The image of a portable toilet may conjure up thoughts of commercial grade outhouses on construction sites, but you do not have to haul an industrial sized building around to get bathroom convenience while traveling.
Convenience
Portable toilets are easily packed into the car or trailer with other gear, and are completely self-contained units, needing no external connections to operate. Made of high-density plastics, the lid has clamps for closing and locking it, and the tank is constructed of a single seamless piece to prevent spilling.
The Coleman portable toilet can hold over three gallons of fresh water for flushing, and has an easy to clean holding tank which can contain over two gallons of waste. To carry wherever it is needed, the unit comes with a sturdy handle.
Having a toilet is more than just convenient; it also encourages sanitation. Being left anywhere without a toilet is an uncomfortable experience, but even if you can use the great outdoors, how do you dispose of the waste? The sanitary answer is to contain it until it can be disposed of properly. A unit like the Coleman has a large holding capacity and generous but compact size at 12″ high x 14.5″ wide and 16.5″ deep.
Practical Concerns
The same model that is used for camping trips is also perfect for road trips with young children, cabins without bathroom facilities, or any time an emergency bathroom might come in handy. However, the obvious concern with storing your own waste is the odor you have to live with.
Fumes from human waste will escape even well sealed toilets, so it is recommended a deodorant be used with it. This is an extra precaution as the holding tanks stay sealed when attached and when they are removed for emptying. While Coleman recommends the Bio-Blue odor neutralizer, others build the feature into their systems.
These units are called chemical toilets, and use chemicals to treat and deodorize. This is the same method found in public outhouses at events or building sites, but in a portable unit for individuals on the road. Even though these toilets take precautions to prevent odor, bacteria, and leaking, it is a good idea to plan regular stops to dump waste. Once at a public toilet or other approved sewage disposal system, the tank can be emptied and cleaned.
Look for brands with clever integrated toilet roll holders in the lids, and comfort molded seats intended for adults. Getting the right portable toilet means never having to be uncomfortable, no matter how rough the trip.
