Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-08-2016, 09:31 PM   #1
JMC
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Denver
Posts: 82
Composting toilet

Curious to see how this goes...

The trailer on order is our first of any kind. So this is all new to me. I'm intrigued by the composting toilet idea to replace the standard toilet. But they don't come cheap... the one I'm looking at is basically $1000.

Amazon.com - Nature's Head Dry Composting Toilet / Standard Crank Handle - Compost Bins

Three things are driving me to it:

1. Time saved not having to ever dump, flush or otherwise maintain the black tank. If this saves me 30 minutes after every trip it would be worth something. The compost toilet requires emptying, but that can happen before we leave the campsite. I can roll up to a dump station and just worry about the gray tank. If we ever buy some land I could dump the gray at the back of the land, especially if I'm careful about food waste going down the kitchen drain.

How much time is this saving me? How much disgusting-ness does this let me avoid?

2. If I get the compost toilet now, we'll never use the black tank. I could conceivably use it as additional fresh water (with some plumbing changes, of course) or for additional gray water. If I got really creative i could take it out and use the area for storage in some way, although that's a lot less likely.

3. No restrictions on using the toilet in cold conditions, when we might keep the plumbing winterized for a trip. We could still at least use the toilet.

Just looking for responses which might help me make a decision.
__________________
2015 Ram 3500 SRW, 6.7L Cummins, Crew Cab, 4x4
2016 29BHDS
JMC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2016, 09:38 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
BigJohnD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Florien, LA
Posts: 1,872
If you haven't already, check out the Wynn's site at www.gonewiththewynns.com


They have installed a nature's head in a few of their rigs, and won't have it any other way. They have lots of videos on their site and a lot of info on that system and how it works. I've thought about it as well, but it would have to be a lot cheaper than $1000 for me to entertain the idea.
__________________
John and Rebecca Dickson
Emma-13 / Little John-10 / Iva-7
2013 Ford F-350 Lariat FX4, CC LB PSD, DRW
2015 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE (#8)
BigJohnD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2016, 10:01 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 1,954
+1 for the Wynn's videos (and their entire youtube site). I think once we get to full timing we will certainly want to go this route, maybe not as weekends mostly campers.

I wouldn't ever convert a black tank to fresh, no matter how well it got cleaned, but certainly an easy mod to convert it to grey. Note that if I understand the composting route correctly, it only diverts solid waste to the compost; the liquid still goes out to a black tank. It is just much less messy and there is generally much less of the waste water.
__________________
2011 Jayco X19H (purchased 2015)
2008 Jayco 1007 PUP (purchased new, traded for the X19)
2018 Nissan Titan Midnight Ed.
bankr63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 07:49 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Milford
Posts: 629
Quote:
Originally Posted by bankr63 View Post
+1 for the Wynn's videos (and their entire youtube site). I think once we get to full timing we will certainly want to go this route, maybe not as weekends mostly campers.

I wouldn't ever convert a black tank to fresh, no matter how well it got cleaned, but certainly an easy mod to convert it to grey. Note that if I understand the composting route correctly, it only diverts solid waste to the compost; the liquid still goes out to a black tank. It is just much less messy and there is generally much less of the waste water.
I noticed the "urine diverting" in the write up. That must be going to a black tank. If that's the case, you're still going to be dumping. The dump site isn't the most wonderful place in the world, but it quickly becomes part of the routine. Also, to me, you're trading one type of work for another. Still having to work at it, but just in a different way. I don't see enough benefit to spend $1,000 on it. I'd rather spend that $$ in solar ;-)

Other thoughts I've had:

I clean the tanks out before I put it away for the season, sometimes at the state park several miles away, sometimes out back (i have several acres). I have considered building a redneck septic tank. Wouldn't meet code, but same principle as my home septic. 55 gallon drum with holes poked in bottom and sides, buried in a hole backfilled with sand and pea stone. Solids stay in the drum, liquids soak back into ground. Just make sure is no where near water wells, mine would be further than my septic field to the well).

I've also thought about one of the rv grinder pumps that attach to the dump valve. It would be easier for me to be able to plumb a sewer outlet outside my house to accept a smaller hose that the grinder pumps use.

Haven't done either yet, so the processes hasn't been difficult enough that a fix is required.

You sure have a lot planned for your new camper! Interested to see all your projects come together after you get it!
__________________
2016 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5BHDS (ordered 12/30/15, delivered 3/8/16)
2015 F-350 crew cab, short bed, 6.7L PSD, Pullrite Superglide 3300 hitch
Cdash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 08:54 AM   #5
JMC
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Denver
Posts: 82
Good thoughts and comments so far... so thanks. The toilet does have a urine container, so to be clear the black tank wouldn't be used at all with the compost toilet option. So no dumping at all of black tank.

How much time do you spend doing a thorough black tank dump and flush?
__________________
2015 Ram 3500 SRW, 6.7L Cummins, Crew Cab, 4x4
2016 29BHDS
JMC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 09:02 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Dale Hollow Lake Tn/Ky
Posts: 2,525
Composting toilet in a 4 x5 bathroom isn't something I would choose to do. Not sure exactly how they work or how long they take to work, but they don't compost over nite. After a few days of USE you're going to want to remove that bag / bucket of %&%*^& and dispose of it, hopefully not in the nearest dumpster or trash can.

The process at the dump station is not the nicest camping chore, but something you learn how to do without much of a uck factor.

You can use the reg toilet in your RV even when winterized by flushing with a gallon jug of water sitting near the toilet. You never have to charge the water lines.

If you have to stop at the dump station to empty the grey tank, you will still have to wait in line if there is one, hook up the dump hose which puts you in contact with the dump basin, and when done you will still want to rinse out the hose and restow it. In the end what have you really saved? Carrying out a bag of &*^&*^*^ while your wife is fixing breakfast or dressing the kids isn't going to get you a lot of kudos.
Bassdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 09:12 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Milford
Posts: 629
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMC View Post
Good thoughts and comments so far... so thanks. The toilet does have a urine container, so to be clear the black tank wouldn't be used at all with the compost toilet option. So no dumping at all of black tank.

How much time do you spend doing a thorough black tank dump and flush?
If I'm at a dump site that I can hook up the rinse hose to the tank flush, I hook up the hose to the flush system and let it run. Then open the valves and let it drain. I have a clear 45 degree elbow to watch for floor. It's pretty clear when you get down to just the flow of the tank flush. If I see chunks with that flow I let it run till it tapers off. A lot of time, I'd we are going to another site, I'll close the valve, run maybe 5 gallons of water in the tank and dump softener and deferment down the toilet for the trip. (GEO method stuff)

If I'm at a dump station without a threaded hose I can hook to the flush, I empty the black first, kitchen sink gray second, shower last (dirtiest to cleanest) to end up with a cleanish hose.

All considered, black dumping really doesn't add more than a minute or two to my entire process. Mostly the time to hook the hose to the flush, then unhooking. If you are aware of taking care of the black tank, long flushes really aren't ever required. And by taking care of it, I mean fully emptying it (hence the clear 45 adapter - sometimes I have gone from seeing full flow through the adapter to nothing instantly. This means a clog, allowing the flush to run build up water weight that will blow it through, without an adapter you'd think the tank was empty), leaving water and detergent in it to slosh while on the road, and don't skimp on water while flushing the toilet.
__________________
2016 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5BHDS (ordered 12/30/15, delivered 3/8/16)
2015 F-350 crew cab, short bed, 6.7L PSD, Pullrite Superglide 3300 hitch
Cdash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 09:18 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
troutslayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NW AR (God's Country)
Posts: 2,051
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMC View Post
The compost toilet requires emptying, but that can happen before we leave the campsite.
Just curious...how (or where) do you do that before leaving the campsite?
__________________
Skip

2012 Eagle Super Lite HT 26.5RKS
2005 GMC 2500 SLT HD D/A
troutslayer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 09:42 AM   #9
JMC
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Denver
Posts: 82
Quote:
Originally Posted by troutslayer View Post
Just curious...how (or where) do you do that before leaving the campsite?

You basically take the toilet out and empty it into a trash bag. Sounds weird, I agree. But as you read up on it everyone agrees that it really just smells like dirt.

But this does take time, so maybe the time factor isn't as big as is thought.

Also surprised (and glad) to hear that dumping the black tank may only add a few minutes to the process. Less than I'd assumed for sure.
__________________
2015 Ram 3500 SRW, 6.7L Cummins, Crew Cab, 4x4
2016 29BHDS
JMC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 09:54 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
hoppers4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Port Orchard
Posts: 2,064
A composting toilet would be way more work and hassle for me than dumping a black tank. I find dumping and flushing the black tank a fairly simple task as compared to maintaining a composting toilet. Don't forget that the composting toilet also has to be maintained within a certain temperature range to keep it alive.
__________________
Don
hoppers4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 10:03 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
oldmanAZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMC View Post
snip...
How much time do you spend doing a thorough black tank dump and flush?
1) This must be the first unit you've had with a black tank. 2) Your primary concern seems to be the time needed to dump the black tank.

I'd suggest you try the trailer, black tank and all, before committing $1,000 to change to a composting toilet. You'll need the sewer hose etc. anyway to dump the gray tank. Then you'll how much additional time it takes you to dump the black tank.

DW and I usually fill the black and gray at close the same rate so they both need to be dumped when we have a sewer connection at a camp ground; about every 4 days. Virtually everyone dumps and flushes the black tank first. Then the gray water cleans stuff out of the sewer hose.

So how much additional time does it take me to dump and flush (with built in flush) the black tank? I'd estimate 15 minutes total - 5min for the initial dump of the black tank and then an additional 10min alternately turning the water to the flush on, then off, and watching for solids while the flush water runs out. I usually cycle the flush on/off about 4 times. Notice that virtually all of the additional time is spent watching.
__________________
Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
oldmanAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 10:35 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: OKC
Posts: 403
For me if I was boon docking a lot, maybe the composting toilet would be more appealing. If I'm using full hook ups, or normal campground stuff, I'm sticking with the RV toilet. Since I have to stop to dump grey tank anyway, the added work of the black tank is not a problem in my opinion.

The dark side (no pun intended) of the composting toilet is you still have to deal with the waste. Can you go a week w/o dumping the compost toilet? I'm a bit ignorant about them, so I don't know what you are obligated to do with the urine or the brown stuff. I assume you don't just poor them out on the ground.? Dig a hole and bury them.?

I think they are cool. I really like the Winn videos. Maybe if I knew more about them I would feel differently. But, ya can't try before you buy (typically....)
__________________
2016 Road Warrior 355
2015 Ram 3500 Cummins SRW 4x4 MegaCab ShortBed
2011 F150 ecoboost - Traded
2015 Jayflight 28 BHBE (sold)
2009 Jayflight 26 BH (sold)
hboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 03:35 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Dale Hollow Lake Tn/Ky
Posts: 2,525
OK need some education on these things. My only experience with composting is kitchen scraps and garden clippings. A typical compost pile or container takes a full season to turn the above into rich soil. Just don't believe one of these toilets can complete the process over a long weekend.

Also am thinking you are trying to come up with a solution [and a very expensive one] for a problem that really doesn't exist. All of this has been mentioned in the previous posts but just can't see one of these fancy units.
Bassdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 03:59 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Dale Hollow Lake Tn/Ky
Posts: 2,525
Just did some reading on how these things work. They really do work and in the right environment they can be a good alternative to a conventional sewage system. Many of the users are from the green group and see them as a way to save the planet. But to answer the question I raised in the previous post, there are a lot of variables to how long a cycle from "raw material" to humanumor. Generally it takes 2 to 6 months for the bad stuff to turn into good stuff and depending on conditions it can be longer.

Now we fast forward back to the RV situation and I think the OP is thinking these things are filled / processed / and emptied during the course of a camping weekend or week. Sounds like you are dragging around the waste for a considerable period of time for the cycle to complete and during this time many systems require a power source to provide heat and ventilation. Not thinking the neighbors would think kindly about the sweet smells coming out of that vent.
Bassdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 04:01 PM   #15
JMC
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Denver
Posts: 82
I found out this week we'll be storing the trailer at a place with a dump station. I didn't expect that. So my concerns around timing we're assuming I'd have to always look for one after our dry camping trips... And that there would likely be a line.

So with your comments and now easy access to a dump station, I'm less concerned about it.
__________________
2015 Ram 3500 SRW, 6.7L Cummins, Crew Cab, 4x4
2016 29BHDS
JMC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 05:14 PM   #16
Site Team
 
norty1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,771
I think you will find that is a non issue once you get the procedure down.
__________________
Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
norty1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 05:39 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
oldmanAZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
Quote:
Originally Posted by norty1 View Post
I think you will find that is a non issue once you get the procedure down.
x2

Emptying the tanks is one of the least (the least?) pleasant things when RVing. But my DW says that having our own bathroom is one of the best things when RVing.

I do suggest you invest in good quality sewer hose etc. (I have RhinoFlex, but there are others). The stuff that comes with the trailer may work, but mine pulled apart about the 2nd time I used it. Thankfully that happened at the end dumping the gray tank. I don't want to even think about that happening at the beginning while dumping the black! I got rid of that original equipment hose etc. immediately.
__________________
Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
oldmanAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2016, 06:26 PM   #18
Site Team
 
norty1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,771
Ours does not stink so we never have to experience that problem.
__________________
Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
norty1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-10-2016, 11:04 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sandy, UT
Posts: 124
I read that the composting toilet requires a constant running fan to eliminate gasses and odor, if that is true my battery wouldn't last. Maybe useful in an outhouse or Porta John with solar power set up.
__________________
2011 Jayco Greyhawk 31DS
06 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD
Trippers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-11-2016, 02:33 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Milford
Posts: 629
Maybe if you wait a couple years, this will be ready:

This Nanotech Toilet Uses No Water And Produces Energy From Human Waste | IFLScience

Would take care of waste, create energy, and give you water to wash your rig. If you pooped enough, you might not even need solar! What more could you ask for?
__________________
2016 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5BHDS (ordered 12/30/15, delivered 3/8/16)
2015 F-350 crew cab, short bed, 6.7L PSD, Pullrite Superglide 3300 hitch
Cdash is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.