1. Nature’s Head Composting Toilet: Best Overall for RVs

Best for: Full-time RV owners, boondockers, and anyone who wants a well-tested unit with strong community support.

Avoid if: You need zero electrical draw or want automatic mixing without a manual crank.

Why it works in an RV

The Nature’s Head was designed with small spaces in mind. According to the Nature’s Head product page, it measures 21″H x 19″W x 19″D with the Spider handle, or 21″H x 20″W x 19″D with the Foot Spider handle, and weighs 23 lbs. That footprint fits most standard RV bathrooms. The fan draws just 0.07 amps, which is low enough to run for weeks off a standard marine battery or small solar setup.

It separates urine and solids at the point of use. The liquid bottle holds 2.2 gallons and needs emptying every few days for a couple. The solids bin uses a manual spider handle to mix the composting medium. The solids bin holds approximately 60 to 80 uses before emptying.

Installation notes

You need to run a vent line from the unit to the outside of the RV. The unit attaches to the floor with two L-brackets and a single 12V power hookup. The vent line is typically routed through a sidewall or roof. The Nature’s Head vent kit uses 1.25″ PVC pipe connection fittings.

Odor-control notes

When installed correctly with a working vent fan, the Nature’s Head should not smell like sewage. A faint earthy smell is normal. The key is keeping the solids bin dry. Too much liquid in the solids bin is the number one cause of smell problems.

Emptying notes

The liquid bottle needs emptying every 2 to 5 days depending on use. The solids bin holds approximately 60 to 80 uses before emptying. For a couple using it full time, the manufacturer notes this works out to roughly 4 to 6 weeks between solids empties. Solids can typically be bagged and placed in trash receptacles where allowed or composted off-site according to local regulations.

Verdict

The Nature’s Head is the safest choice for most RV owners. It is well-tested, widely supported, and fits most RV bathrooms. If you want something that works reliably and has a large owner community, start here.

2. Air Head Composting Toilet: Best for Compact Full-Time RV Setups

Best for: Full-timers with tight bathroom layouts who want a proven unit with a slightly smaller profile.

Avoid if: You want the largest possible solids capacity or plan to skip the vent installation.

Why it works in an RV

The Air Head has been made in the USA since 2001. Like the Nature’s Head, it separates urine and solids, uses a 12V fan, and requires a vent line. It comes with stainless steel hardware and rubber seals between the lid, bowl, and tank. According to Air Head’s product page, the solids tank holds approximately 5 gallons and is rated for up to 80 uses.

Per the Air Head functionality page, that 80-use rating is based on two persons using it twice per weekend across a five-month camping season. For a full-time liveaboard couple, the same page notes about 60 uses per month before the solids bin needs emptying.

Odor-control notes

The 12V fan draws air through the unit and out the vent. Keep the solids dry and the vent clear and you will not have sewage smell.

Verdict

If the Nature’s Head does not fit your space or you prefer the Air Head’s design and mixing mechanism, this is a strong alternative for full-time use. The two toilets are closely matched in quality and performance.

3. OGO Origin: Best Automatic Mixing Composting Toilet for RVs

Best for: RV owners who want a modern compact design and automatic electric mixing without a manual crank.

Avoid if: You want the highest solid capacity in its size class, or you dislike depending on electric parts.

Why it works in an RV

The OGO Origin is one of the most compact composting toilets available. According to the OGO product page, it measures 16″ wide, 15″ deep, and 18.375″ tall. The electric agitator mixes solids automatically with the push of a button.

The OGO runs entirely on 12V DC power, which is important to get right. Per the OGO power guide, the fan draws approximately 0.48 Ah per day and the motor draws approximately 0.3 Ah per day. A 12V power cable is included. A separate adapter is required if you are connecting to a 110V household outlet.

One important note on capacity: the OGO holds approximately 25 to 30 solid uses before the solids bin needs emptying. That is less than Nature’s Head or Air Head. For a couple, plan to empty the solids bin more frequently than with those units.

Odor-control notes

The continuously running fan exhausts moisture and odor through the vent line. The built-in urine trap door keeps liquid out of the solids bin, which is the main odor control mechanism.

Verdict

The OGO Origin is the best pick if automatic mixing and a compact footprint are your priorities. Just plan for more frequent solids emptying than Nature’s Head or Air Head. It is a well-built unit with a modern design.

4. Cuddy: Best Easy-Empty Toilet for Full-Trip RV Use

Best for: RV owners who want a portable or semi-permanent install with a true composting system and simpler emptying than traditional fan-based units.

Avoid if: You have multiple full-time users or need continuous ventilation already set up.

What is the Cuddy, and who makes it?

The Cuddy and Cuddy Lite are both made by CompoCloset, a UK/USA company founded in 2021. They are separate products with different systems. This is an important distinction to get right before buying.

Cuddy (full version): Has a built-in manual agitator and a true composting system. According to the CompoCloset comparison page, it holds approximately 20 to 25 solid uses before the bin needs emptying. An optional fan and carbon filter are available. When installed with the fan, it works well for extended trips and full-time use.

Cuddy Lite: No agitator. Uses a bag-and-layer method for solids instead. It holds approximately 5 to 10 solid uses (about 1 week for a couple). A fan is not included and not required. It is simpler and more portable. It is not designed for full-time couple use without very frequent emptying.

According to the CompoCloset comparison page, both models share the same 1.7-gallon urine container and the same urine level LED indicator.

Verdict

Choose the full Cuddy if you want an easy-to-install composting toilet with real composting capacity for weekend to extended trips. Choose the Cuddy Lite only for solo or light use on shorter trips. Do not choose the Cuddy Lite as your only toilet for full-time couple use.

5. Trelino Evo L: Best Compact Portable Composting Toilet for RVs

Best for: Van lifers, solo weekend campers, and RV owners who want a lightweight, no-power separating toilet.

Avoid if: You camp as a couple or family full-time, or want a permanent installation.

Why it works in an RV

Trelino makes a range of urine-diverting separating toilets in three sizes: S, M, and L. They are produced in Germany from recyclable materials. None of the Evo models require a fan or power.

The Evo S measures 13″W x 15.4″D x 11.7″H and weighs just 8.6 lbs. It holds 1.2 gallons of urine and 1.6 gallons of solids. Because the containers are so small, Trelino notes an emptying cycle of 1 to 3 days depending on use.

For an RV install, the Evo L is a better fit. It holds 2.6 gallons of urine and 2.6 gallons of solids and measures 13″W x 15.4″D x 16.9″H. Trelino specifically recommends the Evo L for RVs, Skoolies, and large vans.

Verdict

The Trelino Evo L is the right model for RV use if you want no-power simplicity. The Evo S is too small for more than one person unless you are on a very short trip. For solo travelers and weekend campers, the Evo S or M is a good fit.

6. Boxio: Best Budget Composting Toilet for Weekend RVers

Best for: Weekend campers who want a simple, inexpensive separating toilet with no installation and no power.

Avoid if: You camp more than a few nights at a stretch, or want a permanent install.

Why it works in an RV

The Boxio is a German-made separating toilet built around a stackable Eurobox format. It requires zero installation and zero power. According to the Boxio product page, the unit measures 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 11″ and handles approximately 8 to 10 toilet visits before emptying. It weighs 6.2 lbs. Solid waste goes into a separate container with a biodegradable bag and hemp litter for odor control.

At roughly $179, it is the most affordable option on this list by a wide margin.

Verdict

The Boxio is ideal for weekend campers who want to avoid a cassette toilet without spending much. Do not use it as a primary toilet for any trip longer than a weekend. For anything beyond short trips, the Trelino or Cuddy Lite is a better investment.

7. Separett Tiny: Best for Larger RVs and Fixed Installations

Best for: RV owners with larger dry bathrooms, reliable power access, and a need for a high-capacity, low-maintenance unit.

Avoid if: Your RV bathroom is compact, or you do not have reliable power at your toilet location.

Why it works in an RV

The Separett Tiny is a Swedish-made urine-diverting toilet designed for small spaces including vans, boats, and RVs. It does not require composting medium or cranking. Solid waste goes directly into a compostable bag inside a 14.5L solids container. The urine container holds 7.1 liters.

According to the Separett product page, the fan runs on 12V or 110-240V AC power. The fan draws 1.6W and 210mA, making it suitable for solar and battery setups. A 12V 100Ah battery can power the fan for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. The vent pipe is 50mm in diameter and includes a connector to standard 1.5″ PVC pipe.

Verdict

The Separett Tiny is a good fit for larger Class A or Class C motorhomes with a proper, separate dry bathroom, reliable power, and enough clearance for the vent pipe. For smaller rigs or boondocking setups, the Nature’s Head or OGO is a better fit.

Is a Composting Toilet Actually Good for RV Use?

Short answer: Yes, for the right owner. A composting toilet works best for boondockers, solo travelers, and couples who want to skip black tank dumping. It is not maintenance-free, and it is not ideal for families with young children or people who dislike handling waste.

Best use cases

Composting toilets work well when you are off-grid for extended periods. Without a black tank to manage, you can stay longer in remote spots without planning around dump stations. They also use very little water, since most require no flush water at all.

For full-time RV dwellers, a composting toilet can simplify the routine. You empty the liquid every few days and the solids every few weeks, depending on use.

Not always the right fit

A composting toilet is not maintenance-free. You need to manage moisture in the solids bin, keep the vent working, and empty both chambers regularly. If you expect to install it and forget about it, you will end up with smell problems.

Families with multiple children will find most composting toilets fill up faster than advertised. Guests who are unfamiliar with the system can use it incorrectly, which also causes problems. For family RVs with heavy use, a standard RV toilet connected to a well-maintained black tank may be simpler. See our full breakdown of the tradeoffs in our article on RV composting toilet pros and cons

Composting Toilet vs Regular RV Toilet vs Cassette Toilet

Short answer: Each toilet type has a different set of tradeoffs. The right choice depends on how you camp, how many people use the bathroom, and how much maintenance you are willing to do.

If you are thinking about switching from a standard RV toilet to a composting model, read our guide on best RV toilet replacement before you buy.

How to Choose the Best Composting Toilet for Your RV

Short answer: Measure your bathroom before anything else. After that, think about power access, vent path, how many people use the toilet, and how often you camp.

Measure your RV bathroom first

Get the exact width, depth, and height available at your toilet location. Include clearance for the seat to open fully. Most composting toilets are wider than a standard RV toilet. Check the manufacturer’s dimension specs carefully before ordering.

Check front clearance for urine bottle removal

The liquid bottle on most composting toilets removes from the front of the unit. You need enough floor space in front of the toilet to pull the bottle out and carry it to a disposal point without spilling. If your bathroom door swings inward and blocks the front, this can be a real problem.

Decide if you can install a vent

Almost every fan-based composting toilet needs a vent line routed to the outside of the RV. Nature’s Head and Air Head use 1.5″ or 1.25″ connections. Separett Tiny uses a 50mm pipe with a 1.5″ PVC adapter. The Cuddy uses an optional vent or carbon filter. You need to plan a route from the toilet to an exterior wall or roof before buying.

Check 12V fan or power needs

If you camp off-grid, you want a toilet with a low-draw 12V fan. The Nature’s Head fan draws just 0.07A, and the Separett Tiny fan draws 210mA at 1.6W making both very solar-friendly. The OGO Origin runs on 12V DC and draws 0.48 Ah/day for the fan and approximately 0.3 Ah/day for the motor.

Think about full-time vs weekend use

Weekend campers can use smaller options like the Trelino or Boxio. Full-time users or couples need the higher capacity of the Nature’s Head, Air Head, or Cuddy (full version). Manufacturer capacity claims are typically based on one adult. Adjust your expectations when two or more people use the toilet daily.

Choose between manual crank, electric agitator, and liner system

Manual crank: Nature’s Head, Air Head, Cuddy. Simple and nothing to break. You turn a handle or crank after each solid use.

Electric agitator: OGO Origin. Convenient but adds one more electric component.

Bag-and-layer system: Cuddy Lite, Separett Tiny. Simplest emptying. No loose compost to handle.

Consider dry bath compatibility

Composting toilets are not designed to get wet. If your toilet sits in a wet bath where the shower sprays across the floor, the toilet needs to be protected or you need a model with rubber seals (Air Head). Check your bathroom layout carefully.

Check emptying frequency

Match the toilet’s capacity to your camping style. The OGO’s 25 to 30 solid uses per bin means more frequent empties than the Nature’s Head’s 60 to 80 uses. The Boxio’s 8 to 10 uses means daily or near-daily empties for couples.

Think about guests and family use

Guests who have never used a composting toilet often aim incorrectly, sending liquid into the solids bin. This is the fastest way to create smell problems. Plan to brief every new user before they use it.

Does an RV Composting Toilet Smell?

Short answer: A properly maintained composting toilet should not smell like sewage. A faint earthy smell is normal. Actual sewage smell means something is wrong.

The most important rule is to keep liquids out of the solids bin. The fan and vent only work well if the solids stay dry. If liquid gets into the bin regularly, the composting process becomes anaerobic and that is when you get sewage smell. For more on smell problems, see our full guide on RV toilet smell problems.

What Happens to Your RV Black Tank?

Short answer: When you switch to a composting toilet, you leave the black tank behind. Most owners cap the toilet flange and leave the black tank in place. Some repurpose it as additional gray water capacity. Neither change is simple, and you should understand your RV plumbing before attempting either.

Capping the toilet flange

The toilet flange is the drain opening in your RV bathroom floor. When you remove the standard RV toilet, the flange is exposed. It must be capped or sealed to prevent black tank gases from entering the RV. A proper cap is inexpensive, but the flange must be cleaned and sealed correctly or you will have a persistent odor problem.

Repurposing the black tank

Some full-time RV owners convert their black tank to a second gray water tank after switching to a composting toilet. This requires modifying your RV’s plumbing to re-route gray water lines. This is not a beginner project. If you are not familiar with RV plumbing, hire an RV technician for this work.

How Often Do You Empty an RV Composting Toilet?

Short answer: The urine bottle needs emptying every 1 to 5 days depending on use and model. The solids bin varies widely by toilet: from every few days for the smallest models to every 4 to 6 weeks for the larger ones.

These estimates apply to Nature’s Head and Air Head. The OGO Origin has a smaller solids bin at 25 to 30 uses, so empty more often. The Air Head’s own page notes a full-time couple can expect about 60 uses per month.

Where Do You Empty Composting Toilet Waste?

Short answer: Urine can typically be emptied at a dump station, into a regular toilet, or diluted and poured onto soil away from water sources where local rules allow. Solid waste disposal rules vary by location. Always check local and campground rules first.

Urine disposal

Treat urine as liquid human waste. Empty it into a flush toilet, at an RV dump station, or an approved disposal point. Only pour diluted urine on soil where local rules allow it, and never near water, trails, or campsites. According to Leave No Trace principles, waste of any kind should be disposed of at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Some national parks and campgrounds have specific rules, so check before you empty.

Solid waste disposal

Solid waste from a composting toilet is not the same as finished compost. It takes more time to break down. Most RV owners bag the solids in a biodegradable bag and place it in a trash receptacle where this is permitted. Check campground and local rules before doing this, as some locations do not allow human waste in trash containers.

Do not apply partially composted human waste to edible garden plants. Do not empty any composting toilet waste near lakes, rivers, streams, or trails. Rules vary by campground, city, state, and public land area. Check the rules where you camp before you empty solids.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Short answer: Most composting toilet problems come from a few avoidable mistakes. Buying before measuring, ignoring vent paths, and letting solids get too wet are the top three.

Final Verdict: Which RV Composting Toilet Should You Buy?

Short answer: For most RV owners, the Nature’s Head is still the safest choice. It has the longest track record, the best community support, and the highest solids capacity in its size class. Match the toilet to how you actually camp.

• Choose Nature’s Head if you want a proven, reliable unit with a large support community, 60 to 80 uses per solids bin, and very low 12V draw.
• Choose Air Head if the Nature’s Head does not fit your space or you need wet-bath rubber seal protection, and a 5-gallon capacity solids tank.
• Choose OGO Origin if you want automatic mixing and a compact 15″ x 16″ footprint and are OK with more frequent solids emptying (every 25 to 30 uses).
• Choose Cuddy (full version) if you want zero-screw installation, optional ventilation, and a real composting system good for 2-plus weeks for a couple.
• Choose Cuddy Lite only for solo or very light use on shorter trips. Its 5 to 10 solid uses before emptying is not practical for full-time couple use.
• Choose Trelino Evo L if you want a no-power, no-vent option for a campervan or weekend RV with one or two users.
• Choose Boxio if you are a weekend camper with a tight budget and can empty the 8 to 10 solid uses capacity frequently.
• Choose Separett Tiny if your RV has a larger, separate dry bathroom, reliable 12V or AC power, and you want a no-crank bag-based system with a large 14.5L solids container.

Before you buy anything, measure your bathroom, plan your vent path, and decide whether you want a portable or permanent installation. Read our guide on best RV toilet replacement and our article on RV composting toilet pros and cons before you spend $300 to $1,000 on any unit.

A composting toilet is a real upgrade for the right RV owner. Take the time to research your specific rig before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Daniel Brooks

Hi, I’m Daniel Brooks. I research and write about RV toilet repair, black tank maintenance, and sanitation troubleshooting. I create practical guides that help RV owners fix problems quickly and prevent costly damage.