For your Sprinter Van conversion, a good in-van toilet is essential. It really makes your travels more comfortable. You'll need to use space smartly. Also, you should deeply understand different toilet types. This helps you build a functional, practical, and attractive mobile bathroom. If you're looking to have a Sprinter van with toilet, then picking the best toilet for Sprinter van is key.
Sprinter Van Interior Dimensions: The Basics of Toilet Layout
When planning your onboard toilet, it is crucial to understand the interior dimensions of your Sprinter Van:
- Standing Height: You'll find good headroom here. Standard roofs give you about 67.7 inches. High roofs go up to 79.1 inches. Most people can stand comfortably, even in an enclosed bathroom. This is vital if you want a shower built-in.
- Cargo Box Length: This changes a lot based on the wheelbase. For a 140-inch wheelbase, it's about 132.9 inches. A 144-inch wheelbase gives you 133 inches. The 170-inch wheelbase extends to 173.6 inches. The longest, the 170-inch extended wheelbase, offers up to 189 inches. Longer vans mean more room for a dedicated bathroom.
- Cargo Box Width: It's about 53 inches wide at the wheel arches. At floor level, you get 70 to 70.4 inches. This width sets the limit for how big your Sprinter Van toilet or bathroom can be.
- Cargo Volume: The van configuration offers up to 533 cubic feet of space. You'll need to balance this total volume with the space your bathroom takes up.
- Wheelbase Options: The 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbases are the most popular for conversions. If you're doing a full camper setup, the 170-inch high-roof model is often seen as providing the best toilet for Sprinter van layout. It makes the most of the inside space, fitting a bed, kitchen, bathroom, and storage.
Finding the Best Toilet for Sprinter Van: Types and Conversion Options
In Sprinter Vans, common van toilet types include: cassette toilets, dry flush toilets, composting toilets, and fixed flush toilets. Each type has its own unique installation, fixing, and design integration to help you find the best toilet for Sprinter van.
1. Cassette Toilet
Features: Cassette toilets are the most common type in RVs. They feature a waste box (black water tank) that can be extracted from the outside for easy emptying. They are usually equipped with a small flush tank and a manual or electric flush function.
.stk-a2b23fe .stk-img-wrapper{width:1200px !important;}
Installation location:
- Separate wet area (Wet Bath): The most ideal installation method integrates the toilet and shower in a waterproof compartment to effectively manage water and odors and provide privacy.
- Hidden installation: It can be cleverly integrated into a custom cabinet, under a bench or at the end of the bed, and pulled out when needed to save space to the maximum extent.
Fixing method:
- Floor bolt fixing: The bottom of the toilet is usually designed with fixing holes, which are bolted to the vehicle floor or a custom base.
- External access door fixing: Since the waste box needs to be removed from the outside, the toilet is usually closely matched with an external access door (which needs to be installed in the side wall of the vehicle body), and the access door frame also provides additional support.
Integration with Van Interior Design:
- Wet Zone Integration: In a wet zone, the toilet is a fixed part, and the walls and floors are waterproof.
- Hidden Design: It can be installed in a custom wooden cabinet with a hinged lid, which can be used as an additional countertop or seat when the lid is down.
- Ventilation: Consider installing a dedicated ventilation system for better odor control.
2. Dry Flush Toilet (such as Modiwell)
https://youtu.be/KA4pnrdntLg?si=H6oHshtHHhdFDTVuFeatures: A dry flush toilet is a waterless flush toilet that seals the waste by using a special bag or liner system. Modiwell Van dry flush toilets use biodegradable refill bags that automatically seal the waste after each use, keeping it odor-free and clean.
Installation Location:
- Flexible Placement: No waterway and external sewage outlet are required, and the installation location is very flexible, which can be placed in a custom cabinet, as a stand-alone unit, or directly in a corner.
- Alternative Wet Zone: For car owners who do not want to install a wet zone, a dry flush toilet is an excellent choice because it saves space for water tanks and complex pipes.
Fixing method:
- Bolt fixing: Can be placed independently and bolted to the vehicle floor or a stable base.
Integration with Van Interior Design:
- Minimalist Design: Modiwell dry van toilet is perfect for a clean, open van layout. It doesn't need water or a sewage system. When folded, it's really compact¡ªabout 17" x 16" x 11". You can even design it as a simple, stand-alone piece of furniture.
- Hidden Integration: Tuck it away! You can build this toilet right into multi-functional furniture. Think seats with flip-tops or storage boxes. When you're not using it, it disappears completely.
- Power for Sealing: It has a built-in battery that powers its sealing system. This means you can easily move it around. Plus, it comes with a special charger. You can plug it into your van's power system for charging or for longer use.
3. Composting Toilet
Features: Composting toilets separate solid and liquid waste. Liquids enter a separate container, while solids are mixed with media such as wood chips and coconut shell fibers for odorless aerobic decomposition.
Installation Location:
- Fixed Installation: Usually installed as a fixed device because it requires an exhaust pipe to be connected. It is often installed in wet areas, customized toilet boxes, or at the end of the car.
Fixation Method:
- Bolt-on/Custom Base: Bolted to the vehicle floor or a sturdy custom wooden base.
- Exhaust pipe fixing: The exhaust pipe needs to pass through the roof or side wall and be firmly sealed to ensure smooth ventilation.
Integration with the interior design of the van:
- Custom shell: A custom shell or base is usually required to make it consistent with the interior design style of the vehicle.
- Vent: The exhaust pipe is usually cleverly hidden in the roof or side of the vehicle, with only small vents exposed. The fan is usually powered by 12V.
- Integrated design: It can be designed as part of the cabinet or combined with the end of the bench or bed.
4. Fixed Flush RV Toilet
Features: Similar to a domestic toilet, waste is flushed into a permanently installed black water tank through water flushing. Usually requires connection to a water purification system and a separate black water tank.
Installation location:
- Separate wet area: This is the most common installation method and requires a completely independent wet area with waterproof walls and floors.
Fixing method:
- Floor flange fixing: The bottom of the toilet is connected to the inlet of the black water tank by a flange ring and is firmly fixed to the floor of the wet area with bolts.
- Pipe fixing: The water inlet pipe and the vent pipe of the black water tank also provide additional stability for the toilet.
Integration with the interior design of the van:
- Integrated wet area: The fixed flush toilet is the core component of the wet area, and the design of the wet area will be directly centered around the toilet.
- Pipe concealment: All water supply and drainage pipes need to be hidden in the wall, floor or cabinet. The black water tank is usually installed at the bottom of the vehicle or under the seat.
- Vent pipe: The vent pipe of the black water tank needs to be led to the roof, usually integrated with other vents in the vehicle, or adopts a separate but hidden exhaust design.
Sprinter Van Toilet and Interior Design: Creating a Harmonious Space
Choosing and installing the right Sprinter Van toilet in your Sprinter Van is an important decision in the modification process, which directly affects the space layout and overall comfort of the vehicle interior. Here are some key design integration points:
- Multi-functional Spaces: Many van owners put their toilet in a spot that serves other purposes. Think of a toilet that slides right under the kitchen counter when you don't need it. Or maybe it hides away in a drawer under a bench or bed. This saves a lot of space.
- Clever Hiding Spots: Even a basic portable toilet can have a private feel. Use a custom folding door, a roll-up curtain, or even a thick fabric curtain. Just pull it closed when you need some privacy.
- Matching Materials and Colors: Make sure your toilet area looks like it belongs. The materials and colors should match the rest of your van's interior. This makes everything feel cohesive and planned.
- Good Lighting and Airflow: If you have a separate "wet" area for your toilet and shower, add LED lighting. A small exhaust fan is also a great idea. This keeps the air fresh and controls humidity.
- Compact design: In a Sprinter Van with limited space, it is crucial to choose a compact toilet size. Use corners and special-shaped spaces for customized design to maximize space utilization.
To truly get the ideal sprinter van with toilet, you need to think about a few things. Consider your budget and how often you'll use it. Also, factor in how easy it is to maintain and what your personal preferences are. This way, you can create a mobile toilet that perfectly fits your RV lifestyle.