Portable Toilet Guide: How to Choose the Right Toilet for Your Van
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Time to read 7 min
` Most people don’t think much about their van toilet setup until they actually need it. The wrong toilet can take up too much space, smell bad, be awkward to empty, or end up buried under gear where it never gets used. The right setup does the opposite: it gives you convenience, privacy, and peace of mind without taking over your camper layout.
If you’re building a van, upgrading an RV, or trying to decide what kind of portable toilet makes the most sense, this guide will help you choose the right toilet type for your space, travel style, and daily use.
Already made your mind on a toilet type?
Shop our camper van toilet cabinets:
Laveo Dry Flush Toilet Cabinet:
https://weekenderoutdoors.com/products/laveo-dry-flush-portable-waterless-toilet-bamboo-lift-top-cabinet-flat-pack-kit
Porta Potti 565/365 Toilet Cabinet:
https://weekenderoutdoors.com/products/porta-potti-curve-bamboo-toilet-lift-top-cabinet-flat-pack-kit
Trelino Composting S/M Toilet Cabinet:
https://weekenderoutdoors.com/products/trelino-evo-s-bamboo-toilet-lift-top-cabinet-flat-pack-kit
Table of Content
Start With How You Actually Camp
Before choosing a toilet, think about how you’ll actually use it.
A weekend camper has different needs than someone living out of a van full-time. Some people only need a toilet for emergencies. Others need something comfortable enough to use every day.
Before picking a toilet, ask yourself:
- Will this be used daily or only occasionally?
- Are you camping at established campgrounds or off-grid?
- How many people will be using it?
- How often are you willing to empty it?
- Do you want the simplest setup or the cleanest experience?
- Where will it be stored when not in use?
Most people overbuy or under-plan their toilet setup. In a small van or camper, the best toilet is not always the most expensive one. It’s the one you’ll actually use, clean, and store comfortably.
The Main Types of Portable Toilets
There are a few common toilet options for vans, campers, and RVs:
- Cassette-style portable toilets
- Dry flush toilets
- Composting toilets
- Bag-style emergency toilets
- Built-in RV toilets
Each one has pros and cons. The best choice depends on space, budget, maintenance, and how often you travel.
Cassette Toilets / Portable Flush Toilets
Portable cassette toilets are one of the most common choices for camper vans and small RVs.
These usually have a freshwater tank for flushing and a lower waste tank that detaches for emptying. Popular examples include Porta Potti-style toilets.
Benefits:
- Affordable compared to other toilet systems
- Simple to use
- Familiar toilet feel
- No permanent plumbing required
- Easy to move or store
- Good for weekend trips and occasional use
Drawbacks:
- Waste tank needs to be emptied regularly
- Can smell if not maintained properly
- Requires water and toilet chemicals
- Emptying can be unpleasant
- Takes up floor or cabinet space
Best for: weekend campers, budget-conscious builds, families, and anyone who wants a simple portable toilet without installing a permanent bathroom.
Porta Potti 565/365 Cabinet
Dry Flush Toilets
Dry flush toilets are a cleaner, more self-contained option. Instead of using water, they seal waste inside a liner system after each use.
This makes them popular for people who want an easy, low-smell solution without dealing with liquid waste tanks.
Benefits:
- Very clean and easy to use
- No black tank
- No water required
- Minimal smell when used correctly
- Great for inside a van or camper
- Easy disposal compared to liquid waste tanks
Drawbacks:
- Replacement liners add ongoing cost
- Larger than some basic portable toilets
- Not as budget-friendly
- Battery or power may be required depending on the model
Best for: people who want a cleaner toilet experience, families, off-grid campers, and anyone who does not want to deal with dumping a liquid waste tank.
Laveo Toilet Cabinet
Composting Toilets
Composting toilets are popular in van builds because they separate liquids and solids. This helps reduce smell and extends the time between emptying.
They are often used by full-time travelers or anyone who spends a lot of time off-grid.
Benefits:
- Great for extended travel
- Separates liquids and solids
- Less smell when used correctly
- No black tank required
- Good for off-grid camping
- Longer time between solid waste emptying
Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires more space
- Urine container needs frequent emptying
- Must be used correctly to work well
- Some models require venting or a fan
Best for: full-time van life, off-grid travel, longer trips, and people who want a more capable long-term toilet system.
Trelino EVO Toilet Lift top Cabinet Flat Pack Kit
Crafted from high-quality 3/4" Amber Bamboo, this cabinet is both sustainable and made to last. The cabinets folding design allows you to quickly and easily use the cabinet as a bench seat or have access to the toilet.
This cabinet kit is shipped unfinished, it is recommend the buyer applies a water resistant coating such as a polyurethane. Toilet is not included
EVO M
Outside dimensions 16" W x 19" L x 16" H
Inside dimensions 14 1/2" W x 17 1/2" L x 14 1/2" H
Total cabinet weight assembled - 36LB
EVO S
Outside dimensions 16" W x 19" L x 13 1/2" H
Inside dimensions 14 1/2" W x 17 1/2" L x 12" H
Total cabinet weight assembled - 33LB
3/4" Solid Plyboo© Bamboo, Black-Hex, or Baltic Birch
(1) Soft close gas strut
(2) Blum concealed hinges
(16) 90 Degree cabinet connectors
(1) Magnetic cabinet latch
Why a Toilet Cabinet Makes a Big Difference
A portable toilet is useful, but storing it can be awkward.
Most toilets are not designed to look good inside a finished van. They can slide around, feel unfinished, or become something you’re always trying to hide.
A toilet cabinet solves that problem by giving the toilet a dedicated home.
With a cabinet, you get:
- Cleaner interior layout
- Hidden toilet storage
- Extra usable surface area
- Better organization
- Easier access when needed
- A more finished look inside the van
This is especially important in small camper vans where every inch matters. Instead of having a loose toilet sitting in the walkway, a cabinet keeps the space clean and intentional.
Matching the Toilet to Your Travel Style
Different travel styles need different toilet setups.
Weekend Camping
If you mostly take short trips, a portable cassette toilet or bag-style emergency toilet may be enough. You probably don’t need the most expensive system if the toilet is only used occasionally.
Best options:
- Porta Potti-style toilet
- Small cassette toilet
- Emergency bag toilet
Family Trips
For families, ease of use matters. Kids and guests are more likely to use a toilet that feels simple and familiar.
Best options:
- Portable flush toilet
- Dry flush toilet
- Larger cassette toilet
Full-Time Van Life
If you live in your van or travel for long periods, you’ll want something more comfortable and easier to manage over time.
Best options:
- Composting toilet
- Dry flush toilet
- Larger cassette toilet with easy access
Off-Grid Camping
If you camp away from developed campgrounds, toilet capacity and disposal become more important.
Best options:
- Composting toilet
- Dry flush toilet
- Cassette toilet with enough capacity for your trip length
Popular Portable Toilet Setups
If you want a proven starting point, these are some of the most common camper van toilet setups:
- Porta Potti-style toilet: simple, affordable, and easy to use
- Laveo dry flush toilet: clean, low-smell, and no liquid waste tank
- Trelino composting toilet: compact composting option for longer trips
- Emergency bag toilet: lightweight backup for occasional use
The best choice depends on whether you want low cost, low maintenance, compact storage, or the cleanest overall experience.
Common Portable Toilet Mistakes
Avoid these:
- Choosing a toilet that is too large for the space
- Forgetting to measure lid and tank clearance
- Storing the toilet somewhere hard to access
- Ignoring how often it needs to be emptied
- Buying a composting toilet without understanding maintenance
- Choosing the cheapest option, then never wanting to use it
- Leaving the toilet loose instead of securing or storing it properly
These are the issues that make a toilet setup frustrating, even in an otherwise well-built van.
Quick Takeaway
- Want simple and affordable → choose a Porta Potti-style toilet
- Want clean and easy → choose a dry flush toilet
- Want long-term off-grid capability → choose a composting toilet
- Want emergency-only use → choose a bag-style toilet
- Want the cleanest van layout → store it inside a dedicated toilet cabinet
Final Thoughts: The Best Toilet Is the One That Fits Your Setup
The best portable toilet for a van or camper is not the same for everyone. It depends on how you travel, how much space you have, and how much maintenance you’re willing to deal with.
If you want a setup that feels right every day:
- Choose a toilet that matches your travel style
- Make sure it fits your available space
- Think about emptying and cleaning before buying
- Keep access simple
- Use a cabinet if you want a cleaner, more finished layout
A good toilet setup makes your van more comfortable, more practical, and easier to use—especially when you’re camping off-grid or traveling with family.
If you’re not sure which toilet cabinet will work with your setup, we build camper van toilet cabinets designed for real-world use, clean storage, and everyday function inside small spaces.
The Author: Steve Owens
Steve is the founder of Weekender Outdoors, designing and building premium camper van accessories in San Diego. With hands-on experience in real van setups, his focus is simple—create products that actually fit, function well, and make everyday use easier.
Products Featured In This Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable toilet for a camper van?
For most van owners, a Porta Potti-style toilet offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and ease of use.
Do portable toilets smell?
When properly maintained, most portable toilets have no odor.
What is the easiest portable toilet to use?
Portable flush toilets and dry flush toilets are the simplest options for most campers.
Which toilet is best for off-grid camping?
Composting and dry flush toilets are popular choices for extended off-grid travel.
How often do portable toilets need to be emptied?
It depends on usage, but most portable toilets need servicing every few days to a week.
Do I need a toilet cabinet?
A toilet cabinet keeps your van organized, improves appearance, and provides easy access when needed.
Can the toilet cabinet be used as a bench or stool?
Yes. Our toilet cabinets are strong enough to be used as a bench or stool, with a weight limit of 350 lb.