how to choose? A van life Cartridge toilet

Cartridge Toilets Comparison: Thetford Porta Potti, Dometic, and Camco

Cartridge toilets (also known as cassette toilets) are popular for van life because they’re affordable, portable, and easy to use. Several well-known brands dominate this category, including Thetford, Dometic, and Camco. In this comparison, we’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of each brand’s top models to help you choose the best cartridge toilet for your van life.

Thetford Porta Potti 565E

The Thetford Porta Potti 565E is one of the most recognized cartridge toilets for van life, offering a balance of comfort and convenience. It features a large waste tank and a battery-powered flush, making it a reliable choice for short to medium trips.

Pros:
- Larger waste tank (5.5 gallons), so you can go longer between empties.
- Comfortable seat height, similar to a standard home toilet.
- Battery-powered flush for ease of use.
Cons:
- Waste tank can be heavy to carry when full.
- Requires regular emptying, which some users find unpleasant.

Dometic Portable Toilet 976

The Dometic Portable Toilet 976 is another popular choice, known for its sleek design and compact size. It has a push-button flush and a smaller waste tank, which makes it lighter to carry but also means more frequent emptying.

Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around.
- Push-button flush uses less water, helping conserve resources.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Smaller waste tank (2.6 gallons), so you’ll need to empty it more often.
- Lower seat height may not be as comfortable for taller users.

Camco Premium Portable Toilet

The Camco Premium Portable Toilet is a budget-friendly option that still offers plenty of features. It’s a solid, no-frills option for those looking for a simple, portable toilet that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Pros:
- Budget-friendly, typically priced under $150.
- Large 5.3-gallon waste tank, similar to Thetford’s Porta Potti.
- Durable and easy to clean.
Cons:
- No powered flush, relying on a manual pump.
- Some users report difficulty in completely emptying the waste tank.

The Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Feature	Thetford Porta Potti 565E	Dometic Portable Toilet 976	Camco Premium Portable Toilet
Price Range	$150 – $200	$130 – $160	Under $150
Type	Cartridge/Cassette	Cartridge/Cassette	Cartridge/Cassette
Waste Tank Capacity	5.5 gallons	2.6 gallons	5.3 gallons
Flush Type	Battery-powered	Push-button flush	Manual pump flush
Portability	Medium, can be heavy when full	Lightweight and compact	Medium, slightly heavier when full
Comfort	Taller seat height, similar to home toilets	Lower seat height	Mid-height seat
Maintenance	Easy to empty but heavier when full	Smaller tank, needs frequent emptying	Simple, but can be tricky to fully empty
Best For	Short to medium trips, more frequent use	Short trips, lightweight portability	Budget-conscious campers

Check out How Composting Toilets Compare

Which One is Right for You?

Choose the Thetford Porta Potti if you want a comfortable, full-featured toilet that can go longer between emptying and offers a powered flush.
Choose the Dometic Portable Toilet if you need something lightweight and compact, perfect for short trips and easy portability.
Choose the Camco Portable Toilet if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a large tank, though you’ll need to handle the manual flush and emptying process.

Check Price on Amazon for the Thetford Porta Potti 565E. Check Price on Amazon for the Dometic Portable Toilet 976. Check Price on Amazon for the Camco Premium Portable Toilet.

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FAQ: Cassette Toilets vs. Composting Toilets

Frequently Asked Questions: Cassette Toilets vs. Composting Toilets

1. How does a cassette (cartridge) toilet work?

A cassette toilet consists of a fixed bowl connected to a removable waste tank. After use, you flush the toilet, and the waste goes into the holding tank. When the tank is full, it can be removed and emptied at a dump station or public toilet. Unlike a portable toilet, the waste tank of a cassette toilet is built into the van, making it more convenient and permanent for van life Read more here.

2. How do you empty a cassette toilet?

Emptying a cassette toilet involves removing the waste tank, typically through an exterior hatch. You then take the tank to a dump station, where you pour out the waste. Most tanks have handles and spouts to make this process easier and less messy. Some people recommend using chemicals in the waste tank to break down waste and control odors Learn more here.

3. Does a cassette toilet smell?

If properly maintained, cassette toilets should not produce strong odors. The key is to regularly empty the tank and use chemicals designed to break down waste and neutralize odors. However, if the tank isn’t emptied in time or the chemicals aren’t used, odors can build up Discover more here.

4. How often do you need to empty a cassette toilet?

The frequency of emptying depends on the size of the waste tank and how many people are using the toilet. Most cassette toilets have a tank capacity of around 5-6 gallons, which typically needs to be emptied every 2-5 days, depending on usage Find out more.

5. What are the advantages of a cassette toilet over other portable toilets?

Cassette toilets are more convenient for van life because they are permanently installed and have larger waste tanks than standard portable toilets. They also eliminate the need for dealing with external hoses or complex plumbing systems, making them easier to empty and maintain during a trip Read about the benefits here.

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