By Dustin Simpson
You often do not realize how important your RV toilet is until it’s not available. Let’s assume the toilet is non-repairable or that it’s just too old. Now it’s time to update the toilet. In most cases, a replacement is a relatively simple process. The hardest step of RV toilet replacement is deciding on the replacement and determining if it works in your RV.
Things to note when replacing an RV toilet
When contacting a repair shop or dealership in regards to purchasing a new toilet, here is some information you should provide. In some cases, sending pictures of the toilet or the part you’re looking for helps track down the replacements needed.
• High or low profile – Please measure height in inches
• Water consumption/flow rate – Does it have a water saver?
• Attached spray unit – Is it equipped with a hand sprayer?
• Bowl size – Standard round or elongated residential?
• Plastic or porcelain bowl?
• Seat and lid design – Standard/slow close; plastic or wood?
• Color
• Overall width
• Brand name – Model and serial number are typically located behind the backside of the toilet
• Foot pedal, slide handle or push button flush
• Blade or ball flushing mechanism
RV toilets that have been replaced
Please follow Dustin on YouTube, and see his published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
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More from Dustin
Read more of Dustin’s articles here.
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RVDT2921
Sorry but I don’t see anywhere in this article on how to replace a toilet. Am I missing something?
And good luck finding one with a side handle. Ours is on a platform about five inches above the floor, so it’s difficult to use the pedal. I tried to get the Thetford with a pull handle on the side. Might as well try to find fresh dinosaur brisket. Anyway, nothing in the article about actual replacement.
I think the title of the article should have been “Things to Know When Buying A Replacement RV Toilet”. With first-hand experience, my husband would say there is nothing easy about removing and replacing an RV toilet!
AGREE
Plastic bowl toilets seem to have a tendency to retain odors after a few years. Although they are much lighter than porcelain bowl versions. We are going to thin out little used gear and install the ceramic bowl version of our toilet.
The thing that complicates toilet installation is working space. RV bathrooms are by nature tight and awkward spaces. Holding a (porcelain especially) toilet in the air and aligning the bolts can be awkward. Put plastic straws protruding below the toilet through the bolt holes (tack in place on top with a bit of painter’s tape). A helper can get the wiggly bolts into the straws, and the straws will guide the bolts through the bolt holes.
Thank you for the discussion, Dustin, and the reminder to be comprehensive when assessing the aspects one desires in a replacement relative to the current one. Some aspects are more obviius than others, but being systematic lessens the chance something crucial is overlooked. Have a great day and safe travels!