How important is it to use RV-specific toilet paper?

[wags999]

Like so many things in life, you do it 100 times and no problem, and then the 101 and bam...issues. I have seen the issues, and I don't want any, so I use RV tp. Even Scott is now making an RV TP, fast dissolving, must be a reason.


But then, I use a surge protector and a water pressure regulator, rather be over cautious than sorry later


Use what you want and what you feel works best for you and your RV lifestyle, we all use our RV's differently.


Enjoy the RV lifestyle !

[charliebravo]

Thanks for all the replies and poll taking! I think we're still split on this issue.

I think we'll start with the RV-specific and then switch to "tested" after we can't take the sandpaper any longer!

[sirrealone]

I was using RV toilet paper, Thetford to be exact, and found that I was not fully draining my tank. I always took the appropriate steps of filling the tank with some water before using and also use treatment solution. The only way to clear it was to use a wand that broke up the pieces.

I did the test that seems to be the standard test, fill a jar halfway with water, cover it up, give it a couple of shakes, then let it sit' and it wasn't breaking down. I also tried single ply Scotts with the same result. Decided to buy a roll of 'The Big Roll' from Walgreens and that started shredding right down as soon as I shook it, so that's what we use. We don't really do much #2 in the camper (young kids only when they can't make it to the camper baths), so even if it's lesser quality, it works just fine for us.

One difference I think applies to us is that we only camp at state parks, so we don't ever have a full hookup. Our staying for a week is different than someone staying a week at a full hookup facility that can add more water and empty regularly. I am suspecting that of the people that say 'the stuff we use at home is fine' versus the people who have problems, you'd see more of the former having full hookup and more of the latter not.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by sirrealone

I am suspecting that of the people that say 'the stuff we use at home is fine' versus the people who have problems, you'd see more of the former having full hookup and more of the latter not.

It's a good point, I will freely admit that's the case for us (regular TP user); more often than not, we're on full hookups. So far, our longest stay has been 3 nights, so we just empty black once (and most often we need to top it off before we empty), but we leave gray open for nice long hot showers.

The biggest advantage on full hookups IMHO is that I can spend all the time I want rinsing out my tank and making sure I get a thorough flush. I wouldn't want to be monkeying around for 45 minutes if there was a line of cars behind me at the dump station.

[Nighthawk 96]

We camp at state parks (no sewer) Have found that 2 ply like Angel Soft does not work as it bunches up just below the diaphragm in the toilet. Have to scrape it out with a bamboo back scratcher to get it to fall into the tank. So we use single ply RV type which can be bought at WM in 6 packs for a reasonable price.

[utbgcamper mom]

I tried the test from the video that said Charmin was good--WRONG- even after 2 hours the charmin never broke down. I will stick to RV or any 1 ply- I've never had a problem with those.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by utbgcamper mom

I tried the test from the video that said Charmin was good--WRONG- even after 2 hours the charmin never broke down. I will stick to RV or any 1 ply- I've never had a problem with those.

IMO, ever since Mr. Whipple left, TP just hasn't been the same.

Considering how it is used, I would guess that the 'recipe' for TP can vary a lot over time. As long as it passes some very general quality control, with an emphasis on how it feels to the touch, does anyone (but us) really care?

RV TP may be the most consistent for disintegrating, but those in the TP 'testing' category may have to repeat the testing occasionally to be sure the manufacturer hasn't changed the 'recipe.'

[wags999]

It has a lot to do with how you use your RV. If you move daily and dump weekly may have less issues with thicker paper, as the agitation will help break it down. If you stay put more and dump while stationary you will have more issues and its more important to use an appropriate TP. It's amazing how long you can use your black tank washer and still have "stuff" coming out the drain....You can fill it several times and still get solids out...amazing. I would assume if you got thick paper, which partially dried out, you would never get it out properly.