top of page
Search

Best Camper Van Toilets: Comparing Options for Every Budget and Travel Style

  • Writer: Ashley Creason
    Ashley Creason
  • Sep 24
  • 5 min read

This post contains some affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.


When you’re building out a camper van, there are a few features that can make or break the comfort of life on the road, and a toilet is definitely one of them. Your toilet setup can mean the difference between cozy convenience and awkward middle-of-the-night decisions.


The good news? There’s no single “right” choice. It all comes down to your travel style, budget, and how much space you’re working with.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of camper van toilets and share a few tried-and-true models our clients use and recommend.


1. Bucket Toilets & Collapsible Camping Toilets


Reliance Fold to Go portable toilet in a grassy field with a tree in the background.
Reliance Fold-To-Go-Toilet
What They Are:

These are as simple as it gets—a seat with either a bucket or a bag underneath. That’s it. I actually started out with one of these in my own van, and while it did the job in a pinch, I was very glad when I eventually upgraded. Realistically, this option works best for emergencies or those times when campground, rest stop, or gas station bathrooms just aren’t an option.


Pros:
  • Most affordable option (usually under $50)

  • No installation required

  • Lightweight and portable


Cons:
  • Minimal odor control

  • Frequent emptying required

  • Collapsible versions require setup each time you use them



2. Portable Cassette Toilets for Camper Vans


Dometic toilet on glides in a camper van
Dometic 976
What They Are:

These are self-contained units with a small freshwater tank for flushing and a removable waste cassette. When it’s time to empty, you can dump the cassette at an RV dump station or even a public restroom.


Pros:
  • Compact, portable, and easy to store

  • Affordable ($75–$200)

  • No permanent installation required


Cons:
  • Needs more frequent emptying

  • Requires chemicals to help manage odor

  • Can be heavier


Limitless Pick – Dometic 976

It’s got a push-button flush, an odor-sealing valve, and a handy tank level indicator so you’re not caught off guard. Compact, durable, and priced around $180, it’s a great choice for weekend trips or as a reliable backup toilet.



3. Composting & Separating Toilets for Vans


Trelino Evo M composting toilet
Trelino Evo M
What They Are:

These toilets separate liquids and solids. Liquids collect in a removable container, while solids mix with a composting medium such as coconut coir, hemp, or sawdust. This setup helps control odor and reduces the need for chemicals.


Pros:
  • Eco-friendly and chemical-free

  • Can go longer between emptying solids

  • Options range from simple designs to high-end composting systems


Cons:
  • Liquids need to be emptied every few days

  • Some odor unless emptied regularly, a lot of medium is used, or the toilet is vented outside with a permanent installation


Limitless Pick – Trelino Evo M

This model stands out for its sleek, compact, and modern design. It comes in multiple sizes, but we’ve found the medium fits best in our north/south bench layouts. Liquids can be emptied into any standard toilet, while solids are contained in a compostable bag that can be thrown away in a regular trash can. At around $500, it’s more affordable than full-size, permanently installed composting toilets—yet still feels polished and sturdy.


Budget-Friendly Alternative – Boxio

For a simpler, more affordable option, I personally use the Boxio in my own van. At around $200, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.



4. Bagging & Sealing Toilets


Laveo Dry Flush Toilet in camper van conversion.
Laveo Dry Flush
What They Are:

These high-tech toilets seal waste in disposable or continuous bags, giving you a completely hassle-free and odor-free experience. They’re designed for convenience and cleanliness, with no plumbing, venting, or chemicals required.


Pros:
  • Zero mess or odor

  • No plumbing, venting, or chemicals

  • Quick, hygienic disposal


Cons:
  • Replacement bags add ongoing cost

  • Higher upfront price ($700–$1,200)


Limitless Picks:

This is one of the most popular options we use in our van builds, and they’re well loved for good reason. With the push of a button, the Dry Flush seals waste in a way that’s a lot like a Diaper Genie—completely odor-free and mess-free. It typically needs to be emptied every 15 uses (you can go even longer if you add their “pee powder” and only flush solids). Optionally, it can also be hardwired into your van if you want a more permanent setup.


A step up in durability, the Wrappon uses individual heat-sealed, leakproof bags that keep everything contained. It can run on battery or 12V, making it a strong choice for full-time off-grid travel. The fold-down legs make it compact and portable, while the rugged aluminum case doesn’t scream “toilet,” which some of our clients appreciate.


5. Built-In Cassette & RV-Style Black Water Toilets


What They Are:

These are the more traditional RV-style setups you might already be familiar with. Waste is collected either in a cassette that’s accessed from outside the van or in a larger black water tank mounted beneath the vehicle. While we don’t include this style in our own builds, it’s helpful to understand the option if you’re comparing setups.


Pros:
  • Feels closest to a home toilet

  • Larger waste capacity than portable options


Cons:
  • More complex installation and plumbing required

  • Black water dumping is… let’s just say, not the most pleasant task

  • Must be emptied at RV dump stations or designated sewer hookups


6. Incinerator Toilets for Camper Vans


Incinolet incinerator toilet
Incinolet Toilet
What They Are:

Instead of storing or composting waste, incinerator toilets burn it down into a small amount of sterile ash. They typically run on propane or electricity and can reduce all your waste to just a scoop or two of ash per week. Two of the most well-known brands are Cinderella and Incinolet. While we haven’t installed one in a Limitless Van build, it could be a great fit depending on your setup and travel style.


Pros:
  • Leaves only sterile ash to empty (and only occasionally)

  • No liquids, bags, or black tanks to manage

  • Odor-free when operating properly


Cons:
  • Expensive ($2,500–$4,000)

  • Requires significant power or propane (main reason we don’t install these)

  • Larger footprint makes them tricky in smaller vans

  • Not as portable as other options


Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to camper van toilets. Some travelers are happy with a simple bucket setup for emergencies, while others appreciate the convenience of a push-button Dry Flush or the eco-friendly benefits of a separating toilet. Built-in and incinerator options bring the most “at-home” feel, but they also take up more space, power, or budget.


There are dozens of options on the market, but these are the ones we’ve personally installed for our clients or used ourselves. If you’re traveling full-time or spending lots of time off-grid, we recommend investing in a Laveo Dry Flush or Wrappon Trekker for less frequent emptying and top-tier odor control. For space savers or weekend warriors, the Trelino, Boxio, or Dometic 970 are excellent, more budget-friendly choices that are easy to store when not in use.


The right toilet isn’t about what looks “best” on paper, it’s about what makes sense for your travel style and comfort level.


bottom of page