Trent & Allie what about a toilet that has a heavy duty garbage bag that can be removed and tossed that you fill with silica cat litter my cat had the worst smelling poops and that kitty litter made so i could not smell it any more im planing on converting a school bus and using a system like that just tie the bag toss it in a bin and put a new bag as needed
Trent and Allie, you are the best.Videos with other couples are fun because YOU'RE having fun, but the comparison is always how much more down to earth the two of you are--so much more real, and warmer and welcoming as well.
I think a lot depends upon how you grew up...I was raised on a farm with dairy cattle and cleaned up after them. We also had a pit toilet so when I designed our new Ford Transit Van this Spring, I put in a Camco 2-1/2 gallon cassette. Sept 13th our 60th anniversary, we camped for four days using the campground facilities part of the time. We just got back from a five day camping trip and both times we were able to wait until getting home to dump. I am very happy with the selection. Using a tip from another poster we use a plastic can with a screw top for the TP which makes the cleanup a lot easier.
Hi guys, very informative video with lots of information. This is what we decided to do after using other van. We have a Thetford cassette toilet in the van that we use for #1 only so the cassette only holds pee and eco friendly deodoriser. It's sealed anyway all the time so no smell at all and really easy to empty into either a toilet as you do with your separating toilet or now there are dedicated sluice machines on most camp site that clean it out for you. Where possible we do #2 always out of the van in public toilets. On the odd occasion where you have to go #2 in the van we put biodegradable toilet bag over the seat in the bowl and go normally then tie up and dispose off as soon as convenient in a sanitary location. That way we can do both if needed but don't have to mix the two and deal with the cleaning out afterwards. There are toilets everywhere and finding one is usually never an issue, but we have both options. 👍🏼😊
Firstly, grey and/or black water tanks should be properly ventilated to atmosphere to ensure proper function and performance. Unfortunately, far too many builders (pros, as well as DIYers) fail to do this in a manner that minimizes/eliminates unpleasant odors from entering the living space while positively venting the living space, such as while driving or during the use of extraction fans. That's where a siphon vent, such as the 360 Siphon RV Vent Cap from Lippert Components might just be the best $20 you'll ever spend! Installation is dead simple and, hopefully, any odors from back drafts via the composting toilet vent will be no more! Now, on to my main comments: Liquids are nutrients (as well as, virtually sterile). Solids are pathogens. The mixing of liquids with solids is what results in the rather unpleasant odor. An appropriately ventilated composting toilet dries the solids mix (humanure). Thus no odor. Liquids disposal is safe, clean and easy, as is the occasional emptying of humanure from a composting toilet. A urine-diverting composting toilet, such as the C-Head Composting Toilet, is my suggestion for the best approach to eliminating the need for a black tank. The principles are simple: 1. Don't mix liquids with solids. 2. Dry solids through a combination of composting medium and ventilation. 3. Ventilate thoroughly for solids drying and odor minimization/elimination. Optionally, minimize the need to empty the liquids container by plumbing/diverting liquids to a grey water tank for less frequent (and proper) disposal. All of this shouldn't cost nearly a thousand dollars! And it doesn't have to. The basic C-Head is $599. And, if that's still too spendy, a semi-skilled DIYer could create such a toilet in a day for less than $100! Lastly, the GO Anywhere Portable Toilet from Cleanwaste is a fantastic and affordable (less than $80) solution for emergency situations should you choose not to include a toilet in your build. While remarkably similar to standard toilets in form, the GO Anywhere uses proprietary Poo Powder that creates a hardened gel from mixed liquids and solids. Perhaps best of all, the GO Anywhere stores in just 19"x14"x5" when not in use. P.S. I'm not affiliated with any composting toilet manufacturer or distributor. I'm just a guy who's done the research and employs his own advice.
Sounds like you know your shit. (Sorry). So having a cassette that you just poop in and pee in a separate container would seem like a pretty good option also.
I absolutely loved this collaboration! I know it seems strange considering the topic, but it’s a part of life. Y’all handled it w/class & I appreciated the candor. Excellent!
I have found that the luggable loo is working out pretty well for me right now. I use tidy cats 24/7 . I generally don't notice a smell unless it's actually in use, or I waited too long between uses. Liquids kept separate from solids (?) makes a big difference. ( disclaimer: nobody else is around to experience it so more sensitive noses might have a different opinion) I'm not currently on the road, this is supplemental to the main house that isn't always available. Tidy cats wasn't planned but evolved from another situation and happened to be available. I did notice that even without a bag leak, the smell permeates the bag to linger in the bucket. I just have a bag ready when I change them and replace it quickly. Bag goes out with rest of trash just like an emptied cat box or dirty diapers. Works pretty good for me in my unique situation. I have previously used a porta potty, the shovel and hole, and on a few random occasions just a bucket and bag. Unfortunately on a couple occasions with the bucket in a work/cargo van things got to "stew" for several hours before things could be disposed of and aired out. I worked with a seismic crew for almost a year. Commercial chemical toilets were usually provided, but a few time they weren't available. I got over the "who's looking at me" thing really quickly . My shovel was a good friend. I lived in a "mobile home" that took a little while to install hookups during the 90's. We had a 70's era porta potty. Emptying that was a hassle and chore in that situation. More people began using it, but nobody else was willing to empty it or clean it correctly. I literally threw it one day out of frustration. That was the end of that one. Remembering that was a deciding factor in choosing my luggable loo. I'm hoping to be mobile on my own soon, so videos with your experiences have been very helpful.
Trent and Allie totally agree with the composting toilet option. Check out C head composting toilet. I like it better due to its simplicity. Similar to nature’s head but to empty is easier. Nature’s head requires you to slide off top portion, then completely remove the entire base and remove from the van to empty. Then you have to reassemble both parts and latch back in. C head requires you to only remove a basic 5 gallon bucket, empty then replace. Much easier imho. Costs a bit less but that’s not the main factor. Comes in a variety of styles and finishes. Love watching you guys. You should build vans for others. Yours is awesome.
As a semi truck driver I have to agree... The bucket & a bag is way better then a cassette. A little kitty litter if you can't empty it right when you go.
Perfect timing to save us in our build! We just started a build out in our diesel Promaster (158" extended) and had been planning on a cassette toilet. Time to rethink that one...
Love this. Ya can use the bag method and one of those kitty litter diaper genies also. Especially in cold climates, and if you boonedock all the time, its important to have several options. We are city dwellers with fulltime jobs, so its important to have options. We shower with about two gallons in our rig in winter. There is a water heater in our rig, but in winter, we can't use flowing water. We get feet of snow and ice here. Gym membership is almost imperative. Love you guys. Thanks for all your insight
I live on a canal boat in the UK. (A couple of videos on my channel) Planning to get a van for trips off the canal system. Get two bargees (or liveaboard boaters) together and this subject comes up along with batteries and solar or not. I actually still have the holding tank in place for a pump out but the previous owners took out the toilet as it went faulty and parts are expensive. Also the cost of a pump out!!! I use a portapotti. I don't even use chemicals as I find it's less smell! Simple and easy.There are points on the system to empty it. You can also just open a manhole and dump it! A friend of mine has done that a time or two. There is also a pump out boat that will empty the cassette for you in some areas. Composting toilets are now viable on the boats as they have tweaked the design to account t for a damp atmosphere. A friend has one. He just digs a hole in the woods and buries it! You can also double bag it and skip it! Keep on keeping on!
What a convo to come across right before my first black tank dump in my new RV. I am 2/3 full and ready to go do it. And I said I wasn’t going to poo in the trailer either, but that didn’t work out. I’m glad I’m setup this way. For now. Thanks for the Potty Talk.
I'm using one of those old people commode chairs and I line it with a bag so basically like bag and bucket type of thing except for you get a really nice chair to sit on and a has a built in toilet paper holder, And then I use a funnel and a gallon container for number one. After going number 2, I tie up the bag and put it in a separate 5 gallon bucket that has a gamma seal lid on the top and that stores in my garage area, Then just dump that when possible.🤷♀️
Hello people ..I saw your vid on poopy talk 4 months later but had to comment since I have tried many ways to do so in rv's and van and I think I have found the best method.. I use to work on a wild life reserve and they always used saw dust in the system they used for outside toilets .I have black water tank in my roadtrek and it smells a lot in the summer months so decided to try a bucket five gallon and a bag and some saw dust I picked up free from a local wood shop. The trick is to put saw dust at the bottom of the bag inside the pail and then after you go do ur business you cover the whole deal with saw dust 1 inch or so and make sure you also cover the toilet paper 0 smell instantly and the saw dust absorbs the liquid part in a hurry so your good for a few days in the same bag if you go in layers if you dont want stuff onboard you just discard the bag next time you fuel up or anywhere in a garbage can...Happy trails folks be safe.
I reckon the majority of us Europeans have cassette toilets. The Aires in France and Spain usually had a waste point, sometimes a toilet or just a drain cover with a water hose to clean up. We used chemicals and it broken everything down into a green unscented slurry. I've been told dishwasher tablets are better for the environment and as effective.
I have a truck camper and I use Cascade in my black tank. I dump about every 5 or 6 days. No smells. Cascade is easy on the plumbing and sewage treatment systems.
Nola Smith cascade is a brand of automatic dishwasher soap that can come in powder form or liquid pellets, or even liquid poured from a container. cascadeclean.com/en-us/products
Totally love the idea of a Natures Head toilet with a 5 gallon pee-tank that can be released on secluded roads. Since I hope to do extended travel in a van (although I never plan to live in one full time), I want to do a composting toilet but be able to bring the compost home to add to my home compost bin, for true composting. A Nature's head as you've described, but only pooping in the van in emergencies (I don't think I can ever say "never")... it sounds like the nearest thing I've heard to truly sustainable. Impressed!
Nature's head is great, it doesn't smell like poo. It just smells vaguely like dirt. Not much smell at all. It is VERY expensive, but worth it. The Maxx Air van will not overpower the small extractor fan as long as you keep the lid to the toilet shut anytime you aren't using it. You do need to be aware of where your extractor fan is blowing out to. You may occasionally get a whiff of "dirty dirt" if you are next to where it is blowing. I have it blow out the bottom of my travel trailer and it is very rare to ever get any kind of smell. Make sure you install a screen with fine enough mesh to prevent bugs from getting in your extractor outlet. They will get in there if you let them. I converted my old black tank to an extra grey tank and it has been great. Black tanks are a waste of money, weight, and space. You can make your own version of a Nature's Head-style toilet. They aren't really complicated. However you make it, make sure you seal all of your surfaces with a non-permeable finish. Epoxy is probably the best thing if you are going to make it out of wood or any other permeable material. Just assume that stuff will get into any crack, pore, hole, or corner that is in your toilet, because eventually, it will.
Lol,. We have a black water system now but I would like a natures head in the future. In our last van we had a small plastic potty with a sealing lid. We would use it like a composting toilet. We lined it with a compostable bag. After each use we put a handful of wood shavings in to prevent smells. We dumped it every morning. Worked great.
By far the two best van builds on the internet today , period... thanks guys for sharing and I agree with Alex there has to be a way to plumb the nature’s head pee into a small pee tank that can be “released” on the road. Thanks again guys.... you are both very inspirational couples!
Great video, for the last 2 years I have watched every van build video on UA-cam. I would only consider 5 of those gold star builds. Its amazing to see 2 of the 5 together at one time and the only two in north America. The guys are funny and the ladies are classy. When I start my build in 2020 it will be a natureshead with plumbing to a 10 gallon tank for pee and the shower and a ball valve.
Inquiring minds want to know. Which builds do you consider "gold star"? I have my list and will concur or add to your list should you choose to respond.
If I may suggest - look into a Thetford Cassette Toilet. It is much easier to use, dump & clean AND you can dump it in many places - including Port-O-Lets, truck stops (some have dumping stations), any place that you can wheel-in or carry-in your cassette unit which doesn't require you to enter a business. It has a capacity of 4.5 gallons. If you are camping in a state park or somewhere which has "facilities on site" you can carry the cassette in there and dump and clean it. The toilet you are referring to (almost) sounds like some sort of composting toilet.
Well from what I understand if you are willing to plan on only using the Thetford cassette for doing #1 you will be happier. That is what a few others do and if we end up with one, that is our plan also. But time will tell as to how we finally choose.
I just obtained a Pearson 26 sailboat. They made options for either a marine head or a porta-potty, mine is the porta-potty version. I found a "composting toilet" option on ebay (called Bathroom Toilet Modern White Square Close Pregnant women old man Seat WC Pan for $85 and I bought a pee converter for $45 so I will have less than $150 in the same thing a Nature's Head which goes about a grand. I will be using coconut coir medium instead of peat moss as a more ecologically friendly medium since it takes peat moss HUNDREDS of years to grow. A 5 lb bag of coco coir is about $17 on amazon.
A friend has a VW Campervan, she uses a pop-up tent. This is where she 'makes water' and 'beef stew'. It offers privacy, and doesn't involve urinating or defecating in the van.
Great information guys. This topic was worrying me on which way to go. I was leaning today nature’s head composing toilet before but now a lot more. Thanks and safe travels 👍😎🚌
After having my thetford toilet leak due to being full and caravan being on a slope, yeeash! I'm a nurse & exposed to a range of bodily fluids but eeew you're right after a few days it's truely gross! Even though was only 1's through to under the bed, what a mess! Everything had to come out from under the bed, get rinsed and washed thoroughly. Must say I have been hesitant to use since, am finding it quicker cleaner & easier to peel into an old icecream container, then empty & rinse out as I go. The campervan I am rebuilding has a porta-poti, which I plan to store in the shower tray. But so far on my weekenders in the roughed out/mid build van have left it at home & taken my little 2ltr tub.
My husband is a Trucker and when I go with him we have a five gallon bucket and a camping seat with lid. I use a black bag and kitty litter and carpet fresh for those emergency times lol. Then you can just throw in the dumpster .
Loved this video!!! Beef stew!!! Ha ha ha, classic!!! My BF is 6'4" and a pretty conventional guy who would never live in a van or RV no matter how nice they were. If he ever dumps me though this is the plan. I know your going to tell me its bad for environment and all but they have that toilet that works like a diaper genie and bags it right up, you toss the bags in the trash just as if you had walked the dog or changed the babies diaper. For me that would be the only way to go.
Luggable ..so easy, dispose of it next time out the door. I put mine in my minivan for emergencies only. It’s stored in a leather cube with a lid so it just looks like a cool white leather stool. It works to just leave it in there. only for #2 and I used a special jell cat litter ..zip up bag and you’re done
I'm getting ready to redo an old Avion camper for full time use. The poo doesn't actually fully compost completely even in the expensive "composting" toilets so you are still just bagging it anyway in the end, just not as often. I've decided to just make a very nice bucket-type system and bags and I'll just tie up and dispose after use. I can buy a whole lot of plastic bags for the price of a composting toilet and not have the smell or the clean up problems. Plus it would just be a small amount every day instead of a months worth. Just my take on it. I'm actually considering making it out of ceramic too with a removable pot for sanitary clean up.
Everyone always says, hey, there goes that van with the brown stripe down the side. Our toilet: Model # 55 by Full Moon Toilets. They're a breeze to operate! Bidet included on rainy days. Lol
Rest stops on US highways have dump stations. Public Restrooms open to non-paying are Starbucks or drunken donuts, Walmart, most any fast food like Mc Donalds BK, taco bell, Piza hut, and so on. Overall, I think it is well worth anything you have to do in order to have a toilet in the van. A time will come where your like, O CRAP, I have to go and I have to go Now. Because let's face it, if that happens and you don't have a potty, everyone is smelling your beef stew anyways. Lets not talk about cleaning that up. LOL.
Haha pile the clothes and burn them when that happens lol!! Yeah it's nice to have the toilet for sure and we are glad to have the option in the van! We are hoping the natures head is much better. we'll see I guess
Super funny video guys just one suggestion...ive seen other vanlifers empty their cassette toilets at regular Rv dump statations and you never see the poo. Might give that a shot. There seems to be quite a few free dump stations out there.
Great vid. Well done for tackling this topic. We lived in a narrow boat and had a cassette toilet and emptied it regularly. We just cracked on with that but we did wee in the shower so it all ran out with the drained water and did our number 2 in the gym or work.
I think a lot of people don’t hook up the fan on the nature’s head. I have heard people say if the fan is hooked up and you are tooling down the highway air gets blown into the vent and you get the smell. There is a venturi (?) valve you can install that keeps air flow going one way only. I guess don’t put it in backwards! 🤭
GREAT video! I did a car to camper conversion in my Rav 4 and I made my own port a potty fashioned after the lugaloo. Works for me! I'm a boonbocker so being self contained is a must for me! Also, being a solo female with a chihuahua I do not always feel comfortable stepping out of my locked car. Your van conversion is my absolute FAVORITE and I greatly appreciate the content of your channel! I'm going to check out Sara and Alex's channel now. xo
true! I would still feel safer with a male partner, lol and .....I would definitely feel safer with a Pitbull ..... but it's me and my Chihuahua so I take extra precautions. xo
Answered the question that was on my mind but didn't want to ask! I didn't realize until your last video that you guys have a shower in the van too! Nice!!
I’ve listened to a lot of rvers and van dwellers debate this. I’m preparing to either get a van or a casita. More and more the lugaloo option looks practical
I loved this video! Thanks for “going there”! One question I don’t think you addressed was why neither of you considered the regular black tank. That’s what I have in my Sprinter van and I definitely don’t have any problem with it. I have seen other videos saying it’s disgusting, and of course it’s not “fun” but I find it’s not bad at all.
Black tanks are just a really big cassette and if you don't get the chemicals right it can be really smelly too. Either way if you're happy with it, don't change it but we like the composting toilet now
Love both your vans. I use a pail potty system ( no clue what Brand name is) but I put cat litter in. Recently I have heard that cedar small animal wood shavings ( or even sawdust would work) as I only change it every couple of days as I am a single van dweller.
OMG this couldn't have come at a better time! I started making my toilet today... single mum with 1yr old daughter doing vanlife in Australia in a minivan... so need a "just in case" dunny for mum!! 😆😆
Have you considered the C-Head instead of the Nature's Head? First, it's cheaper than the Nature's Head, it has the extractor fan iron option if you want it, it's easier to empty the poop holder as it's essentially a pail that is easier to take out instead of detaching the poop holder from the toilet itself like the Nature's Head, the pee container is easier to maintain and replace since you can use a milk jug or a liquid soap bottle. Plus, they have various designs and sizes to suit different spaces. Sure, the Nature's Head is well known, fancier, and basically the go-to composting option but you may want to consider the C-Head out.
yeah! C-head wouldn't work for us because you have to mount the toilet and pee jug separately and we need to be able to mount it all as one unit. they're another good option though!
I like that you guys are down to earth. Also you guys answer lots of your followers questions. Gotta be getting harder to do with your channel growing. Been watching you since the build. Ps. I love coffee too and yes it makes the morning poo come a little faster. But coffee is so yummy! Hugs to frank and take care.
Awww Thanks Lori! We're so glad to have long time viewers like you! We always try to answer everyones questions and it's nice when people notice and appreciate that
hahahah loved this video! As someone who wants to get into this life, to have a shower/potty or not is the biggest question for me. Thanks for having this sit down....finger pointing and all...LOL much love, xoxo
The thing about the casette toilets is that you really need to find the right chemicals. And when emptied, you need to prime it with water and a big cup worth of the chemical. Maybe something like the Thetford blue "nuclear" stuff that just kills everything in its path (including septic tanks, so don't drop it into one of those). The proper name for a portapotti is really chemical toilet, the chemical is crucial. Still disgusting though... But yeah, an Airhead composting toilet is probably the sweet spot. Black tanks can stink as well, and get clogged, and be incredibly nasty to deal with as well. Airhead vs Nature's Head... basically the same thing, but the Airhead is better looking and you can empty the pee jug without opening the main solids compartment, and it's also the original. And another benefit of course - the solids only have to be emptied about once a month, maybe 3 weeks, depending on how much you poop. PS. Cassette toilets would probably be nicer to live with if these were available everywhere: www.thetford-europe.com/thetford-machine/ but alas, as far as I know they're only in a very few spots in Europe.
Definitely the composting toilet with the diverted for urine is the best choice (and cheapest) no need to pay $1000 for it. Also, the bottle for the urine is too small. I learned I fill half a gallon per night alone of urine. I would rather throw out the full gallon and get a clean gallon than reuse the same bottle over and over as it smells. Apple cider vinegar in the urine container helps prevent the smell.
Love you two, you are always so cute explaining everything. FYI, I did call Air Head composting Toilet co. and they said their's can be in a wet area, don't drown it and don't get the fan wet as with the Nature's Head, but they said yes, also look at the measurements of the AH versus the NH, the AH will fit easier in a small space due to its size....just my humble opinion.
I dont know why everyone does not use a compost toilet as they dont stink at all if used properly.The secret is to use the right cover material and in my opinion that is peat moss because you only need to use very little compared to other types especially if you dont throw toilet paper in the bucket. .And a simple homemade compost toilet works just as well .I use a trowel and mix the contents of the bucket by hand every week and when I do empty the container it is just like garden soil .The big advantage of compost toilets is you can go for over a month without the need to empty them
Great subject and another great video. I was considering the Nature's Head however, the Airhead composting toilet can be mounted in a wet room and flush against the wall. Just thought you way want to give them a look.
Oh btw in Europe Cassette toilets are so common there are machines you put them into dump and it even cleans and disinfects them. You pay like a vending machine.
Great discussion. I knew those people with the Hymer Aktiv cassette toilet weren't being truthful. :) I was going to have a custom build with a Natures Head but the deal didn't work out. Will probably end up with a mass build with black tank. Surprised with the number of full timers with no bathroom, no way (not that I will be full time). You could check out The FitRV for their video on the Natures Head, very honest. You can also see how much they hated the cassette. Oh yes, Promaster all the way.
You can tell that neither couple has CHILDREN...(as in changing "poopy" diapers!) Otherwise, they wouldn't be so "sensitive" about the "poo" topic (lol)! I want to do a van conversion...but I would HAVE to have a functioning potty(like the Nature's Head model). I'm wondering if it could be put somewhere in the van (like if I only had a twin or full-sized mattress)...??? I'll keep researching and see what other people do. Otherwise, both of you have WONDERFUL van conversions!
Would just going number 1 in the cassette be tolerable? Then using a Luggable Loo type thing , with kitty litter, for number 2. Throw away luggable loo trash bag as soon as possible. That's what I'm thinking about doing.
I think so too that the separating composting toilet is the way to go! But I think you would be able to build one instead of buying that 1k peace of plastic xD if you just find big enough 3D printer for the separator. =)
I live off the grid and hav used a number of weird n wonderful toileting systems over the years! The least eewie one was the dig a hole in the bush in the morning, leave a bit of paper out - cover over then burn the paper. Poop is surprisingly flammable. That process involved contemplating the bush every morning and was a good wake up. Pooping with a view is always nice.Never fancied any system that involves water. I'm dreaming of RV-ing again soon! Think I'm gonna try out 100% biodegradable kitty litter then sealing it all in like compostable 'doggy' bags. No slop, no smell, and can be put into the compostable garbage - so quick n easy to get rid of. Have u read Joseph Jenkins "humanure"......always called that the weirdest book on my shelf! Joe reckons human waste can save the world - and even break down PCB's, nuclear waste etc. His books are worth a read. ua-cam.com/video/98zuU9Vwwlg/v-deo.html
Jaahda Jinnah - I know ... I don't understand why people can't figure out that if they treat their own fecal matter the same way they do their dogs ... it's the easiest way! Even easier ... prepare a nice little pre-bagged catch system to one time poop/ bagged/tied off and thrown into the nearest trash can .... probably one close to your camp spot in a city or campsite near you! Very sanitary and no lingering smell! There's one van lifer who invented her own separating system in this regard that I've seen ... That's it! Why?!
Yes - lime powder is excellent!! When I buried my 'biz' I wasn't really focusing on burning it - more focused on burning the paper component of the package. Burning poop is easier at higher temperatures. My rationale was "animals poop in the woods - but don't use toilet paper". Hence I wanted to get rid of the toilet paper whilst letting the poop break down under the ground. When you're out there in the backs of beyond poop and urine are like the telecommunications system of the animals. SO much info comes from sniffing and 'reading' that waste material of another animal. In Aboriginal culture (in OZ) you have protocols about where, when and how to poop and pee. And ya have to be careful that your bodily waste is not acquired by shamans of ill intent. And men and women never pee or poop in the same receptacle. As an aside I've co-existed with a lot of wild life. I NEVER try to tame it - we live side by side. It's kinda symbiotic. When gardening in the paddock it is not unusual for me to have an odd flock of all kinds of creatures watching me from close by - and following me. Now I've been watching recently a lot of "USA RVers - and wondering about the animals and the interactions with RVers - but nothing much seems to be said on this topic. When I was living OUT of my van for a few years and travelling VERY remote (more remote I suspect than is available in USA) I would mostly do everything outside of the van and my van was not set out like these vans I see on youtube. And so as far as grey water is concerned it all got deposited (and still does at my off the grid 'home-base') into the bush. But even without putting the grey water into the bush what always occurs is that all the wild animals come to check things out at night and they eat the bits they consider edible. And so I know that human presence attracts all the wildlife. But (to me) that USA wildlife seems a whole lot more scary! Wolves, coyotes, bears, even a moose all seem far more scary than what I'm used to. I would imagine that despite how much an RVer might try to disguise their presence that inevitably they will be visited nightly by the local wildlife (even if they are unaware). But - never seen or heard this topic discussed. And if that wildlife includes canines that even if they left their poop outside a few metres away from camp that it too would by upcycled and eaten nightly. Sorry folks - I'm raving LOL. Trent n Allie - did u get that Juniper Oil?
I would never want to deal with black water. In my trailer I just use a lugable loo and/or a Gatorade bottle. The thing I realized is number 2 is not that frequent. Unless I am out in the boonies there is usually a bathroom I can use. I might use the lugable loo a couple times a week. Then I just throw away the bag in a trash can. Another point though, don't mix poo and pee in the bag, it stinks up the whole trailer. Separate the two and you are good to go. When I build a larger rig though I probably will do a separating composting toilet like the nature's head.
This was so much fun....real things we have to deal with..but nobody wants to talk about.. "Perfumed Poop...Beef Stew..."...Such an elevating discussion....makes me wanna sit on the can and read Immanuel Kant...haha.. Homegirl.."I will never go back..pooping in in your van is amazing..awesome..." yo..you go girl... Gingerdude.."I've played with poop.." So have I...should I put that as a bullet point on my Career Builders resume?.. Homegirl..."Its SUPER true love to empty your partner's poop.." Sounds insightful...we should include this in the standard Couples Counseling Handbook... How about taking a Dump in a Trump gold toilet..?..too heavy for van installation..? Sara and Alex seem like super cool folks..Here's a shoutout for their site... 40hoursoffreedom.com And living in a big city with an estimated 300 dogs in my immediate hood, Alex's emphatic ..."Pick up your dog's poop!!"...won my heart.....Thanks Alex!!... Continue to have fun and new adventures!..
A video with my two favorite vanlife couples together and talking about pooping! Just perfect! And the cute dog on the end of the table is the most adorable. Is that Bambi?
Nature's Head Composting toilet seems better than the C-head to me. From reviews that I've read, all toilet paper has to be tossed into a separate bin with the C-head, with the Nature's Head, only the toilet paper used for going #1 should be tossed into a separate bin; only because it would fill up too quickly otherwise.
Well shit that gives me a lot to think about! I’m leaning towards the dry flush toilet till I saw how much the cassettes cost $1.69 a flush would incentive to not us it. Lol.
Hello guys, for those stuck with a smelly cassette... one can pour in fabric softener to better tame the foulness. It’s a great option some of us professional motor coach drivers use in an environment with 56 passengers involved 💩 Don’t spare the magic juice and any old brand will doo
Seems like the optimal solution would be an actual potty with a urine diverter plumbed into a gray tank. The liquids would go into the waste tank, and the solids would go into a trash bag and get disposed with the trash.
I'm currently designing a van to build and so far the best toilet option I've been able to find, as far as handling the waste for disposal, is the "Dry Flush Toilet." While it does require buying refill cartridges it's only slightly over $1 per use and allows you to dispose of it in the trash instead a toilet.
Very informative video! To the couple that doesn't poo in their van, seriously, you have to have an emergency back up way to poo haha. What if you're sick and can't help but poo in the van.. bags maybe? If it hasn't happened yet it's something to think about, especially if you're sick and can't make it out of your van :(
All you do is to get a bucket and put plastic bags around the rim and you have your toilet. Wrap the bag up when your done.Using the bag in the bucket! :) You do the same thing for baby diapers etc. Good luck to you all and stay safe! :)
So much fun hanging with you guys. Love that we go straight to the potty talk!
Haha It was a blast! Potty talk was a great way to break the ice
Trent & Allie what about a toilet that has a heavy duty garbage bag that can be removed and tossed that you fill with silica cat litter my cat had the worst smelling poops and that kitty litter made so i could not smell it any more im planing on converting a school bus and using a system like that just tie the bag toss it in a bin and put a new bag as needed
Put a loop in the pee hose creating a water trap. This'll keep the pee tank from back venting into the van!
Trent and Allie, you are the best.Videos with other couples are fun because YOU'RE having fun, but the comparison is always how much more down to earth the two of you are--so much more real, and warmer and welcoming as well.
Eliza that is so sweet! We have gotten some comments of people feeling the opposite so it's so refreshing to know that you feel this way! Thank you :)
U r my fav youtube couple - and yes - I also would say down to earth!! Umm - and good cooks ;-)
Hands down my favorite van-life couple!
I think a lot depends upon how you grew up...I was raised on a farm with dairy cattle and cleaned up after them. We also had a pit toilet so when I designed our new Ford Transit Van this Spring, I put in a Camco 2-1/2 gallon cassette. Sept 13th our 60th anniversary, we camped for four days using the campground facilities part of the time. We just got back from a five day camping trip and both times we were able to wait until getting home to dump. I am very happy with the selection.
Using a tip from another poster we use a plastic can with a screw top for the TP which makes the cleanup a lot easier.
Hi guys, very informative video with lots of information. This is what we decided to do after using other van.
We have a Thetford cassette toilet in the van that we use for #1 only so the cassette only holds pee and eco friendly deodoriser. It's sealed anyway all the time so no smell at all and really easy to empty into either a toilet as you do with your separating toilet or now there are dedicated sluice machines on most camp site that clean it out for you. Where possible we do #2 always out of the van in public toilets.
On the odd occasion where you have to go #2 in the van we put biodegradable toilet bag over the seat in the bowl and go normally then tie up and dispose off as soon as convenient in a sanitary location. That way we can do both if needed but don't have to mix the two and deal with the cleaning out afterwards. There are toilets everywhere and finding one is usually never an issue, but we have both options. 👍🏼😊
Firstly, grey and/or black water tanks should be properly ventilated to atmosphere to ensure proper function and performance. Unfortunately, far too many builders (pros, as well as DIYers) fail to do this in a manner that minimizes/eliminates unpleasant odors from entering the living space while positively venting the living space, such as while driving or during the use of extraction fans. That's where a siphon vent, such as the 360 Siphon RV Vent Cap from Lippert Components might just be the best $20 you'll ever spend! Installation is dead simple and, hopefully, any odors from back drafts via the composting toilet vent will be no more!
Now, on to my main comments:
Liquids are nutrients (as well as, virtually sterile). Solids are pathogens. The mixing of liquids with solids is what results in the rather unpleasant odor.
An appropriately ventilated composting toilet dries the solids mix (humanure). Thus no odor.
Liquids disposal is safe, clean and easy, as is the occasional emptying of humanure from a composting toilet.
A urine-diverting composting toilet, such as the C-Head Composting Toilet, is my suggestion for the best approach to eliminating the need for a black tank.
The principles are simple:
1. Don't mix liquids with solids.
2. Dry solids through a combination of composting medium and ventilation.
3. Ventilate thoroughly for solids drying and odor minimization/elimination.
Optionally, minimize the need to empty the liquids container by plumbing/diverting liquids to a grey water tank for less frequent (and proper) disposal.
All of this shouldn't cost nearly a thousand dollars! And it doesn't have to. The basic C-Head is $599. And, if that's still too spendy, a semi-skilled DIYer could create such a toilet in a day for less than $100!
Lastly, the GO Anywhere Portable Toilet from Cleanwaste is a fantastic and affordable (less than $80) solution for emergency situations should you choose not to include a toilet in your build. While remarkably similar to standard toilets in form, the GO Anywhere uses proprietary Poo Powder that creates a hardened gel from mixed liquids and solids. Perhaps best of all, the GO Anywhere stores in just 19"x14"x5" when not in use.
P.S. I'm not affiliated with any composting toilet manufacturer or distributor. I'm just a guy who's done the research and employs his own advice.
John Coloe > absolutely stellar info, thanks!
Thanks I will check some of them out.
Sounds like you know your shit. (Sorry). So having a cassette that you just poop in and pee in a separate container would seem like a pretty good option also.
Thomas Barlow nope! No chemicals in a composting toilet , so you’d have great difficulty emptying a cassette 🥴
Thank you for the useful information!
I absolutely loved this collaboration! I know it seems strange considering the topic, but it’s a part of life. Y’all handled it w/class & I appreciated the candor. Excellent!
I have found that the luggable loo is working out pretty well for me right now.
I use tidy cats 24/7 . I generally don't notice a smell unless it's actually in use, or I waited too long between uses.
Liquids kept separate from solids (?) makes a big difference.
( disclaimer: nobody else is around to experience it so more sensitive noses might have a different opinion)
I'm not currently on the road, this is supplemental to the main house that isn't always available.
Tidy cats wasn't planned but evolved from another situation and happened to be available.
I did notice that even without a bag leak, the smell permeates the bag to linger in the bucket. I just have a bag ready when I change them and replace it quickly. Bag goes out with rest of trash just like an emptied cat box or dirty diapers.
Works pretty good for me in my unique situation.
I have previously used a porta potty, the shovel and hole, and on a few random occasions just a bucket and bag.
Unfortunately on a couple occasions with the bucket in a work/cargo van things got to "stew" for several hours before things could be disposed of and aired out.
I worked with a seismic crew for almost a year. Commercial chemical toilets were usually provided, but a few time they weren't available. I got over the "who's looking at me" thing really quickly . My shovel was a good friend.
I lived in a "mobile home" that took a little while to install hookups during the 90's. We had a 70's era porta potty. Emptying that was a hassle and chore in that situation. More people began using it, but nobody else was willing to empty it or clean it correctly.
I literally threw it one day out of frustration. That was the end of that one. Remembering that was a deciding factor in choosing my luggable loo.
I'm hoping to be mobile on my own soon, so videos with your experiences have been very helpful.
Trent and Allie totally agree with the composting toilet option. Check out C head composting toilet. I like it better due to its simplicity. Similar to nature’s head but to empty is easier. Nature’s head requires you to slide off top portion, then completely remove the entire base and remove from the van to empty. Then you have to reassemble both parts and latch back in. C head requires you to only remove a basic 5 gallon bucket, empty then replace. Much easier imho. Costs a bit less but that’s not the main factor. Comes in a variety of styles and finishes. Love watching you guys. You should build vans for others. Yours is awesome.
Thank you this info is very helpful. I'll look into it :)
We'll check it out! Thanks Maitilda
As a semi truck driver I have to agree... The bucket & a bag is way better then a cassette. A little kitty litter if you can't empty it right when you go.
for sure! That's a good idea
Perfect timing to save us in our build! We just started a build out in our diesel Promaster (158" extended) and had been planning on a cassette toilet. Time to rethink that one...
GO compost for sure!!
Love this. Ya can use the bag method and one of those kitty litter diaper genies also. Especially in cold climates, and if you boonedock all the time, its important to have several options. We are city dwellers with fulltime jobs, so its important to have options.
We shower with about two gallons in our rig in winter. There is a water heater in our rig, but in winter, we can't use flowing water. We get feet of snow and ice here. Gym membership is almost imperative.
Love you guys. Thanks for all your insight
No problem Clark!! Glad you found the info useful
I live on a canal boat in the UK. (A couple of videos on my channel)
Planning to get a van for trips off the canal system.
Get two bargees (or liveaboard boaters) together and this subject comes up along with batteries and solar or not.
I actually still have the holding tank in place for a pump out but the previous owners took out the toilet as it went faulty and parts are expensive. Also the cost of a pump out!!!
I use a portapotti. I don't even use chemicals as I find it's less smell! Simple and easy.There are points on the system to empty it. You can also just open a manhole and dump it! A friend of mine has done that a time or two. There is also a pump out boat that will empty the cassette for you in some areas.
Composting toilets are now viable on the boats as they have tweaked the design to account t for a damp atmosphere. A friend has one. He just digs a hole in the woods and buries it! You can also double bag it and skip it!
Keep on keeping on!
Thanks Laurie!!
What a convo to come across right before my first black tank dump in my new RV. I am 2/3 full and ready to go do it. And I said I wasn’t going to poo in the trailer either, but that didn’t work out. I’m glad I’m setup this way. For now. Thanks for the Potty Talk.
Good luck Celeste!! Let us know how it goes for you!
I'm using one of those old people commode chairs and I line it with a bag so basically like bag and bucket type of thing except for you get a really nice chair to sit on and a has a built in toilet paper holder, And then I use a funnel and a gallon container for number one. After going number 2, I tie up the bag and put it in a separate 5 gallon bucket that has a gamma seal lid on the top and that stores in my garage area, Then just dump that when possible.🤷♀️
Hello people ..I saw your vid on poopy talk 4 months later but had to comment since I have tried many ways to do so in rv's and van and I think I have found the best method.. I use to work on a wild life reserve and they always used saw dust in the system they used for outside toilets .I have black water tank in my roadtrek and it smells a lot in the summer months so decided to try a bucket five gallon and a bag and some saw dust I picked up free from a local wood shop. The trick is to put saw dust at the bottom of the bag inside the pail and then after you go do ur business you cover the whole deal with saw dust 1 inch or so and make sure you also cover the toilet paper 0 smell instantly and the saw dust absorbs the liquid part in a hurry so your good for a few days in the same bag if you go in layers if you dont want stuff onboard you just discard the bag next time you fuel up or anywhere in a garbage can...Happy trails folks be safe.
I reckon the majority of us Europeans have cassette toilets. The Aires in France and Spain usually had a waste point, sometimes a toilet or just a drain cover with a water hose to clean up. We used chemicals and it broken everything down into a green unscented slurry. I've been told dishwasher tablets are better for the environment and as effective.
Good tips!! we'll keep that in mind. thank you
I have a truck camper and I use Cascade in my black tank. I dump about every 5 or 6 days. No smells. Cascade is easy on the plumbing and sewage treatment systems.
i'm in Oz...can i ask what Cascade is?? Can't say i have heard of it here. @@campingboy9213
Nola Smith cascade is a brand of automatic dishwasher soap that can come in powder form or liquid pellets, or even liquid poured from a container. cascadeclean.com/en-us/products
You guys rock. Everyone skips this question in their videos. This is the most important part, especially if a guy is trying to get his women to go.
Totally love the idea of a Natures Head toilet with a 5 gallon pee-tank that can be released on secluded roads. Since I hope to do extended travel in a van (although I never plan to live in one full time), I want to do a composting toilet but be able to bring the compost home to add to my home compost bin, for true composting. A Nature's head as you've described, but only pooping in the van in emergencies (I don't think I can ever say "never")... it sounds like the nearest thing I've heard to truly sustainable. Impressed!
Nature's head is great, it doesn't smell like poo. It just smells vaguely like dirt. Not much smell at all. It is VERY expensive, but worth it. The Maxx Air van will not overpower the small extractor fan as long as you keep the lid to the toilet shut anytime you aren't using it. You do need to be aware of where your extractor fan is blowing out to. You may occasionally get a whiff of "dirty dirt" if you are next to where it is blowing. I have it blow out the bottom of my travel trailer and it is very rare to ever get any kind of smell. Make sure you install a screen with fine enough mesh to prevent bugs from getting in your extractor outlet. They will get in there if you let them. I converted my old black tank to an extra grey tank and it has been great. Black tanks are a waste of money, weight, and space. You can make your own version of a Nature's Head-style toilet. They aren't really complicated. However you make it, make sure you seal all of your surfaces with a non-permeable finish. Epoxy is probably the best thing if you are going to make it out of wood or any other permeable material. Just assume that stuff will get into any crack, pore, hole, or corner that is in your toilet, because eventually, it will.
Solid info!! Thanks man 😎 we bought a nature’s head and will be installing it soon!
Lol,. We have a black water system now but I would like a natures head in the future. In our last van we had a small plastic potty with a sealing lid. We would use it like a composting toilet. We lined it with a compostable bag. After each use we put a handful of wood shavings in to prevent smells. We dumped it every morning. Worked great.
Sounds awesome!!!
By far the two best van builds on the internet today , period... thanks guys for sharing and I agree with Alex there has to be a way to plumb the nature’s head pee into a small pee tank that can be “released” on the road. Thanks again guys.... you are both very inspirational couples!
Thanks David! That means a lot man
Brilliant- thanks for thrashing this out all of you! I'm in the middle of our build and debating this very topic 👍🏻
Great video, for the last 2 years I have watched every van build video on UA-cam. I would only consider 5 of those gold star builds. Its amazing to see 2 of the 5 together at one time and the only two in north America. The guys are funny and the ladies are classy. When I start my build in 2020 it will be a natureshead with plumbing to a 10 gallon tank for pee and the shower and a ball valve.
I thought of 2 more to add to a short list of excellent builds
Thanks J G we are honored to be among those few and proud builds
Inquiring minds want to know. Which builds do you consider "gold star"? I have my list and will concur or add to your list should you choose to respond.
Haha I love how they just asked for the nature's toilet 😂😂they are great haha funny.
If I may suggest - look into a Thetford Cassette Toilet. It is much easier to use, dump & clean AND you can dump it in many places - including Port-O-Lets, truck stops (some have dumping stations), any place that you can wheel-in or carry-in your cassette unit which doesn't require you to enter a business. It has a capacity of 4.5 gallons. If you are camping in a state park or somewhere which has "facilities on site" you can carry the cassette in there and dump and clean it. The toilet you are referring to (almost) sounds like some sort of composting toilet.
We used dometics version of the thetford cassette. It was terrible!! Composting toilets are so much better
Well from what I understand if you are willing to plan on only using the Thetford cassette for doing #1 you will be happier. That is what a few others do and if we end up with one, that is our plan also. But time will tell as to how we finally choose.
I just obtained a Pearson 26 sailboat. They made options for either a marine head or a porta-potty, mine is the porta-potty version. I found a "composting toilet" option on ebay (called Bathroom Toilet Modern White Square Close Pregnant women old man Seat WC Pan for $85 and I bought a pee converter for $45 so I will have less than $150 in the same thing a Nature's Head which goes about a grand. I will be using coconut coir medium instead of peat moss as a more ecologically friendly medium since it takes peat moss HUNDREDS of years to grow. A 5 lb bag of coco coir is about $17 on amazon.
Thanks for the info Gregg!!
A friend has a VW Campervan, she uses a pop-up tent. This is where she 'makes water' and 'beef stew'. It offers privacy, and doesn't involve urinating or defecating in the van.
Also a good idea! Thanks
Great information guys. This topic was worrying me on which way to go. I was leaning today nature’s head composing toilet before but now a lot more. Thanks and safe travels 👍😎🚌
Good way to lean Tom!! :)
This was epic...I had JUST discovered Sara & Alex last night and tune in tonight and here ya’ll are together talkin’ shit! Hahahahaha, cracked me up!
Pretty funny video huh?
After having my thetford toilet leak due to being full and caravan being on a slope, yeeash!
I'm a nurse & exposed to a range of bodily fluids but eeew you're right after a few days it's truely gross!
Even though was only 1's through to under the bed, what a mess!
Everything had to come out from under the bed, get rinsed and washed thoroughly.
Must say I have been hesitant to use since, am finding it quicker cleaner & easier to peel into an old icecream container, then empty & rinse out as I go.
The campervan I am rebuilding has a porta-poti, which I plan to store in the shower tray.
But so far on my weekenders in the roughed out/mid build van have left it at home & taken my little 2ltr tub.
Yeah i've come to realize that no one should use cassettes haha. we got a natures head now
wow. thats the best van toilet video ever !!! i like the conversation , its so funny and natural, hahah. good job guys.
Thank you!! Glad you liked it
My husband is a Trucker and when I go with him we have a five gallon bucket and a camping seat with lid. I use a black bag and kitty litter and carpet fresh for those emergency times lol. Then you can just throw in the dumpster .
Loved this video!!! Beef stew!!! Ha ha ha, classic!!! My BF is 6'4" and a pretty conventional guy who would never live in a van or RV no matter how nice they were. If he ever dumps me though this is the plan. I know your going to tell me its bad for environment and all but they have that toilet that works like a diaper genie and bags it right up, you toss the bags in the trash just as if you had walked the dog or changed the babies diaper. For me that would be the only way to go.
Luggable ..so easy, dispose of it next time out the door. I put mine in my minivan for emergencies only. It’s stored in a leather cube with a lid so it just looks like a cool white leather stool. It works to just leave it in there. only for #2 and I used a special jell cat litter ..zip up bag and you’re done
You've got it figured out for sure
Hi guys! Thank you so much for making this video. I now have a better idea of what to use on my future van.
I'm getting ready to redo an old Avion camper for full time use. The poo doesn't actually fully compost completely even in the expensive "composting" toilets so you are still just bagging it anyway in the end, just not as often. I've decided to just make a very nice bucket-type system and bags and I'll just tie up and dispose after use. I can buy a whole lot of plastic bags for the price of a composting toilet and not have the smell or the clean up problems. Plus it would just be a small amount every day instead of a months worth. Just my take on it. I'm actually considering making it out of ceramic too with a removable pot for sanitary clean up.
Really great idea!!
Sure does create a lot of plastic in the trash that is never going to compost.
Everyone always says, hey, there goes that van with the brown stripe down the side. Our toilet: Model # 55 by Full Moon Toilets. They're a breeze to operate! Bidet included on rainy days. Lol
Thank you for covering this subject. We are leaning towards the natures head .
We just bought one too haha
Most helpful and funniest video yet!! You guys are awesome!! Safe travels!!
Thank you! Glad you liked it
Oh I forgot to mention the click bait (not) picture of you guys on the 🚽. Hysterical 😭 idea.
Rest stops on US highways have dump stations. Public Restrooms open to non-paying are Starbucks or drunken donuts, Walmart, most any fast food like Mc Donalds BK, taco bell, Piza hut, and so on. Overall, I think it is well worth anything you have to do in order to have a toilet in the van. A time will come where your like, O CRAP, I have to go and I have to go Now. Because let's face it, if that happens and you don't have a potty, everyone is smelling your beef stew anyways. Lets not talk about cleaning that up. LOL.
Haha pile the clothes and burn them when that happens lol!! Yeah it's nice to have the toilet for sure and we are glad to have the option in the van! We are hoping the natures head is much better. we'll see I guess
Just bring a 5 gallon bucket and a trash bag. Dispose of the bag when finished into a proper waste facility.
Super funny video guys just one suggestion...ive seen other vanlifers empty their cassette toilets at regular Rv dump statations and you never see the poo. Might give that a shot. There seems to be quite a few free dump stations out there.
Mind = blow at the difference a hair cut and a shave makes on trent :D
haha thanks :)
Great vid. Well done for tackling this topic. We lived in a narrow boat and had a cassette toilet and emptied it regularly. We just cracked on with that but we did wee in the shower so it all ran out with the drained water and did our number 2 in the gym or work.
I think a lot of people don’t hook up the fan on the nature’s head. I have heard people say if the fan is hooked up and you are tooling down the highway air gets blown into the vent and you get the smell. There is a venturi (?) valve you can install that keeps air flow going one way only. I guess don’t put it in backwards! 🤭
haha yeah you have to get the vent hooked up properly lol
I would definitely go with the composting toilet. People who use it seem to live it. Less can be said about those other toilet options
agreed
GREAT video! I did a car to camper conversion in my Rav 4 and I made my own port a potty fashioned after the lugaloo. Works for me! I'm a boonbocker so being self contained is a must for me! Also, being a solo female with a chihuahua I do not always feel comfortable stepping out of my locked car. Your van conversion is my absolute FAVORITE and I greatly appreciate the content of your channel! I'm going to check out Sara and Alex's channel now. xo
So glad you like our stuff! Thanks for watching Arteesta :)
Arteesta it's unsafe for both men/women late at night. You never know if someone is stalking the van.
true! I would still feel safer with a male partner, lol and .....I would definitely feel safer with a Pitbull ..... but it's me and my Chihuahua so I take extra precautions. xo
Answered the question that was on my mind but didn't want to ask! I didn't realize until your last video that you guys have a shower in the van too! Nice!!
Yeah the shower was crucial!!
I’ve listened to a lot of rvers and van dwellers debate this. I’m preparing to either get a van or a casita. More and more the lugaloo option looks practical
It is!! But poopin in a bag is less than glorious haha
Trent & Allie lol😂😂😂 My mother and sister have dogs. I have a cat. I’m also a nurses aide. If I can’t scoop my own poop 💩 well too bad for me 🤪
Thank you!!
This is a subject of great consideration to those of us considering van life!!!
This is great content! Thank you! I’m in the process of planning my van now and this was super helpful!
Watch Snow and Curt van build. Their shower and compost toilet is fantastic!
Really like your videos. I'm old school and there is nothing easier than dumping the black tank and you do it less often.
This is true but in our situation you have to install a black tank and we don't really have room for it
Thank you. People don’t talk enough about this!!!!!
So true!!
I loved this video! Thanks for “going there”! One question I don’t think you addressed was why neither of you considered the regular black tank. That’s what I have in my Sprinter van and I definitely don’t have any problem with it. I have seen other videos saying it’s disgusting, and of course it’s not “fun” but I find it’s not bad at all.
Black tanks are just a really big cassette and if you don't get the chemicals right it can be really smelly too. Either way if you're happy with it, don't change it but we like the composting toilet now
Love both your vans. I use a pail potty system ( no clue what Brand name is) but I put cat litter in. Recently I have heard that cedar small animal wood shavings ( or even sawdust would work) as I only change it every couple of days as I am a single van dweller.
I’ve heard this method is used by most long term van dwellers. Definitely says something about it
OMG this couldn't have come at a better time! I started making my toilet today... single mum with 1yr old daughter doing vanlife in Australia in a minivan... so need a "just in case" dunny for mum!! 😆😆
That's awesome!! Perfect timing is right
Have you considered the C-Head instead of the Nature's Head? First, it's cheaper than the Nature's Head, it has the extractor fan iron option if you want it, it's easier to empty the poop holder as it's essentially a pail that is easier to take out instead of detaching the poop holder from the toilet itself like the Nature's Head, the pee container is easier to maintain and replace since you can use a milk jug or a liquid soap bottle. Plus, they have various designs and sizes to suit different spaces.
Sure, the Nature's Head is well known, fancier, and basically the go-to composting option but you may want to consider the C-Head out.
yeah! C-head wouldn't work for us because you have to mount the toilet and pee jug separately and we need to be able to mount it all as one unit. they're another good option though!
I like that you guys are down to earth. Also you guys answer lots of your followers questions. Gotta be getting harder to do with your channel growing. Been watching you since the build. Ps. I love coffee too and yes it makes the morning poo come a little faster. But coffee is so yummy! Hugs to frank and take care.
Awww Thanks Lori! We're so glad to have long time viewers like you! We always try to answer everyones questions and it's nice when people notice and appreciate that
yes, positive pressure solves all smell issues with black tanks
hahahah loved this video! As someone who wants to get into this life, to have a shower/potty or not is the biggest question for me. Thanks for having this sit down....finger pointing and all...LOL much love, xoxo
11:30
The thing about the casette toilets is that you really need to find the right chemicals. And when emptied, you need to prime it with water and a big cup worth of the chemical. Maybe something like the Thetford blue "nuclear" stuff that just kills everything in its path (including septic tanks, so don't drop it into one of those). The proper name for a portapotti is really chemical toilet, the chemical is crucial. Still disgusting though...
But yeah, an Airhead composting toilet is probably the sweet spot. Black tanks can stink as well, and get clogged, and be incredibly nasty to deal with as well. Airhead vs Nature's Head... basically the same thing, but the Airhead is better looking and you can empty the pee jug without opening the main solids compartment, and it's also the original. And another benefit of course - the solids only have to be emptied about once a month, maybe 3 weeks, depending on how much you poop.
PS. Cassette toilets would probably be nicer to live with if these were available everywhere: www.thetford-europe.com/thetford-machine/ but alas, as far as I know they're only in a very few spots in Europe.
haha yeah we wish there was a thetford rinsing machine nearby trust me lol
Definitely the composting toilet with the diverted for urine is the best choice (and cheapest) no need to pay $1000 for it. Also, the bottle for the urine is too small. I learned I fill half a gallon per night alone of urine. I would rather throw out the full gallon and get a clean gallon than reuse the same bottle over and over as it smells. Apple cider vinegar in the urine container helps prevent the smell.
Love you two, you are always so cute explaining everything. FYI, I did call Air Head composting Toilet co. and they said their's can be in a wet area, don't drown it and don't get the fan wet as with the Nature's Head, but they said yes, also look at the measurements of the AH versus the NH, the AH will fit easier in a small space due to its size....just my humble opinion.
This is true but the AH has to have the base and the pee jug mounted separately and that presents a problem for us so we're gonna try the NH.
I dont know why everyone does not use a compost toilet as they dont stink at all if used properly.The secret is to use the right cover material and in my opinion that is peat moss because you only need to use very little compared to other types especially if you dont throw toilet paper in the bucket. .And a simple homemade compost toilet works just as well .I use a trowel and mix the contents of the bucket by hand every week and when I do empty the container it is just like garden soil .The big advantage of compost toilets is you can go for over a month without the need to empty them
I have been strongly leaning toward some type of compost--y'all have helped seal that deal.
Yeah just spend the extra cash and get composting for sure
Great subject and another great video. I was considering the Nature's Head however, the Airhead composting toilet can be mounted in a wet room and flush against the wall. Just thought you way want to give them a look.
Oh btw in Europe Cassette toilets are so common there are machines you put them into dump and it even cleans and disinfects them. You pay like a vending machine.
I saw a UA-cam on that. It was very interesting. We're behind Europe in that area here in the US I guess😏
I would gladly pay money to have my cassette automatically dumped and cleaned (in US).
Is there a list or map of all of them? Or how i can search them on google?
Wēla Eorþ Google "Thetford machine", or visit www.thetford-europe.com/thetford-machine/can-find-thetford-machine/
Yesss.... finally someone said it..ppl please pickup Dog poop.🐶
I’m not in a van (yet) but working my plan and the toilet that seems to be the best option for me is the dry flush toilet by Laveo
Thank you for bringin this to our attention
It's an interesting concept that removes the gross factor but it's not cheap - $1 per flush roughly.
Great discussion. I knew those people with the Hymer Aktiv cassette toilet weren't being truthful. :) I was going to have a custom build with a Natures Head but the deal didn't work out. Will probably end up with a mass build with black tank. Surprised with the number of full timers with no bathroom, no way (not that I will be full time). You could check out The FitRV for their video on the Natures Head, very honest. You can also see how much they hated the cassette. Oh yes, Promaster all the way.
Yeah Doug i've seen their reviews of natures head and cassettes. Pretty funny videos for sure!!
Sounds like we follow a lot of the same ppl. LOL, I agree. We're going with nature's head for our future build😉
I loved this video! And yes pick up your dogs poop!!!! LOL
Hey T&A! Loving the collabs lately! Hugs from the Netherlands!
Thanks Bart!! Glad you enjoying them
The fan venting information was interesting
You can tell that neither couple has CHILDREN...(as in changing "poopy" diapers!) Otherwise, they wouldn't be so "sensitive" about the "poo" topic (lol)! I want to do a van conversion...but I would HAVE to have a functioning potty(like the Nature's Head model). I'm wondering if it could be put somewhere in the van (like if I only had a twin or full-sized mattress)...??? I'll keep researching and see what other people do. Otherwise, both of you have WONDERFUL van conversions!
I got a Nature's head for my home on wheels. I highly recommend it
Would just going number 1 in the cassette be tolerable? Then using a Luggable Loo type thing , with kitty litter, for number 2. Throw away luggable loo trash bag as soon as possible. That's what I'm thinking about doing.
Better than a cassette toilet that's for sure haha
I use my porta potty for tinkle. #2 is straight to trash in a plastic bag no kitty littler. Same as I do with my dogs
Carole Steinberg Yes, I think that will work best for me too!
I think so too that the separating composting toilet is the way to go! But I think you would be able to build one instead of buying that 1k peace of plastic xD if you just find big enough 3D printer for the separator. =)
thats a smart idea!!
Just carried on watching so I could see the dog sitting at the end of the table 😂😂😂
Haha nugget is a funny dog
Trent & Allie They’re both gorgeous! What breed are they?
I live off the grid and hav used a number of weird n wonderful toileting systems over the years! The least eewie one was the dig a hole in the bush in the morning, leave a bit of paper out - cover over then burn the paper. Poop is surprisingly flammable. That process involved contemplating the bush every morning and was a good wake up. Pooping with a view is always nice.Never fancied any system that involves water.
I'm dreaming of RV-ing again soon! Think I'm gonna try out 100% biodegradable kitty litter then sealing it all in like compostable 'doggy' bags. No slop, no smell, and can be put into the compostable garbage - so quick n easy to get rid of.
Have u read Joseph Jenkins "humanure"......always called that the weirdest book on my shelf!
Joe reckons human waste can save the world - and even break down PCB's, nuclear waste etc. His books are worth a read.
ua-cam.com/video/98zuU9Vwwlg/v-deo.html
We'll have to check them out!!
Jaahda Jinnah - I know ... I don't understand why people can't figure out that if they treat their own fecal matter the same way they do their dogs ... it's the easiest way! Even easier ... prepare a nice little pre-bagged catch system to one time poop/ bagged/tied off and thrown into the nearest trash can .... probably one close to your camp spot in a city or campsite near you! Very sanitary and no lingering smell! There's one van lifer who invented her own separating system in this regard that I've seen ... That's it! Why?!
my poop never burned away. I've tried a few times. at best hardened to a clump.
lime powder for gardening completely eats up poop and quickly.
Yes - lime powder is excellent!!
When I buried my 'biz' I wasn't really focusing on burning it - more focused on burning the paper component of the package. Burning poop is easier at higher temperatures. My rationale was "animals poop in the woods - but don't use toilet paper". Hence I wanted to get rid of the toilet paper whilst letting the poop break down under the ground.
When you're out there in the backs of beyond poop and urine are like the telecommunications system of the animals. SO much info comes from sniffing and 'reading' that waste material of another animal.
In Aboriginal culture (in OZ) you have protocols about where, when and how to poop and pee. And ya have to be careful that your bodily waste is not acquired by shamans of ill intent. And men and women never pee or poop in the same receptacle.
As an aside I've co-existed with a lot of wild life. I NEVER try to tame it - we live side by side. It's kinda symbiotic. When gardening in the paddock it is not unusual for me to have an odd flock of all kinds of creatures watching me from close by - and following me. Now I've been watching recently a lot of "USA RVers - and wondering about the animals and the interactions with RVers - but nothing much seems to be said on this topic.
When I was living OUT of my van for a few years and travelling VERY remote (more remote I suspect than is available in USA) I would mostly do everything outside of the van and my van was not set out like these vans I see on youtube. And so as far as grey water is concerned it all got deposited (and still does at my off the grid 'home-base') into the bush. But even without putting the grey water into the bush what always occurs is that all the wild animals come to check things out at night and they eat the bits they consider edible.
And so I know that human presence attracts all the wildlife. But (to me) that USA wildlife seems a whole lot more scary! Wolves, coyotes, bears, even a moose all seem far more scary than what I'm used to. I would imagine that despite how much an RVer might try to disguise their presence that inevitably they will be visited nightly by the local wildlife (even if they are unaware). But - never seen or heard this topic discussed. And if that wildlife includes canines that even if they left their poop outside a few metres away from camp that it too would by upcycled and eaten nightly.
Sorry folks - I'm raving LOL.
Trent n Allie - did u get that Juniper Oil?
Yep - totally understand!!
Much needed info; thank you for honest discussion!
I would never want to deal with black water. In my trailer I just use a lugable loo and/or a Gatorade bottle. The thing I realized is number 2 is not that frequent. Unless I am out in the boonies there is usually a bathroom I can use. I might use the lugable loo a couple times a week. Then I just throw away the bag in a trash can. Another point though, don't mix poo and pee in the bag, it stinks up the whole trailer. Separate the two and you are good to go. When I build a larger rig though I probably will do a separating composting toilet like the nature's head.
Solid advice ;)
Does nobody know the word "sewage"? ... Oh wait ... Yeeesss - Thank you Trent, you do know the word! 😉Good info on the toilet systems available.
haha I used to be a drain cleaner lol i'm familiar with the term lol
This was so much fun....real things we have to deal with..but nobody wants to talk about..
"Perfumed Poop...Beef Stew..."...Such an elevating discussion....makes me wanna sit on the can and read Immanuel Kant...haha..
Homegirl.."I will never go back..pooping in in your van is amazing..awesome..." yo..you go girl...
Gingerdude.."I've played with poop.." So have I...should I put that as a bullet point on my Career Builders resume?..
Homegirl..."Its SUPER true love to empty your partner's poop.." Sounds insightful...we should include this in the standard Couples Counseling Handbook...
How about taking a Dump in a Trump gold toilet..?..too heavy for van installation..?
Sara and Alex seem like super cool folks..Here's a shoutout for their site...
40hoursoffreedom.com
And living in a big city with an estimated 300 dogs in my immediate hood, Alex's emphatic ..."Pick up your dog's poop!!"...won my heart.....Thanks Alex!!...
Continue to have fun and new adventures!..
Thanks Stephen!! So glad you enjoyed it!! It was fun to make
A video with my two favorite vanlife couples together and talking about pooping! Just perfect! And the cute dog on the end of the table is the most adorable. Is that Bambi?
That's nugget!! Glad you had a good time watching us both :)
Very informative, and very, very funny. You are great!
So glad you enjoyed it
Nature's Head Composting toilet seems better than the C-head to me. From reviews that I've read, all toilet paper has to be tossed into a separate bin with the C-head, with the Nature's Head, only the toilet paper used for going #1 should be tossed into a separate bin; only because it would fill up too quickly otherwise.
Well shit that gives me a lot to think about! I’m leaning towards the dry flush toilet till I saw how much the cassettes cost $1.69 a flush would incentive to not us it. Lol.
Yeah for sure!! Those dry flushes are pretty cool
Home Depot sells the dry flush cassettes the cheapest. 3-pack for $59..
Giggled so many times watching this. That was a fun one! We’re installing a Nature’s Head!
Smart!! you'll love it
Hello guys, for those stuck with a smelly cassette... one can pour in fabric softener to better tame the foulness. It’s a great option some of us professional motor coach drivers use in an environment with 56 passengers involved 💩 Don’t spare the magic juice and any old brand will doo
That sounds like a great idea to try!!
This is great! Helpful, funny, and jovial. Thanks.
Well now, that answers that question....Thanx so much!
Yep, too much inconvenience. Just Use public restrooms.
During Winter, that might suck more lol. Plan accordingly.
nothing like trying to use nature or a public restroom in torrential down pour!!
Seems like the optimal solution would be an actual potty with a urine diverter plumbed into a gray tank. The liquids would go into the waste tank, and the solids would go into a trash bag and get disposed with the trash.
That's a solid method :)
I'm currently designing a van to build and so far the best toilet option I've been able to find, as far as handling the waste for disposal, is the "Dry Flush Toilet." While it does require buying refill cartridges it's only slightly over $1 per use and allows you to dispose of it in the trash instead a toilet.
they seam pretty cool!!
U ever find out how well it works?
Very informative video! To the couple that doesn't poo in their van, seriously, you have to have an emergency back up way to poo haha. What if you're sick and can't help but poo in the van.. bags maybe? If it hasn't happened yet it's something to think about, especially if you're sick and can't make it out of your van :(
Agreed!!
All you do is to get a bucket and put plastic bags around the rim and you have your toilet. Wrap the bag up when your done.Using the bag in the bucket! :)
You do the same thing for baby diapers etc.
Good luck to you all and stay safe! :)
Good stuff guys!! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been looking at the C head toilet. It has a urine diverted and you can put a bag in it or compost. Whatever you prefer.