Thetford Porta Pottie Review
What did we think of our purchase of a camping portable toilet? Was it a must buy or an extravagance to add to our camping supplies? See our first thoughts, and what we think now, a few years on.
To see a full guide on portable camping toilets, our story here will assist with making a purchase.
Initial Thoughts
After visiting campsites where the toilets were so disgusting that we were nearly ill even going near them, it was time to investigate something that would help camping for the girls! A camping toilet was called for.
Yes, it was a bit of a luxury and the males in the family thought digging a hole or behind a bush would suffice, but the females thought differently.
So we researched the world of chemical camping toilets, and decided on a
Porta Pottie made by Thetford (model 345).
We chose this one because it was a good size for our travels. The top tank (water for flushing) holds around 15L and the waste tank holds 12L. There is an indicator on the bottom to advise when the waste tank is filling.
We chose the flushing method of the piston as it is meant to be more durable. It costs a bit more, but we are discovering that you get what you pay for!
We used BioMagic for the solution that we add to the top and bottom cartridges (environmentally safe, plus a range of other uses should you want to use it). We add 100ml to the bottom tank and 100ml to the top. This is more than is required, but hastens the breakdown of solids and better to use too much than too little (especially if the toilet has heavy use or in warmer weather).
We initially used the Thetford toilet paper for the toilet. This is toilet paper that breaks down faster, and is quite expensive, so next time we used cheaper toilet paper (the brand that says it good for the environment as it is made of recycled paper). Others have said this works just as well, and is a cheaper alternative.
Our toilet had proven to be a godsend - if we are going somewhere where water is scarce, we fill the top tank with water before we leave, as the top and bottom section can be separated. Plus it is easily cleaned, with parts that can be removed.
I must admit that the thought of emptying it for the very first time, had me gagging, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was minimal odour and whilst not attractive to look at, wasn't as nauseating as I anticipated.
As it is environmentally safe, when we have been out camping where there is no sullage or toilet to empty it, we have dug a deep hole, well away, from campsites and water sources, and emptied it there and covered up again.
Used in conjunction with a pop up tent for privacy, going to the toilet in the bush is a lot better experience for the females (and I must say, the males have been impressed too).
Update on review
We bought this toilet when the kids were smaller, and this is when we wrote this review. As we all got older and more experienced, the toilet came less with us on camping trips. It became a bit cumbersome and definitely took up a lot of room. We knew this from the very beginning of course, but over time, it got to be annoying factor when packing for a trip.
On the trips it did come with us, the thought of going to do a poo in it and then having to deal with it later on before we left, was something we dreaded a bit. Looking for a campsite that came with a toilet already present became a better option (though limiting on campsite choices). I started researching alternatives to this toilet.
At the time of purchase, and on a few trips, I loved its convenience. Now, I am wondering what we shall do with it (because its not small). I can't see it coming on any trip soon just because of the space it takes up. I do love the convenience of having a toilet nearby, but that means I also need to set up a portable tent over it, and sometimes it does seem more effort than it is worth.
There a definite benefits to having a portable toilet and it does bring peace of mind in the middle of the night, but there are negatives as well. It just depends on what you are wanting at your campsite and what you are prepared to do to get this convenience.
To see more about portable camping toilets, read our guide here.
To see a full guide on portable camping toilets, our story here will assist with making a purchase.
Initial Thoughts
After visiting campsites where the toilets were so disgusting that we were nearly ill even going near them, it was time to investigate something that would help camping for the girls! A camping toilet was called for.
Yes, it was a bit of a luxury and the males in the family thought digging a hole or behind a bush would suffice, but the females thought differently.
So we researched the world of chemical camping toilets, and decided on a
Porta Pottie made by Thetford (model 345).
We chose this one because it was a good size for our travels. The top tank (water for flushing) holds around 15L and the waste tank holds 12L. There is an indicator on the bottom to advise when the waste tank is filling.
We chose the flushing method of the piston as it is meant to be more durable. It costs a bit more, but we are discovering that you get what you pay for!
We used BioMagic for the solution that we add to the top and bottom cartridges (environmentally safe, plus a range of other uses should you want to use it). We add 100ml to the bottom tank and 100ml to the top. This is more than is required, but hastens the breakdown of solids and better to use too much than too little (especially if the toilet has heavy use or in warmer weather).
We initially used the Thetford toilet paper for the toilet. This is toilet paper that breaks down faster, and is quite expensive, so next time we used cheaper toilet paper (the brand that says it good for the environment as it is made of recycled paper). Others have said this works just as well, and is a cheaper alternative.
Our toilet had proven to be a godsend - if we are going somewhere where water is scarce, we fill the top tank with water before we leave, as the top and bottom section can be separated. Plus it is easily cleaned, with parts that can be removed.
I must admit that the thought of emptying it for the very first time, had me gagging, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was minimal odour and whilst not attractive to look at, wasn't as nauseating as I anticipated.
As it is environmentally safe, when we have been out camping where there is no sullage or toilet to empty it, we have dug a deep hole, well away, from campsites and water sources, and emptied it there and covered up again.
Used in conjunction with a pop up tent for privacy, going to the toilet in the bush is a lot better experience for the females (and I must say, the males have been impressed too).
Update on review
We bought this toilet when the kids were smaller, and this is when we wrote this review. As we all got older and more experienced, the toilet came less with us on camping trips. It became a bit cumbersome and definitely took up a lot of room. We knew this from the very beginning of course, but over time, it got to be annoying factor when packing for a trip.
On the trips it did come with us, the thought of going to do a poo in it and then having to deal with it later on before we left, was something we dreaded a bit. Looking for a campsite that came with a toilet already present became a better option (though limiting on campsite choices). I started researching alternatives to this toilet.
At the time of purchase, and on a few trips, I loved its convenience. Now, I am wondering what we shall do with it (because its not small). I can't see it coming on any trip soon just because of the space it takes up. I do love the convenience of having a toilet nearby, but that means I also need to set up a portable tent over it, and sometimes it does seem more effort than it is worth.
There a definite benefits to having a portable toilet and it does bring peace of mind in the middle of the night, but there are negatives as well. It just depends on what you are wanting at your campsite and what you are prepared to do to get this convenience.
To see more about portable camping toilets, read our guide here.