Camping and going for long road trips into the countryside means stepping out of your comfort zone. This includes not having access to everyday conveniences, such as the bathrooms. As you plan to travel with your RV, remember that you may not always have a toilet or bathroom when you need to answer the call of nature. Therefore, you need to explore alternatives to ensure comfort and convenience. This is where portable restrooms come in handy. Read on for more information about camper porta potties to know whether it is the best alternative for your trip.
What are Porta Potties?
Porta potties are portable self-contained toilets designed for personal use anywhere. You can use it in your RV when camping or on a trip to the countryside, where you may not have established washrooms. Instead of being connected to the sewerage system, most porta potties have a collecting bin or tank that holds the waste. You empty the waste into a dumpster or other appropriate waste disposal areas.
Porta potties come in various types, styles, and sizes, and you can always choose one depending on your preference and needs. Whether or not you need a porta potty for your RV will depend on various factors, including your physical abilities and camping style. If you don’t fancy the idea of getting out of your campervan in the middle of the night to pee, you might want to invest in one.
Pros and Cons of RV Porta Potties
Pros
Camper porta potties offer convenience and remove logistical difficulties you might have while traveling in your camper van. They allow you to be self-sufficient, and you won’t struggle to find a toilet or use bags when you need to go. They are also the best choice for little kids and seniors who may have challenges squatting in the wilderness or holding it in when traveling. With your RV porta potty, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of having whatever you need in your campervan, just like you would at home.
Cons
Despite their benefits, camper porta potties also have their downsides. They occupy space in your RV and are an extra expense. They also need maintenance, and you must dump the waste, which can be an unpleasant experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The most crucial part of having a camper porta potties is how to clean and maintain it. It is necessary for hygiene, health, longevity, and keeping your campervan smell free and comfortable. Below are a few tips to help you keep your RV porta-potty clean and usable.
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Cleaning
Always clean the tank after disposing of the waste by pouring appropriate cleaning products into it and emptying it. Also, spray or wipe the whole unit with fresh water to keep it clean, and you can use a disinfectant or detergent to sanitize it and kill bacteria. Be sure to maintain a 100 feet distance between you and food or fresh water sources when cleaning your porta potty to avoid contamination.
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Check the Seal
The seal at the bottom of the bowl contains the smells, and any malfunction will be evident. To prevent it from leaking, always maintain it clean and consider applying plumber’s grease to avoid the seal drying out.
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Chemical Treatments
You should only use approved chemicals on your RV porta potty to keep the tank clean and assist in breaking down the solid waste in it.
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Be Mindful of What Goes Into Your Toilet
Feminine hygiene products, wipes, contraceptives, and any other material that doesn’t break down will likely clog your toilet. Also, you don’t have to use RV-specific toilet paper, although you can if you want to.
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Empty the Tank Regularly
Mobile toilets with sensors will show you how full the tank is so you know when it is time to empty it. The best time to dispose of the waste is when it is 2/3 or ¾ full. Doing so earlier means the chemicals don’t have enough time to break down solid waste adequately.
Can You Poop In a Porta Potty?
Most camper porta potties are built to accommodate poop. They come with bags tailored for solid waste and contain powder for gelling and absorbing the smell. What’s more, you don’t require water to be able to use the mobile toilet for number 2.
Where To Empty the Waste
Improper waste disposal is inconsiderate, illegal, and unsanitary. However, you don’t want to travel or live in your camper with a full porta-potty. Fortunately, your choices are unlimited since some use a bag to empty while others require rinsing with water. Look for a septic system like a dump station in your campsite or a standard toilet to empty the contents of your portable bathroom. You can find a dumpster for bagged waste or dump stations like those used for RV’s black tanks.
When disposing of liquid waste in a dumpster for liquid waste, use absorbing material like peat or cat litter. Also, find thick bags and do not overfill them to protect sanitation workers from nasty spills. If unsure of the ideal location to dump the waste, the safest bet is to contact local government officials for guidance.
Do RV Porta Potties Smell?
You will notice a very little smell if you use your porta potty properly. The key to a fresh-smelling campervan with a porta potty is creating an airtight barrier on the waste by tying the bags tightly for a proper seal.
Another tip is to use bags with odor powder to eliminate any smell. You can also use kitty litter in the disposal bag to absorb fluids and smell. The good thing is that it is relatively affordable. Lastly, keeping the bowl and surrounding areas clean as a waste build-up is a recipe for bad smells.
Whether you are planning a trip or looking to acquire a camper van, the above information will help you make the right choice regarding whether or not to get a porta potty for your van. You will also be more prepared to use and maintain it for optimum convenience.
