More and more campers want to travel in an environmentally conscious way and are looking for sustainable solutions for everyday life in the motorhome. One of the most effective and at the same time simplest measures is to replace the conventional chemical toilet with a dry separation toilet.
This scores with ecological advantages and also significantly increases self-sufficiency on trips. In this article, you will learn in detail how to retrofit a dry separation toilet, what to consider during installation, and why especially the products from BioTioo perfectly complement your project.
What exactly is a dry separation toilet (DST)?
A dry toilet works completely without water and without chemicals. Instead, it separates urine and solid waste directly during use. The so-called separator directs the urine into a front container, while the solid waste ends up in a separate rear container.
There, litter material – for example wood shavings or coconut fibres – ensures that everything stays dry and no unpleasant odours arise. The solids dry out by up to 80%. Therefore, emptying is needed less often.
Especially in the motorhome, a dry separation toilet is extremely practical. You become more independent, need less maintenance, and at the same time conserve resources.
Why retrofit a DST? The advantages at a glance
A dry separation toilet offers many benefits, both for you and for the environment:
- No water use
- No chemicals needed
- Low odour due to separation of urine and solids
- Flexible and simple disposal
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable
- Lightweight and space-saving
- Low running costs
Installing a dry separation toilet in the motorhome
Installing or retrofitting a dry separation toilet in the motorhome is a step towards more independence, sustainability, and comfort. It hardly matters whether you own a new vehicle or an older model.
Decisive factors for retrofitting are: the space in the wet room, access to ventilation to the outside, and easy handling of the emptying unit.
Dry separation toilets can almost always be installed without problems, as they are available in various sizes and many manufacturers design their models to be modular and flexible. The trend towards chemical-free toilets is no longer just for world travellers – even weekend campers benefit from the switch.
How to successfully convert your motorhome toilet
Many providers – including BioTioo – offer ready-made kits with which you can easily install your separation toilet yourself. A bit of craft skill is usually enough. First, the old chemical toilet is removed and the water connection is shut off.
Then you position the new toilet, take care of the ventilation, and, if necessary, connect the fan or the stirring device to the 12-volt power supply. How complex the whole thing is depends on the model and the available space in your vehicle. If you are unsure, a workshop or a certified dealer will of course help you at any time.
Dry toilet retrofit – step by step
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Remove old toilet
First, remove the existing chemical toilet. This usually also includes disconnecting the fresh water connection and possibly the waste water tank. -
Shut off water connection
Since the dry separation toilet works without water, you can permanently shut off or seal the water connection. -
Choose location
Choose a suitable place in the wet room. The toilet lid should open easily. Access to the urine and solid waste containers must be simple. Pay attention to a comfortable sitting position. Check if there is enough room for a stirring device (manual or electric). -
Plan and install ventilation
A fan ensures good ventilation and prevents odour formation as well as condensation. The fan should ideally lead directly outside. Connect it preferably to the 12-volt circuit of the old chemical toilet – not to the water pump, so it works even when the pump is off. -
Position and secure toilet
Place the new separation toilet in its spot and secure it firmly to the floor; depending on the model with screws, brackets, or hook-and-loop fasteners. -
Connect power (if needed)
If your model has an electric stirring device or a fan, connect these components to the 12-volt onboard power. Pay attention to neat cable routing and secure connections. -
Insert litter and containers
Insert the urine and solid waste containers and fill some litter into the solid waste container. This binds the odour. -
Run a test
Test the seat, the ventilation, and the stirring device. Check if all connections are secure and if you can sit comfortably on the toilet. -
Done!
You are ready for the first environmentally friendly use of your new separation toilet in the motorhome!
What does the dry toilet conversion cost?
The costs depend entirely on the model. Our highly functional BioTioo dry separation toilets are available from 800 euros, depending on the model. If you do not want to do the installation yourself, there will be additional workshop costs. In the end, the investment pays off because you save water, chemicals, and disposal fees, and have less effort in the long run.
Accessories for operating a DST without chemicals
For your separation toilet to work optimally, you need the right accessories. Especially important is the correct litter. Peat-free wood shavings, coconut fibre, or ecological alternatives like miscanthus keep everything dry and odour-free. Biodegradable bags make disposal easier, and sturdy carrying bags keep things tidy. Activated charcoal filters in the ventilation make the interior additionally pleasant. For cleaning, environmentally friendly household remedies like citric acid or vinegar are sufficient – they are effective and sustainable at the same time.
Dry separation toilets: Why BioTioo is the right choice
BioTioo stands for well-thought-out products, sustainable materials, and easy retrofitting. Our chemical-free separation toilets are made in Germany, are of high quality, and also look really good. Besides unique product quality, you also get plenty of support here: whether by phone, video instructions, or installation workshops – here you really get help. And the best: BioTioo also ships to Switzerland. So if you are looking for a reliable partner for your separation toilet project, BioTioo is exactly right for you.
Visit our online shop now and buy your sustainable dry toilet for the motorhome!
