Porcelain RV Toilets: Do They Exist? Luckily, They Absolutely Do!
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
By Kelly Beasley
RVs aren't known for being made with high-end materials.
They sure are fun, but sometimes an upgrade or two makes them even better.
You've probably heard of people replacing their showerhead, but have you heard about replacing an RV toilet with a porcelain RV toilet?
If you haven't, the good news is that it is a thing, and it's possible! (I even replaced my Thetford plastic toilet with a porcelain Dometic one.)
Let's get into what you should know about them for your potential upgrade.
Do They Make Porcelain RV Toilets?
You bet your behind they do (heh)!
Though they often don't come with an 'upgraded' RV porcelain toilet, they exist.
Most every camper brand is known for using cheap and light materials.
Though it's not as expensive as gold, porcelain is more expensive and heavier than plastic.
Plastic is the most commonly used RV toilet material.
Butt (hee-hee), there are porcelain toilets for RVs (you can't use a conventional toilet in an RV) that you can buy and put in yours if you so desire.
It's not very expensive, it's easy, it's a great replacement, and you can order one in an elongated bowl if it fits your space.
Why Don't They Put Ceramic RV Toilets In RVs?
Some campers DO come with a ceramic RV toilet.
Usually, they come in the more expensive motorhomes or fifth wheels.
That said, it's more common to see plastic toilets in campers.
Plastic toilets are lightweight, are usually made by Dometic or Thetford, and can be a low profile or high profile toilet.
What's Better About Porcelain Than Plastic?
Often, it's an aesthetic issue.
The plastic yellows over time. It's also going to be harder to clean after a few years. Plastic absorbs colors that turn into stains.
Porcelain toilets for RVs do not. They are just like your toilet at home.
The ceramic RV toilet likely comes with a wood toilet seat (At least it the Dometic 310 does). Again, the plastic version has a plastic seat, which is not nearly as durable.
Can You Put A Porcelain Toilet In An RV?
Yes, you can put a porcelain toilet in an RV. However, it MUST be an RV toilet.
Meaning it is specifically made to work and fit into an RV.
Home toilets will not work in your camper.
How Do You Clean A Porcelain RV Toilet?
Cleaning a porcelain RV toilet is no different from cleaning a home toilet.
You use the same method and you can use either an RV toilet cleaner or one that you use with your home toilet.
The toilet contents are eventually going to end up in either a septic system or a city sewer system.
You only need to watch what you use if the campground you stay in requests no chemicals are used that might interfere with their septic tank functioning properly.
How Much Does A Porcelain RV Toilet Weigh?
A Porcelain RV toilet weighs between 30 - 50 lbs.
If you're worried about the additional weight compared to your old plastic throne, you might look at what else is putting your camper overweight.
Is Your RV Toilet Porcelain? How To Tell
Your RV toilet is porcelain or ceramic if:
- The bowl is very smooth and shiny
- It has a high pitch when tapped with a metal object
- It's bone-white (but it can be cream)
- It's easy to clean
- It has a similar appearance to a residential toilet
Replacing a Plastic RV Toilet
Installation of a new RV porcelain toilet is simple.
It's almost identical to replacing a home toilet.
Before you even order the new one, there are some considerations to make:
- Will the new toilet fit in the space allowed?
- Is there a height limitation?
- Do you want a round or elongated toilet bowl?
- Did you consider getting a composting toilet?
- How big is the hole in your floor?
- Do you want a spray hose attached to your toilet?
- Do you want gravity, electricity, or air to power your flush?
As you can see, there are some things to consider to reach your comfort zone in your RV's bathroom.
Dometic 310 toilet
What Is The Best Porcelain RV Toilet?
The best porcelain toilet for RV is the one that fits all your needs.
Not everyone wants the same things, so not everyone wants the same toilet.
That said, there aren't that many variations on the theme.
Here are a few good popular and reliable porcelain RV toilets.
Dometic 310
The Dometic 310 is what I replaced my old plastic toilet with. It's the non-elongated version of the 320. (The elongated bowl wouldn't fit in the space available in my rig.)
It has a wood seat and is easy to clean. Probably my favorite feature about it is the slow-closing seat and lid.
Its height is standard, like that of regular porcelain thrones.
Dometic 320
The 320 features an elongated bowl.
That's about the only difference between the 310 and the 320. It is also a standard-height toilet.
Conclusion
If you're not happy with your current non-porcelain throne in your camper, it's time for a new one.
Lucky for you, they do make porcelain or ceramic toilets.
They are easier to clean, they are longer-lasting, and they won't yellow like the cheap plastic ones do.
It's an easy swap-out that won't take much time.
Just make sure the new toilet fits in the space allotted in your RV bathroom.
Author: Kelly Beasley
I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.