Alternative to flush toilets?

I like the Thetford Curve, but make sure the pump doesn't freeze in the winter time. It is simple and relatively inexpensive when compared to a new tank, toilet, and associated plumbing.

Love my Thetford Curve.

I was going to stay out of this since the first alternative mentioned was the Thetford Curve. It seems to be a hugely popular solution, and with good reasons. Porta-potties are the most recommended amongst our fellow VTT-ers, because of their simplicity and convenience. As has been pointed out before, if you stay in places with facilities, then the onboard potty really becomes a luxury for emergency or overnight times, and its use can become minimal.

The original flush toilet systems were nothing more than glorified big ole porta-potties. They took waste to a holding tank that had to be emptied. It's just a bit more inconvenient to empty since the whole trailer has to be moved to the dump facility.

I would not bring this up except for the statement that the holding tank had been removed. If you have the toilet still intact and in working order, then the original may be workable, depending on just a couple simple additions.

I found that the tube running to the holding tank was a 3" nipple, threaded both ends, threaded into the tank and into the  threaded floor flange. This offers another easy alternative.  By adding a theaded-one-end adapter to hook with a bayonet fitting, a standard 3" sewer tube and a portable tank could be used to replace the function of the holding tank.  I found such an adapter available on eBay, and am sure it is readily available through the RV stores. (Valterra part number T-1029-4, in case you're interested.)  I'm considering this as an option.

The only real benefit to this is keeping the original toilet in place.  If said toilet needs seals or other parts, then the expense adds up some more.  It's also a filthy job to work on the business end of a RV toilet.  Plus it adds the portable tank to the list of things to lug and maintain. 

Just throwin' it out there as I believe in having as many options to choose from as possible.

This is the old backpacker in us speaking (and the aging hippie, I suspect), and we mean absolutely no disrespect. Here at the forum, our comments are meant to support, but also to help other folks think of all the ramifications of their choices BEFORE they make them.

Now with the caveats out of the way...

This IS a neat, easy, painless, poopless system. It's non-stinky and mostly non-icky. And if you're able to spend the money, then it's absolutely one solution. However, it reminds us of the long tubes of plastic bags into which you can stuff soiled disposable diapers, then hermetically seal them and throw them away. Not good for the environment, especially when the waste from a porta potty (or a toilet) goes to a waste treatment plant, and the solids go to a landfill where, in most cases, they will eventually biodegrade. Anything that's sealed in a mylar bag won't do that.

Again, this is just throwing out something you may not (or may have) already thought about. Whatever you decide, enjoy your trailer and your time outdoors!

The Wynns take on composting toilets. About 6 minutes.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYR6GPmDzVM

Best,
Paul B

The Curve! Easy, clean, simple and not so expensive. Hey, you can even bring it in the house when your septic backs up! (Ask me how I know.)

Does this photo give you any ideas.  All you need is a bucket with a plastic bag liner inside.