RV Toilets: Choose The Best Gravity Flush RV Toilet Replacement

Posted by Happy Campers Store on Apr 11th 2024

RV Toilets: Your Buying Guide for Choosing a Gravity Flush RV Toilet Replacement

When it comes to choosing an RV toilet, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best option for your needs. From size and style to flushing mechanism and installation process, it's important to do your research before making a purchase. In this buying guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing a gravity flush RV toilet replacement, including the top 3 rated RV toilets, how to remove your existing RV toilet, how to install your new RV toilet, price ranges, and differences in quality and efficiency.

Our Notes:

Most of the RV toilet options available are going to have a lot of plastic parts. This is because unlike a home toilet, RV toilets need to be lighter to be more efficient when traveling. The unfortunate set back with plastic parts is thay they are usually not as good and don't last as long. We feel this is just one of those things you need to be aware of and kind of have to live with as an RVer.

When it comes to choosing an RV toilet, price ranges can vary depending on the brand, style, and features. On average, RV toilets can range from $100 to $500 or more. Higher-priced toilets typically offer more advanced features such as water-saving options, comfortable seating, durable construction, and efficient flushing systems.

In terms of quality and efficiency, it's important to consider factors such as flushing mechanism, ease of cleaning, durability, and water usage. High-quality RV toilets are made from durable materials that can withstand rough terrain and frequent use. Efficient flushing systems are important for conserving water and preventing clogs. Additionally, easy-to-clean surfaces and odor-reducing technologies can make your RV toilet experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Why Would You Want or Need to Replace an RV Toilet?

1. Upgrade:

One common reason is to upgrade to a newer model with improved features and functionality. Newer RV toilets often come with features like water-saving flush systems, more comfortable seating, and easier cleaning options.

2. Damage or Malfunction:

This is the most common reason to replace an RV toilet. Typically, problems start with the flush mechanism seal in the bowl. Maybe you've tried replacing the seal already and continued having issues with leaking. If the current RV toilet is damaged or malfunctioning, it may be necessary to replace it. Issues like leaks, cracks, or problems with the flush mechanism can make the toilet unusable and require a replacement.

3. Comfort and Convenience:

Some RV owners may choose to replace their toilet to improve comfort and convenience. Upgrading to a toilet with a higher seat height, an elongated bowl, or additional features like a foot pedal flush or integrated sprayer can enhance the overall experience of using the toilet.

4. Style and Aesthetics:

Another reason to replace an RV toilet is to match the style and aesthetics of the RV's interior. If the current toilet doesn't fit the desired design or color scheme, replacing it with a more visually appealing option can help create a cohesive and pleasing look.

5. Personal Preference:

Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in the decision to replace an RV toilet. Some individuals may simply prefer a different brand or model based on their own experiences or recommendations from others.

It's important to note that replacing an RV toilet requires proper installation and may involve plumbing connections, so it's recommended to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance if needed.

Top 3 Rated Gravity Flush RV Toilets

1. Dometic 320 RV Toilet | White | 302320081 $329.32

Image Source: Amazon

Product Review: Dometic 320 RV Toilet | White | 302320081

We spoke with a fellow RVer who recently purchased the Dometic 320 RV Toilet for an upgrade and this is what they had to say,

"I am extremely satisfied with its performance. This toilet is specifically designed for RVs and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of functionality and convenience."

What makes the Dometic 320 a Great Choice for replacing an older RV Toilet?

The Dometic 320 RV Toilet has a standard height, which makes it comfortable to use for people of all ages and sizes. The elongated seat provides additional comfort and the overall design of the toilet is sleek and modern.

One of the standout features of this toilet is its powerful flush system.

The Dometic 320 RV Toilet utilizes a gravity flush mechanism that ensures efficient waste removal without the need for excessive water usage. This is particularly important when you are on the road and water conservation is crucial.

The toilet also comes with a full-size residential-style seat, which adds to the comfort and convenience. The seat is easy to clean and maintain, and it provides a sturdy and stable surface to sit on.

Installation of the Dometic 320 RV Toilet was a breeze.

The toilet comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions, making it easy for anyone to install it in their RV. The toilet also has a water-saving feature that allows you to control the amount of water used per flush, further enhancing its eco-friendliness.

In terms of durability, the Dometic 320 RV Toilet is built to last.

It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to stains, scratches, and odors. This ensures that the toilet remains in excellent condition even after prolonged use.

We highly recommend the Dometic 320 RV Toilet to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient toilet for their RV. Its powerful flush system, comfortable design, and easy installation make it a top choice in the market.

The Dometic 320 has an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 with over 2,500 reviews on Amazon.

While there is always a mix of good and bad, we feel that this Amazon review best sums up the general feeling of the product;

We bought the RV a little over 2 months ago. It came with a Thetford Aqua Magic. It would not hold water. Tried replacing the seals. That didn't work. It was also leaking, uncomfortable, and the worst toilet seat ever to clean with all these little grooves under the seat! Plus it was installed on a box and it was so tall that my feet couldn't touch the ground! My husband is 6 ft 2 and it was too tall for him as well! I'm sure you get the picture by now. I loathed the toilet! ?

Fast forward... a Dometic 320 elongated toilet with no box underneath. ?? How do I love the let me count the ways: 1. Completely ceramic. 2. Any compatible elongated toilet seat will work, including Kohler toilet seats. No obnoxious grooves to clean. 3. The water doesn't just come from the back of the toilet but completely flows around the entire bowl. 4. After you flush it automatically fills up the toilet a couple of inches. You don't need to do this yourself. Although, if you want more water, you can slightly press to add more water. 5. Elongated. More comfortable, especially for my husband. And stylish. 6. Compatible with a Lux Bidet. ( We chose the Luxe 185). 7. We added an integrated shut off valve.

2. Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet - $231.63

Image Source: Amazon

Product Review: Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet with Hand Sprayer

We have tested and used the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet and can vouch for its performance. This toilet is specifically designed for RVs and it has proven to be a reliable and efficient choice.

First and foremost, the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet offers a comfortable and ergonomic design. The seat height is just right, providing a comfortable seating position for users of all ages. The toilet also features a foot pedal flush mechanism, which is easy to use and ensures a powerful and thorough flush every time.

One of the standout features of this toilet is the integrated sprayer.

The sprayer allows for easy and effective cleaning of the bowl, ensuring optimal hygiene and cleanliness. This feature is particularly useful when you are on the road and access to water may be limited.

Installation of the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet was a breeze.

In terms of durability, the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet is built to last.

It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to stains, scratches, and odors. This ensures that the toilet remains in excellent condition even after prolonged use.

Overall, I highly recommend the Thetford Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient toilet for their RV. Its comfortable design, powerful flush, and easy installation make it a top choice in the market.

This toilet is awesome! We have a 1983 Kit Road Ranger that we love and are slowly replacing everything in. Once we got bold enough to put water in the tanks and start using running water our lives became even more easy. The original toilet had a great leak every time you flushed it, spraying water out of the top back. At least it was clean water going in and not the stuff going out.

I researched and crossed my fingers that this new toilet would fit, especially since it's such a small space and I opted for the taller toilet. It fit like a CHAMP!!! The installation was super easy. Taking the old toilet out was just the two bolts on either side and disconnecting the water. I cleaned up the floor mount and the new toilet came with two new bolts and a new foam seal where the toilet meets the floor. So I din't need anything extra except for some WD40 to clean up the screws on the floor mount. I did need to find a different way to hook the water up since the bowl was up higher than the last toilet but that was solved by a stop to our friendly ACE Hardware. They also ROCK! The toilet has been a great success and is awesome for stopping on the side of the road to have a moment especially when you are traveling with a 3yr old. No leaks, super simple and clean and I love the taller aspect. Great product.

P.S. don't over tighten the bolts:-)

3. SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet - $154.99

Image Source: Amazon

Product Review: SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet

We rate the SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet as the best bang for the buck. It provides a solid performance, comfort and a gentle close lid.

The SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet offers a residential height, which provides a more comfortable seating position compared to standard RV toilets. This makes it suitable for users of all ages and sizes. The elongated seat adds to the comfort and provides a more spacious feel.

The flush system of the SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet is efficient and powerful.

It utilizes a gravity flush mechanism that ensures thorough waste removal without the need for excessive water usage. This is particularly important when you are on the road and water conservation is crucial.

Installation of the SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet was straightforward.

In terms of durability, the SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet is built to last as well as the other two toilets.

It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to stains, scratches, and odors. This ensures that the toilet remains in excellent condition even after prolonged use. It doesn't feel as structurally solid as the two previously mentioned toilets, but still a great value.

Overall, I we recommend the SEAFLO Residential Height RV Toilet to anyone who is looking for a super easy and fast installation and a lower price point.

Most Amazon reviews for this product reflect the sentiments below;

It’s really great for the price. Easy to install. Works. Hurray. Was the same price as the replacement flush valve that failed. Hope this helps.

Works like a charm! Very easy to install myself! 56yo woman! Took me less than 15 minutes from start to finish!

Steps to Replace Your RV Toilet:

How to Remove Your Existing RV Toilet?

Replacing an RV toilet is not the hardest task and most Do-it-yourselfers are fully capable of handling the task. If handy work isn't your cup of tea, no worries - hire a handyman to do it. Also, if you struggle lifting items above 20lbs you may want some assistance with this task. For a complete visual walk through of the process of removing and replacing your RV toilet watch this awesome video by Roaming with Rosie below. In this video they are removing their old leaking toilet with the Dometic 320 RV Toilet mentioned in the first review above. Be sure to check out their YouTube Channel for great tips.

Before installing a new RV toilet, you will need to remove your existing toilet.

Here are the steps to remove your old RV toilet:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

Because there is no shut off in the bathroom, you will need to go outside to shut off the water if you are using city water. If using the fresh water tank then turn the water switch off in the panel.

2. Remove the toilet seat and lid by unscrewing the bolts that hold them in place.
(This step may be optional depending on the toilet you have.)

3. Disconnect the water supply line by unscrewing the nut that connects it to the toilet.

4. Remove the nuts and bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.

5. Lift the toilet straight up to remove it from the floor and disconnect the waste line.

6. Clean the area where the toilet was installed to prepare for the new toilet installation.

How to Install Your New RV Toilet

Once you have removed your old RV toilet, it's time to install your new one. Here are the steps to install your new RV toilet:

1. Place the new toilet over the existing flange and line up the bolt holes with the floor.

2. Insert the bolts into the flange and tighten them securely.

3. Connect the waste line to the toilet and secure it with the provided nut.

4. Attach the water supply line to the toilet and tighten the nut to secure it.

5. Install the seat and lid onto the toilet by screwing in the bolts.

6. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.

Conclusion:

Overall, when choosing an RV toilet, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to find the best option for your RV. Whether you're looking for a compact and portable toilet or a high-end and eco-friendly option, there are plenty of choices available on the market to suit your needs. By following this buying guide and considering the top-rated RV toilets, installation process, price ranges, and differences in quality and efficiency, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a comfortable and efficient RV toilet experience on your next adventure.