Our Most Common Question: “Where is the bathroom?”

Hands-down, the number one thing we get asked is, “where is the bathroom?” So let’s clear the air (pun intended).

Yes, we’ve got a toilet solution.

We’ve done the dirty work for you and after years of real-world testing, we chose the Dometic 972 portable toilet as our go-to for when you need to go. It’s compact, easy to use, simple to clean, and fits seamlessly into our high back boot box.

It comes with push-button technology that is simple to use and ensures a powerful and hygienic flush. The toilet can easily be emptied into a toilet or black-water disposal site. If you’re curious, you can learn more about it on our accessory page.

So…why don’t we build a bathroom inside the van?

It sounds great in theory to have your own bathroom inside your van. But in practice? Most DIY van builders who do it later wish they hadn’t. It takes up a ton of space, adds significant cost to the build, creates plumbing headaches, and ongoing maintenance chores.

One of the best parts of van life is keeping things simple. Once you start installing plumbing, it becomes a mini house on wheels, with all the maintenance that comes with it. Who wants to deal with leaks, clogs, overflows, or weird smells when you could be out riding trails, hiking, or sipping coffee by the river?

And realistically, how much time do you actually spend in the bathroom each day? A few minutes tops. So dedicating a big chunk of your van to a full water closet? It just doesn’t make sense to us.

So what do you do when nature calls?

Whether or not you get our toilet accessory with your van, you’ll still be able to find somewhere better to go than the same place you’re eating and sleeping at least 95 percent of the time. 

Let’s look at some of the other options:

Public Restrooms – They’re everywhere. Think of all the stops you’ve made during a road trip in a car. Here are reliable spots: 

• Rest stops
• Gas stations
• Trailheads
• Grocery stores
• Parks – from small dog parks, to large city, state or national parks
• Visitor centers
• Fast food places

Go (responsibly) in the great outdoors – If you are camping in remote areas, and no public toilets are available, here is your next best option. Just follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

• For #1 business: Head off-trail, stay away from water sources and give your fellow campers some space. Women can use pee funnels for added convenience and privacy. A reusable cloth like a Kula Cloth works great for wiping. If you’re using TP, pack it out. A dark colored ziplock bag works well for that. 
• For #2 business: Go at least 200 ft (70 big steps) from a water source. Dig a hole 6-8” deep. Squat and do your thing, pack out your toilet paper, and cover the hole. Easy as that.

Emergency Options

If you opt not to get our toilet accessory with your conversion, you may want to have a few emergency options on hand. 

• Unisex emergency pee bottle ($9). It’s discreet, spill-proof, and easy to later dump in a toilet. And of course, if it’s a big enough emergency, you can get creative too – any bottle with a sealable lid becomes an option.
• Wag bag: These disposable bathroom kits are a solid choice for when you’re in a pinch and can’t dig a hole. Some highly-trafficed areas also require them.
  

The Bottom Line

We’ve found that keeping your van simple and your bathroom options flexible gives you more space, less hassle, and a better overall experience on the road. With a little planning and the right gear, you’ll be covered – no built-in bathroom required.