Are RV Toilet Chemicals & RV Toilet Paper Really Necessary?

For the past 40 years or so, every new RV sold off the dealers lot came with a welcome package that includes the basic necessities to get those new to the world of RVs off to a good start. Included with the short and inadequate sewer drain hose, there is the obligatory starter sample package of RV toilet chemicals that "as the salesman claims" are mandatory if you expect to keep your RV fresh and odor free.

Also included is at least one roll of "special RV toilet paper". Said to dissolve easily, it is recommended by the toilet manufacturer to prevent blockages and false waste level monitor readings.

Funny thing about these two items is the dealer will claim their use is mandatory, and of course he is quite happy to keep you well supplied... at a price.

If you're either a full time RVer, or making regular and lengthy excursions you might be wondering if this expense is truly necessary? After all the chemicals don't come cheap and the special toilet paper is many times over more expensive than what you use at home.

I've been an active RVer for over 40 years myself. I've owned many motor homes, travel trailers, and 5th wheel RVs, living full time in some for years at a time. I can proudly state that I have yet to purchase my first package of fancy pants toilet tissue or container of possibly toxic to the environment toilet chemicals.

Does this mean our portable residence smells like a kitty litter box long overdue for a cleaning? Not hardly, my wife would have a fit at the first indication of anything less than the smell of fresh summer blossoms emanating from our bathroom.

The key to keeping things fresh and operating efficiently is more a matter of common sense than added expense.

At home your toilet maintains water in the bowl for two reasons.

1. It provides an odor block for sewer gases.
2. It initiates the process of breaking down the solids.

Water has the same purpose in your RV, so don't skimp on the quantity of water that goes down the drain. Before every use make sure the bowl is at least half full of water before you even sit down. Maintaining at least a ½" of water in the bowl, when it's not in use, will ensure the smell stays in the waste tank where it belongs.

Just like your house sewer piping, RV waste systems are equipped with a vent pipe that extends out the roof. When the toilet has water in the bowl trapped gasses (and odor) travel up this pipe and are expelled to the atmosphere.

The only possible way odor can get into the RV is the rare poorly designed installation where air flow through this vent pipe is restricted or inadequate to properly pull the gasses up and away. This does happen occasionally as one motor home out of the many I've owned did experience some odor issues in the separate small room that contained the toilet.

In these few instances an Extreme vent can be installed on the top of the vent pipe to increase the updraft. This will in affect suck the smell away from the waste tank eliminating any odor.

As for the special toilet paper that's advertised to break down easier and not hang on the sensors for your waste tank monitoring system, don't believe it. No matter what you do your monitor panel will seldom ready accurately.

Flushing the tanks with water may clear up a bad reading for a while, but nothing is a permanent cure. As a full timer with a stationary RV I established a regular routine. Once a week I'd drain the black water tank.

You never want to leave your black water drain valve open just because you're at a site with full hook ups. If you do the water will immediately drain off and the solids will accumulate in the tank until it becomes plugged and backs up into the toilet.

Draining the tank once a week keeps adequate water available to break down the solids in the tank. That way it will drain everything out when you do empty it. Flushing with a garden hose every couple months will help clean out anything left behind.

With proper care and some occasional maintenance you can forget about the chemicals all together and purchase the cheapest single ply toilet paper you can find.

Take my word for it, the world will not come to an end if you forgo the expense of quick dissolving toilet paper and chemicals that eliminate odor while speeding up the biodegrading process.