Comparing two popular composting toilets for RVers

By Cheri Sicard
Let’s face it, one of the least glamorous parts of camping is dealing with the toilet situation. Many people have tried various camping toilets, only to be disappointed by lingering odors and messy cleanup. There is a better way. Check out the video below by the team at Playing with Sticks that compares the two best portable composting toilets.

Why do traditional camp toilets smell so bad? It all boils down to what happens when you mix liquids and solids. Here’s a breakdown:

• A breeding ground for odors: Combining urine and feces creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to unpleasant smells.

• Lack of proper drying: When solid waste can’t dry out, the smells intensify.

• Messy transportation: Transporting a mixture of liquids and solids can be a messy and unpleasant experience.

The secret to a less smelly camping toilet is separating the number one and number two from the start. This involves:

• Separate containers: Using a toilet with designated areas for pee and poop.

• Dry environment: Ensuring the solid waste stays dry to minimize odors.

• Easier waste disposal: Making the disposal process cleaner and simpler.

To take odor control a step further, it’s helpful to add a drying material to the solid waste container. This absorbent, biodegradable material helps to eliminate odors. What’s the perfect drying material? That seems to be an ongoing quest.

Trelino^® vs. Joolca GottaGo portable composting toilets comparison

Two popular options for portable composting toilets are the Trelino^® and the Joolca GottaGo. Here’s a detailed comparison of these two models:

• Trelino Composting Toilet: The Trelino has a reputation for German engineering and has earned many accolades. However, some users have experienced a significant odor problem. Despite trying different bedding materials and addressing condensation issues by leaving the lid open, the smell persisted. The lack of proper seals may contribute to odor leakage.

• Joolca GottaGo Toilet: The Joolca GottaGo addresses some of the shortcomings of other camping toilets. It features sealed compartments to contain odors and the ability to open and close the solid waste compartment to control airflow and the composting process. After a two-week test, the Joolca GottaGo exhibited excellent odor control.

The Joolca also offers the versatility of being used as a traditional or chemical toilet. The separate containers make dumping waste easier and more discreet compared to carrying a large, sloshing tank to a public restroom.

Key differences

Here’s a closer look at the key differences between the Trelino and the Joolca GottaGo:

Trelino

• Size matters: Choosing the right size Trelino is crucial.

• Storage problems: The Trelino has limited storage space for drying material and toilet paper.

• The “stick”: A stick is used to spread and compact waste, extending the time between bag changes to about a week if used.

Joolca GottaGo

• One size fits all: The Joolca GottaGo comes in one size.

• Comfort: It offers a comfortable, home-toilet feel.

• Lid design: There may be durability issues with the detachable lid over time.

• Spray bottle: It includes a spray bottle for… well, spraying.

• Easy waste removal: The design ensures that the waste inside the bag will not be visible when taking out the bag.

• Level indicators: Indicators show how full the pee and poop sections are.

• Cleaning: The Joolca GottaGo has nooks and crannies that can make cleaning a bit more time-consuming compared to the Trelino’s simpler design.

Price comparison

• Trelino: The medium-sized Trelino is around $475 (or $520 on Amazon), and the small version is about $375.

• Joolca GottaGo: The Joolca GottaGo has a pre-sale price of $211 and will retail for $279.

Both options are relatively affordable compared to high-end composting toilets that can cost around $1,000.

Final verdict: Neither!

After comparing these two popular options, the decision was made to stick with flat-pack toilets due to size and odor retention issues.

The Trelino and Joolca are great options for larger trailers or cabins, but they can be too bulky for smaller setups. The plastic materials also tend to retain odors, which can be a problem when transporting the toilet in a car or tow vehicle.

Instead, the Thunderbox Folding Camp Toilet and the Deuces Wild Bamboo Toilet were chosen by the team.

With the right approach, anyone can enjoy a cleaner, easier, and less smelly camping experience. Whether it’s investing in a composting toilet or upgrading an existing setup, separating liquids and solids is a game-changer.

Here’s to cleaner, easier, and less smelly camping adventures!

RELATED

• Pros and cons of an RV composting toilet
• RVers’ heated debate: Can you dump a composting toilet’s waste into regular toilet and flush it?

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