Can You Put a Portable Toilet in a Van?

When renting a camper van (also known as a class B RV), you’ll notice many don’t come with a bathroom. If you’re still looking for a bathroom option while getting the affordability and ease of use of a class B RV rental, you may wonder if you can put a portable toilet in a van.

This article will explain everything you need to know about portable toilets, from the different types you can use to the best practices for installing one. 

Can You Put a Toilet in a Van?

When renting a camper van, most options will be large enough to incorporate a portable toilet into your setup. 

Typically, you’ll want about a 2-foot by 3-foot space to place the toilet so you can sit down comfortably. 

You’ll also want to consider privacy when using the bathroom in the van. Blackout curtains and a privacy curtain behind the driver’s seat can help. 

With portable toilets, you typically won’t need many tools for setup. That said, ensure you have essentials like toilet bowl cleaning solutions, a toilet bowl scrubber, toilet paper, and sanitization wipes to keep your space clean and smelling good. 

Can You Use a Portable Toilet in a Car?

Some portable toilets are very small or made specifically for car use. Many users give Thetford portable toilets good reviews for use in compact spaces. 

However, with the tight space in the average car, using one wouldn’t be very comfortable. So, you could plan to have one on hand in case you need it in a pinch during your travels, but it probably shouldn’t be your primary bathroom option. 

Plus, most will say that cleaning compact portable toilets is a MAJOR downside, so public restrooms are usually the best option. 

What Is the Alternative to a Porta Potty?

Composting toilets are another alternative to portable toilets in a camper van. 

Many van lifers choose this lifestyle to embrace minimalism and live more environmentally friendly lives. Composting toilets are the most environmentally friendly solution since they limit water use and reduce the impact of waste disposal. 

However, their large size is a disadvantage. They are larger than your typical portable toilet since they need space for the composting function. If you decide that a composting toilet is the right fit for you, you’ll need to plan to have a slightly larger bathroom.

How Does a Composting Toilet Work in a Van?

The typical composting toilet is one unit with two separate holding containers under the toilet bowl. One holding container will be for urine, and the other will be for solid waste. You’ll need to empty the urine container more often since it won’t break down with the composting solution. 

A benefit of portable composting toilets is that they don’t require extensive installation. You only need a 12-volt power source if you want to use the fan that comes on many units, which is meant to reduce odors after someone goes to the bathroom. 

When waste builds up in your composting toilet, you will need to empty it somewhere. The composting container should be emptied about once per week. Waste disposal centers or RV dump stations at campsites are typically the best places to empty them. 

Do You Really Need a Toilet in a Camper Van?

While having a portable toilet in your camper van is an option, most people won’t need one. Many campsites have public restrooms, or campers can follow leave-no-trace principles at sites that don’t have restrooms. 

Our camper vans at Escape don’t come with toilets, and many of our renters prefer them that way. It removes the hassle of cleaning, storing, traveling with, or finding a place to dump your toilet. Need to find out more about how to use bathroom in a camper van?

Rent a Camper Van From Escape Camper Vans

When you need a reliable and affordable vehicle for your next trip, Escape Camper Vans has you covered. Our vans have many helpful features that make them a great choice, such as:

• Queen-size beds
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Extra storage
• Sink with a water tank
• Collapsible benches and tables
• Bucket seats that you don’t have to collapse to make your bed
• Uniquely painted designs 

You can reserve yours today at one of our 11 locations across the U.S. or contact us with any other questions.