In part two of the series, the different components needed for RV toilet and black water tank installation are discussed. Prices of components vary between merchants, size of product and so on.
Since different manufacturers and merchants sell these products, no specific brand names are given. The installer should research each product and decide on the size, price and model for the specific pop-up camper.
The Black Water Tank
Most RV parts stores and online sites carry black water tanks. The size of the drain is listed so the installer knows the size of drain hose and parts needed to attach the dump valve.
Sizes range from 4 gallons to well over 20 gallons; keep in mind the larger the tank, the more it will hold and weigh on its way to a dump station. If the filled weight will exceed the trailer’s recommended weight allowance, or make towing unsafe, choose a smaller tank.
Tanks are available in different configurations to allow for axels, pipes, electrical lines, etc. Carefully measure the space available.
State and federal parks have boondocking sites with holding tank size requirements. Ten gallons is considered “self-contained.” Those trailers/pop-ups/RV’s without the proper size tanks are excluded.
The RV Toilet
The size and height of the toilet matter. Measure the height of the box side. The top of the toilet, when mounted, cannot exceed this height. If planning an inside tank installation, add the height of the tank, the box, and the toilet. If the top cannot close properly, the project is worthless.
Toilets are available in water saving and non-water saving models. hoose from hand or foot flush models, water saver toilets (dual hand or dual foot flush) in plastic or ceramic. Ceramic looks nice, but is far heavier than plastic. RV toilets are available in limited colors, and it isn’t hard to paint plastic or ceramics.
Many sites carry RV toilets- shop around for the best size/price.
The Drain Valve
If the pop-up already has a gray water tank with a drain valve, wye’s are available to allow drainage from two valves. This accessory allows two drain valves to use the same main sewer drain hose.
No hard rules say a trailer cannot have two drain valves. Match the size of the valve to the drain opening of the tank.
Water Pipes/Fittings
The parts needed for the installation of the toilet depend on the existing water lines in the pop-up. If the existing lines are PVC, then purchase PVC fittings, cements, and pipe from any hardware store. If the lines are PEX tubing, then obtain the necessary tubes and fittings. PEX fittings and tubing may be available at some hardware stores, or find it online.
Other Necessities
This includes the toilet- mounting flange, usually supplied by the toilet manufacturer or merchant- if sold separately, purchase two- a spare never hurts.
Rubber flex fitting for the black water tank. The toilet flange fits into it.
Vent pipe and cap. To remove tank odors, a vent pipe is required. A vent cap keeps rain, bugs, birds and vermin from entering the pipe and causing problems. Choose a vent cap that does not allow back draft from the outside wind. A back draft will blow the odors into the trailer, not where they’re welcome. Some models work with solar power and a small fan to pull odors out.
Those are the basic components of an RV toilet and black water tank.
Part three of the series will explain the steps for installing a toilet in a pop-up camper. These steps would be the same for a vintage trailer manufactured without one.
Source: Mark Polk, “Mark’s RV Garage, Internet TV Show Series,” RV Videos on Demand Website, no date given
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.