Toilets - Portable

Portable Toilets for RV, Marine & Outdoor Use

Whether you're anchored offshore, parked at a remote campsite, or cruising cross-country in a camper van, access to proper sanitation is a non-negotiable part of any successful adventure. Portable toilets are self-contained, compact sanitation units designed to go wherever traditional plumbing can't — making them an essential piece of gear for RV owners, boaters, overlanders, and weekend campers alike.

How Portable Toilets Work

Most portable toilets are split into two sections: a freshwater flush tank on top and a detachable waste holding tank on the bottom. A flush mechanism — typically a piston pump, bellows pump, or pressurized push-button system — rinses the bowl into the sealed lower tank. A slide or rotating valve between the two sections locks in odors until you're ready to empty the waste tank at a dump station or standard toilet. Tank level indicators on many models take the guesswork out of knowing when it's time to empty up.

Key specs to consider when shopping include holding tank capacity (ranging from about 2.6 gallons for compact models up to 5.5 gallons or more for extended trips), flush type, seat height and comfort, and overall dimensions to ensure the unit fits your RV bathroom, boat head, or vehicle floor plan.

Portable Toilet Types

• Self-contained portable toilets – The most common style; the entire unit is hand-carried and requires no permanent plumbing connections.
• Cassette toilets – Permanently mounted to the RV or boat with a removable waste cassette that slides out through an exterior hatch for easy emptying.
• Bucket-style and bag toilets – Ultra-compact solutions for ultralight camping, kayaking, or emergency backup use.

Top Portable Toilet Brands

Thetford is widely regarded as the global leader in mobile sanitation. Thetford has been producing toilets for the RV, marine, camping, and trucking industries since 1964, offering an extensive lineup that includes their iconic Porta Potti portable toilets, cassette toilet systems, and a full range of waste tank treatments and accessories.

Dometic brings its hallmark reputation for durable outdoor living products to the portable toilet category. Dometic's 970-series portable toilets are known for their pressurized push-button flush systems, high-strength ABS construction, and compact profiles well-suited to van life and small-boat applications.

Camco has been a trusted name in RV and outdoor accessories since 1966, offering straightforward, budget-friendly portable toilets in multiple sizes. Camco's portable units feature sturdy polyethylene construction, detachable holding tanks with sealing slide valves, and bellow-type flush systems — a dependable choice for campers and boaters who want solid performance without complexity.

Sealand (a Dometic brand) specializes in marine-grade sanitation solutions, with a focus on permanently installed and cassette-style systems built to withstand the demanding environment of life on the water.

Lippert Components is a major OEM supplier to the RV industry, and their sanitation products — including portable toilet options — are engineered to integrate seamlessly with the broader systems found in today's travel trailers and motorhomes.

Choosing the Right Portable Toilet

Think about how many people will use the unit and how long between dump station stops. A 2.6-gallon tank works well for solo travelers on short trips, while a 5+ gallon model is better suited to couples or families on extended outings. Also consider the flush mechanism: piston and bellows pumps require no power source, while battery-powered or pressurized flush systems offer a more home-like experience. Finally, check the dimensions against your available space — every inch matters in a van, boat cabin, or RV bathroom.