When should I replace my RV toilet instead of repairing it?

If your RV toilet has recurring leaks, persistent odors, cracks in the bowl or base, or no longer flushes properly despite repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Upgrading can also improve comfort, water efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

Can I replace my RV toilet myself?

Yes. Many RV toilets are designed for relatively straightforward installation, making them a DIY-friendly project for RV owners with basic tools. Be sure to turn off the water supply, empty the black tank if needed, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Are all RV toilets the same size?

No. RV toilets come in a variety of heights, bowl shapes, and mounting configurations. Before purchasing a replacement, measure your existing toilet and verify the rough-in dimensions and bolt pattern to ensure the new model is compatible with your RV.

What features should I look for when upgrading an RV toilet?

When choosing a new RV toilet, consider features like a taller residential-style height, ceramic bowl, foot-pedal or hand-flush operation, water-saving design, and ease of cleaning. Selecting the right features can improve comfort and convenience on every trip.

Do I need special toilet paper after replacing my RV toilet?

Yes. Regardless of whether you have a new or older RV toilet, it's recommended to use RV-safe toilet paper. It breaks down more quickly in your black tank, helping reduce clogs and making your RV waste system easier to maintain.

RV Maintenance And Renovations

Upgrading or Replacing your RV's Toilet

Sam LeashJune 25, 2026

TL;DR: Upgrade your RV toilet hassle-free: Determine desired changes, choose from various options, remove old unit, install new one, add accessories like sprayers or bidets, dispose of old toilet responsibly.

Many RVers have strong opinions about the best way to perform maintenance, the types of brands they use for everything in their RV, or even the places they go. But I feel like we can all agree on one thing: every RVer deserves a comfortable toilet. After all, having a mobile bathroom is one of the many perks of using an RV for road travel. When traveling, there’s no need to use public bathrooms, wait in long lines, or even take extra detours. Unfortunately, some RVs come equipped with too short or too tall toilets, or yours may just need to be replaced due to age. Grab a seat (no, not on your toilet), and let’s dive into the process of upgrading or replacing your RV's toilet.

Determine What You’d Like to Change About Your RV’s Toilet

Is the toilet that came with your RV too short or too tall for your liking? Many popular RV product manufacturers produce tall and short versions of the same toilets to cater to all RV types and bathroom layouts. Perhaps your bowl is stained because it’s made of a porous material or you’re unhappy with the flushing power. In these cases, it may need to be switched out for another model. If it’s a matter of an uncomfortable toilet seat, many RV toilet seats can be removed and replaced with a more comfortable style. Many RV manufacturers have ensured their toilet seats are of standard size for cases like this. Consider this easy upgrade if it’s just a matter of comfort, a full bathroom renovation won't be necessary.

Some RVers prefer to switch out their flush toilets for a composting toilet so they can save RV water in the future. Unfortunately, we won’t be covering the replacement instructions in this post, but the helpful video below will teach you about the process and the toilets themselves. In essence, composting toilets do not use water and can allow RVers to boondock longer, and remove the need for black tank use.

Make Your Selection

Amazon and Camping World have excellent toilet selections for RVs. Read carefully to be sure your new toilet has all the features you want, whether that be a porcelain bowl, high flush power, a sprayer included, the correct height, etc. Be sure to measure your old toilet and allotted space to ensure a new, possibly larger one will fit there. Sometimes shopping around different companies can pay off with big savings. If you’re not worried about obtaining a brand new toilet, oftentimes yard sale websites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace have used ones that may suit your needs, as well.