How To Pick A Cheaper Composting Toilets Vs. Nature’s Head: Which Is The Best Van Life Toilet?

Cheaper Composting Toilets vs. Nature’s Head: Which is the Best Van Life Toilet?

When choosing a composting toilet for your van camper, there are both high-end options, like the Nature’s Head, and more affordable alternatives, such as the Sun-Mar GTG. Both are designed to offer waterless, eco-friendly solutions for managing waste while living on the road, but how do they really compare? In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

Overview of Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

The Nature’s Head is widely regarded as one of the best composting toilets for van life. It separates liquid and solid waste, has excellent odor control, and turns solid waste into compostable material over time. It’s particularly well-suited for full-time van dwellers or those who prioritize sustainability.

Pros:
- Environmentally friendly, turning waste into compost.
- No water required, making it ideal for off-grid living.
- Odor control is top-notch, thanks to a built-in fan.
- Solids only need to be emptied every few months.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (around $1,000).
- Requires venting and installation of a urine drain.

Overview of Sun-Mar GTG Composting Toilet

The Sun-Mar GTG is a more affordable alternative that offers similar waterless operation but with a smaller and simpler design. It separates liquids and solids, making it an eco-friendly choice, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models like Nature’s Head.

Pros:
- Lower price point, typically around $600-$650.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easier to fit in smaller van setups.
- Easy to install, with no complex setup required.
Cons:
- Smaller capacity, so it needs to be emptied more frequently.
- Less odor control than higher-end models.
- Lacks advanced features like a fan for ventilation.

Key Comparison Points

Price

Nature’s Head: Costs around $1,000. It’s a higher upfront investment but often worth it for full-time van lifers who need a durable, long-term solution.
Sun-Mar GTG: Costs about $600-$650, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a basic composting toilet.

Ease of Use

Nature’s Head: Requires some setup, including venting and a urine drainage system, but once installed, it’s relatively low maintenance.
Sun-Mar GTG: Easier to set up and requires less installation, making it a simpler solution for those who want a quick and easy option.

Odor Control

Nature’s Head: Has a built-in fan and separates liquids from solids, making it one of the best options for odor control.
Sun-Mar GTG: While it separates liquids and solids, it doesn’t have a fan, so odor control is less effective compared to Nature’s Head.

Maintenance

Nature’s Head: Needs to be emptied less frequently, with solids only requiring disposal every 2-3 months.
Sun-Mar GTG: Smaller capacity means you’ll need to empty it more frequently, making it better suited for short trips or occasional use.

Size and Portability

Nature’s Head: Larger and heavier, making it better for a permanent installation.
Sun-Mar GTG: Compact and lightweight, making it ideal for smaller spaces or those looking for a portable option.

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Feature	Nature’s Head	Sun-Mar GTG
Price Range	$1,000 – $1,100	$600 – $650
Type	Composting	Composting
Water Requirement	None	None
Setup	Requires venting and urine drain	Simple setup, no fan
Odor Control	Excellent, with built-in fan	Good, but no fan for ventilation
Portability	Larger, better for permanent setup	Lightweight, compact, and portable
Maintenance	Solids emptied every 2-3 months, liquids more regularly	Needs more frequent emptying
Environmental Impact	Highly eco-friendly, composts waste	Eco-friendly, but smaller capacity
Best For	Full-time van life, eco-conscious users	Occasional trips, budget-conscious users

Find Your Best Toilet Option Here

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Nature’s Head if you’re looking for a long-term, durable solution with excellent odor control and low maintenance. It’s perfect for full-time van life or extended trips.
Choose Sun-Mar GTG if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, simple composting toilet for occasional use or shorter van life trips. Its smaller size and ease of use make it a great option for those with less space.

Check Price on Amazon for the Nature’s Head. Check Price on Amazon for the Sun-Mar GTG.

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FAQ: Cheaper Composting Toilets

Frequently Asked Questions: Cheaper Composting Toilets

1. How often do I need to empty a cheaper composting toilet?

Cheaper composting toilets generally need to be emptied every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on usage. Smaller models may require more frequent emptying. Learn more about composting toilets here.

2. Are cheaper composting toilets harder to maintain?

Cheaper models may lack features like self-stirring or advanced ventilation systems, making them a bit more hands-on. Proper use of bulking materials helps maintain efficiency. Compare composting toilets vs. cartridge models.

3. Do cheaper composting toilets smell more?

Odor control depends on proper ventilation and waste separation. Some budget models may have fewer odor-prevention features but can be maintained with regular care. Discover how composting toilets handle odor control.

4. How comfortable are cheaper composting toilets?

Budget-friendly composting toilets are generally compact and basic but can still offer good comfort in van setups. However, ergonomic seating may be missing. Learn more about budget and premium models.

5. What features are missing in cheaper composting toilets?

Cheaper models often lack built-in fans, easy-to-use cranks, or large waste containers, requiring more manual handling. Explore the pros and cons of different models.

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