Yuck, but essential I guess 😆 I watched another video about this type of loo where they added a few tablespoons of sugar into the urine tank, which apparently stopped it from being whiffy. One thing I am curious about btw is ventilation. Some use a small fan to extract air from the no2 bin to outside the van. Have you considered this? Much respect in any case! Isla.
So if your chemical toilet only lasted 4days what are you going to do with the solids after 4 days cos it won’t have composted down to dispose of safely If you have it in a bag with the top knotted then no air will get in and the compositing processing will stop. Boaters in London put their solids in the bins. That’s a health risk to others. Please tell me how long do you think it will take for 4days of solids to compost to a point that it is safe to put in your garden ?
I love what you do but please do take into consideration, the smell, the bacteria build up, the cleanliness should be one of the priorities in your van build. This is for health reasons, you both DO NOT want to get sick/ become ill with an unknown infection. Spend more for something sanitary for the environment and you.
Instead of using round containers, try to find square or rectangular receptacles. It will increase your capacity. In my setup, I found a one gallon kitty litter container for urine that works great. Thanks for the terrific video.
Congratulations upon completion of your hand-built composting toilet. May I suggest that you stain and seal the inside of the composting toilet to reduce accidental splashing and spilling of urine and feces on the inside of the box. Once the box has absorbed urine and feces, you'll never get the scent and stain out of the wood unless you seal it before.
Christina Elliott I was thinking the same thing. Rubber seals would have to be cleaned but are not absorbent and I thought about lacquer over the varnish or just lacquer itself. I did that to my kitchen cabinets and was able to use cleaners on them with no problems. Of course I did 3 or more coats. It's worth it.
Have you thought about using the solid waste in a compost bin ? You can put saw dust or cedar shavings to help with the smells. Then, you put all of the stuff in the compost bin and then use the compost around the fruit trees. The urine can go just about anywhere as long as you stay away from your well or spring. Of course, that would only work when you're on your land. Your other options with using the plastic bag option.
@@MySonsMother I am not sure. Probably a few months I think. It takes 6 or more in some cases. There is a UA-cam video site about living off the grid with Doug and Stacy and they have an off grid Farm up in Missouri with a composting toilet that they use in a similar fashion so they would be the ones to ask that question. When I was growing up in the Texas Hill Country outside of San Antonio we had a piece of property that we would camp on, and had an old fashioned outhouse we're my parents would just use a cup of lime not the fruit that actual white powdered lime for solid waste. This was being poured on top of Hill Country limestone all it did was form additional rock.
a diagonal paint/spackle mixing tool in the back of the seat... extending down into the solids bucket..could turn the sawdust to mix with the waste.. a big knob would help spin the shaft
Nice to see people confidently talking about composting toilet self builds... and the truth about what the cheapest alternatives are LOL I had a very similar idea to you guys so looking forward to making mine!
This was fun to watch. You guys are hilarious and I totally understand why you're so jazzed about your new toi toi. I felt the same way when I was building mine. It's really a point of pride in my bus LOL
This was not only informative, but crazy hilarious! I’m in the process of building my own and let me tell you, I’m SKURD!!! LOL The one thing I didn’t think of was mounting the seat to the top. I thought since I was going to use the attachments in the back it would be enough. But I see where it it’s best to also screw down the seat! Thanks for that!! Enjoy thinking chair!!! LOL
Hey guys, I love your channel!!! I can't wait to start building a van for me and my 5 year old daughter. I grew up in country Australia so I am used to an "outback Dunny" which stunk!!! Now I understand why... everything went into one bucket! Then the contents got buried once full. I have no idea if you have a "stink" issue but I would recommend either getting some activated bamboo charcoal packs (the kind that you stuff in stinky shoes) and popping them in the bottom of the box or even - and a cheaper alternative - putting some small containers of bi-carb of soda in the corner of the box interior. Bicarb absorbs smells fantastically (I have an environmentally friendly cleaning business) and when you've finished with it just pour it either into the poo bucket or rinse it down your kitchen sink to help freshen up the pipes OR vacuum it up to freshen up your vacuum (Hoover, LOL... I lived in the UK for a long time). Love it. I have no problem with having a compost loo inside of the van except to teach "REAL MEN SIT DOWN TO PEE" will be a plaque that I shall hang on my wall. Thank you so much. You guys rock. Shez and GG (5 years old) xx
When we would go camping my parents had a 5 gallon bucket with a pool noodle around the rim for a seat, and a plastic bag inside with some cat litter. It worked perfectly. The toilet paper would just go on the metal handle that the buckets came with.
that gets old fast when it isn't just a trip but every single day. I have used a bucket with a proper seat and even that is just.... you eventually want a proper toilet
We love your Bog!😉 the thumbnail CRACKED us up! Laughing our ARSES off! 🤣 !! No seriously guys, very good vid, had no clue before how one of these worked! We want one when we get a slightly bigger van😉 👏👏 well done x
You guys were really halarious along w/constructing your build! lol...however with no ventilation exhaust fan or even compost & churning handle for mixing🤔 so that what little smells that you will have can go outside! Great start guys, wishing you both well with future endeavors on greater builds!
Very well done. I love the idea of composting toilets. We have a 23’ travel trailer (caravan), which has built in fresh, grey, and black water tanks. As we only use the trailer occasionally, this system works well for us. Emptying the black tank at RV Parks is clean & easy. For full timers (live a-boards) the composting toilet is the best option. Thanks for another great video. Wishing you continued success.
I've been thinking of how to go about making a low profile composting toilet for my van and this helped a lot. Definitely going to try something along these lines
Great video guys ....having lived in a motorhome 3.5 years i agree finding places to empty a cassette is a nightmare, ive spent the last 2.5 months in greece and theres no emptying facilities so ive been using bags and bottles and to be honest its hassle free to dispose. Im doing a self build this summer to replace my motorhome and will definitely be fitting a compost toilet. Great video well done. P.s i agree with others about varnishing the inside of the box. I'll probably pvc line mine .
The simplest van toilet is a tall hospital potty, which has a tightly closing lid. Just use a strong plastic bag and change it as often as needed. You can also use sawdust to cover "things" but you'll have to empty the potty it more often
That was the most epic DIY I’ve seen. I would stain every part of that wood as odours will penetrate thru untreated wood. I cannot thank you enough for posting this.
To be absolutely on the safe side I would seal where the seat meets the box and the inside of the box, little drips and splashes add up to a big stink that's hard to live with. Speaking as a Nurse. You don't wanna know. Rocking the guns there, Theo!
yep, when I bought my RV, it already had a full black water tank, and it needed to have the fuel pump replaced . I was working all the time so I didn't have time to do the fuel pump replacement. So for the first month or two , that is exactly what I did. I would line the toilet with a plastic bag for #2, and I mounted a funnel with a hose onto the wall just next to the toilette with a 1gallon jug under it connected to the hose to make a make shift urinal. Worked perfect.
I got a cheap (£100) table saw from toolstation, best thing I have done during my build. Its Enheil or something like that, you wont regret getting one, just make sure you wear ear defenders, safety glasses, oh and your steel toe capped sandals..... 😉
Bit late to the party with this one but the Scheppach HS100S table saw is brilliant for the price (£150) Ive had mine for 2 years with no issues at all, the fence is a little bit naff but for the price its ace! I know your away most of the time but if your ever back round brum and need to use one I’d be happy to lend it you 👍🏼
With such a small bucket for the solids you miss out on one of the great advantages of a compost toilet -you are emptying it every 2-3 days .I use one and with a 30 litre bucket it only needs emptying every 6 -8 weeks (one person) but not putting TP in the bucket .Sawdust fills the bucket up quicker S Moss is better and the solids break down quicker especially if you use a small hand auger to mix the contents every 7-10 days. There is no smell. Also you can buy 20kg bags of commercial compost a very good cover material and very cheap here in NZ.Yours is not really a compost toilet -it is a dry toilet
I did a similar thing but I used a wide automotive funnel and a heat gun to reshape it into a urine diversion device. The rim of the funnel is shaped so it hangs over the edge of a 10L bucket. The bucket and the funnel are such a size so no gaps are showing to the interior of the toilet box. Also I added a mixer system for the bucket. The bucket is on a ball bearing turntable (lazy suzy thingy) and in the bucket hangs a metal dog anker spiral thingy (the things you can corkscrew into the ground and anker a pet to) as a mixer. The bucket and the mixer spiral can rotate via a hand cranked mechanism and several hdpe (repurposed cutting boards) gears inside the toilet box. The mixer aids in covering up the freshly deposited solids with (in our case) sawdust husk, but coconut husk or peat moss can be used as well. Underneath the funnel/urine diverter sits a fastened down plastic 2 L milk bottle. There is even room for several more milk bottles and some typical toilet supplies like paper, wipes and smaller trash bags.
I had clients that were full time RVers that built a plexiglass box which went on the back. It had different sized screening so by the time it gets to the bottom it was composed. They covered the poop with sawdust and dried used coffee grounds, and didn't put in box until the bucket was full. Thought that might help someone.
I got where you’re coming from, I live on a 26 foot narrowboat with my partner and 2 dogs and had norovirus earlier in the year, when you got to go, you got to go! Luckily we are close to an elsan point, but if the toilet was full I’d definitely have used a bag in the porta potti!
I’m late, but for the urine, you could use a hose system with a 5 liter bag attachment. The hose and bag won’t leak when disconnected if you use special connectors. It also won’t slosh out with a longer hose.
I met a couple living in their van who made a similar composting toilet and instead of buying an expensive urine separater they used a rectangular funnel ( designed for tractors) that you can buy for under a tenner from farmers merchants. Worked well apparently.
I built mine a month ago for about 50 bucks. I'm a full time rv'er and I will never go back to the black tank. Like the person below said, a kitty litter bucket (fresh step) works great for solids as well.
Seal the insides with multiple coats, then line the box with pond lining so it could even be hosed out if drips manage to get through the spacing between the bog bucket and the pee seperater. Over kill perhaps, but urine can make wood very stinky. Is there a way to use shaped scrap ply to cover those gaps up? Will u be using wood chipping to cover over the poop - like a true compost toilet or will it be bag 'n' bin (not the most enviro friendly cause u'll preserve poop for 1000's yrs 😷). Have to admit, hats off to u for lasting with a chemical toilet soooo long, 6 weeks was long enough for me to never want one again! I think it being like a draw to pull out is great, in my build I want to do this along with a shower tray on rails.
1:28 Fixed your quote: "Also we've just been shopping for our lunch an dinner because... ...we want to make sure that we can actually test the toilet to its fullest extent." 8-0 LOL
What a great idea to build your own, we've looked into them in Australia and theyre about $1,500. We've got a thetford cassette and wouldn't have anything else. Just used to it now
Hi Guys, just watched this video, we were going to buy a simploo for our narrowboat renovation, but after watching this we are going to build one ourselves ........... thanks guys, brilliant video and saved us £250 I would guess
They used inferior methods. Consider using marine epoxy to build it and seal it. Wooden boatbuilders used it to build plywood petrol tanks, diesel tanks, water tanks, etc. It seals the wood completely and would be indestructible. Now that aluminum welding technology has improved most tank are aluminum.
I would probably design a fixed box for the toilet box and have a permanent small 12v "computer" fan in that box. Air would be sucked from the van into the box and then pushed out of the van, i.e under it. Small constant airflow would help keep odors out. I would also put varnish to all wooden parts, so wood wouldn't absorb bacteria and It would be easier to clean the box.
Brilliant.we have a compost toilet in ours.haven't tried it yet though as can not ready but Itching for it!!!! Lol. Am concerned about your use of a plastic bag though. For all the obvious reasons.we're going to put natural sawdust on the bottom to minimise mess. Babs xx
Great video guys! Thanks for doing this. I might get rid of our porta potty! Have you thought about putting a small computer fan to vent the odours outside? Thought the "proper" ones have a fan. It would be a simple addition. Let us know how you get on with the smells.
Well you both are very intertaining while creating your vintage toilet. Its ace. I must say Theo your very handy did you do wood work at school. and of course the GORGEOUS BEA she is also sòooo talented best wishes
The brand name WORX has a portable table saw setup that folds and tucks away nicely.... saw an advert and I want one. Ask internet for portable/foldable ads or demonstrations on UA-cam ... you may be inundated!
you may want a spray bottle with cleaning solution for the #1 diverter after each deposit. It is the urine that will smell if left on the plastic. I also think that you will or maybe already have "scooped" out the front of the orange bucket to match the contour of the #1 diverter?. Great first try :)
Credit where credit’s due. Theo the brave, for letting a picture of yourself go out across the world, doing what we all do everyday, yet most of us would have screamed bloody murder. And Bee, credit for taking the picture. You two are always a laugh.
get a flip saw.. Maybe a Elu TGS 173...that one can act as a table saw and flipped around as a cross cut saw. The 173 version can also cut compound angles and bevels... The Elu TGS series are vintage but bullit proof...
I have composting toilet envy! It turned out great!! I had my first fail and I'm frustrated. So frustrated. got a separator that was cheap and broke. Ending production.
Since you could select your own buckets, I would have considered finding some rectangular ones to increase the capacity (because your box is square). Cat litter, restaurant oil, whatever. People throw them out all the time.
Great video! I agree with others that sealing the inside would be good. I would seal with mold proof paint and then a couple coats of oil base enamel. Varnish would work too. Use cedar shavings (find at any pet store) for the "bin" part of the toilet. Put a little in the bottom and then do your business and sprinkle shavings on top. That will stop the smell. Ignore the haters. Yes, it is not really a composting toilet, but it is the same concept. Actually, the $1000 commercial "composting" toilets are not composting either. The composting part is a matter of time and chemistry and science. And air movement. Unless you have a really huge space, a true composting toilet is not possible. Now, about that table saw... How is it that you can live without one? Let's get you one as soon as possible.
Have you considered piping the No 1 tank to a much larger tank under the chassis so that it can be dumped much less often ?....I think many users of nature's head and other similar units do this. Also, for the number 2 tank, you should consider some way of having a mechanical agitator...hand crank...to mix the new deposit with the old and with the sawdust type medium...I think this in conjunction with an extractor fan and sealed top (except when open for use) is what facilitates a low smell operation.
A computer fan exiting air to the outside will help with smells. I would epoxy the inside of the box so that any accidental spills did not soak into the wood and would be easy to clean with a hose. Make a taller container for the urine. It can be higher and just let the separator snout stick into it further.
I can’t believe people are commenting on here saying it will smell if u leave a poo in it?! Of course it will! he made it pretty clear they will empty poo after each use!! Bagging and binning like you would with dog poo, this is a great alternative to a chem toilet, which are actually grosser because you do leave it all in there until you find a dump site :) this is epic diy loo love it guys nice one :) xxx
if it were me, i would put about 10 coats of a marine varnish on the wood bits, just to make sure any moisture didn't make the plywood separate and makes it easier to wipe down.
Looking at the design pull out of your loo, when you sit on it, there's going to be quite some stress on those sliders, so maybe put some roller ball bearing type rollers at the front to counterbalance the weight for when you sit on the loo?
Ah Bea and Theo ye are amazing gosh that toilet is fantastic ,Theo did you do carpentry at school. You are so handy when I hear Bea laughing she gives me the giggles Can I say here I made your Nut roast recipe it was sooo good be Safe regards Ann p.s wheres Gingey out hunting does she ever bring back dead mouse Our Sooty does and I had cover the flap
When I was a truck driver, a comfort fabric softener bottle, nice wide neck for obvious reasons for number 1’s and a carrier bag with a few sheets of newspaper for number 2’s. Empty and swill out the bottle anywhere and fold the newspaper and poo bundle up, tie it in the bag and pop it in a bin at the earliest opportunity. I’m afraid it’d be a chemical loo any day of the week for me. Great video guys even though it was a bit grungy. 💩🚽
Get video as always! A couple thoughts. Might need a window in the front to see how full the liquid container is. I see the potential to pinch the back of your legs if the top shifts. We made ours with the top over hanging a little, makes setting down a bit easier.
I'm pretty sure I heard you mention sawdust and a good 2 inches on the bottom with a good covering after every solid will take care of any smell. a better choice is cedar hamster bedding, cheap and easy to find. I made one kind of like yours but with no height restriction I used a gallon jug for liquids. We have frequent power outages where I live that can last a week or more in the middle of winter. Sure beats trying to get to the outhouse in a snowstorm.
Once i forgot take wee bucket end up using sauce pan for wees in middle Night DeWalt dw745 is great table saw easy get repaired as repair shops across UK
That looks like a smooth draw system... I would secure it so that it does't come out at left turns! We had that problem with a cupboard on a slide in our rv. Why not taking longer draw sliders so that you don't have to lift out the toilet from the slide? Love your emergency tip about the porta potty! That one I'm gonna need to use!
How about after all this time? Are you still happy with the toilet? Would you change anything if you were to make another one? Keep up the great vids 😀
Great video. I have a nature's head as its in my shower and plastic is practical for that. Also in New Zealand the self containment laws for a certificate to freedom camp keep getting more and more complicated.
Read our blog post about the DIY Composting Toilet here: bit.ly/2oxXGTx
Everyone solids! You keep it real.. Love you!
is my name on the loo
Yuck, but essential I guess 😆
I watched another video about this type of loo where they added a few tablespoons of sugar into the urine tank, which apparently stopped it from being whiffy.
One thing I am curious about btw is ventilation. Some use a small fan to extract air from the no2 bin to outside the van. Have you considered this?
Much respect in any case!
Isla.
So if your chemical toilet only lasted 4days what are you going to do with the solids after 4 days cos it won’t have composted down to dispose of safely If you have it in a bag with the top knotted then no air will get in and the compositing processing will stop. Boaters in London put their solids in the bins. That’s a health risk to others. Please tell me how long do you think it will take for 4days of solids to compost to a point that it is safe to put in your garden ?
I love what you do but please do take into consideration, the smell, the bacteria build up, the cleanliness should be one of the priorities in your van build. This is for health reasons, you both DO NOT want to get sick/ become ill with an unknown infection. Spend more for something sanitary for the environment and you.
Instead of using round containers, try to find square or rectangular receptacles. It will increase your capacity. In my setup, I found a one gallon kitty litter container for urine that works great. Thanks for the terrific video.
This kitty litter idea is great
Congratulations upon completion of your hand-built composting toilet. May I suggest that you stain and seal the inside of the composting toilet to reduce accidental splashing and spilling of urine and feces on the inside of the box. Once the box has absorbed urine and feces, you'll never get the scent and stain out of the wood unless you seal it before.
Also for condensation purposes
Christina Elliott I was thinking the same thing. Rubber seals would have to be cleaned but are not absorbent and I thought about lacquer over the varnish or just lacquer itself. I did that to my kitchen cabinets and was able to use cleaners on them with no problems. Of course I did 3 or more coats. It's worth it.
Have you thought about using the solid waste in a compost bin ? You can put saw dust or cedar shavings to help with the smells. Then, you put all of the stuff in the compost bin and then use the compost around the fruit trees. The urine can go just about anywhere as long as you stay away from your well or spring.
Of course, that would only work when you're on your land. Your other options with using the plastic bag option.
Mary Ellen, how long does it take to compost and where could they store the immense amount?
@@MySonsMother I am not sure. Probably a few months I think. It takes 6 or more in some cases. There is a UA-cam video site about living off the grid with Doug and Stacy and they have an off grid Farm up in Missouri with a composting toilet that they use in a similar fashion so they would be the ones to ask that question. When I was growing up in the Texas Hill Country outside of San Antonio we had a piece of property that we would camp on, and had an old fashioned outhouse we're my parents would just use a cup of lime not the fruit that actual white powdered lime for solid waste. This was being poured on top of Hill Country limestone all it did was form additional rock.
I love this!!! Simple, functional and so adorable...yes, I did say that about a toilet! Going to try this in our DIY renovated RV!
15:38 - Finally! Someone in the Vanlife community talking honestly about the topic!
a diagonal paint/spackle mixing tool in the back of the seat... extending down into the solids bucket..could turn the sawdust to mix with the waste.. a big knob would help spin the shaft
Nice to see people confidently talking about composting toilet self builds... and the truth about what the cheapest alternatives are LOL I had a very similar idea to you guys so looking forward to making mine!
This was fun to watch. You guys are hilarious and I totally understand why you're so jazzed about your new toi toi. I felt the same way when I was building mine. It's really a point of pride in my bus LOL
This was not only informative, but crazy hilarious! I’m in the process of building my own and let me tell you, I’m SKURD!!! LOL The one thing I didn’t think of was mounting the seat to the top. I thought since I was going to use the attachments in the back it would be enough. But I see where it it’s best to also screw down the seat! Thanks for that!! Enjoy thinking chair!!! LOL
Excellent. Due to perfect explanation on how to make it, I’m going to have a go at that. Thanks a lot as the price of them are astronomical.
Hey guys, I love your channel!!! I can't wait to start building a van for me and my 5 year old daughter. I grew up in country Australia so I am used to an "outback Dunny" which stunk!!! Now I understand why... everything went into one bucket! Then the contents got buried once full. I have no idea if you have a "stink" issue but I would recommend either getting some activated bamboo charcoal packs (the kind that you stuff in stinky shoes) and popping them in the bottom of the box or even - and a cheaper alternative - putting some small containers of bi-carb of soda in the corner of the box interior. Bicarb absorbs smells fantastically (I have an environmentally friendly cleaning business) and when you've finished with it just pour it either into the poo bucket or rinse it down your kitchen sink to help freshen up the pipes OR vacuum it up to freshen up your vacuum (Hoover, LOL... I lived in the UK for a long time). Love it. I have no problem with having a compost loo inside of the van except to teach "REAL MEN SIT DOWN TO PEE" will be a plaque that I shall hang on my wall. Thank you so much. You guys rock. Shez and GG (5 years old) xx
"Everyone solids!", that's a million-selling T-shirt slogan right there! Well done you two. :)
Delighted to have you back on the van build. I throughly enjoy your videos. From Ireland so appreciate the content from this end of the world. ☘️
When we would go camping my parents had a 5 gallon bucket with a pool noodle around the rim for a seat, and a plastic bag inside with some cat litter. It worked perfectly. The toilet paper would just go on the metal handle that the buckets came with.
that gets old fast when it isn't just a trip but every single day. I have used a bucket with a proper seat and even that is just.... you eventually want a proper toilet
We love your Bog!😉 the thumbnail CRACKED us up! Laughing our ARSES off! 🤣 !! No seriously guys, very good vid, had no clue before how one of these worked! We want one when we get a slightly bigger van😉 👏👏 well done x
"everyone solids" LOL very true! when one needs to go one needs to go. excellent idea of a homemade compost toilet. thx
You guys were really halarious along w/constructing your build! lol...however with no ventilation exhaust fan or even compost & churning handle for mixing🤔 so that what little smells that you will have can go outside! Great start guys, wishing you both well with future endeavors on greater builds!
Very well done.
I love the idea of composting toilets.
We have a 23’ travel trailer (caravan), which has built in fresh, grey, and black water tanks. As we only use the trailer occasionally, this system works well for us.
Emptying the black tank at RV Parks is clean & easy.
For full timers (live a-boards) the composting toilet is the best option.
Thanks for another great video.
Wishing you continued success.
I've been thinking of how to go about making a low profile composting toilet for my van and this helped a lot. Definitely going to try something along these lines
Great video guys ....having lived in a motorhome 3.5 years i agree finding places to empty a cassette is a nightmare, ive spent the last 2.5 months in greece and theres no emptying facilities so ive been using bags and bottles and to be honest its hassle free to dispose. Im doing a self build this summer to replace my motorhome and will definitely be fitting a compost toilet. Great video well done. P.s i agree with others about varnishing the inside of the box. I'll probably pvc line mine .
The simplest van toilet is a tall hospital potty, which has a tightly closing lid. Just use a strong plastic bag and change it as often as needed. You can also use sawdust to cover "things" but you'll have to empty the potty it more often
Maybe varnishing it will make the whole box easier to clean, because I can just imagine accidental pee drops absorbed by the wood... 🙈
Was thinking the same thing. Rough wood 😢
Should be finished with two layers of epoxy
Tamaré
polyeurethane or epoxy might do it
I'm not one for storing my own crap. Looks like that could be a bit smelly if you get caught short.
My thoughts exactlyyyyyy
That was the most epic DIY I’ve seen. I would stain every part of that wood as odours will penetrate thru untreated wood. I cannot thank you enough for posting this.
To be absolutely on the safe side I would seal where the seat meets the box and the inside of the box, little drips and splashes add up to a big stink that's hard to live with. Speaking as a Nurse. You don't wanna know. Rocking the guns there, Theo!
yep, when I bought my RV, it already had a full black water tank, and it needed to have the fuel pump replaced . I was working all the time so I didn't have time to do the fuel pump replacement. So for the first month or two , that is exactly what I did. I would line the toilet with a plastic bag for #2, and I mounted a funnel with a hose onto the wall just next to the toilette with a 1gallon jug under it connected to the hose to make a make shift urinal. Worked perfect.
I got a cheap (£100) table saw from toolstation, best thing I have done during my build.
Its Enheil or something like that, you wont regret getting one, just make sure you wear ear defenders, safety glasses, oh and your steel toe capped sandals..... 😉
Bit late to the party with this one but the Scheppach HS100S table saw is brilliant for the price (£150) Ive had mine for 2 years with no issues at all, the fence is a little bit naff but for the price its ace!
I know your away most of the time but if your ever back round brum and need to use one I’d be happy to lend it you 👍🏼
With such a small bucket for the solids you miss out on one of the great advantages of a compost toilet -you are emptying it every 2-3 days .I use one and with a 30 litre bucket it only needs emptying every 6 -8 weeks (one person) but not putting TP in the bucket .Sawdust fills the bucket up quicker S Moss is better and the solids break down quicker especially if you use a small hand auger to mix the contents every 7-10 days. There is no smell. Also you can buy 20kg bags of commercial compost a very good cover material and very cheap here in NZ.Yours is not really a compost toilet -it is a dry toilet
This was a solid vlog.
My favourite two camper vanners keeping it real.
I did a similar thing but I used a wide automotive funnel and a heat gun to reshape it into a urine diversion device.
The rim of the funnel is shaped so it hangs over the edge of a 10L bucket. The bucket and the funnel are such a size so no gaps are showing to the interior of the toilet box. Also I added a mixer system for the bucket. The bucket is on a ball bearing turntable (lazy suzy thingy) and in the bucket hangs a metal dog anker spiral thingy (the things you can corkscrew into the ground and anker a pet to) as a mixer. The bucket and the mixer spiral can rotate via a hand cranked mechanism and several hdpe (repurposed cutting boards) gears inside the toilet box. The mixer aids in covering up the freshly deposited solids with (in our case) sawdust husk, but coconut husk or peat moss can be used as well. Underneath the funnel/urine diverter sits a fastened down plastic 2 L milk bottle. There is even room for several more milk bottles and some typical toilet supplies like paper, wipes and smaller trash bags.
I would love to see pictures etc, I cant find a cheap urine separator x
I had clients that were full time RVers that built a plexiglass box which went on the back. It had different sized screening so by the time it gets to the bottom it was composed. They covered the poop with sawdust and dried used coffee grounds, and didn't put in box until the bucket was full. Thought that might help someone.
Composting toilet is a must in my van build!!! Great job guys, looks like I'll be paying the 1000$ on Natures Head! Lol
I got where you’re coming from, I live on a 26 foot narrowboat with my partner and 2 dogs and had norovirus earlier in the year, when you got to go, you got to go! Luckily we are close to an elsan point, but if the toilet was full I’d definitely have used a bag in the porta potti!
I’m late, but for the urine, you could use a hose system with a 5 liter bag attachment. The hose and bag won’t leak when disconnected if you use special connectors. It also won’t slosh out with a longer hose.
Adding new meaning to “do me a solid”. Lol 😂
Good for you. I did 19 years of chemical toilets. Got a composting toilet a month ago for my housetruck. So much better. You will love it
You guys are a trip. I love following you guys!!
I met a couple living in their van who made a similar composting toilet and instead of buying an expensive urine separater they used a rectangular funnel ( designed for tractors) that you can buy for under a tenner from farmers merchants. Worked well apparently.
I built mine a month ago for about 50 bucks. I'm a full time rv'er and I will never go back to the black tank. Like the person below said, a kitty litter bucket (fresh step) works great for solids as well.
OMGGGGGGG
Clicked on this video and almost had a heart attack I immediately recognized you from Win the wilderness
🙌🙌🙌
Same! 🙌🙌
We love ours!!! #vanlife #lessflushes #compost
Also, compostable bags and sawdust with some lavender mixed in for bag and bin. #party
could drill a ventilation hole and connect it to a pipe to ventilate it to the roof if with a different location
So cleverly done and with good teamwork. Keep on inspiring other and keep it up!
Seal the insides with multiple coats, then line the box with pond lining so it could even be hosed out if drips manage to get through the spacing between the bog bucket and the pee seperater. Over kill perhaps, but urine can make wood very stinky.
Is there a way to use shaped scrap ply to cover those gaps up?
Will u be using wood chipping to cover over the poop - like a true compost toilet or will it be bag 'n' bin (not the most enviro friendly cause u'll preserve poop for 1000's yrs 😷).
Have to admit, hats off to u for lasting with a chemical toilet soooo long, 6 weeks was long enough for me to never want one again!
I think it being like a draw to pull out is great, in my build I want to do this along with a shower tray on rails.
1:28 Fixed your quote: "Also we've just been shopping for our lunch an dinner because... ...we want to make sure that we can actually test the toilet to its fullest extent." 8-0 LOL
Just a suggestion. Cut a peep window in the front so as to monitor #1 level. Good vid.
Great post!!! Absolutely brilliant. I have been following you two for a while now. Will definitely consider this an option x
What a great idea to build your own, we've looked into them in Australia and theyre about $1,500. We've got a thetford cassette and wouldn't have anything else. Just used to it now
Varnish the inside of the box to prevent any spills soaking into the wood.
Hi Guys, just watched this video, we were going to buy a simploo for our narrowboat renovation, but after watching this we are going to build one ourselves ........... thanks guys, brilliant video and saved us £250 I would guess
They used inferior methods. Consider using marine epoxy to build it and seal it. Wooden boatbuilders used it to build plywood petrol tanks, diesel tanks, water tanks, etc. It seals the wood completely and would be indestructible. Now that aluminum welding technology has improved most tank are aluminum.
I would probably design a fixed box for the toilet box and have a permanent small 12v "computer" fan in that box. Air would be sucked from the van into the box and then pushed out of the van, i.e under it. Small constant airflow would help keep odors out. I would also put varnish to all wooden parts, so wood wouldn't absorb bacteria and It would be easier to clean the box.
Brilliant.we have a compost toilet in ours.haven't tried it yet though as can not ready but Itching for it!!!! Lol. Am concerned about your use of a plastic bag though. For all the obvious reasons.we're going to put natural sawdust on the bottom to minimise mess. Babs xx
Great video guys! Thanks for doing this. I might get rid of our porta potty! Have you thought about putting a small computer fan to vent the odours outside? Thought the "proper" ones have a fan. It would be a simple addition. Let us know how you get on with the smells.
Well you both are very intertaining while creating your vintage toilet. Its ace. I must say Theo your very handy did you do wood work at school. and of course the GORGEOUS BEA she is also sòooo talented best wishes
The brand name WORX has a portable table saw setup that folds and tucks away nicely.... saw an advert and I want one. Ask internet for portable/foldable ads or demonstrations on UA-cam ... you may be inundated!
you may want a spray bottle with cleaning solution for the #1 diverter after each deposit. It is the urine that will smell if left on the plastic. I also think that you will or maybe already have "scooped" out the front of the orange bucket to match the contour of the #1 diverter?. Great first try :)
Credit where credit’s due. Theo the brave, for letting a picture of yourself go out across the world, doing what we all do everyday, yet most of us would have screamed bloody murder.
And Bee, credit for taking the picture.
You two are always a laugh.
Well.... Now we know. Lol. I'm dying to see more of this van build!!
Interesting opening image! Especially when it comes up on my UA-cam feed with a caption under it that says "see more"!
get a flip saw.. Maybe a Elu TGS 173...that one can act as a table saw and flipped around as a cross cut saw. The 173 version can also cut compound angles and bevels... The Elu TGS series are vintage but bullit proof...
"I'm not embarrassed to say it, Everyone solids." -B 2018
Well solid idea. I can't afford a branded one so this will be my number two option. Bangin'!!
Try PU adhesive, comes in a mastic tube, dries in 5 minutes and its waterproof! Looking good guys.
I have composting toilet envy! It turned out great!! I had my first fail and I'm frustrated. So frustrated. got a separator that was cheap and broke. Ending production.
Since you could select your own buckets, I would have considered finding some rectangular ones to increase the capacity (because your box is square). Cat litter, restaurant oil, whatever. People throw them out all the time.
Great video! I agree with others that sealing the inside would be good. I would seal with mold proof paint and then a couple coats of oil base enamel. Varnish would work too. Use cedar shavings (find at any pet store) for the "bin" part of the toilet. Put a little in the bottom and then do your business and sprinkle shavings on top. That will stop the smell. Ignore the haters. Yes, it is not really a composting toilet, but it is the same concept. Actually, the $1000 commercial "composting" toilets are not composting either. The composting part is a matter of time and chemistry and science. And air movement. Unless you have a really huge space, a true composting toilet is not possible.
Now, about that table saw... How is it that you can live without one? Let's get you one as soon as possible.
Have you considered piping the No 1 tank to a much larger tank under the chassis so that it can be dumped much less often ?....I think many users of nature's head and other similar units do this. Also, for the number 2 tank, you should consider some way of having a mechanical agitator...hand crank...to mix the new deposit with the old and with the sawdust type medium...I think this in conjunction with an extractor fan and sealed top (except when open for use) is what facilitates a low smell operation.
A computer fan exiting air to the outside will help with smells. I would epoxy the inside of the box so that any accidental spills did not soak into the wood and would be easy to clean with a hose. Make a taller container for the urine. It can be higher and just let the separator snout stick into it further.
I can’t believe people are commenting on here saying it will smell if u leave a poo in it?! Of course it will! he made it pretty clear they will empty poo after each use!! Bagging and binning like you would with dog poo, this is a great alternative to a chem toilet, which are actually grosser because you do leave it all in there until you find a dump site :) this is epic diy loo love it guys nice one :) xxx
Ooo I so much can recall to your excitement!! I seriously considering tondo the same in mine!
if it were me, i would put about 10 coats of a marine varnish on the wood bits, just to make sure any moisture didn't make the plywood separate and makes it easier to wipe down.
I love how they’re real and not fake about what we all know are known facts 😂 when you gotta go you gotta go!
Looking at the design pull out of your loo, when you sit on it, there's going to be quite some stress on those sliders, so maybe put some roller ball bearing type rollers at the front to counterbalance the weight for when you sit on the loo?
Hey Guys, like the loo! Aldi ( work zone ) do a table saw....about £100 ish. I have one and its pretty good
You guys are great! You had me laughing so much because I'm a 46 year old little boy when it comes to farts and potty talk. :)
Loved this, loved your pooooped honesty, I'm joining ranks. You have to poop when you need to come rain or shine. 😊
Ah Bea and Theo ye are amazing gosh that toilet is fantastic ,Theo did you do carpentry at school. You are so handy when I hear Bea laughing she gives me the giggles Can I say here I made your Nut roast recipe it was sooo good be Safe regards Ann p.s wheres Gingey out hunting does she ever bring back dead mouse Our Sooty does and I had cover the flap
Great video and info as usual! In terms of number ones and twos in a van, all you really need are wet wipes, a bottle, a bag and strong thighs.
When I was a truck driver, a comfort fabric softener bottle, nice wide neck for obvious reasons for number 1’s and a carrier bag with a few sheets of newspaper for number 2’s. Empty and swill out the bottle anywhere and fold the newspaper and poo bundle up, tie it in the bag and pop it in a bin at the earliest opportunity. I’m afraid it’d be a chemical loo any day of the week for me. Great video guys even though it was a bit grungy. 💩🚽
Get video as always! A couple thoughts. Might need a window in the front to see how full the liquid container is. I see the potential to pinch the back of your legs if the top shifts. We made ours with the top over hanging a little, makes setting down a bit easier.
I'm pretty sure I heard you mention sawdust and a good 2 inches on the bottom with a good covering after every solid will take care of any smell. a better choice is cedar hamster bedding, cheap and easy to find. I made one kind of like yours but with no height restriction I used a gallon jug for liquids. We have frequent power outages where I live that can last a week or more in the middle of winter. Sure beats trying to get to the outhouse in a snowstorm.
I agree first thing in the morning I have a coffee shortly after to the bathroom I go like most people. Great job guys. This is Ivana from Canada ❤️
Once i forgot take wee bucket end up using sauce pan for wees in middle Night
DeWalt dw745 is great table saw easy get repaired as repair shops across UK
Great idea and ‘brown’ stained wood was a good choice of colour in case of misdirection 🤓
The guys from the Create Wondr channel did a great video on how they created a simple composting toilet in their van build.
Is that an alternative living superstar on the pot!!!!! ha ha ha nice work guys.
I love your safety footwear. LOL!
That looks like a smooth draw system... I would secure it so that it does't come out at left turns! We had that problem with a cupboard on a slide in our rv. Why not taking longer draw sliders so that you don't have to lift out the toilet from the slide?
Love your emergency tip about the porta potty! That one I'm gonna need to use!
How about after all this time? Are you still happy with the toilet? Would you change anything if you were to make another one? Keep up the great vids 😀
I guess the first one to empty the ''liquids'' container really will be taking the piss...
Haha had to do the bag trick many a times... middle of the night solids 👍🏻😂
Thank you so much for doing this guys! You made it so easy! Now I think I can do it! Thanks Kat
Just a thought,varnish it and after its cured use floor wax to make it clean easier
Now you know why Truckers never throw out bread bags lol. Solid edit on this one.
was going to use a bucket but this has me thinking I can do better than a bucket :) keep up the good work
Looks good! =) I´m making one for my MB 410! =) NIce video guys!
I share your admiration for a lovely toilet in the van.. great job.. it's beautiful :))
Congrats and loves yah for being so direct, we all humans...lol
Great video. I have a nature's head as its in my shower and plastic is practical for that. Also in New Zealand the self containment laws for a certificate to freedom camp keep getting more and more complicated.