Camper Van Conversions: Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Vanlife Setup
When building out your own camper van, every square inch counts — and so does every decision. Whether you’re going full-time or just exploring on weekends, choosing the right toilet can make or break the experience. For many, the answer is a compact, odor-free, waterless toilet that works no matter where you park. That’s where Separett comes in.
Why a Waterless Toilet?
Most camper vans don’t have the space or plumbing for a traditional black water setup. Portable cassette toilets can smell and require frequent emptying. A waterless toilet, especially one with urine diversion, keeps solids and liquids separate, which means:
- No smell when installed with ventilation
- Fewer emptying trips
- No need for black water tanks or dump stations
Separett Tiny — Designed for Small Spaces
The Separett Tiny is one of the most popular choices for camper van conversions because it’s compact, self-contained, and electric-powered with low energy use. With its urine-separating design, it helps reduce odor and extends the time between cleanouts.
You can choose between:
- Tiny with Urine Container: Ideal when you can’t plumb into a grey tank
- Tiny with Urine Tube: Best if you have a grey water setup or external tank.
Both options are vented to the outside for odor control, and the fan uses minimal power — making it perfect for solar setups.
Installation Tips for Vanlife
- Ventilation: Install a 1.5 Sch 20 vent duct through the floor or sidewall. Use a protective cap or cover to avoid water ingress.
- Power: The Tiny draws under 2W — easily supported by a basic solar battery setup.
- Mounting: Secure the toilet with brackets to prevent movement during driving.
- Emptying: Solid waste goes into compostable bags and can be stored sealed until you reach a composting bin or trash. The urine container can be emptied as needed.
Common Questions
Q: Can I install it without a fan?
No. For vanlife use, a fan is essential to keep moisture and odor under control.
Q: What about freezing temperatures?
If you’re camping in subzero temps, insulate the area around the toilet and consider a heated enclosure for the urine tube if it runs outside.
Q: How often do I need to empty it?
It depends on usage. In a van with 1-2 people, the solid container lasts 1-3 weeks and urine may need emptying every 1-3 days.
Final Thoughts
Vanlife is about freedom — and that includes freedom from dump stations, smelly chemicals, and cramped setups. A Separett Tiny gives you a clean, independent, and low-maintenance solution. No plumbing, no mess — just comfort and peace of mind on the road.
👉 Want to learn more? Check out Separett Tiny or send us your van build photos via email to contact.us@separett.com — we’d love to feature your setup!