Is This the Best RV Toilet or a BIG Mistake?

Рет қаралды 102,317

Жыл бұрын

The owner of this 2022 Solitude 5th Wheel from Grand Designs is going to leave this RV at a year round RV site and wanted to upgrade the terrible RV toilet that came from the factory: Thetford Style II. While it is a passably good RV toilet, it is leaking already, and the owner, like me, does not enjoy using RV toilets as they are unsteady and unsatisfying to flush. So I was asked if it was possible to install a normal flushing residential toilet in a RV. While this is a more rare scenario for RV toilets it is possible. Please join me as I install a residential toilet in a RV, and explain why you should or shouldn't and how incredibly easy it is. If you stay to the end, I will also give a quick walk thru of this beautiful 2022 Solitude!
A big THANK YOU to Chad Stevens and the Premium Coach Group in Gilbert, Arizona for allowing me to work on this 5th wheel in the rear parking lot.
premiumcoachgroup.com
378 S Hamilton Ct, Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 245-7870
Thanks for watching!!

Пікірлер: 263

@sammysicknessirl Жыл бұрын

Did this 2 years ago in our Class A RV, and will never look back. A couple of things to consider though: the water in the bowl starts burping once the black tank gets over half full if you have the dump valve closed, but leaving the dump valve open while connected to the dump/septic solves that. If you empty the tank, turn off the shut off valve, flush the bowl and stow the tank lid, traveling with a real toilet becomes a non-issue. Just dump a gallon of water in the bowl if you need to use the John while on the road. Lastly, although the dump valve is open, a weekly tank flush will prevent “poop pyramids” from ever forming. Holding down the flush handle during every flush will help with completing a full flush out of the black tank. Happy Relieving!

@ryankennedy9414 Жыл бұрын

Do you know why this would be? The tank is vented so there should be no air pressure inside the tank regardless of level. At least on our tank the vent comes off the top, and when the trailer is level the tank would have to be 95%+ full to cover it up. I was planning on doing this in our trailer but its permanently parked and we get pumped out once a week so our dump is closed. But with the vent I didn't ever think this would be an issue.

@DavidHBurkart Жыл бұрын

Most excellent and innovative James! Its all about having the right clearance for toilet. For stationary RV life, especially park-models/destination coaches, its a slam-dunk!

@akshonclip 10 ай бұрын

Kohler makes a one piece elongated bowl residential toilet that saves a few inches in front over a two piece (tank and bowl). Fit really well in my Jayco.

@proudtexan5513 Жыл бұрын

Great job!! What a great upgrade for a stationary fifth wheel!!

@CHRISINMCNEILL 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking time to make these videos. Must be lots of work after you shot the video. Bought my first rv, 2017 Alpine 3660FL. You are lots of help!

@gary.joseph Жыл бұрын

ALWAYS the BEST videos and content James! 😁 Thank you!

@lorrieleaver2447 Жыл бұрын

This is a great idea to upgrade the usual RV toilets and improve the quality and comfort whilst camping. It’s possible to insert a shut off valve on the water inlet hose thus making it safe for traveling in my opinion. It’s common on most UK toilets and will solve a multitude of potential problems including winterisation and traveling. If you need to flush whilst traveling just switch the valve on to fill the tank and off again when finished. I’m hoping this makes sense 😉 Great stuff James 🥰💫

@paulgreen5713 Жыл бұрын

We have a 2021 Jayco, and we just experienced our first valve blowout in our unit. I had the idea to change our unit out for a residential one. I wasn't sure if it would be possible, so I referred to KZfaq and found your video. You have inspired me to convert our unit. I also was not happy with the stock unit. The standard RV units are low to the ground and small. I am a large guy, and I find a standard home unit more comfortable for sure. Thanks for the video it was very useful. 👍

@philw7174 Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thank you James for this video. Happy trails!

@jillhall9024 Жыл бұрын

I sure appreciate this! We just purchased an older, used 5th wheel that has a residential toilet installed. I wondered if that was even doable! Now I know. I also prefer to use the waxless rings when installing toilets. I've never had problems with them. I haven't heard of anyone else using them. Folks around here think that is a crazy idea. Oh well. Works for me! Thanks again, for the very helpful video.

@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs Жыл бұрын

I had a 2011 35' Springdale (by Keystone, Western Edition 2 BR) that I purchased for a lot (2nd owner) and the 1st owner had installed a residential toilet (rounded). For being like a park model trailer and not being used to travel, it was perfect and liked it much better than the usual RV toilet (I had in my other two RV's both purchased new in '05 and '09).

@VOOODOOO37 Жыл бұрын

wow cool. Nice to see how to remove a toiled from an RV anyway, in case I might have to do it sometime. Full timer here. Love your very detailed videos.

@loydalexander154 Жыл бұрын

James good to see a new video from you miss them thanks man 😊

@tambram4677 28 күн бұрын

Amazing! Thank you!! Ive been looking for a video for a few weeks. Im stationary, need to replace RV toilet and want to upgrade to residential. Adding a bidet to mine as well. I have a 2007 so keeping my fingers crossed the rough in will work.

@AZExpert 27 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@bobellis1022 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you posted this video! I've been thinking about doing this for my 5th wheel. I also am permanently parked so this should work for me. Love the channel by the way!

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

thank you

@nicola3060 Жыл бұрын

This is the ideal thing for permanently place rvs. I have a permanently placed rv on my Moms farm and it has a residential toilet and installed a mr cool mini split AC unit. It’s amazing. I wish there was more KZfaq videos on upgrades and things for permanently placed RVs because it seems like different rules apply when it’s never gonna be in motion again.

@LayloNewt Жыл бұрын

Thanks James pretty neat and a first for sure. Hopefully they can get it to it's park site without the china bowl cracking. Always enjoy your videos

@mikemotorbike4283 Жыл бұрын

I'd use big rubber washers on the toilet base nuts and strap the tank to the back wall firmly to keep it stable side to side and back to front to avoid stressing the bolt holes on the base.

@solebrth Ай бұрын

You just started a game changer ! Well done !!!

@stephenlevan6676 Жыл бұрын

I'm so happy you bought them an elongated toilet. So much nicer!

@kevinplunkett6393 Жыл бұрын

Nice upgrade for a stationary rig. A lot of Park Model rigs have residential toilets vs foot flush.

@michaelprue9024 11 ай бұрын

Our little travel trailer came with a porcelain rv toilet with foot flush. We’ve owned the trailer for about 4 years now and have never had a problem with the toilet. But I’ve been a maniac about maintaining the trailer. We are the 2nd owners and couldn’t be happier with it, as I’m sure all of the bugs got worked out of it before we ever laid eyes on it lol. I don’t see a need for us to swap out our toilet, but if we ever get the opportunity to end up with a giant 5th wheel like that I’ll know what I need to if we decided to go that route. Great video bud

@mikemiller8850 Жыл бұрын

nice job on toilet. I put a shut off valve on my rv toilet along time ago

@alanthompson7674 Жыл бұрын

Install an after market pressurized tank insert to solve tank sloshing issues. This will also reduce water usage. If you want to really conserve fresh water, you can install a secondary water pump/filter and y valve/anti siphon to charge the tank from gray water when boondocking.

@dmc522 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic sideburns ❤ Oh! Cool video too

@robertburgess6100 Жыл бұрын

Great video, Jamea. I've seen that done before.

@joegarcia2969 Жыл бұрын

outstanding video...info great shooting great...work great...keep up the good work bud

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Hey thanks!

@loydalexander154 Жыл бұрын

Yes I've seen people seal the toilets to the floor and have to replace house floors. Didn't know it was leaking 😮

@DaveDrawing 5 ай бұрын

Another great video! No surprise there.. I like the idea of the residential toilet, and while this rig will be more or less permanently parked, you mentioned at the end the toilet will use a lot more water. With that in mind, a toilet with two stage flushing would help. 👍

@AZExpert 5 ай бұрын

Good call!

@cggage Ай бұрын

Very well-done video! You are a great narrator!

@AZExpert Ай бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@JamesStaudacher 10 ай бұрын

This is funny, I added an RV toilet to my small bathroom cabin because space was so limited. I really love the RV toilet. Sure beats an outhouse.

@gladlisa1 Жыл бұрын

thanks for this video i'm switching my rv toylet to ceramic and this video makes the job much better to

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@jthonn Жыл бұрын

No problem, the round toilet would be better because of the size. When it goes for a ride, turn the water valve off, flush, the little bit of water that would be left in the tank will not be an issue. Also tape down the tank lid where it won't bounce around. Good to go!

@twiggerdug33 Ай бұрын

I just came across this video and love this install. Do you think a person could strap that down somehow; sort of like earthquake straps that are put on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes? Im thinking you need to come up with something, some idea!!

@dodgeguyz Жыл бұрын

As long as you always have FHU’s there is nothing wrong with a residential toilet. Some of the newer ones have the water saving 1.5 gallon per flush. And that can even be lowered a bit if needed!

@Takethatakethatakethat Жыл бұрын

Solid Buck knife you got there. I love mine!

@hoppy2515 Жыл бұрын

Hellzzzyea😂

@Buck1954 10 ай бұрын

Mine sits in one place. I've been thinking about doing this to mine. Thank you! One thing I like is I don't have to teach people how to use a RV toilet.

@AZExpert 10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@hillbillyrv Жыл бұрын

That worked out well. Nice job.

@cullenmiller8170 Жыл бұрын

I had wondered about that when I lived in my fifth wheel that was stationary. Thanks for bringing us along. I guess the new owner is ready for a taco Tuesday. 😂😂

@Jonnydeerhunter Жыл бұрын

As long as it has the 10 inch fan Of course.

@davidparker2417 Жыл бұрын

Oh Yeah that is definitely happing in our Sierra 379flok

@edwardnigma2216 Жыл бұрын

I did something quite similar on my boat recently... Had to get a bit more creative with the plumbing, but damn is it nice having an adult sized toilet to sit down and take a dump on.

@loydalexander154 Жыл бұрын

You are the man James. You come up with some stuff hu😊

@jeffbienvenu9937 Жыл бұрын

With the recent Coronation in England, this certainly is a throne for a King (or Queen).

@rapierce99 Жыл бұрын

We had one in our park model and towed it all over with absolutely no issues.

@arkman8109 Жыл бұрын

I agree 100percent on my toilet. I'm building my own RV just because of the bathroom.

@jimmyaber5920 8 ай бұрын

The larger footprint seems a good idea. Spreading the load is nicer to floor structure. I replaced two toilets recently and they are 1.2 gpf. I am not in a place where low use toilets are the code.

@TimothyMichaels Жыл бұрын

Mine needs replaced urgent, maybe next year, floor is warping. Nice upgrade 👍

@timmysrvlife Жыл бұрын

17:44 You know what we are thinking😂 I was just thinking using the rag that cleaned the sewer connection then cleaning the seating part of a new toilet is gross.

@paulshannon4576 Жыл бұрын

I now need to do the upgrade for a shut off valve.

@hoppy2515 Жыл бұрын

Hey son you read my mind! I've been waiting for someone for a whole year to throw out their RV toilet and upgrade to a residential porcelain. You did it bro! You the man!😅

@kennethshelton9976 Жыл бұрын

I put a house toilet 🚽 in my bus build. Works great. I drain the water before driving , shut off valve to toilet, strap the top and drive.

@scarter176 10 ай бұрын

James, they make offset flanges so you could move it away from cabinet door.

@itwasaliens Жыл бұрын

I can't believe I'm just seeing this. I have been thinking this for years every time I'm looking at RVs. As weird as it sounds RV toilets had been one of the things golding me back. Id be full time and Id only feel comfortable ever using it for #1. Most cert6couldnt use it for 2 regularly.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

I was dancing around the subject of #2

@mikequick6941 Жыл бұрын

I installed a dometic 320. It is elongated,standard hight and porcelain bowl with a hand sprayer. It has a residential seat. So the best of both worlds. The elongated bowl is a great upgrade over the round bowl.

@jgardne1 Жыл бұрын

This comment should be a sticky. I installed a Dometic 320 in my travel trailer and it makes a huge difference in using the RV. It's plenty stable and the elongated porcelain bowl is great.

@blueballsbkueballs Жыл бұрын

Americans wash their hand? That's new.

@melvinp.h.3069 11 ай бұрын

Yes but still no p trap in it so not ideal for most of us.

@matts1166 24 күн бұрын

Noob question: I'm looking at buying my first camper. I really like the Snoozy 2 camper, but it only comes with a cassette toilet. Pretty much all the campsites I'd ever plan on going to either have full hookups per campsite (including full sewer hookups) and/or they have full toilet and shower facilities. So I'd either not use my toilet or shower at all, or I'd be fully hooked up to sewer. I was contemplating converting the cassette toilet to a domestic 320 (yes, I know I'd have to run water line). Is it feasible under these circumstances to have a gravity toilet that dumps strait into a connected sewer line and NOT have a black tank at all?

@mikequick6941 24 күн бұрын

@@matts1166 I don’t see why not. You must have the dump valve open going to the dump when you flush. You would be flushing against an air bubble if not and could burp back. You would have nothing to winterized. A straight drain and single waterline.

@AvenEngineer Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, I'm currently considering replacing my RV toilet with a residential bidet/toilet.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

It works great if you plan on not moving around and being hooked up to sewer full time. Otherwise it will fill your black tank at least every other day if not every day

@AvenEngineer Жыл бұрын

Good point, in my case it will be hooked up to a septic system, but at about 2 gal per flush, we'd fill the 25 gal black tank before taco Tuesday is over.

@cindyrose4155 Жыл бұрын

If you add a (portable) bidet, you can forget about the RV toilet paper! 😉

@miketracy9571 8 ай бұрын

Good work and nice rv

@klaatu2 3 ай бұрын

Of course the issue is the water in the bowl will splash out as you stop, start, turn, etc Adding vertical baffles can resolve this

@rnreajr9184 Жыл бұрын

I replaced my RV with a porcelain, elongated bowl RV toilet. It just feels right!

@TurkiAlsubiee Ай бұрын

Great work, and I support this idea, but the door handles of the sink cabinet will break if they are not replaced with others.

@KevinCoop1 Жыл бұрын

I replaced two toilets in our house. I bought “contractors” toilet. No tools required. Also had two buttons on the top. For 1.1 gal and 1.6 gallons. $99.00 each.

@sailorjohnboy2325 Жыл бұрын

Bro... I'm on my third Dometic thunder mug in six years!

@handyran1726 19 күн бұрын

For ease, install the bowl alone then bolt the tank on-less weight to lift! A bidet seat recommended.

@konavader Жыл бұрын

This is my next investment, size does matter! Aloha

@eskieguy9355 Жыл бұрын

But, is it a prime pooping position?

@tomorrow9447 Ай бұрын

谢谢您生动的讲解马桶安装过程！有一点没有太明白，您剪断了原来的进水管并安装新的带开关的进水管时不需要额外处理接口吗？比如用胶带或胶水？

@MaryWehmeier Жыл бұрын

I wish they would put they would put shut offs in RVs. We will be upgrading ours. Upgrading the toilet on a permanent spot-makes perfect sense.

@TinyHouseHomestead Жыл бұрын

Nothin moe impotent than the cushy for the tushy! 😱😝🤪🤣😁👍👍🇺🇲

@cpowerdesign Жыл бұрын

I think I may give this a shot on my 97 Safari Trek. The bathroom in ours is huge. My wife and I have a 2830 with the rear bathroom. I've been looking at remodeling the bathroom and this changes things now.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

It's pretty great but it does use A LOT of water to flush so your black tank fills up quickly

@rudynon956 Жыл бұрын

@AZExpert do you still have to keep black tank closed ? Or can you leave black tank open ? I was worried about pyramids forming

@ronb6182 Жыл бұрын

I seen a real house toilet in an old travel trailer with a real 4 burner stove with gas oven. Probably not self contained but would be good enough for a permanent rv park stay. So the idea was around back i would say early 60s or 70s. I guess it didnt catch on on new RV designs. Maybe if enough people ask for upgraded toilets this may become standard in the future. 73

@loydalexander154 Жыл бұрын

Wow James you get a new truck

@matts1166 24 күн бұрын

@scottcampbell4116 Жыл бұрын

I had a damaged skylight from a RV repair facility in Agoura (created by their "technician" roofer-not part of contracted roof repair) and, when they were shown their damage, I was appalled when they both stood in my shower in their shoes. Do you people stand in your clients shower without floor covering also? This video answered my question...

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

"best practices" are not always possible, booties can be a slip and tripping hazard too

@bdpbdp9988 Жыл бұрын

I’ve got a residential toilet in my RV I’ve used it now in my RVs for 15 years I’ve traveled all over the country couldn’t tell you how many miles I’ve put on the RV with it I drain all the water out of it take the lid off store in a safe place and I’ve never had any trouble except for one winter one I forgot to drain it and the cold cracked it so I had to change it

@robfl07 Жыл бұрын

I love the upgrade for full time/stationary RVs…. But I kept wondering what kind of semi would be needed to haul this beast around if you were doing regular parks… (yeah, I know… not a realistic use case.. but still)

@kenj.8897 Жыл бұрын

350 dually

@barryrobertson8745 5 ай бұрын

Use foam tape on the bottom of the tank lid and a couple of bungee cords whole traveling and no need to store or drain tank while traveling.

@leonardh8269 Жыл бұрын

And as people get older ...some need the comfort hight hopper....I put mine in before knee replacement

@iswhatitis2744 Жыл бұрын

I would have waited for the round bowl , do it once / do it right

@michaelschmidt7014 11 ай бұрын

James, I watched your video well... I want to do the same to my 1993 Winnebago Elante'. My problem is the clamp on the two piece toilet came loose leakiing black water on to the carpeted floor of course it capillaried out into the hallway. This then is going to require removing the carpet in the toilet and the hallway. My problem is the carpet around the toilet is GLUED to the floor I can not get it loose even by grabbing with visegripes and pulling. I thought about pouring denatured alcohol on the carpet in hopes of loosening the glue from the carpet but what ever spirit I use it will cause a set of problems of its own i.e ventilation, flammabillity problems. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

@cherylfurman2187 10 ай бұрын

I have a used 2011 surveyor sp239 came with a house toilet but how do i fill and flush the black tank now .?? I need help.!

@mikeyadrick5154 Жыл бұрын

I own and live in a 38 ft Montana-2011. I will be thinking about that toilet conversion--Great Idea. The king mattress I gave away, sliced the plywood deck to accomondate a new queen mattress I had--excellent move--that bedroom is way too small for a king , making the bed up is so much easier. Question here--do you now leave the Black tank dump valve open to the sewer line? I have a 3 bedroom septic system on my property--Mikey, in Belfair, Wa

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

I would not leave the black tank valve open, the tank will clog up over time

@rja12 11 ай бұрын

I highly suggest to all you full-time RVers to upgrade to a heated toilet seat. We did it a few years ago and man oh man it's so nice to have a heated seat.

@dionyangeles2334 7 ай бұрын

Do you think it would be possible to install a tankless toilet that might resolve the issue of having a water tank toilet but the price is double

@Scott924m Жыл бұрын

Just to make it fair I did find something to complain about . You didn't break down the box before throwing it away that huge box taking up space in someone else's dumpster how rude . I'm just being facetious of course. But neat video I always wondered if that could be done now I know ! Thanks James.

@clydeallen120 2 ай бұрын

Got 9n with it man. I don't need a run down on the rv.

@Jc-bo1uu Ай бұрын

I have the same problem with the water valve on my toilet. I have replaced it 2 times with the OEM from the dealership and it will not leak for about 1 week and then it will start to leak again. Do you have any suggestions?

@dand5829 Жыл бұрын

If you do want to put in a residential toilet on an RV you plan to move a lot, I would get a one-piece toilet and a vandal resistant lid lock kit. These are used in light commercial applications to prevent people from stealing the lid. And if you can find a 0.8 gpf toilet then even better. Also, get the fluidmaster seal. That korky stuff is garbage.

@gruponemesis Жыл бұрын

So glad I bought a Prevost

@pkav8tor Жыл бұрын

A pump to empty the tank ?? How about close the supply and flush it ................... nice install !

@diesylone Жыл бұрын

Wonder how much faster will the black tank fill up using a toilet that flushes a couple gallons at a time

@kululv 7 ай бұрын

I'm glad that after touching the fridge you decided to take toilet gloves off your hands!

@AZExpert 7 ай бұрын

I know, right?

@correygoffney7054 9 ай бұрын

Nice video

@patbullard9276 Жыл бұрын

FYI. A residential toilet seat will work fine on a rv toilet. I replaced mine on a Thetfort toilet like the one you just removed. Worked just fine.

@AZExpert Жыл бұрын

Many toilets but not all

@Masterchief68 8 ай бұрын

Actually I would think a RV toilet would use a lot less water and would be a great water saver in residential homes!

@rf2611 Жыл бұрын

I have a 1998 nomad 2455 skyline rv, could I put a toilet on it? , it is to live, it will not move from place, I hope you can help me, thanks

@perry9492 Жыл бұрын

This might solve my problems. I am stationary and probably will be for a while. RV toilets are crap. Fill valve leaks and just replaced it. This morning did my number 2 and the ball won't move and toilet is full of poop. I am sure if I completely rebuild this toilet, it will happen again.

@leonardh8269 Жыл бұрын

You can put foam or a pool noodle behind tank

@JohnMcCullough-wr9hj Жыл бұрын

that is great!

@SeanONeill13 Жыл бұрын

I would be concerned with sloshing of the tank water, (yes, empty it before moving), and the tank lid from bouncing, and, the higher use of water with this vs the normal toilet- While boon-docking, that would be a huge concern. Other than that…

@someone3.2007 11 күн бұрын

would recommend a round bowl

@DnD_Adventures6966 7 ай бұрын

Hoping you see this. How do you feel about changing to a composting toilet in an RV? We will do a lot of Boondocking and it seems to maybe be an advantage.

@AZExpert 7 ай бұрын

I think they are overpriced and a cassette potty seems much easier to me.

@DnD_Adventures6966 7 ай бұрын

@@AZExpert I'll have to look into that. Just got a nice 98 Itasca pusher. Thank you.