7 Real Community Experiences with Composting Toilets in RVs That Free Your Travel

Curious about ditching your traditional RV toilet for an eco-friendly composting alternative? You’re not alone – thousands of RVers have made the switch and discovered both unexpected benefits and challenges along the way.

Real-world experiences provide the most valuable insights when considering this significant upgrade for your mobile lifestyle. We’ve gathered honest feedback from seven different RV owners who’ve lived with composting toilets through weekend trips, extended boondocking, and full-time travel to help you make an informed decision.

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1. The Jones Family: Embracing Full-Time RV Living with a Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Their Initial Hesitations and Learning Curve

The Jones family initially worried about odors and complicated maintenance when switching to their Nature’s Head composting toilet. Their first week involved multiple mistakes, including using too little coconut coir and overturning the mixing handle. After watching three YouTube tutorials and joining a Facebook group for composting toilet users, they developed a simple routine. Within two weeks, the entire family—even their teenagers—had adapted completely to the new system.

How They Maintain Their System During Extended Boondocking

During their three-month stay in the Arizona desert, the Jones family emptied their solid waste container just once every 3-4 weeks. They’ve developed a foolproof system: adding one cup of coconut coir after each emptying, turning the handle 5-7 rotations daily, and spraying a vinegar-water solution in the urine container. This maintenance routine takes less than five minutes per day. For disposal, they use biodegradable bags and find appropriate facilities or composting sites during their travels.

2. A Solo Female Traveler’s Experience: Sarah’s Three-Year Journey with an Airhead Toilet

Addressing Safety and Convenience Concerns

Safety was Sarah’s top priority when she began full-time RVing alone in 2019. Her Airhead composting toilet eliminated midnight walks to campground bathrooms and reduced her dependence on finding dump stations. “I’ve traveled through 37 states without worrying about black tank emergencies,” Sarah explains. The toilet’s sealed design prevents leaks during travel, while its odor-free operation keeps her 19-foot travel trailer comfortable. Unlike chemical toilets, her composting system requires no harmful additives, creating a healthier living environment.

Simple Maintenance Routine That Works for One Person

Sarah’s solo maintenance routine takes just 5 minutes daily. Each morning, she gives the toilet’s handle three quick turns to mix fresh material with composting medium. Weekly, she sprays the urine diverter with vinegar solution to prevent mineral buildup. As a single user, she empties the liquid container every 3-4 days and the solid waste bin only once monthly. “I time solid waste emptying with grocery shopping trips, so I can dispose of the compostable bag and refill my coconut coir supply simultaneously,” Sarah notes. This efficiency maximizes her travel freedom.

3. The Mountain Campers: Using a Composting Toilet in Extreme Temperature Conditions

Winter Challenges and Solutions

The Rodriguez family discovered that sub-freezing temperatures significantly affect composting toilet performance during their winter adventures in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. They installed a small 12V heater beneath their Nature’s Head toilet to maintain optimal decomposition temperatures. Adding extra carbon material (pine shavings rather than coco coir) during winter months helps absorb excess moisture. They also keep their toilet in an insulated compartment and use a temperature monitor to ensure conditions stay above 55°F for proper composting action.

Summer Heat Management Techniques

Excessive heat accelerates decomposition but can cause moisture evaporation and odor issues, as the Rodriguezes learned during Arizona summer camping. Their solution includes increasing ventilation with a solar-powered fan upgrade that draws 30% more air than the standard fan. They spray a pre-mixed solution of water and white vinegar on dry compost material when temperatures exceed 90°F. The family also empties their liquid tank more frequently—every 2-3 days instead of 3-4—preventing ammonia buildup that intensifies in high temperatures.

4. The Budget Nomads: DIY Composting Toilet Success Story

Their $200 Custom-Built Solution

Jake and Maya transformed their RV bathroom with a DIY composting toilet for just $200, saving over $800 compared to commercial models. They constructed their system using a 5-gallon bucket, wooden housing, toilet seat, computer fan for ventilation, and coconut coir as their composting medium. Their design includes a separate urine diverter made from a funnel and plastic tubing that connects to a sealed container, effectively preventing odors and simplifying the emptying process.

Lessons Learned From Initial Mistakes

The couple’s first attempt failed when they used regular potting soil instead of proper composting material, causing persistent odors. They initially skipped the urine diversion system, creating a soggy mixture that wouldn’t compost properly. After researching extensively in RV forums, they corrected these issues by installing a proper diverter and switching to coconut coir with a dash of white vinegar in the urine container—completely eliminating unwanted smells and creating an effective composting environment.

How Public Perception Changed Their Approach

Maya initially hesitated to tell friends about their composting toilet, fearing judgment or disgust. However, after six months of successful use, they began documenting their experience on their travel blog and YouTube channel. The unexpected positive response surprised them both—their DIY composting toilet tutorial video has garnered over 50,000 views, with hundreds of commenters sharing similar experiences or asking for advice on building their own systems.

Budget-Friendly Maintenance Tips

Their economical maintenance routine costs less than $10 monthly, significantly cheaper than chemicals for traditional RV toilets. They source coconut coir in bulk from pet supply stores where it’s sold as reptile bedding, cutting costs by more than 50% compared to specialized composting toilet materials. For odor control, they use a homemade mixture of essential oils (primarily pine and citrus) instead of commercial products, saving approximately $15 monthly while keeping their bathroom smelling fresh and natural during their travels through Arizona and New Mexico.

5. Family of Five’s Transition from Traditional to Composting Toilet

Space-Saving Benefits in Their Class C Motorhome

The Martinez family discovered an unexpected 9 cubic feet of additional storage after switching to a Nature’s Head composting toilet in their 28-foot Class C motorhome. By eliminating the black tank and associated plumbing, they gained valuable space beneath the bathroom floor that now houses camping gear, extra clothing, and homeschooling supplies. Their bathroom layout also improved significantly, allowing installation of a larger shower stall that accommodates their growing children more comfortably.

How They Manage Frequency of Emptying with Multiple Users

With five family members using their composting toilet daily, the Martinez family empties the solid waste compartment approximately every 10-12 days. They’ve developed a rotating schedule where parents handle emptying duties while teaching their older children (ages 8 and 10) about sustainable waste management. Their urine container requires daily emptying, typically managed during morning routines when they’re already heading outside. They’ve optimized the process by using biodegradable bags for solid waste and designated emptying equipment stored in exterior compartments.

6. The Weekend Warriors: Part-Time RVers’ Experience with Minimal Use

Weekend warriors and occasional RV users have unique considerations when it comes to composting toilets, particularly with extended periods between trips.

Storage Between Trips: What Works and What Doesn’t

Part-time RVers face specific storage challenges with composting toilets during off-periods. Completely emptying and cleaning the toilet before storage prevents unpleasant surprises upon return. The Morgan family discovered that leaving their Nature’s Head toilet completely dry with both tanks empty for 3-4 weeks between trips eliminated mold issues. However, leaving even small amounts of solid waste or moisture resulted in unwelcome odors and potential bacterial growth. A light vinegar spray in empty chambers helps maintain freshness during storage periods.

Choosing the Right Composting Medium for Intermittent Use

Intermittent users need composting materials that remain effective despite weeks of non-use. Coconut coir outperforms peat moss for weekend warriors, staying properly conditioned up to 2 months between activations. Jason and Ellen, who travel monthly in their converted van, keep pre-hydrated coir in sealed containers for quick setup. For trips under three days, many weekend RVers find single-use compostable bag systems more practical than fully activating their composting toilet, simplifying both setup and breakdown procedures while maintaining environmental benefits.

7. The Cross-Country Retirees: Two Years and 30,000 Miles with a Composting Toilet

Odor Control Strategies That Actually Work

Bob and Carol’s cross-country journey revealed that effective odor control isn’t about masking smells—it’s about prevention. They spray a vinegar-water solution on urine diverters daily and add two tablespoons of diatomaceous earth to their composting medium weekly. Unlike chemical deodorizers, these natural methods actually neutralize ammonia compounds at the source. Their most surprising discovery? Opening vent fans for 20 minutes after emptying the toilet eliminates lingering odors completely, something traditional RV toilets never accomplished.

How Their System Compares to Their Previous Campground-Dependent Lifestyle

Before installing their Air Head composting toilet, Bob and Carol structured their entire retirement travels around RV park availability. Now, they’ve boondocked for 78% of their two-year journey, saving approximately $8,400 in campground fees. Their water consumption dropped by 40%, extending their off-grid capabilities from three days to nearly two weeks. The toilet’s power draw is negligible at just 1.7 amps when the fan runs, easily supported by their modest 200-watt solar setup. Freedom to camp near their grandchildren’s homes has been their greatest unexpected benefit.

Conclusion: Common Themes and Takeaways from Real RV Composting Toilet Experiences

These real-world experiences reveal that composting toilets are transforming RV lifestyles across diverse situations. While users face a learning curve initially many quickly adapt and discover unexpected benefits beyond environmental impact.

From storage gains and financial savings to extended boondocking freedom and simpler maintenance routines these systems prove practical for families solo travelers and weekend warriors alike.

Whether you opt for a commercial unit or DIY solution adapting your composting toilet to weather extremes becomes manageable with simple modifications. The recurring theme across all stories? The freedom and self-sufficiency these systems provide far outweigh the adjustments needed to make them work effectively in your RV lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do composting toilets work in RVs?

Composting toilets in RVs separate liquid and solid waste, with solids mixing with a carbon material (like coconut coir or peat moss) to begin decomposition. The separation prevents odors and reduces emptying frequency. Most models use minimal or no water and feature ventilation systems to help with the composting process. Unlike traditional RV toilets, they don’t require a black tank, saving space and water.

How often do you need to empty a composting toilet?

For full-time RVers, the solid waste compartment typically needs emptying every 3-4 weeks for couples or 10-12 days for families of five. The liquid container requires daily emptying. Weekend warriors may go several trips before needing to empty the solid compartment. Usage frequency, number of people, and diet all affect emptying schedules.

Do composting toilets smell?

When properly maintained, composting toilets produce minimal to no odor. The separation of liquid and solid waste prevents the ammonia smell associated with traditional toilets. Regular emptying of the urine container, proper ventilation, and adequate carbon material are key to odor prevention. Many RVers report that their composting toilets actually smell better than traditional RV toilets.

How much do composting toilets for RVs cost?

Commercial composting toilets like Nature’s Head or Airhead typically cost between $900-$1,100. DIY alternatives can be built for as little as $200, as demonstrated by Jake and Maya in the article. Ongoing maintenance costs are minimal, with monthly expenses for materials like coconut coir and cleaning supplies running under $10 for most users.

Can composting toilets work in extreme temperatures?

Yes, but they require adaptations. In cold weather, small heaters may be needed to maintain optimal decomposition temperatures. Extra carbon material helps in sub-freezing conditions. For hot weather, enhanced ventilation prevents odors and accelerated decomposition. The Rodriguez family successfully used their composting toilet year-round in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains with these adjustments.

How much space do composting toilets save in an RV?

Composting toilets can save significant space by eliminating the black tank and associated plumbing. The Martinez family gained 9 cubic feet of additional storage after their conversion, allowing for bathroom layout improvements and a larger shower stall. The compact design of most composting toilets also takes up less floor space than traditional RV toilets.

What maintenance is required for a composting toilet?

Daily maintenance includes stirring the solid waste compartment with a built-in crank, emptying the urine container, and occasionally spraying surfaces with a vinegar solution. The solid waste compartment requires emptying every 3-4 weeks for couples. Many RVers report spending just 5 minutes daily on maintenance, with the emptying process taking 15-20 minutes using biodegradable bags.

Are composting toilets suitable for weekend RVers?

Yes, with proper preparation. Weekend warriors should completely empty and clean their toilets before storage to prevent odors and mold. Using coconut coir instead of peat moss works better for intermittent use. Some part-time RVers prefer single-use compostable bag systems that simplify setup and breakdown for shorter trips while still being environmentally friendly.

How much water do composting toilets save?

Composting toilets significantly reduce water usage. Bob and Carol, retirees featured in the article, reported a 40% reduction in their overall water consumption after switching to a composting toilet. This water savings extends boondocking capabilities and reduces the frequency of filling fresh water tanks.

Can women use composting toilets comfortably?

Yes, many women report positive experiences with composting toilets. Sarah, a solo female traveler highlighted in the article, chose a composting toilet primarily for safety and convenience. The sealed design prevents leaks, and the elimination of nighttime trips to campground bathrooms enhances security. The odor-free operation and simple maintenance routine make it a practical choice for women RVers.