For enjoyable van fishing and camping, a clean, odor-free toilet is a must. To fully solve van toilet odor and waste issues, focus on three key areas: source control, correct use, and proper disposal.
Source control: choose the right toilet and consumables
The first step to solve the odor is to choose a fishing toilet that suits your needs and has strong odor control capabilities, and match it with suitable consumables.
- Chemical toilet: This type of toilet is a common choice for outdoor camping. They usually have two water tanks, the lower water tank is used to store excrement, and special chemical decomposers are added.
- Advantages: Chemical agents can effectively decompose excrement, inhibit odor, sterilize, and the flushing system can bring a better user experience.
- Key: Always use toilet-specific chemicals. These typically come in two types:
- Blue chemicals offer strong decomposition and are good for short trips.
- Green chemicals are more eco-friendly, decompose slower, and suit longer trips or environmentally aware users.
- Using poor quality or wrong chemicals won't just fail to deodorize; they could also damage your toilet.
- Dry separation toilet: This is a more environmentally friendly and high-end option, which separates solid and liquid excrement.
- Advantages: No water is required, odor control is excellent, and the solid part can be composted.
- Key: The solid container needs to be emptied regularly and a good ventilation system is ensured.
- Modiwell dry flush toilet: The toilet is ideal for wild fishing trips. It uses waterless dry flush technology and seals waste automatically with the push of a button. This toilet quickly solidifies and seals excrement in a special biodegradable bag. These bags come with a proprietary coagulant to prevent leaks and odors. It has a built-in 5200mAh rechargeable battery that lasts for 70 to 100 uses. You won't need an outside water source or a septic tank, making it great for remote locations. The toilet is compact (17" x 16" x 11") and lightweight (17 lbs). This makes it easy to carry and store in your fishing van.
Proper use: Reduce odor
After choosing the right van toilet and consumables, proper usage habits can further reduce odor.
Timely flushing/sealing
Chemical Toilets:Always flush after each use. Make sure the toilet lid and drain valve are completely closed every time.
Portable Toilets:Close the lid right after using it to get a tight seal. If you're using a coagulant, the liquid will solidify fast, but still seal it quickly.
Modiwell dry flush Van toilet:This one's easy! Just press the "start" button after each use, and the toilet will automatically seal the trash bag.
Keep it clean
Regularly clean the inside of your toilet, focusing on the seat and rim. Use a special toilet cleaner to prevent dirt buildup and bacteria. Avoid regular household cleaners, as they might damage the toilet material.
Control moisture
Try to minimize extra moisture getting into the waste tank, especially with portable and dry-separation toilets. Too much moisture speeds up decomposition and creates more odors.
Add chemicals/coagulants regularly
For chemical toilets, add chemicals to the waste tank regularly. For portable toilets, add coagulants as per the product instructions and how often you use it. Don't wait for odors to appear before adding them.
Proper Disposal: Environmental Protection and Hygiene Are Equally Important
The final disposal of excrement is the key link in solving the problem, and it must be environmentally friendly and hygienic.
When to empty: Do not empty the sewage tank when it is full. It is best to empty it when it is half full or when odors begin to appear, which helps to keep the internal environment stable and reduce odor accumulation.
Choose an emptying location:
- Best choice: RV campground sewage outlet or public toilet. These places have special facilities for handling excrement and are the best choice.
- Outdoor disposal (only in emergencies and in accordance with local regulations): If you must dispose of waste in the wild without fixed sewage facilities, follow the "Leave No Trace" principle:
- Away from water sources: At least 60 meters (about 200 feet) away from any water source (river, lake, stream).
- Away from camps and trails: Choose a secluded place with few people.
- Deep burial: Dig a cat hole at least 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) deep, pour the excrement into it and cover it completely with soil. The biodegradable bags of portable toilets can also be buried deeply in this way.
- Take away solid waste: If you use non-biodegradable bags or have other solid waste, be sure to pack them all away and never leave them in the wild.
- Emptying operation: When emptying a chemical toilet, be sure to wear gloves and operate carefully to avoid contact with excrement. Self-sealing excrement bags such as Modiwell dry flush toilets should be disposed of correctly in the trash like diapers.
- Clean the sewage tank: After emptying the waste tank, rinse it with clean water. Then, add a small amount of chemical solution for pre-treatment. This prepares the tank for its next use.
No matter which toilet you pick, following these steps and good habits will completely solve any odor and waste problems in your van. This makes your wild fishing and camping trips comfier, cleaner, and stress-free!
