April 19, 2023
Camping toilets in comparison
Find the right one for your needs
The choice of camping toilets is currently greater than ever.
Everyone wants to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible and a toilet is a must. The coronavirus pandemic has also spurred a huge increase in demand for people to have their own camping toilet instead of using public facilities.
But which toilet will meet my requirements?
I am Johanna from VanEssa mobilcamping and in this article I would like to introduce the Camping toilet from Dometic 976 with the Trelino Evo M dry separation toilet compare with you.
Dometic 976 camping toilet
A chemical camping toilet, such as our Dometic model, is probably the best-known version of the portable toilet.
The faeces are collected in a container. Chemical substances serve as disinfection and bind at the same time.
The toilet has two separable tanks and an odor trap that also seals well.
The upper tank is filled with water, which can then be used for rinsing.
One Chemical camping toilet, like our Dometic model is probably the best-known version of the portable toilet.
The faeces are collected in a container. Chemical substances serve as disinfection and bind at the same time.
The toilet has two separable tanks and an odor trap that also seals well.
The upper tank is filled with water, which can then be used for rinsing.
The disposal:
The waste water tank may only be emptied at the disposal stations provided for this purpose (campsites, sewage treatment plant, public disposal stations), as the chemical substances contained in the tank must not be discharged into the regular waste water.
What do we at VanEssa think about the camping toilet?
In our experience, the toilet can also be filled with just water - without any additives. The odor trap keeps the unpleasant smells in the lower tank.
If necessary, you can use natural fragrances such as lemon oil or a natural toilet cleaner, which also binds odors.
Emptying depends on the frequency of use.
Another advantage here is that emptying without chemicals does not necessarily have to be done at special disposal stations, but can also be done in a normal toilet, for example.
For the subsequent cleaning of the lower tank, we recommend leaving lemon cleaner water to soak in for a while. The tank can be easily cleaned with a garden hose.
| Pro | Contra |
| - Mobile use | - with chemical additives Disposal only in appropriate places |
| - Uncomplicated handling | - Requires water for operation |
| - more favorable price |
Trelino Evo M dry separation toilet
The Trelino Evo M dry urine-diverting toilet separates the small and big business. This is ensured by the special insert under the toilet seat.
The urine is drained into a canister. This has a special seal that retains odors.
The solids are placed in a separate container, which is lined with a bin liner beforehand. This should be biodegradable.
By adding special litter such as sawdust, straw, coffee grounds or ash, moisture is removed from the solid matter, which inhibits odors.
Disposal: The urine canister can be emptied in conventional toilets or at appropriate disposal stations.
The solids in the bag can be disposed of with household waste. If you use a compostable bag and natural litter, this can also be disposed of in the compost.
Worried that it might stink in the camper without additives? Don't worry, because this happens when urine comes together with the solids. The unpleasant smell is caused by the ammonia in the urine and as everything is finely separated, you don't have to worry.
Worried that it might stink in the camper without additives? Don't worry, because this happens when urine comes together with the solids. The unpleasant smell is caused by the ammonia in the urine and as everything is finely separated, you don't have to worry.
What do we at VanEssa think about the dry separation toilet?
This toilet is perfect for a self-sufficient „wildlife“ stay. Disposal is absolutely uncomplicated. Especially if the toilet is only used in an emergency, there is no need for a lot of cleaning.
| Pro | Contra |
| - Simple disposal or composting thanks to two separate containers | - Extra litter and bags are required for use and must be carried along |
| - No special disposal stations necessary | - higher purchase price |
| - No water necessary | |
| - No use of chemicals | |
| - sustainable |
My conclusion
In my opinion, the development of the dry separating toilet is a great alternative to the camping toilet with water flush. I am also very impressed with the handling of the separating toilet. What speaks in favor of the Dometic toilet is the much lower purchase price. Both the Dometic toilet and the Trelino offer comfortable seating. Here you are also flexible in your choice of color: Trelino dry separation toilet in white or Trelino dry separation toilet in anthracite
A big plus point for both toilets is that you can use them in our lowest storage drawer in the interior module without taking them out. The drawer is simply closed again after use and the toilets don't get in the way in the van.
If you want to integrate a toilet into a VanEssa storage tower, you should first consider which one suits you best. For the Dometic camping toilet, you will need a special flap in the front of the drawer with which you can operate the opening slide.
Interior modules with WC pull-out
Here you can find more information about our storage towers, in which you can safely transport the toilet and make it disappear. The price depends on the mounting options in your van and the configuration.
More stable Sheet metal drawer with Cut-out for WC slide for
More stable Sheet metal pull-out with smooth front for
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us or contact us on Instagram.
We are also happy to advise you on site. Please book an appointment so that a consultant can take enough time for you.
Much love, Johanna.
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