AVOIDING PUBLIC BATHROOMS is one of the many great benefits of RV ownership. Unfortunately, not all RV toilets live up to that promise. Luckily, it doesn’t have to stay that way. A toilet upgrade is one of the most underrated ways to improve your RV, and there are many options if you’re looking for the best replacement RV toilet for your camper.
Let’s look at the best camper toilet replacement options and how to choose the right one for you, covering bowl material, rough-in measurements, seat height, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing the toilet in your RV.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Fit and Comfort: Before buying, you must match the “rough-in” measurement (the distance from the wall to the floor flange) to ensure the replacement toilet actually fits; from there, aim for a residential-height (18″) seat and an elongated bowl for maximum comfort.
- Material Matters: Choose between plastic (lightweight and budget-friendly) or porcelain (heavier and pricier, but much easier to clean and odor-resistant).
- Maintenance is Key: To avoid a mid-trip disaster, keep your ball valve and seals lubricated with mild detergent or specialized lubricants to prevent leaks and keep those “funky” tank smells where they belong.
Why Replace an RV Toilet?
The main reason most owners replace RV toilets is that they’re no longer working. Toilet issues that might warrant a replacement include a faulty flush mechanism or a cracked toilet base that’s causing a leak.
Some opt for an upgrade simply to improve their bathroom experience. Choosing an easier-to-clean porcelain bowl, a model with a more comfortable seat height, or one with added features like a spray wand can make a noticeable difference for many RV owners. For others—especially those purchasing a used RV—a new toilet might simply eliminate any ick factor.
Regardless of your reason, here’s how to choose the right RV toilet upgrade or replacement.
Choosing an RV Replacement Toilet
Images by Camping World
Consider these factors to help you select the best replacement RV toilet.
Rough-In
The distance from the wall to the center of the RV toilet flange, known as the “rough-in,” is an important measurement to find the correct RV toilet replacement. For the easiest replacement, the new toilet must have a rough-in measurement that matches that of your existing toilet.
Bowl Material
The two main materials used in bowl construction are plastic and porcelain. Plastic is a good option because it’s lightweight and cost-effective. It also tends to be more durable to the vibrations and bouncing that are commonplace during RV travel.
Porcelain—or ceramic—is great because it’s durable and doesn’t hold stains or smells. It’s also the same material as your residential toilet and is typically easier to clean than plastic bowls. Porcelain RV toilets are becoming more common as RV suspension parts improve.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Plastic | – Lightweight – Cost Effective |
– Less Comfortable – Holds Smells & Stains |
| Porcelain | – More Comfortable – Easier to Clean |
– Heavier – More Expensive |
Seat Height
Seat height is the primary factor in comfort when using an RV toilet. Most camping toilets have a low seat height because they’re cheaper and lighter. However, this makes it harder to get up after sitting down. A taller seat height is heavier but easier to use.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Your personal preference narrows your options. For reference, a residential seat height is 18” or higher.
Bowl Shape
There are two common bowl shapes to choose from: standard and elongated. An elongated bowl is more comfortable and hygienic—it’s likely what you’re used to at home. However, it adds extra weight and typically costs more.
A smaller, round bowl isn’t as comfortable, but it creates more usable space in tight RV bathrooms, especially in smaller campers.
Flush Mechanism
Most RV toilets use a manual foot-flush mechanism, typically located on the front or side of the base. Some models have an electric flush mechanism. This electric mechanism often includes a cutoff switch to prevent overfilling your black tank, a nice feature that adds peace of mind. However, the downside of the electric mechanism is the addition of a non-analog component that could require advanced repair expertise if it fails.
Spray Feature
Some toilets have a handheld sprayer to help clean the bowl after use. This makes cleaning easier, prevents staining, and keeps odors down. It is not a camper toilet bidet, but it is a nice bonus feature to look for when comparing replacement RV toilets.
Best RV Replacement Toilets to Choose
Now that you know what to look for, here are five of our top-rated RV toilet replacement options:
Dometic 320 Series RV Toilet
Don’t let the price scare you—this is the best toilet money can buy for your RV. You’ll hardly notice a difference from the one back home. The residential-height seat, ceramic bowl, and elongated seat make this a must-have toilet for your RV bathroom.
| Seat Height | Bowl Material | Seat Shape | Weight | Rough-In |
| 18” | Ceramic/Porcelain | Elongated | 37 lbs. | 11” Minimum |
Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus RV Toilet
The Thetford Aqua-Magic Style is another premium option for a quick RV bathroom renovation. It has a residential-height seat for ease of use and a ceramic bowl that won’t stain or smell.
| Seat Height | Bowl Material | Seat Shape | Weight | Rough-In |
| 17.5” | Ceramic/Porcelain | Elongated | 45 lbs. | 11” Minimum |
Dometic 310 Series RV Toilet
If you like the Dometic 320 but want more space, the Dometic 310 is for you. This toilet has a residential-height seat and a ceramic bowl. The round bowl still has plenty of room without taking up as much space.
| Seat Height | Bowl Material | Seat Shape | Weight | Rough-In |
| 18” | Ceramic/Porcelain | Round, Soft Close | 23 lbs. | 10” Minimum |
Dometic 400 Series RV Toilet
Like the 310 and 320, the Dometic 400 has a residential-height seat. It differs by featuring a plastic bowl to save weight and a smaller rough-in for easier application in more tiny RVs. It’s a great option for those on a budget.
| Seat Height | Bowl Material | Seat Shape | Weight | Rough-In |
| 18” | Plastic | Round, Soft Close | 9.5 lbs. | 7.625” Minimum |
Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence RV Toilet
The Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence is very similar to the Dometic 300 but at a slightly lower price. It was a tall seat for ease of use and a plastic bowl to save weight.
| Seat Height | Bowl Material | Seat Shape | Weight | Rough-In |
| 18” | Plastic | Elongated | 13 lbs. | 9.5” Minimum |
Are All RV Toilets Interchangeable?
Although most RV toilets use the same mounting pattern, they can require different rough-in measurements, so they are not all interchangeable. You’ll need to measure the distance from the wall to the center of the flange to ensure your RV replacement toilet choice meets or exceeds your camping commode’s requirements.
If you’re not comfortable replacing the toilet yourself, use the link below to find an RV parts store near you:
How To Make Your RV Toilet Last Longer
If you want to extend the life of your existing toilet, read through the owner’s manual and perform all routine maintenance. We always recommend keeping the toilet ball valve and seal well-lubricated. If you notice unpleasant odors inside your bathroom, this is usually the first place to check. Clean the seal periodically and apply a mild detergent as a lubricant.
Check out some of our other related articles below:
In the comments below, let us know if you’ve ever picked out an RV toilet replacement and which one you chose.
