This hybrid DIY composting toilet with urine diverter costs under $130 total and solves every major pain point of traditional RV toilets—no holes in the van, no 40lb poopy water tanks, no $200 pump replacements. After 6 months + 3-week Colorado road trip with family, it’s genuinely transformed van bathroom life. Watch the full build: Van Shower Update & Toilet Intro—complete parts list in video description.
The $36.99 Base Toilet (Works Out-of-Box)
Core unit: Ultra-sturdy plastic toilet (~$36) with:
- Comfortable full-size bowl + handle
- Adjustable TP holder (left/right)
- Kids/adults tested: “Strong like bull”
No assembly needed—drop in disposable bags for instant use. Complete parts list + Amazon/Aliexpress links in video.
Urine Diverter + Odor-Blocking Upgrade (~$50 Total)
Separator kit adds:
- Screen diverter (factory hygienic)
- Blue check valve blocks odors/liquids backflow
- Wide-base jug (spill-proof vs milk jugs) + Odor Nuke tablets (covers smells instantly)
Pro tip: Rain-X interior prevents sticking/binding. Full shopping list in video.
Solids: Pine Shavings + Poo Gel (~$7)
2-gallon Lowe’s bucket (trimmed lip with oscillating tool):
- Line with biodegradable bag
- Add poo powder/gel (solidifies instantly)
- Sprinkle $6.99 Tractor Supply pine shavings (20-30 uses/bag)
6-month results: One $6 bag lasted multiple trips—emptied ~10-15 uses/bucket. No odors with fan running.
Genius 100lb Magnetic Mount
Two 100lb magnets glue to bucket bottom → snaps to floor washers. Aluminum tray (not wood) holds jug secure:
- No movement on 3-week Colorado roads
- Lift straight up to remove (side-pull resistant)
- Friction screw on handle prevents sliding
Total weight: Under 5lbs empty vs 40lb chemical tanks.
6 Reasons This Beats $500-$1500 Toilets
- No side hole = preserved van structure (mistakes = $$$ repairs)
- Odors separated = vinegar destroys seals; chemicals expensive
- No dump station hunts—pee in public restroom, solids in trash
- No $200 rusting pumps every 2 showers (piston pumps = 3x price)
- No base plate jerry-rigging—magnets = instant/removable
- Lightweight—carry grocery bags vs 50lb waste tanks
Family verdict (3-week Colorado trip):
- Zean: “Comfortable, strong… pee/poop separate = not yucky”
- Dad: “Easiest maintenance ever—no gunk”
Why Competitors Fail (Side-by-Side)
Cassette – $800+Side hole disaster, heavy tanks, dump station lines
AirHead/Nature’s Head – $1000+Fan 24/7, wind-blown odors, expensive media
Thetford – $600+Pump rusts ($100/2 weeks), seal maintenance hell
Generic Walmart – $100 No base plate, glue fails, bungees ugly
Diaper Genie – $1500 $2-3/flush cartridges, plastic waste
This $130 hybrid: Bag → trash. Jug → restroom. Done.
Real-World Workflow (6 Months Tested)
#2: Poo powder → shavings → lid → fan low. 10-15 uses/bucket.
#1: Odor Nuke tablet → restroom dump (~7-8 uses/jug).
Clean: Weekly wipe-down (2 minutes). Dry overnight.
Colorado 3-weeks: Zero odors, one $6 shavings bag, no complaints. Summer/winter: 1-2 tablets/jug.
Complete Shower/Bathroom Integration
Van Wife shower (Van Life Outfitters, 1hr install):
- Teak floor (no mildew)
- Dim blue lights (night-friendly)
- Rain-X plastics (nothing sticks)
Everything aluminum/plastic = rust-proof, hose-down clean. 360° van tour linked in video.
Get Your Build Parts List FREE
Everything linked in video description:
- Toilet (~$36)
- Separator + valve
- Jug + Odor Nuke
- Magnets + aluminum tray
- Pine shavings + poo gel
- Shower + full bathroom kit
Watch full video for links → Is This The Best Camper Toilet Ever for only $36.99?
Bottom line: $130 vs $1500. Trash bags vs 50lb tanks. Roadside dumps vs city station hunts. 6 months proven—this hybrid wins every time.
Looking for a easy shower idea for your camper van?
▶️Shower unboxing video https://youtu.be/D_uI1vBFfxM
▶️ Shower install video https://youtu.be/DaPpAO9eGxY
▶️ Shower drain install video – https://youtu.be/MzA-VIWlnos
▶️ Composting Toilet https://youtu.be/8xYEz-72Q-8
▶️ Simple plumbing https://youtu.be/PuOqOt_911I
▶️ DIY Shower https://youtu.be/O4POEFKQmJQ