If you want to have a safe, comfortable and clean place to relieve yourself when you need it, but you don’t want to go through all the work of installing a fixed toilet, a Potti or a portable toilet is probably the perfect solution. For us who live in our camper it is an indispensable item.
If you want to know which are some of the most used by campers around the world continue reading our post. In addition, we will talk about their most important features so you can choose the one that best suits you and your van or camper.
Comparison of the best Pottys and portable toilets for camper van
We have elaborated this comparative table with the most important characteristics of some of the most used portable toilet models for camper vans. This way you will be able to know their similarities and differences quickly.
| Amazon’s Choice | Best seller | Our favorite | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145 | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 | Enders Deluxe-Camping Toilet | Thetford Porta Potti 565 E | DOMETIC Portable Toilet 972 |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Medium | Large | Medium | Large Deluxe | Small |
| Waste tank capacity | 12l | 21l | 17l | 21l | 9,8l |
| Water tank capacity | 15l | 15l | 15l | 15l | 8l |
| Supported weight | 120kg | 120kg | 130kg | 120kg | – |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 33 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm (33 x 38.3 x 42.7 x 42.7 cm) | 41.4 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm (41.4 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm) | 36,5 x 38 x 38 x 44,5 cm | 44.8 x 38.8 x 38.8 x 45 cm (44.8 x 38.8 x 45 cm) | 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm (11.5 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm) |
| Seat height | 32,4 cm | 40,8cm | 35cm | 44,3cm | – |
| Weight | 3,6kg | 4kg | 3,7kg | 5kg | 5.44kg |
| Residue removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X | X | X | ✔️ | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | X | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | X | X | X | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Tank discharge system | Hand bellows pump | Manual piston pump | Manual piston pump | Electric | Manual |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| what do users say? | See opinions | See reviews | See reviews | See reviews | |
| Buy | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon |
| Amazon’s Choice | |
|---|---|
| Model | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145 |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Medium |
| Waste tank capacity | 12l |
| Water tank capacity | 15l |
| Supported weight | 120kg |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 33 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm (33 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm) |
| Seat height | 32,4 cm |
| Weight | 3,6kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste container level indicator | X |
| Water tank level indicator | X |
| Tank discharge system | Hand bellows pump |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Best Sellers | |
|---|---|
| Model | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Large |
| Waste tank capacity | 21l |
| Water tank capacity | 15l |
| Supported weight | 120kg |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 41.4 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm (41.4 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm) |
| Seat height | 40,8 cm |
| Weight | 4kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | X |
| Tank discharge system | Hand piston pump |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | View user reviews |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Model | Enders Deluxe-Camping Toilet |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Medium |
| Waste tank capacity | 17l |
| Water tank capacity | 15l |
| Supported weight | 130kg |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 36.5 x 38 x 44.5 cm (36.5 x 38 x 44.5 cm) |
| Seat height | 35cm |
| Weight | 3,7kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | X |
| Tank discharge system | Manual piston pump |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 2 years |
| what do users say? | View user reviews |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Our favorite | |
|---|---|
| Model | Thetford Porta Potti 565 E |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Large luxury |
| Waste tank capacity | 21l |
| Water tank capacity | 15l |
| Supported weight | 120kg |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 44,8 x 38,8 x 45 cm |
| Seat height | 44,3cm |
| Weight | 5kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | ✔️ |
| Waste container level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Flushing system of the tank | Electric |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | See what users are saying |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Model | DOMETIC Portable Toilet 972 |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Medium |
| Waste tank capacity | 9,8l |
| Water tank capacity | 8l |
| Supported weight | – |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm (11.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 in) |
| Seat height | – |
| Weight | 5,44kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Flushing system of the tank | Manual |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | See reviews |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
Which potti or portable toilet for camper to buy? Buying guide
Although you may think that the sector of portable toilets is very specific, there is a lot of variety of models. We have taken care to choose and analyze the best models on the market in terms of value for money, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:
1. Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145 (see on Amazon)
Thetford is the leading brand in camper toilet products. The Thetford Porta Potti Qube range is the most popular among camper van users. In this case, the Porta Potti Qube 145 (see on Amazon) is a basic model that, due to its small size, is ideal for small vans.
Thetford models stand out for the high quality and reliability of their components. Proof of this is that it has a score of 4.5 out of 5 after more than 7400 user ratings on Amazon.
This is, as we said, a small model that is 33cm high, 38.3cm wide and 42.7cm deep, an empty weight of only 3.6kg and has 15l capacity for clean water and 12l for waste.
Being a basic model does not have water and waste level indicators and has a manual bellows pump to unload the tank.
In the seller’s video below you can see more details of the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145 (watch on Amazon).
Advantages of the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145
- It is a portable toilet from a leading brand in the market, which translates to quality.
- It is made of durable materials.
- It has a small size ideal for vans with little space available.
- It is quite light.
- It is very easy to clean and empty.
- Thetford offers products that have been tested on their models.
Disadvantages of the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145
- Due to its small size, it needs to be emptied more often.
- It does not have water level or residue indicators.
- Its size may be a bit uncomfortable for very tall or large sized people.
2. Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 (see on Amazon)
The Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 (see on amazon) is one of the most commonly used by both vacation campers and users who live in their van.
It has a tank for clean water of 15l and a capacity of 21l for waste, more than enough to have an autonomy of between 3 and 5 days for a use of two people.
It has a waste fill indicator. Note that, as some users report, if the Potti is not completely upright the fill indicator may indicate that the tank is full when it really is not.
Water filling is done through a cap located on its upper right side. On the left side is the piston pump that empties the tank.
Emptying the tank is quite simple and clean. On the front side is located a handle that will open the inner lid of the toilet. At the rear is the lock to separate the two compartments.
The main difference with respect to the previous model, the Porta Potti Qube 145, this version has more capacity, which is achieved by making it higher, which also makes it more comfortable to use.
In the following images you can see how easy and comfortable it is to empty this range of portable toilets.
In the following video you can see a Porta Potti Qube 365 in detail. The video is in English, but visually it is very explanatory. Also, if needed, it is possible to activate the subtitles in the video options.
Advantages
- Thetford brand is synonymous with quality portable toilets.
- The height makes the stance quite comfortable.
- It has a manual piston pump to empty the cistern, an improvement to traditional bellows pumps.
- It has a high waste capacity.
- Very good cleaning system.
- It has a nice and practical design, perfect to put a cover on it and use it as a seat, if necessary.
Disadvantages
- Bulky people should check the seating comfort, as it is not one of the widest on the market.
- It does not include a compartment for toilet paper.
3. Enders Deluxe-Camping Toilet (see on Amazon)
The Enders Deluxe-Camping model (see on amazon) is a portable toilet that offers very good value for money.
This portable toilet has a waste-holding tank level indicator and a manual piston pump for emptying the cistern which is filled from the top right side.
Due to the capacity of its waste tank, 17l, it is included in the medium-sized portable toilets.
Its shape makes it a potty quite comfortable to use and, like others we have talked about, has a good cleaning system.
In the front part there is a handle that opens the internal lid of the portable toilet.
Advantages
- Its medium capacity makes it a good potty for when traveling for a short time.
- Indicator of dirty water filling.
- Manual piston pump.
- Its capacity of 17l for waste and 15l for clean water makes it a light potty of only 3,7kg.
- Safety lock for waste emptying
- Beautiful and functional design.
Disadvantages
- The tank may not be enough for a weekend, although it will depend on the type of trip and the people using it.
- Its dimensions could be a little tighter (36.5 x 38 x 44.5 cm) as it is not a high-capacity potty, although that extra size makes it more comfortable when sitting, logically it also makes it take up more space.
4. Thetford Porta Potti 565 E (view on Amazon)
The Thetford Porta Potti 565 (see on amazon), from leading brand Thetford, is the king of the Thetford portable toilets for camper vans. It stands out for its high quality and for having a version with an electric pump for flushing from the cistern (model E).
It has two indicators, one for the water tank level and the other for the waste tank. In addition, the lid opening system to the waste tank is conveniently within reach while seated.
Another feature is that it includes an easily accessible compartment for storing toilet paper. This way you can always have it at hand.
It has a very elegant and ergonomic design, with a good height that favors a more comfortable sitting posture.
In the following video you can see in detail this model of electric portable toilet in detail.
Advantages
- The Thetford brand is synonymous with quality portable toilets.
- Includes two indicators: one for the flush water level and one for the waste tank.
- Models with electric or manual flushing pump.
- High waste capacity.
- Like other Thetford brand potties, it has a simple cleaning system.
- Easy and comfortable opening mechanism of the access valve to the waste compartment.
- Great design that is not only functional and comfortable but also elegant.
- Safety lock for waste emptying.
- Easy-access toilet paper storage compartment when seated.
Disadvantages
- Being the top of the range model of the brand, it is also the highest priced. Even so, it is still excellent value for money.
5. DOMETIC Portable Toilet 972 (see on Amazon)
The Dometic 972 model (see on amazon) is one of the favorite portable toilets for users loyal to the Dometic brand, a benchmark in the sector of motorhome equipment and campers.
It is manufactured with high quality components and a beautiful design. It has a medium size with a waste tank capacity of 9.8 liters and a water tank of 8 liters.
On its front side it has two indicators that show both the water level in the tank and the waste tank.
It has a very accessible opening on the upper right side to refill it with clean water.
On the other side, also at the top, is the piston pump that activates the emptying of the tank. At the front there is a lever that will open the lid that gives access to the waste tank that must be opened before use.
In the rear part there is the handle that serves to separate the lower tank from the upper one and that allows its emptying and cleaning.
Undoubtedly a portable toilet that for its size and features is ideal for small campers.
In the following video you can see in detail this model of portable toilet Dometic.
Advantages
- Dometic brand stands for quality.
- Good waste and clean water tank level indicators.
- Handle for easy removal of the lower compartment.
- A small potti of very good quality. Its dimensions are: 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm.
- Waste tank of 9 L.
- Its shape makes it quite easy to hide it (in case we want to).
Disadvantages
- The tank can be small if the idea is to be used by several adults.
- For tall people it is not as comfortable as other larger pottis.
Brands of portable chemical camping toilets
are you looking for a particular brand? These are the best in the industry! Access the brand you want and find their best toilets on sale, as well as other related products:
Advantages of a portable vs fixed toilet
- Portable toilets do not require a drainage system, either by connecting it to a sewage tank located in the underbody of the van or an opening in the side of the van to remove the cassette and empty it.
- It offers the possibility to take it out of the van, very useful especially for those days at the beach, swimming pool or lake, when you do not want the family to get into the van wet every time you want to go to the bathroom. Some camper families install a shower or changing tent (see on Amazon) with the toilet inside, so that the children can go directly without the need to enter the camper wet.
- The price range of portable toilets is between 50 and 200€ so they are cheaper than the fixed ones.
- If not wanted, there is no need to make a fixed toilet in the van.
- You can easily hide it and even use it as an auxiliary stool.
Cons of portable vs. fixed toilets
- Small models are not very comfortable for tall or large people.
- If it is not in a fixed location it has to be taken out and put away each time it is used.
- Emptying is usually more cumbersome than with a fixed one.
- As a general rule, it can be said that portable toilets are aesthetically uglier.
- In general, the tanks of portable toilets have a smaller capacity than those of a fixed toilet.
Looking for a small Potti for camper?
Small potties are perfect for camper vans where there is not much space or for campers who travel alone or who, for whatever reason, do not want a portable toilet that takes up little space.
These are the top rated small potti models:
- Thetford 92828 Porta Potti 335. Reviewed below.
- Dometic 972. Reviewed at the top of the page.
Want to know more about the Porta Potti Qube 335? Although it shares many features with the other Thetford Qube, we’ll tell you a bit about its most relevant peculiarities below.
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 (see on Amazon)
The Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 (see on amazon) is the king of small portable toilets.
It is the little brother of Thetford’s Porta Potti Qube family, but don’t let its dimensions (31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm) fool you, it has a 10 liter cistern and a 10 liter waste tank.
It has a waste tank fill indicator so you know when to empty it. This task is made easier thanks to its light weight, 3.3 kg empty.
The filling of the tank is done, as in the other models, through the lid located on the upper right side. While on the left side is the piston pump that empties the tank.
It is a portable toilet with manual action and small size, perfect for small campers and children.
In the following video you can see in detail what the Thetford Porta Potti model 335 looks like.
Advantages
- The Thetford brand is synonymous with quality portable toilets.
- Ideal for children, when space is limited or for short trips.
- 10 liters capacity, both for waste and flush.
- Small dimensions: 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm.
- Manual piston pump.
- It is very light which facilitates transport and emptying.
- Its silhouette makes it very easy to store
Disadvantages
- If you are a tall person, this potti will be a bit uncomfortable when you are sitting down.
- Its great advantage may be its disadvantage and that is that its 10 liters of capacity may fall short depending on the situation.
Dometic 972 vs Thetford 335 Comparison
| Best seller | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Thetford 335 | DOMETIC 972 |
| Image |  | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Waste tank capacity | 10l | 9,8l |
| Water tank capacity | 10l | 8l |
| Supported weight | 120kg | – |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm (31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm) | 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm (11.5 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm) |
| Seat height | 30,8 cm | – |
| Weight | 3,3kg | 5,44kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | X | ✔️ |
| Tank discharge system | Manual piston pump | Manual |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| what do users say? | See reviews | See what users are saying |
| Buy | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
| Best Sellers | |
|---|---|
| Model | Thetford 335 |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Small |
| Waste tank capacity | 10l |
| Water tank capacity | 10l |
| Supported weight | 120kg |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm (31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm) |
| Seat height | 30,8 cm |
| Weight | 3,3kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | X |
| Tank discharge system | Manual piston pump |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | View user reviews |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Model | DOMETIC 972 |
| Image | |
| Comfort level | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Size | Small |
| Waste tank capacity | 9,8l |
| Water tank capacity | 8l |
| Supported weight | – |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm (11.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 in) |
| Seat height | – |
| Weight | 5,44kg |
| Waste removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toilet paper compartment | X |
| Waste tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Water tank level indicator | ✔️ |
| Flushing system of the tank | Manual |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 3 years |
| what do users say? | See reviews |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
Do you need to buy cleaning products for your potti?
If you want to keep your potti in the best possible condition, avoid bad odors and make cleaning it easier, we leave you a list of the best selling potti products.
[wpas_products keywords=”wc+caravans+cleaning+pads”]
Final opinions on portable toilets and their price
The Potti is one of those items that makes our outings take a leap to the next level. Not having to always use public toilets (or the paddle… 😅) is simply a joy. In addition its shape and variety of sizes make them easy to incorporate into our camper without having to devote much space or reorganize cabinets, etc..
Nor is it a product that requires a large investment, so, in our opinion, is an almost obligatory object in the van, depending on the type of trip you make. In terms of user reviews and our experience, the winners among portable pottis are those from brands known for their quality, such as Thetford and Dometic.
This is our favorite potti and the one we have in our van:
Best potty camper
Thetford 92820 Porta Potti Qube 565 E
- Electric tank.
- 21l waste tank.
- Watertight compartment for toilet paper.
- Water level and waste level indicators.
- Comfortable sitting height.
In the market you can find a wide variety of potties that suit any need, type of van and user, so the best potti will vary depending on your needs. However, currently, the best selling potti is the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365, here you can read a comparison of the best potties for camper.
A potty, potti or poti is a portable toilet designed for campers, caravans or boats. The leading brands in the sector are Thetford, whose success with the Porta Potti model standardized the name, and Dometic.
The recommendation will depend on the type of camper you have, how many people will use it and for how long. We invite you to consult our comparison of the best portable toilets.
There are two potties that stand out from the rest when talking about small-sized portable toilets and they are the Thetford 335 and the Dometic 972. The Thetford has a 10l capacity for waste with dimensions of 31.3 x 34.2 x 38.2 cm and the Dometic has 9l with 34.29 x 39.37 x 41.91 cm. Read more to discover their features and differences.
A Potti should not smell bad as long as they are used correctly and the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed: Apply the recommended products in the indicated amount after each cleaning and respect the emptying times (if not filled before).