let us help you make the right choice—read on to find out why we at Bhode Vans recommend the Trelino Composting Toilet!
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1. Porta Potti: classic and affordable
Overview: The Porta Potti is a staple in campervan conversions. It’s a classic, affordable portable chemical toilet that’s popular for its simplicity and ease of use.
Cost: £70–£120
Smell: Minimal if chemicals are used properly, but the chemical smell can be overpowering if the toilet is not maintained well. Think “potpourri at your gran’s house!”
Ease of Use: Easy to set up and empty. Regular chemical treatment is required.
Yuckiness Factor: Moderate. Emptying the waste tank involves handling chemicals.
Capacity: 10–20 litres (suitable for a few days of use).
Size: Compact and fits under most benches or in small spaces.
Weight: Lightweight (3–5 kg when empty).
Build Quality: Durable plastic but prone to wear over time.
Downside: The chemical smell, while manageable, can be quite strong if not properly maintained.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious travellers seeking a simple, portable solution.
2. Airhead Composting Toilet: eco-friendly and efficient
Overview: The Airhead Composting Toilet is ideal for off-grid van life. It separates liquid and solid waste for efficient disposal and eco-friendly waste management.
Cost: £900–£1,200
Smell: Excellent. The ventilation system eliminates most odours, but occasional maintenance is required.
Ease of Use: Easy to use once installed. Solids need to be emptied every 4–6 weeks, and liquids more often.
Yuckiness Factor: Low. Waste is separated, and minimal contact is needed when emptying.
Capacity: Solids: 20–40 uses; Liquids: 2–4 days.
Size: Larger than average. Requires a dedicated space in your van.
Weight: Moderate (10–15 kg).
Build Quality: Marine-grade finish for durability and long-lasting performance.
Downside: The initial cost is high, and the system takes up more space than traditional portable toilets.
Ideal for: Off-grid enthusiasts looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance toilet.
3. Cinderella Freedom: premium incinerating toilet
Overview: The Cinderella Freedom is an incinerating toilet that burns waste into sterile ash, offering a premium solution for van life without the need for chemicals or water.
Cost: £3,500–£4,000
Smell: Minimal. The incineration process vents odour outside during operation.
Ease of Use: Push a button to start the incineration process. It’s fully automatic and requires no maintenance beyond emptying the ashtray.
Yuckiness Factor: Very low. There’s virtually no direct contact with waste.
Capacity: Designed for 4–6 people per day.
Size: Larger and requires ventilation for operation.
Weight: Heavy (15–25 kg).
Build Quality: Top-notch with high-quality materials and reliable performance.
Downside: It uses quite a lot of gas, which may increase your fuel consumption and affect your off-grid capabilities.
Ideal for: Those who want a hands-off, low-maintenance solution and are willing to invest in high-end technology.
4. Trelino Composting Toilet: the Bhode favourite
Overview: The Trelino is a compact, waterless composting toilet that offers a stylish, eco-friendly solution. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for campervan conversions.
Cost: £300–£500
Smell: Excellent. Uses natural processes for odour control.
Ease of Use: Easy to use. Solids and liquids are separated for easy disposal.
Yuckiness Factor: Low. Emptying is straightforward and mess-free.
Capacity: Solids: 15–20 uses; Liquids: 2–3 days.
Size: Compact and portable, perfect for tight spaces.
Weight: Lightweight (4–8 kg).
Build Quality: Sleek design with eco-friendly materials.
Downside: Needs regular maintenance to ensure odour control and proper composting.
Why Bhode Vans Loves the Trelino: At Bhode, we value compact, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly solutions for campervan conversions. The Trelino ticks all these boxes:
- Compact design that fits seamlessly into tight spaces.
- Eco-friendly with no chemicals or water.
- Stylish and functional to complement our Scandinavian-inspired van designs.
Ideal for: Anyone seeking a sustainable, space-saving, and budget-friendly toilet solution for their campervan.
5. Cassette Toilet: built-in convenience
Overview: Cassette toilets are built-in systems often found in motorhomes and larger campervans. They offer a permanent solution with the convenience of a removable cassette for easy waste disposal.
Cost: £200–£500
Smell: Minimal if chemicals are used properly, but can become odorous if the system is not maintained.
Ease of Use: Convenient for permanent setups, but emptying the cassette can be cumbersome.
Yuckiness Factor: Moderate to high. Requires handling a removable cassette.
Capacity: 15–25 litres (3–5 days of use).
Size: Space-saving when built into your van.
Weight: Moderate (8–10 kg).
Build Quality: Robust, long-lasting plastic components.
Downside: The need to regularly empty the cassette and dispose of waste at designated points may be inconvenient for some.
Ideal for: Those with larger vans who want a reliable, permanent toilet solution.
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Ready to choose the best campervan toilet?
Your campervan toilet is a key part of making life on the road comfortable and stress-free. Whether you prioritize affordability, eco-friendliness, or convenience, there’s an option to suit your needs.
At Bhode Vans, we believe the Trelino Composting Toilet offers the best balance of sustainability, space-saving design, and ease of use—perfect for any campervan conversion.
🚐 Need help choosing the right toilet for your van? Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect fit for your adventure!
