Choosing a portable toilet can be tricky. Most people think about capacity – how much it holds. But the toilet's actual dimensions (length, width, and height) are just as important. A toilet that's too big or too small won't fit well in your RV, car, or home. It could even make using it uncomfortable.
This guide will break down both dimensions and capacity for portable toilets. We'll give you a full buying guide based on how many people will use it and how often. Our goal is to help you understand the size and capacity features of different portable toilet types, so you can find the perfect portable toilet solution.
Why Dimensions and Capacity Are Both Crucial ?
When choosing a portable toilet, many people tend to only focus on capacity and ignore size. But the two are inseparable and together determine the practicality of the toilet.
- Capacity is directly related to how often you need to empty it. Too small a capacity means frequent handling and increased inconvenience; too large a capacity may make the toilet bulky.
- Dimensions, on the other hand, determine if the toilet will fit in your intended space and how comfortable it is to use. An overly large or small toilet can create unnecessary hassle. For instance, the limited space inside an RV, the dimensions of a car trunk, or the need for comfortable bedside use all impose specific dimensional requirements.
Finding the best balance between capacity and dimensions is key to making a wise choice.
Understanding Portable Toilet Dimensions
- Overall Height: This affects how comfortable it is to use, especially for older adults or children who might have trouble with their legs. Some models even let you adjust the height.
- Seat Height: This is the distance from the floor to the top of the seat. It directly impacts how comfortable you'll be sitting.
- Width: Both the toilet seat's width and the unit's total width matter. They affect where you can place the toilet and how well it fits different body shapes.
- Depth (or Length): This is the front-to-back measurement of the toilet. It's important for finding a good placement spot and making sure the toilet is stable.
- Storage Dimensions: If the toilet folds or comes apart, its size when packed away is crucial. This determines how easy it is to carry and store.
Take the Modiwell automatic portable toilet as an example. When folded, it is very compact, measuring only 17″ (D) x 17″ (W) x 11″ (H). This means it can be easily stored in a small space in an RV, car trunk or home. When unfolded, it is about 31 inches tall, providing a comfortable seat height close to that of a home toilet.
Tip: Before you buy, always measure the length, width, and height of the spot where you'll put the toilet. This could be your RV bathroom, car trunk, or even a corner by your bed. Also, make sure to leave a little extra room for easy use.
Understanding Portable Toilet Capacity
The “capacity” of a portable toilet varies depending on its type:
Chemical flush portable toilets:
- Clean Water Tank Capacity: Determines the number of times it can be flushed.
- Waste Tank Capacity (Black Water Tank): The core container for storing excrement, the size of which directly determines the frequency of emptying. Usually measured in liters (L) or gallons (Gallon) (1 gallon ≈ 3.785 liters).
Dry portable toilet:
Solid collection bucket/bag capacity: Determines the capacity of solid waste.
Urine separator capacity (for separation type): Determines the capacity of urine.
Automatic packaging toilet (such as Modiwell): The concept of capacity is more unique.For example, the Modiwell toilet bag can hold about 1000 ml of waste. This is enough for one person to use at a time, as most people excrete about 200-500 ml at a time. So, you don't have to worry about the capacity of a traditional “liquid waste tank”. Instead, you should focus on the efficiency of the bag and how often it should be replaced.
Bucket/Bag Portable Toilet: Its capacity typically means how much a standard garbage bag or special liner bag can hold inside.
How to Choose Dimensions and Capacity Based on Users and Frequency ?
Considering the number of users, frequency and usage scenarios, you can better match the dimensions and capacity of the portable toilet.
Single use: small and portable is king
- Usage scenario: Hiking and camping, emergency backup, and self-driving tours.
- Dimensions recommendations: Pursue the smallest storage size and lightweight design. Folding, bag-type or small bucket-type portable toilets are the first choice. The height and width should not be too large to ensure that they can be placed in a backpack or a small space in the car.
- Capacity recommendations: A flush toilet with a waste tank capacity of 5-10L, or a packing/collection bag that can accommodate 1-2 excretions. The amount of each emptying is small, which is easy to handle.
Double/couple use: balance capacity and space
- Use scenario: Short-term RV travel, camping in a campsite.
- Dimensions recommendations: Consider placing it in a fixed space in an RV or camping tent. It can provide a comfortable sitting position, and its footprint is also easy to find a place in an RV or a larger tent.
- Capacity recommendations: A flush toilet with a waste tank capacity of 10-15L, or a dry toilet that can meet a 2-3 day usage cycle.
Family (with children) use: large capacity and stability are preferred
- Use scenario: Family RV travel, long-term camping, home assistance.
- Dimensions recommendations: A toilet with high stability, moderate seat height and safe for children. If space permits, choosing a product that is closer to the size of a home toilet can provide a more comfortable experience. Modiwell portable toilet is about 31 inches high when unfolded, which can meet the needs of adults and can be used safely by children under guidance.
- Capacity recommendation: A flush toilet with a capacity of 15-20L or even larger (if it can be easily emptied), or a dry toilet that can cope with high-frequency use. There are many family members and the frequency of excretion is high. The larger the capacity, the fewer emptying times.
People with special needs (elderly people, patients): comfort and ease of use are the key
- Use scenario: Home care, rehabilitation assistance.
- Dimensions recommendations: The seat height is close to or adjustable to that of a home toilet, and it is matched with a special safety rails for the toilet to ensure safe and comfortable getting up and sitting down. The base is stable and non-slip. It is easier for the elderly and those with limited mobility to get on and off.
- Capacity recommendation: Large capacity can reduce the frequency of emptying by caregivers, or choose a dry toilet that is easy to empty.
Emergency reserve/small space: compactness and functionality
- Usage scenario: Emergency toilet at home, backup in small apartment.
- Dimensions recommendations: Pursue the most compact storage size, which can be easily stored in a closet, storage room or car trunk. Modiwell portable toilet is only 17″D x 17″W x 11″H when folded, which is ideal for small spaces and emergency reserves.
- Capacity recommendation: Usually small to medium capacity to meet short-term emergency needs (1-3 days).
What Other Important Considerations Are There?
Emptying and disposal method: Is emptying simple, hygienic and contactless? Modiwell's automatic packaging system realizes contactless disposal throughout the process. The excrement is sealed in the storage bag and can be thrown away as soon as it is taken out, which greatly improves convenience.
Weight: Especially whether it is easy to carry after being full. Modiwell portable toilet only handles independently sealed packaging bags each time, which is much lighter than the waste liquid tank of traditional toilets, reducing the burden of transportation.
Odor control: Sealing is the key. Modiwell's automatic packaging and sealing technology can effectively block the spread of odors and keep the environment fresh.
Material and durability: Ensure that the product is sturdy and has strong load-bearing capacity.
Consumables: Consider the availability of consumables such as special packaging bags.
Summary
Choosing the right dimensions and capacity for a portable toilet isn't about “bigger is always better” or “smaller is always better.” You need to think about a few things: how you'll use it, how many people will use it, how often, where you'll store it, and what makes you comfortable.
We hope this guide helps you pick the perfect portable toilet. If you have any questions about the Modiwell portable toilet or want toilet more details, just ask! We're here to help.
