Thanks for your video, it was very thorough and helped me a lot! I prefer the home made 20 litre bucket toilet with a $20 toilet seat/lid , biodegradable garbage bags and coconut husk from the garden centre. You just line the bucket every other day, put a scoop of husks in after you've done your business, and take the "rubbish" out and dump it in a normal dumpster. If you're out in the bush you can dig a hole and bury it and throw the bag in a bin when you get to one. So cheap , easy and doesn't smell because the husk dries it all out regardless of 1s and 2s being mixed. I'm so glad you are enjoying your life in the van , it takes courage to make the first step to get out there. Stay happy and safe travels! :)
You just kept me fully entertained for 41 minutes and 26 seconds talking about crap. You sir should be in showbiz. I love it man, your videos are super informative and off the cuff and amazing. Such a great speaker, I wish I had that talent! Keep 'em coming! My girlfriend and I actually put our house on the market today and are making waves to move into a van mid next year. We're both super excited and doing all the research we can! I think a Nature's Head Toilet is in our future so thanks so much for sharing your experience with it. I've subscribed and look forward to the adventures you choose to share!
Finally a vandweller with a composting toilet!! I never understood why everyone deals with the black water tank! Also black water dumping is another cost and hassle!
James Morrin I spent the weekend at my favorite local campground and walked around to check out all the rigs. Seeing the line of RVs at the dump station brought a grin to my face as I drove right past them, grateful that I never have to deal with that. :) Thanks for watching!
Wow! Very informative video thank you for making it! I'm a future van dwellers and at 62 I'm very excited, I've been researching for 5 years now and I think I'm about ready to do it.
I'm Really learning a LOT about the most sensitive subjects connected with VAN/RV living, from this lecture: "Composting Toilets/Showering spills/leakage...etc. Thank you SO MUCH for the tips on the use of Vinegar in the toilet to cut sediment buildup. So once again: WHERE does one dump the Composted waste products ( legally ) ?? Question: at 40:20, the "Goddess Bin" ... How do you keep the used Toilet wipes from having a fume that wafts back through the air in the enclosed living area? BTW: I like the way you refer to the "Girly-Girl" moments with the giddy female visitors. I, too, would probably feel a little skittish with concerns about fumes and sounds, and residual deposits left in the bowl of the toilet. Thanks for mentioning the "Vinegar Spritz" bottle!! ( SUBSCRIBED )
Did you ever think about connecting the gray and blacks tanks together to make one larger gray tank after you removed the marine toilet, or would the piping changes be impossible?
Excellent vid. Very informative.... In my tent I use a chamber pot (ice cream pail & a funnel) for urine and a 5 gallon bucket w/plastic bag for feces which goes to the dumpster. The downside is the bag does stick to my ass (which was unnerving at first) but now I've got my technique down.lol! I do have an RV dump station on site (50') away... so I'm trying to incorporate my bucket to 'flush' both 1&2 to the drain by reusing 3" & 4" abs sewer pipe salvaged from the campground i work at. Video on that coming soon... Look fwd to more of yours. Cheerz! Alberta, Canada
***** Wow, that's a brilliant setup and soooo much cheaper than a manufactured composting toilet. Sounds like a 4" pipe would work fine for 50' as long as no cars or lawn mowers accidentally drive over it. I've also been interested in learning about various DYI alternatives to septic tanks or sewers... more for the distant possibility of buying a cheap plot of land to be able to retreat to and live off-grid every so often.
+dilbot macguillacutty ...I have to tell ya' i almost fell off my chair laughing when u said, "The downside is the bag does stick to my ass (which was unnerving at first)..." I'm still laughing!..not AT u but WITH u: 38 yrs OTR trucking... been there done that!
Thanks for the dump... I was thinking about going this way with the toilet. And hooking my black tank with my gray for extra gray storage when on the road. You made it easy and simple to understand. Happy vanning.
i just had to say... THANK YOU for making this video! you were very informative and frank, but tactful. i watched it all the way through and did not realize it was 41 minutes long until after. would love to see a tour of inside and out. this is the 1st video of yours i have come across and i am heading to watch your 1st. i a almost 300lbs also and fulltime in a 27'TT for now. i have thought long and hard about a composting toilet. my biggest issue is my back. i cannot lift more than 5lbs. i am very adaptive however, using dolly carts and things when i need to move stuff. if i can move it DOWN to a cart or wheels, im good. back up would be empty. my other issue is where to dump in my current location. im wondering about your shower water though. where does it come from (i.e. tank/hookup) and normal dump like an r v. graywater? water heater? what kind, as in tankless or not? location? i went tankless and love it. where are your propane tanks? or is it all electric? solar? as in does it have or have you thought about it? i know it's a lot of questions. please keep up the good work! and i only saw one here in the comments but dont mind the haters... youtube gives you credit for their comments too. lol hope to see more of these. subscribed.
I love the setup. Composting crapper is the way to go! I'm getting a FedEx truck and making it into a camper. Tons of solar on the roof and lots of room. This chanel is going to be epic if you post a few videos from time to time. Keep up the good work.
Freightliner. Hopefully a Cummins 4bt and an Allison transmission. The rest is going to be interesting to install, but I'm picking up things I like from you guys.
I just recently found your channel so I am way behind (haha). I am about a year and half from full timing. Right now I am in research mode. What a great video! So much info. You have a great way of being thorough and making it easy to understand. Thank you!
when there is a build up of urine scale on the inside of the tank,put some vinegar and water in it and ad some small stones and shake it for awhile, and that should clean off the interior.
The vent pipes are the same idea as the ones that stick out the roofs on houses... all drains connect to vent/s in your home to prevent girggling, slow draining and vacuums or air locks.. great vids... I'm getting plenty of ideas for my mobile mover.
Dumb question but where do you dump your compost when full? Great informational video. Amazing how you can film and talk for so long without edits and stumbling over or searching for words. You would make a great narrator or lecturer. ;)
SweetbearCoyote That's an excellent question and I kicked myself ten minutes after shooting this video because I forgot to mention that!! As long as no additional "deposits" have been made for a minimum of 12 hours, the compost is 100% safe. It's important to note that it is no longer human waste at this point, just dirt/soil. I try to give it a solid 24 hours, especially in the winter when the composting process is slowed by the colder temperatures. It can be disposed of in a regular trash bag with the household garbage. Many people prefer to add the compost to an outdoor compost pile for a longer period of time and then use it on a non-vegetable garden. Personally, I either put the compost directly from the toilet into a garbage bag and then toss it out with the regular garbage OR i spread it around in the woods if I happen to be in a rural area at the time. Thanks so much for your compliment! I'm brand new to making RUclips videos so the reason I don't have edits yet is because I haven't learned how to use the video editing software yet. Ha! :-) I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be glad to try to find out. Thanks for watching!
***** Hello : First time I've ever seen you. Wanted to ask you what kind of Camera your using . Also, I'm working on moving in something a little bit different then what you got. Its a 1952 Bus. So Cool but I have a long way to go with it but its a eye catcher. Thanks
You are doing a great job! Love the toilet. Bungee for the shower curtain...great idea. Love my bungees! Great job in the making of your videos! Great imformation! Stay simple! Wishing you only good things!
Thanks for sharing! Nice job and congrats for doing what you're doing. A suggestion that may be worth considering with respect to your leaky toilet paper cubby hole would be to have a vinyl or rubber flap that would hang down over the door (or use instead of a door) secured by velcro from above the hole. Another suggestion would be to install or attach a little slider door over the hole that would operate like a double hung window. Slide it up to open and push down to close. Good Luck!
Great video/honesty. I'm 6'1 260 and it is good to see a big guy in one of these. I definitely couldn't do this full time. Just not enough room and I like my full shower/full toilet. However I could see getting a van like this for weekend/long road trips.
+mkline718 ..I'm fixing to buy a for Roadtrek 2015-16 class b...which is the only company who makes the shower to where it'll extend out into the isle way. The floor has a removable plate for drainage, and, the shower curtain extends into isleway via a trac on the ceiling!
Nora Steel Haha, thanks. I searched for the longest time for that and never could find a video with someone stepping into the wetbath, so it made my purchase a little riskier. Glad I could help . :)
Nora Steel Lots! Fridge maintenance (not cooling enough to keep the food safe), peeling those ugly decal stripes off, and working on some leaks. I will have some new videos sooooooon. :) :)
Thank you, so much, for this video. I'm in the process of buying a Carado Axion, it has a rear bath which is big enough for this fat old man (6'2", 350#) but don't want to deal with emptying a black tank any more (current class a owner). Cool thing is it uses one 22 gal tank for all black and grey combined. $1000, one time expense is worth it to me. Looks like, at least, 1 month boondock is easily attained now. Thanks again for boosting my confidence, Steve.
As for the shower curtain, check out Advance RV chanel. The have created a simple metal rack that is attached to the shower ceiling and swings out into the main part of the camper. This pushes the shower curtain out and gives you more room while using the shower. When finished, swing it back and clip it up into the ceiling.
This is (IMO) a really good , informative video. I am doing research in preparation for a Camper Build for my upcoming retirement. I will be building on an old Coleman pop up frame. Between the way campers are made and what seem to me, RIDICULOUS prices, I'm sure I can beat the system. Thank You to the third power!
Awesome video. I've been trying for ages to find more info on the composting toilets. I'm definitely getting one now. We already joke about it where I work.. 'stirring the coconut' is already the new term for using to the toilet haha
Are you sure the vent for your composting toilet will work? You've created a 'trap' with the pipe going down and then up. Just curious as the fan may be strong enough. They didn't make these to work on but you've done a great job, especially with the fiberglass. If your going to be doing this ongoing, think about a gimbal camera stabilizer. Sediment in the urine container is uric acid crystals. Baking Soda will work, Calcium Carbonate would be the best neutralizer. Since your doing well with the Vinegar, no reason to change.
We are in a tt on have a toilet. We line the toilet with a plastic bag and put in some kitty litter. After we do our business we put a layer of kitty litter over the solids and this kills all smells. We use portable urinals and dump them each morning . Like the idea about the vinegar but what kind do you use. Dump stations are nasty but we find this is much cleaner and easier. Are you using distilled or apple vinegar. Great video .
Wonder if you have considered one of those shower curtain rods that arch outwards so you have a little extra room while you're showering? Also, like your Magen David tattoo, couldn't get a good look at it what does it actually say?
Awesome different take on vandwelling that you have. By that I mean a newbie showing daily life where as many vids are diy type(which I love too).do you have neck or back issues from being tall and hunch in over ? Are you reinstalling the compost toilet back in bathroom? I'm on vid 2 watching in order . ThanKS again
Plastic shower curtain use shower curtain clips on corners (its hoops with clips)(hoop/clips cost $3 walmart or family dollar) hoops can be placed on cup hooks fastened on bottom/ sides of shower. I did this myself. Works great. Shower curtain is taught water runs down it without going on the floor, water stays inside shower
Were you able to hook your gray water tank to your black water tank, to double capacity of the gray water storage, or did you remove the black water tank? All the Best
I live in London and there is no way to dump black water waste in the city. I have been doing a lot of research in this compost toilet, you found the solution as I was planning a while ago. Would love to see your compost toilet in the bathroom if it fits? Look forward to your videos.
Leo Crow I'll take a few pictures and send them your way. I was very careful to measure the bathroom and compare to the specs of this model toilet on the Nature's Head website. Even another half inch wider would have been to wide for the bathroom door to close. I hope it will work out for your needs because it really makes a world of difference in my opinion. :)
Sorry for the delay as I have been working 17 hours a day over 9 days period. Very tight space but works! You seriously found the perfect solution. Thank you so much for the video. Hope you come back to visit Europe, would be happy to meet you. Take care! Leo
Just stumbled across your channel. My question is: How do you separate wet (pee) from dry (dump)? I may do a little of each several times during one sitting. I can't believe I sat through 45 minutes of this, but it was very informative. I subscribed and hope to see more in the future. I understand about not knowing how to do this video thing. I'm going to start a channel about January and have a person lined up to teach me how. I hope it takes. Anyway, good luck to you.
Solo Roamin' Haha... and I can't believe I actually had that much to say about a bathroom! :) So the mechanics of how the liquid and solid are separated is actually pretty simple. For the liquids, there are two holes towards the front. The liquid drains into those two holes, whether standing or sitting, and into the liquid tank. For the solids, the trap door (as I like to call it) is opened at the beginning of the session. Liquid goes into the two holes and solid goes straight down through the open trap door and into the compost compartment. Ladies tell me that it's not a problem for them but they have to aim a bit forward to ensure the liquids dont accidentally go into the trap door. Oh, and for just going #1, the trap door stays shut the entire time. If any liquid misses the two holes, it actually drains from the CLOSED trap door and into the same liquid tank anyways, so it's not a problem. Thanks for watching and good luck on your new channel! Let me know when you get your first video posted!
sloburnnn Thanks! ...but are you sure you'd like to SEE that?! ;) Because I currently live a suburb of Atlanta and work a full-time office job, the liquid goes in the toilet at work with a single flush. However, I've dumped the liquid on the ground in the woods. Just gotta be sure it's not illegal and done carefully (not in a random parking lot, not near a place where people walk, etc.) Dry matter goes in a garbage bag and in the dumpster just like regular household trash. Because the dry matter at that point is no longer human waste, it's 100% safe and can basically be treated like dirt/soil. In a rural setting, I've dumped the dry matter on the ground. It was a little weird the first few times I emptied the liquids and dry matter but then quickly became as routine as doing laundry and washing dishes. Thanks for watching!
Will be interested in your future vids was interesting let us know how that composting toilet works out they have been around for a long time so they must work.... (subbed)
Good video and yes paying more attention in high school physics would have answered your questions regarding the venting for water! No one talks about diarrhea and the composting toilets and how you keep the bowel clean without water? I mean with my travels in a Class-A part of the fun of traveling is trying and eating a lot of foods that ultimately are going to make one sick at one time or another. So how does one cope aside from using a more public toilet?
+Riki B. Eyestarone Omg i wondering the same thing! I read way to the bottom to see if he answered this before i actually asked the question. I know when i shit it goes everywhere. It's just not going to fall perfectly in that little hole. Can't put water in it to clean it cause you're mixing liquids in. this is tough. Since he hasn't answered i'll ask the question and put it back at the top to see if anyone knows.
+Beezy Talking Shit Yes... it would seem that composting is one of those technologies that works only under "ideal" circumstances and how often in life does that happen... hell if it were that way then you'd have a staff maintaining your RV and it wouldn't be an issue to begin with... as for me I've come to prefer a macerator with a "garden hose" sized discharge hose over the 4"-5" size... I can pull up to gas station bathroom and pump into the toilet...
I think a compost toilet with the whole toilet bowl cut out would be better. Someone said something about you can buy a separate thing to pee in also and it's only $40. I think a $1,000 for a toilet (that doesn't even flush) is too much. Thanks for replying
+Beezy Talking Shit Well I suggest you try it all first for a while... check out a "trucker Tube" for the old style and don't pick up plastic bottles half-filled filled with liquid from the side of the road... happy travels...
I have been looking at composting toilets and have heard that the toilet won't digest the material in cold weather . what have you found? also wanted to thank you for your introduction to Dr Brooners soaps . love em!
Do you know if there are any conventions where people who choose van/camper/tiny house/ life convene and get together to exchange ideas? I'm sure they have things like this I just havent found one yet. I'm def. going this route in the next 3 months, just havnt decided which mode is right for me yet. I'm thinking of doing class B while saving to pay for the tiny house build in cash, and then going with a tiny house pulled by a larger SUV. This will get me on the road quicker and that's what I'm about. Thanks for the vids and ideas, I subbed.
Aprille Shepherd Takes a little aiming practice the first few times but then it's all good. :-) The little trap door stays opens rather than just a quick open/close at the end.
+a simple kid How do you clean the shit that's in the toilet bowl though? Can't pour water and clean it that way cause you can't mix in liquid. I would probably shit everywhere but in the hole. My shit curves and everything. And Splatters :/
In Europe, we use cassette toilets, where everything goes into a cassette under the toilet which needs regular emptying. These are supposed to have chemical treatments in them, but now most people are discovering that adding a little biological laundry liquid breaks down solids etc and also is safe for septic tank dumping as it doesn't kill the good bacteria. The old chemicals couldn't be dumped in a septic tank as they were harmful. So, why not try a little biological laundry liquid in the front tank? It may also be a more pleasant smell and will definitely make it clean easier.
I have been living in a motorhome for eight months now and have managed to avoid taking a crap in it the entire time. Public restrooms are the way to go unless it is a dire dire emergency. I empty the wastewater tanks maybe quarterly, since it is just pee and dishwater.
+8digitPDX ...you don't ever boondock away from the public?....or do u stay in rv parks all the time, when not traveling, in order to use THEIR facilities?
JIM BRIDGES As a matter of fact, no, i don't boondock in the rig, I street camp and driveway surf. I use the on board bathroom now but still very rarely.
mountain mama I love the username! :) It definitely gets heavy. :( One thing that helps is removing just the liquid tank, dumping it, and THEN moving the toilet itself. Also, the top half of the toilet (the lid and the mini vent fan) slides off the hinge quite easily. This means that you never have to lift and remove the whole toilet when dumping the solid.. just the bottom half (but it's still heavy after several weeks of use). Thanks for watching!
+JIM BRIDGES No one answered so I will. While sitting you urinate into a funnel-like plastic guide that leads into a separate container that you see attached exterior to the compost toilet. You can actually buy this alone on Amazon for $40 or so. With a little forethought, it is an easy and worthwhile project to make your own toilet plus urine container (plastic detergent container or heavy plastic bag with nozzle).
38 years of trucking we just used a plastic bottle, afterwards put it in a walmart bag, and, disposed of it in a dumpster....looking forward to getting a compost toilet.. thanks for the reply.
Can I ask how you did not know there was sewage in your black water tank when you bought it? Is there a tank gauge saying how full it was? Do you have any advise when buying one of these vans?
Ok.You've already turned your living room into a bathroom so I guess it's a done deal.You could build a bench covering the toilette with a pad.It will give you a place to relax and have friends over to hang out.You will also get a little extra storage.If that sounds too daunting perhaps you could have someone make you a toilette cozy to slip over it.Just ask everyone to step outside while someone uses it and put it back on.Who am I kidding.You really screwed the pooch on this one.Brilliant minds designed your RV.It was darn near perfect.I watch these videos and am amazed at what some of you guys do.Justin is they only guy who seems to really know what time it is.I'm sorry about the rant but people might see this and do it as well.I'm actually not writing this for you but for others who may read this.Next time you think of doing another mod then ask Justin's advice or go to the vast resources of knowledge on the various class b forums on the web.I'm not saying that your toilette won't work.It will but It's in your living room.Let me repeat that.It's in your living room. God I'm old.Get off my lawn.
+Stan Watkins...if you had been paying attention during the video you would have known the toilet was only in the living room for demonstration purposes. He also went on to say that since it's not bolted down in the bathroom that he sets it outside of the BATHROOM to take a shower, in order to have more room...."ASK JUSTIN'S ADVICE" ???... Really??...as much as I enjoy most of Justiin's videos myself I wouldn't consider him to be an expert on class B construction OR maturity...after all, he DID have a friggin stripper pole for his whores that come in and out....and, what's more, how do you know for sure if 'HE' is the one that actually does all the installations [like the wood stove, for example] ??? Before you decide to try and impress the RUclips environment with your little words of bullshit you might want to pull your head out of your ass first and breathe some fresh air....that way you'll know "the REST of the story"
It's been a while and i think I corrected myself but if not then I do owe Justin an apology.Seems like a nice young man and yes Justin's wood stove is coo coo.As for you.Sorry I hurt your feelings.
No Stan, you DIDN'T hurt 'my' feelings...just thought it was rather shitty of you to talk about someone when, obviously, you knew nothing of what was going on to start with...and the kid's name is Billy not Justin....Justin was the one you were idolizing (justincredible). Hope you learn to separate your fingers on the keyboard from your 'brain' soon..for YOUR own good. Consider this conversation finished. Have a good day.
Hi me again, on soap, you can make a dr. bronner style soap yourself, look up (online) a recipe for castile (olive oil) soap. It can't get any biodegradable than that....not to mention cheap and convenient...
+Sidney Boudro ...the urine is trapped into the tank positioned on the front...which u empty periodically. To flush the other u crank (or, electrically on other models) it clockwise from the right side of the unit. (emptying the solids for one person will be on the average of every 2 weeks or longer, or, when the crank starts to seem hard to crank)
I owe simple kid an apology.I didn't realize you only had the toilet out in the living room for demonstration purposes.I'm so used to watching others on RUclips doing ridiculous things to their RV's that I simply snapped.I am sorry and hope you have a great time in your van. Happy trails. Stan
any body looking for rv interior furniture or assesorys sorry my spelling is bad I am getting one tommorow thats fully furnished fridge,stove,over ,bathroom,etc for cheap and I am turning it into a flatbed within a couple days
John Norris Ohhhh, herrro. Heh, yeah I have fun with it. Sound effects, cheers of triumph, the works. Hmm.. maybe I should come up with a victory song and teach it to my guests.
I prefer to have a good size bathroom than a big bedroom if I live by myself. I don't know why all RVs or campers do not have good bathrooms but a lot of living space. Taking a shower daily at 'home' is an important routine. I hope the manufacturer really think about 'living in a camper', not put it at showroom.
Luis Sousa Hi, Luis. I'm Billy. :-) I actually have thought about getting another fresh water tank. It's a great idea and wouldn't cost too much. Once I figure out what's going in that space between my bathroom and driver's seat, I'll know what size and shape could possibly fit. The nice thing is that there are companies that can custom build a fresh water tank to your size/shape specifications. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your video, it was very thorough and helped me a lot! I prefer the home made 20 litre bucket toilet with a $20 toilet seat/lid , biodegradable garbage bags and coconut husk from the garden centre. You just line the bucket every other day, put a scoop of husks in after you've done your business, and take the "rubbish" out and dump it in a normal dumpster. If you're out in the bush you can dig a hole and bury it and throw the bag in a bin when you get to one. So cheap , easy and doesn't smell because the husk dries it all out regardless of 1s and 2s being mixed. I'm so glad you are enjoying your life in the van , it takes courage to make the first step to get out there. Stay happy and safe travels! :)
Can't believe I spent best part of an hour listening to this guy talking about his van toilet
WOW AWESOME VIDEO. YOU'RE THEE ONLY RUclipsR THAT HAS EXPLAINED IN DETAIL. You earned my subscription man. THANK YOU SO MUCH
You just kept me fully entertained for 41 minutes and 26 seconds talking about crap. You sir should be in showbiz. I love it man, your videos are super informative and off the cuff and amazing. Such a great speaker, I wish I had that talent! Keep 'em coming! My girlfriend and I actually put our house on the market today and are making waves to move into a van mid next year. We're both super excited and doing all the research we can! I think a Nature's Head Toilet is in our future so thanks so much for sharing your experience with it. I've subscribed and look forward to the adventures you choose to share!
Finally a vandweller with a composting toilet!! I never understood why everyone deals with the black water tank! Also black water dumping is another cost and hassle!
James Morrin I spent the weekend at my favorite local campground and walked around to check out all the rigs. Seeing the line of RVs at the dump station brought a grin to my face as I drove right past them, grateful that I never have to deal with that. :) Thanks for watching!
p.s. I also like the idea of the bung cord keeping your shower curtain from 'coming in' as you said. awesome and two thumbs up!!
Wow! Very informative video thank you for making it! I'm a future van dwellers and at 62 I'm very excited, I've been researching for 5 years now and I think I'm about ready to do it.
Informative on a subject that needed some light.. Thank you..
Good suggestions for having vinegar, and the spray bottle!
I'm Really learning a LOT about the most sensitive subjects connected with VAN/RV living, from this lecture: "Composting Toilets/Showering spills/leakage...etc.
Thank you SO MUCH for the tips on the use of Vinegar in the toilet to cut sediment buildup.
So once again: WHERE does one dump the Composted waste products ( legally ) ??
Question: at 40:20, the "Goddess Bin" ... How do you keep the used Toilet wipes from having a fume that wafts back through the air in the enclosed living area?
BTW: I like the way you refer to the "Girly-Girl" moments with the giddy female visitors. I, too, would probably feel a little skittish with concerns about fumes and sounds, and residual deposits left in the bowl of the toilet.
Thanks for mentioning the "Vinegar Spritz" bottle!!
( SUBSCRIBED )
Did you ever think about connecting the gray and blacks tanks together to make one larger gray tank after you removed the marine toilet, or would the piping changes be impossible?
I think that a cup of vinegar was the best part... LOL Thanks for sharing your trial and error stuff!
Excellent vid. Very informative.... In my tent I use a chamber pot (ice cream pail & a funnel) for urine and a 5 gallon bucket w/plastic bag for feces which goes to the dumpster. The downside is the bag does stick to my ass (which was unnerving at first) but now I've got my technique down.lol!
I do have an RV dump station on site (50') away... so I'm trying to incorporate my bucket to 'flush' both 1&2 to the drain by reusing 3" & 4" abs sewer pipe salvaged from the campground i work at. Video on that coming soon...
Look fwd to more of yours.
Cheerz!
Alberta, Canada
***** Wow, that's a brilliant setup and soooo much cheaper than a manufactured composting toilet. Sounds like a 4" pipe would work fine for 50' as long as no cars or lawn mowers accidentally drive over it. I've also been interested in learning about various DYI alternatives to septic tanks or sewers... more for the distant possibility of buying a cheap plot of land to be able to retreat to and live off-grid every so often.
+dilbot macguillacutty ...I have to tell ya' i almost fell off my chair laughing when u said, "The downside is the bag does stick to my ass (which was unnerving at first)..." I'm still laughing!..not AT u but WITH u: 38 yrs OTR trucking... been there done that!
JIM BRIDGES lol... cheerz brother!
Very good video. I am with you for the toilet system. I think dumping the black tank is nasty. Keep up with the videos.
Thanks for the dump... I was thinking about going this way with the toilet. And hooking my black tank with my gray for extra gray storage when on the road. You made it easy and simple to understand. Happy vanning.
i just had to say... THANK YOU for making this video! you were very informative and frank, but tactful.
i watched it all the way through and did not realize it was 41 minutes long until after.
would love to see a tour of inside and out. this is the 1st video of yours i have come across and i am heading to watch your 1st.
i a almost 300lbs also and fulltime in a 27'TT for now. i have thought long and hard about a composting toilet. my biggest issue is my back. i cannot lift more than 5lbs. i am very adaptive however, using dolly carts and things when i need to move stuff. if i can move it DOWN to a cart or wheels, im good. back up would be empty.
my other issue is where to dump in my current location.
im wondering about your shower water though. where does it come from (i.e. tank/hookup) and normal dump like an r v. graywater?
water heater? what kind, as in tankless or not? location?
i went tankless and love it.
where are your propane tanks? or is it all electric? solar? as in does it have or have you thought about it?
i know it's a lot of questions.
please keep up the good work!
and i only saw one here in the comments but dont mind the haters... youtube gives you credit for their comments too. lol
hope to see more of these.
subscribed.
I love the setup. Composting crapper is the way to go! I'm getting a FedEx truck and making it into a camper. Tons of solar on the roof and lots of room. This chanel is going to be epic if you post a few videos from time to time. Keep up the good work.
chris thompson Thanks, Chris! Mannn a FedEx truck would make an awesome camper. Are you getting a Sprinter or one of their larger trucks?
Freightliner. Hopefully a Cummins 4bt and an Allison transmission. The rest is going to be interesting to install, but I'm picking up things I like from you guys.
Nice!!! Plenty of room to stretch out and lots of roof space for solar. I'm sure it'll be an awesome.
I just recently found your channel so I am way behind (haha). I am about a year and half from full timing. Right now I am in research mode. What a great video! So much info. You have a great way of being thorough and making it easy to understand. Thank you!
You should magnetize your shower curtain at the bottom. Would work brilliantly.
when there is a build up of urine scale on the inside of the tank,put some vinegar and water in it and ad some small stones and shake it for awhile, and that should clean off the interior.
The vent pipes are the same idea as the ones that stick out the roofs on houses... all drains connect to vent/s in your home to prevent girggling, slow draining and vacuums or air locks.. great vids... I'm getting plenty of ideas for my mobile mover.
Dumb question but where do you dump your compost when full? Great informational video. Amazing how you can film and talk for so long without edits and stumbling over or searching for words. You would make a great narrator or lecturer. ;)
SweetbearCoyote That's an excellent question and I kicked myself ten minutes after shooting this video because I forgot to mention that!!
As long as no additional "deposits" have been made for a minimum of 12 hours, the compost is 100% safe. It's important to note that it is no longer human waste at this point, just dirt/soil. I try to give it a solid 24 hours, especially in the winter when the composting process is slowed by the colder temperatures. It can be disposed of in a regular trash bag with the household garbage. Many people prefer to add the compost to an outdoor compost pile for a longer period of time and then use it on a non-vegetable garden. Personally, I either put the compost directly from the toilet into a garbage bag and then toss it out with the regular garbage OR i spread it around in the woods if I happen to be in a rural area at the time.
Thanks so much for your compliment! I'm brand new to making RUclips videos so the reason I don't have edits yet is because I haven't learned how to use the video editing software yet. Ha! :-)
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be glad to try to find out. Thanks for watching!
***** Hello : First time I've ever seen you. Wanted to ask you what kind of Camera your using . Also, I'm working on moving in something a little bit different then what you got. Its a 1952 Bus. So Cool but I have a long way to go with it but its a eye catcher. Thanks
***** Another dumb question... what about the urine?
+Justin Kezer He typically pees straight out the window.
+Terry Skeans This was a simple Go Pro. Good luck on the bus!
You are doing a great job! Love the toilet. Bungee for the shower curtain...great idea. Love my bungees! Great job in the making of your videos! Great imformation! Stay simple! Wishing you only good things!
cfklgjviojg Wow, thanks so much for that encouragement! What a great way to start the day.
Thanks for sharing! Nice job and congrats for doing what you're doing.
A suggestion that may be worth considering with respect to your leaky toilet paper cubby hole would be to have a vinyl or rubber flap that would hang down over the door (or use instead of a door) secured by velcro from above the hole.
Another suggestion would be to install or attach a little slider door over the hole
that would operate like a double hung window. Slide it up to open and push down to close. Good Luck!
I am with You! No Black tank for me either! I will be doing a compost toilet also. I think this is wiser!
Great video/honesty. I'm 6'1 260 and it is good to see a big guy in one of these. I definitely couldn't do this full time. Just not enough room and I like my full shower/full toilet. However I could see getting a van like this for weekend/long road trips.
+mkline718 ..I'm fixing to buy a for Roadtrek 2015-16 class b...which is the only company who makes the shower to where it'll extend out into the isle way. The floor has a removable plate for drainage, and, the shower curtain extends into isleway via a trac on the ceiling!
I want to thank you soooo much! You are thee first to actually GET IN the shower.Now I know I'd be able to fit! Great info.
Nora Steel Haha, thanks. I searched for the longest time for that and never could find a video with someone stepping into the wetbath, so it made my purchase a little riskier. Glad I could help . :)
So what've you been up to?
Nora Steel Lots! Fridge maintenance (not cooling enough to keep the food safe), peeling those ugly decal stripes off, and working on some leaks. I will have some new videos sooooooon. :) :)
I'll keep an eye out for ya!
bye. absolutely great idea about the shower curtain with the bungee cord! again, thank you!
Thank you, so much, for this video. I'm in the process of buying a Carado Axion, it has a rear bath which is big enough for this fat old man (6'2", 350#) but don't want to deal with emptying a black tank any more (current class a owner). Cool thing is it uses one 22 gal tank for all black and grey combined. $1000, one time expense is worth it to me. Looks like, at least, 1 month boondock is easily attained now. Thanks again for boosting my confidence, Steve.
Thinking of converting the closet of a Shasta trailer into a toilet room. Thank you so much for the ins and outs of the compost toilet.
i have same toilet in my van and love it and picked it up for $60 on craigslist yep $60
As for the shower curtain, check out Advance RV chanel. The have created a simple metal rack that is attached to the shower ceiling and swings out into the main part of the camper. This pushes the shower curtain out and gives you more room while using the shower. When finished, swing it back and clip it up into the ceiling.
Have the same in a View 24j, love it, will try to move it in a GL to see if it fits.
This is (IMO) a really good , informative video. I am doing research in preparation for a Camper Build for my upcoming retirement. I will be building on an old Coleman pop up frame. Between the way campers are made and what seem to me, RIDICULOUS prices, I'm sure I can beat the system. Thank You to the third power!
Awesome video. I've been trying for ages to find more info on the composting toilets. I'm definitely getting one now. We already joke about it where I work.. 'stirring the coconut' is already the new term for using to the toilet haha
Are you sure the vent for your composting toilet will work? You've created a 'trap' with the pipe going down and then up. Just curious as the fan may be strong enough. They didn't make these to work on but you've done a great job, especially with the fiberglass. If your going to be doing this ongoing, think about a gimbal camera stabilizer.
Sediment in the urine container is uric acid crystals. Baking Soda will work, Calcium Carbonate would be the best neutralizer. Since your doing well with the Vinegar, no reason to change.
Oxygenics shower head is the way to go. Gives a full force shower with the faucets barely cracked. You will love it.
Which model? I found 4 at Amazon. Thanks.
Great video! We are in the process of buying a class b. No doubt we will be using a composting toilet. :D
We are in a tt on have a toilet. We line the toilet with a plastic bag and put in some kitty litter. After we do our business we put a layer of kitty litter over the solids and this kills all smells. We use portable urinals and dump them each morning . Like the idea about the vinegar but what kind do you use. Dump stations are nasty but we find this is much cleaner and easier. Are you using distilled or apple vinegar. Great video .
+George Bortnick
White vinegar
You mean I'm not supposed to store my mustard and hot sauce in that compartment??? I'm doing it wrong.
What the actual fuck BOSS MAN
You can buy curtain weights. Its a 'string' of lead weights that you put in the bottom hem. They aren't very big, like small sinkers.
Wonder if you have considered one of those shower curtain rods that arch outwards so you have a little extra room while you're showering? Also, like your Magen David tattoo, couldn't get a good look at it what does it actually say?
I would love to see a 'tour of your van'!
Awesome different take on vandwelling that you have. By that I mean a newbie showing daily life where as many vids are diy type(which I love too).do you have neck or back issues from being tall and hunch in over ? Are you reinstalling the compost toilet back in bathroom? I'm on vid 2 watching in order . ThanKS again
Thank you, I will be getting Natures Head for my van conversion! Not sure how I will get it vented, yet? ( ford transit )
Plastic shower curtain use shower curtain clips on corners (its hoops with clips)(hoop/clips cost $3 walmart or family dollar) hoops can be placed on cup hooks fastened on bottom/ sides of shower. I did this myself. Works great. Shower curtain is taught water runs down it without going on the floor, water stays inside shower
Were you able to hook your gray water tank to your black water tank, to double capacity of the gray water storage, or did you remove the black water tank?
All the Best
I live in London and there is no way to dump black water waste in the city. I have been doing a lot of research in this compost toilet, you found the solution as I was planning a while ago. Would love to see your compost toilet in the bathroom if it fits? Look forward to your videos.
Leo Crow I'll take a few pictures and send them your way. I was very careful to measure the bathroom and compare to the specs of this model toilet on the Nature's Head website. Even another half inch wider would have been to wide for the bathroom door to close. I hope it will work out for your needs because it really makes a world of difference in my opinion. :)
Leo Crow Here ya go Mate. ruclips.net/video/1CUIIrM790c/видео.html
Sorry for the delay as I have been working 17 hours a day over 9 days period. Very tight space but works! You seriously found the perfect solution. Thank you so much for the video. Hope you come back to visit Europe, would be happy to meet you. Take care! Leo
You don't need to ventilate a BoonJon portable composting toilet so there is no need to cut holes in your camper and it's smaller.
Thanks for the info. Helpful composting toilet tips are greatly appreciated!
Great job with the links...you're awesome!
great video, thanks for sharing. I have a campervan and wanting to make it more comfortable for living in when needed. Great info :-)
Great vid...and nice system. What about TP? does that compost too?
Thank you so much so informative - good to learn about the the vent
Great job, Billy! Where would one find coco coir??? Any other names? I use coconut in most of its forms but havent seen this one. Thanks.
Just stumbled across your channel. My question is: How do you separate wet (pee) from dry (dump)? I may do a little of each several times during one sitting. I can't believe I sat through 45 minutes of this, but it was very informative. I subscribed and hope to see more in the future. I understand about not knowing how to do this video thing. I'm going to start a channel about January and have a person lined up to teach me how. I hope it takes. Anyway, good luck to you.
Solo Roamin' Haha... and I can't believe I actually had that much to say about a bathroom! :)
So the mechanics of how the liquid and solid are separated is actually pretty simple.
For the liquids, there are two holes towards the front. The liquid drains into those two holes, whether standing or sitting, and into the liquid tank.
For the solids, the trap door (as I like to call it) is opened at the beginning of the session. Liquid goes into the two holes and solid goes straight down through the open trap door and into the compost compartment. Ladies tell me that it's not a problem for them but they have to aim a bit forward to ensure the liquids dont accidentally go into the trap door.
Oh, and for just going #1, the trap door stays shut the entire time. If any liquid misses the two holes, it actually drains from the CLOSED trap door and into the same liquid tank anyways, so it's not a problem.
Thanks for watching and good luck on your new channel! Let me know when you get your first video posted!
Great video. So where do you dispose of the dry matter and liquid from your composting toilet ? I'd like to see that.
sloburnnn Thanks! ...but are you sure you'd like to SEE that?! ;)
Because I currently live a suburb of Atlanta and work a full-time office job, the liquid goes in the toilet at work with a single flush. However, I've dumped the liquid on the ground in the woods. Just gotta be sure it's not illegal and done carefully (not in a random parking lot, not near a place where people walk, etc.)
Dry matter goes in a garbage bag and in the dumpster just like regular household trash. Because the dry matter at that point is no longer human waste, it's 100% safe and can basically be treated like dirt/soil. In a rural setting, I've dumped the dry matter on the ground.
It was a little weird the first few times I emptied the liquids and dry matter but then quickly became as routine as doing laundry and washing dishes.
Thanks for watching!
Will be interested in your future vids was interesting let us know how that composting toilet works out they have been around for a long time so they must work....
(subbed)
You could get one of those round plastic placemats and glue it over the hole where the toilet used to be:)
Good video and yes paying more attention in high school physics would have answered your questions regarding the venting for water! No one talks about diarrhea and the composting toilets and how you keep the bowel clean without water? I mean with my travels in a Class-A part of the fun of traveling is trying and eating a lot of foods that ultimately are going to make one sick at one time or another. So how does one cope aside from using a more public toilet?
+Riki B. Eyestarone Omg i wondering the same thing! I read way to the bottom to see if he answered this before i actually asked the question. I know when i shit it goes everywhere. It's just not going to fall perfectly in that little hole. Can't put water in it to clean it cause you're mixing liquids in. this is tough. Since he hasn't answered i'll ask the question and put it back at the top to see if anyone knows.
+Beezy Talking Shit Yes... it would seem that composting is one of those technologies that works only under "ideal" circumstances and how often in life does that happen... hell if it were that way then you'd have a staff maintaining your RV and it wouldn't be an issue to begin with... as for me I've come to prefer a macerator with a "garden hose" sized discharge hose over the 4"-5" size... I can pull up to gas station bathroom and pump into the toilet...
I think a compost toilet with the whole toilet bowl cut out would be better. Someone said something about you can buy a separate thing to pee in also and it's only $40. I think a $1,000 for a toilet (that doesn't even flush) is too much. Thanks for replying
+Beezy Talking Shit Well I suggest you try it all first for a while... check out a "trucker Tube" for the old style and don't pick up plastic bottles half-filled filled with liquid from the side of the road... happy travels...
Live Venue lmao thanks
I have been looking at composting toilets and have heard that the toilet won't digest the material in cold weather . what have you found? also wanted to thank you for your introduction to Dr Brooners soaps . love em!
Do you know if there are any conventions where people who choose van/camper/tiny house/ life convene and get together to exchange ideas? I'm sure they have things like this I just havent found one yet. I'm def. going this route in the next 3 months, just havnt decided which mode is right for me yet. I'm thinking of doing class B while saving to pay for the tiny house build in cash, and then going with a tiny house pulled by a larger SUV. This will get me on the road quicker and that's what I'm about. Thanks for the vids and ideas, I subbed.
I have seen weights put on the bottom of the curtain to stop it sucking in to the shower.
What about if you are sick and have diarrhea? Still goes in poop tank? Will it mess things up for the composting ?
have you had any problems with the toilet moving around while driving?
Could you lower the floor of the shower (and at the same time remove the step where the toilet used to sit) ?
Skid marks in the pretty much dry toilet?
Aprille Shepherd Takes a little aiming practice the first few times but then it's all good. :-)
The little trap door stays opens rather than just a quick open/close at the end.
ok... but still... Eeewwww
hahaha true but so much more ewwww factor to dump raw sewage every week. in my humble opinion. :-)
+a simple kid How do you clean the shit that's in the toilet bowl though? Can't pour water and clean it that way cause you can't mix in liquid. I would probably shit everywhere but in the hole. My shit curves and everything. And Splatters :/
+Beezy Talking Shit disinfectant wipes
In Europe, we use cassette toilets, where everything goes into a cassette under the toilet which needs regular emptying. These are supposed to have chemical treatments in them, but now most people are discovering that adding a little biological laundry liquid breaks down solids etc and also is safe for septic tank dumping as it doesn't kill the good bacteria. The old chemicals couldn't be dumped in a septic tank as they were harmful. So, why not try a little biological laundry liquid in the front tank? It may also be a more pleasant smell and will definitely make it clean easier.
I have been living in a motorhome for eight months now and have managed to avoid taking a crap in it the entire time. Public restrooms are the way to go unless it is a dire dire emergency. I empty the wastewater tanks maybe quarterly, since it is just pee and dishwater.
+8digitPDX ...you don't ever boondock away from the public?....or do u stay in rv parks all the time, when not traveling, in order to use THEIR facilities?
JIM BRIDGES As a matter of fact, no, i don't boondock in the rig, I street camp and driveway surf. I use the on board bathroom now but still very rarely.
oh ok.
And what is that silver shining thing in the background? Is it for heat? Does it hoes to the outside too?
Great vid! What van is that?
How much does the compost toilet weigh after using it a few times?
mountain mama I love the username! :)
It definitely gets heavy. :(
One thing that helps is removing just the liquid tank, dumping it, and THEN moving the toilet itself.
Also, the top half of the toilet (the lid and the mini vent fan) slides off the hinge quite easily. This means that you never have to lift and remove the whole toilet when dumping the solid.. just the bottom half (but it's still heavy after several weeks of use).
Thanks for watching!
Sorry if I missed it, but, you made it clear to keep urine separated from #2...how is this done when both are ejected during #2 process?
+JIM BRIDGES
No one answered so I will. While sitting you urinate into a funnel-like plastic guide that leads into a separate container that you see attached exterior to the compost toilet. You can actually buy this alone on Amazon for $40 or so. With a little forethought, it is an easy and worthwhile project to make your own toilet plus urine container (plastic detergent container or heavy plastic bag with nozzle).
38 years of trucking we just used a plastic bottle, afterwards put it in a walmart bag, and, disposed of it in a dumpster....looking forward to getting a compost toilet.. thanks for the reply.
+trumpsahead So basicly pee first, poop later?
+trumpsahead what is it called. i want to search for it on amazon.
Can I ask how you did not know there was sewage in your black water tank when you bought it? Is there a tank gauge saying how full it was? Do you have any advise when buying one of these vans?
+ogcen Yes he talks about the gauge in the first video and says its never full because he took it out.
Do you use coconut core in your compost toilet? which is the best:)
like your crappie in for'💩 good messege for my fixture rolling pottie... Thanks...👍
Ok.You've already turned your living room into a bathroom so I guess it's a done deal.You could build a bench covering the toilette with a pad.It will give you a place to relax and have friends over to hang out.You will also get a little extra storage.If that sounds too daunting perhaps you could have someone make you a toilette cozy to slip over it.Just ask everyone to step outside while someone uses it and put it back on.Who am I kidding.You really screwed the pooch on this one.Brilliant minds designed your RV.It was darn near perfect.I watch these videos and am amazed at what some of you guys do.Justin is they only guy who seems to really know what time it is.I'm sorry about the rant but people might see this and do it as well.I'm actually not writing this for you but for others who may read this.Next time you think of doing another mod then ask Justin's advice or go to the vast resources of knowledge on the various class b forums on the web.I'm not saying that your toilette won't work.It will but It's in your living room.Let me repeat that.It's in your living room. God I'm old.Get off my lawn.
+Stan Watkins...if you had been paying attention during the video you would have known the toilet was only in the living room for demonstration purposes. He also went on to say that since it's not bolted down in the bathroom that he sets it outside of the BATHROOM to take a shower, in order to have more room...."ASK JUSTIN'S ADVICE" ???... Really??...as much as I enjoy most of Justiin's videos myself I wouldn't consider him to be an expert on class B construction OR maturity...after all, he DID have a friggin stripper pole for his whores that come in and out....and, what's more, how do you know for sure if 'HE' is the one that actually does all the installations [like the wood stove, for example] ??? Before you decide to try and impress the RUclips environment with your little words of bullshit you might want to pull your head out of your ass first and breathe some fresh air....that way you'll know "the REST of the story"
It's been a while and i think I corrected myself but if not then I do owe Justin an apology.Seems like a nice young man and yes Justin's wood stove is coo coo.As for you.Sorry I hurt your feelings.
No Stan, you DIDN'T hurt 'my' feelings...just thought it was rather shitty of you to talk about someone when, obviously, you knew nothing of what was going on to start with...and the kid's name is Billy not Justin....Justin was the one you were idolizing (justincredible). Hope you learn to separate your fingers on the keyboard from your 'brain' soon..for YOUR own good. Consider this conversation finished. Have a good day.
You said when you're in Iowa? Iowa, LA?
Hi me again, on soap, you can make a dr. bronner style soap yourself, look up (online) a recipe for castile (olive oil) soap. It can't get any biodegradable than that....not to mention cheap and convenient...
magnets for the curtain
Sorry if this was asked but what about paper? Do you use special butt paper?
I'm subscribing hoping that you upload more videos.
Do you put toilet paper in your composting toilet?
Great video!
Very informative, thanks!
Great video.
Make a bungie cord for the toilet so it can't move
Very good but I don't believe you told us how do you flush for number 1 and how do you flush for number 2. There must be a difference.
+Sidney Boudro ...the urine is trapped into the tank positioned on the front...which u empty periodically. To flush the other u crank (or, electrically on other models) it clockwise from the right side of the unit. (emptying the solids for one person will be on the average of every 2 weeks or longer, or, when the crank starts to seem hard to crank)
+JIM BRIDGES Thanks I believe I understand.
hope that helps, Sidney...have a good day!
sorry if i sound dumb, but how do you keep you pee directed into those little holes and how do u stop it from going into the big poop hole?
Well done... thank you.
Looks good
How much would you charge to do this for someone else..... .
Did not see a divert wall in the video image … you need a close up to show it works and maybe reinstall it … that would be nice
I owe simple kid an apology.I didn't realize you only had the toilet out in the living room for demonstration purposes.I'm so used to watching others on RUclips doing ridiculous things to their RV's that I simply snapped.I am sorry and hope you have a great time in your van. Happy trails. Stan
any body looking for rv interior furniture or assesorys sorry my spelling is bad I am getting one tommorow thats fully furnished fridge,stove,over ,bathroom,etc for cheap and I am turning it into a flatbed within a couple days
Are you still actively making content for your channel?!!
always wanted to know this
1 question, how tall are you ?
+pec1739 ok got taht 6'2" + almost 300lbs
Good info!
Since you live life like a 5 year old, do you ever play bombardier?
John Norris Not that one specifically, but I still love playing Tetris from time to time. :)
John Norris Ohhhh, herrro. Heh, yeah I have fun with it. Sound effects, cheers of triumph, the works. Hmm.. maybe I should come up with a victory song and teach it to my guests.
***** There you go!
I prefer to have a good size bathroom than a big bedroom if I live by myself. I don't know why all RVs or campers do not have good bathrooms but a lot of living space. Taking a shower daily at 'home' is an important routine. I hope the manufacturer really think about 'living in a camper', not put it at showroom.
1, tip.Now you can put another fresh water tank.In that space.Do you have a real name?
Luis Sousa Hi, Luis. I'm Billy. :-)
I actually have thought about getting another fresh water tank. It's a great idea and wouldn't cost too much. Once I figure out what's going in that space between my bathroom and driver's seat, I'll know what size and shape could possibly fit. The nice thing is that there are companies that can custom build a fresh water tank to your size/shape specifications. Thanks for watching!
Thanks,Billy, for getting back to me so fast after all I like to now, How I'm talking to.Take care, your vedios are good keep it up.Thumbs up.