Upgrading or Replacing your RV's Toilet

Many RVers have strong opinions about the best way to perform maintenance, the types of brands they use for everything in their RV, or even the places they go. But I feel like we can all agree on one thing: every RVer deserves a comfortable toilet. After all, having a mobile bathroom is one of the many perks of RV life. When traveling, there’s no need to use public bathrooms, wait in long lines, or even take extra detours. Unfortunately, some RVs come equipped with too short or too tall toilets, or yours may just need to be replaced due to age. Grab a seat (no, not on your toilet), and let’s dive into the process of upgrading or replacing your RV's toilet.

Determine what you’d like to change

Is the toilet that came with your RV too short or too tall for your liking? Many popular RV product manufacturers produce tall and short versions of the same toilets to cater to all RV types and bathroom layouts. Perhaps your bowl is stained because it’s made of a porous material or you’re unhappy with the flushing power. In these cases, it may need to be switched out for another model. If it’s a matter of an uncomfortable toilet seat, many RV toilet seats can be removed and replaced with a more comfortable style. Many RV manufacturers have ensured their toilet seats are of standard size for cases like this. Consider this easy upgrade if it’s just a matter of comfort, a full bathroom renovation won't be necessary.

Some RVers prefer to switch out their flush toilets for a composting toilet so they can save RV water in the future. Unfortunately, we won’t be covering the replacement instructions in this post, but there is a helpful video

that curious RVers can watch to learn more about the process and the toilets themselves. In essence, composting toilets do not use water and can allow RVers to boondock longer, and remove the need for black tank use.

Make your selection

Amazon and Camping World have excellent toilet selections for RVs. Read carefully to be sure your new toilet has all the features you want, whether that be a porcelain bowl, high flush power, a sprayer included, the correct height, etc. Be sure to measure your old toilet and allotted space to ensure a new, possibly larger one will fit there. Sometimes shopping around different companies can pay off with big savings. If you’re not worried about obtaining a brand new toilet, oftentimes yard sale websites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace have used ones that may suit your needs, as well.

Remove your old unit

Generally the process of removal looks the same for most RV toilets. In case you’re a visual learner, here is a helpful video

on the process. Optional: grab a beer or a glass of wine from your latest Harvest Hosts stay before beginning.1) Empty your tanks and rinse with water. Ensure your toilet is flushed and the water pump is off to prevent refilling.2) Ensure your RV is level and wheels are chocked (if applicable).3) Remove the water line using a pipe wrench. Keep a bucket or towel handy to clean up any drips.4) Remove the bolts holding down your toilet. There may be a cover that needs to come off to access these bolts. Then remove your toilet.

Install your new unit

New toilets will come with a set of instructions to assist with the installation process. Oftentimes, no additional tools are needed other than what you used to remove your old toilet. 1) Clean the area underneath your old toilet before installing the new one.2) Place your new toilet down. Screws may need to be fitted in first depending on the model.3) Bolt your toilet down, place any covers, and reattach the water line. You’re done!

Install any additional accessories

Some new toilets come with sprayers that can assist with cleaning out the bowl. Most likely these will need to be installed in the water line using a splitter. Recently, some RVers gave also begun to use bidets. In the past, bidets operated as a separate facility. Now, they can be built directly into the toilet seat or even attached right under the current seat also utilizing a water line splitter. Most modern bidets also do not run on power, making these a great addition to an RV. 

Dispose of your old toilet

Instead of sending your old toilet to the dump, consider cleaning it out well and trying to sell it on a yard sale app. As mentioned above, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are common places to sell and purchase used RV toilets. It never hurts to try to list it. After all, it will reduce waste and can even make you a few extra bucks. Installing a new RV toilet is actually easier than most would think. If this is a project you’ve been procrastinating on, why not give it a whirl (get it?). Like we said, everyone deserves a comfortable bathroom on wheels. Cover photo credit to: @thehappyglamperco!)

Are you thinking of replacing your RV’s toilet? Or have you already replaced yours? Did you do a full bathroom remodel? Tell us about it in the comments below!