Composting Head Install

boathealer

Having had lots of experience with composting heads on boats, we decided we would really like that same convenience in our new T@B (2023 320S).  People either love them or hate them - we like the convenience.  I'll not get into the tradeoffs and handling of contents here - there are plenty of videos and discussions on the internet to keep you busy for quite some time.....

There is a tradeoff with capacity driving the overall size of the toilets - you can find them very small (for van-lifers) to very large, but each will have corresponding capacy tradeoffs.  We chose the Joolca toilet for its size, capacity, and convenience of the two containers.  You can find several videos of this model on YouTube if interested.

You'll have to scroll through the photos and "assign them" to my text below - sorry...

For starters, getting that Thetford unit out is VERY Hard.  It is built in so snugly that you have to remove the door frame just to slide it up and forward enough to get it free.  But you can only do that after you've released the mother-of-all-adhesives from it.  The adhesive the factory used to seal it to the sidewalls and back is INSANE to get off.  A heat gun helps a lot.  There are screws in various places, including just behind the lid hinge.

I built a platform with a plywood top to bring the base level up to the top of the shower pan lip.

I used some 1/8" PVC sheet to form a base and back panel that included a lip to overhang the shower pan edge so that any water would fall over into the pan.  I used two smaller sheets with a seam in middle (to be covered by the toilet) to make the forming easier --- and because I didn't have a single sheet big enough   I used a heat gun and some clamps to form them to fit into the new platform opening.

Then I made some small panels out of some black 1/4" ABS for each side to cover the access door and the mess that the Thetford toilet adhesive made.

On top of the platform, I made two blocks that fit into recesses of the Joolca toilet (handles?) - this locks it in place both side-to-side and forward/back.

Finally, the overhang (it is a few inches deeper than the Thetford), I used some HDPE rod and made some legs that screwed into some convenient inserts that were on the bottom of the Joolca toilet.  Some grey silicone caulk in all the right places, and DONE!

Overall, pretty happy with it - the real test is yet to come, however   I made need some draw-latch style hold-downs, but I'll add them if needed - it may be fine as is.

AnOldUR

Not that we have complaints with the black tank in our 2020 320S, but this looks interesting for those with the cassette. We have a Joocla shower tent on the side of our T@B and can vouch for them making quality products.

Sharon_is_SAM

You made that fit nicely!

Basil48192

Nice work!

MuttonChops

@boathealer ; Yes indeed a nicely done project.

= * = Some Rambling = * =

While not for me (as noted on FB) your project pictures did get me wondering about doing a Cassette to Black Tank conversion on the TAB 360 . . . if no factory option is provided . . . a black tank would be a bit more complex but has potential.

That said, when my next trailer buying time arrives expect I will Buy a cheaper Casita or slightly more expensive Escape before starting a $45K+ new trailer purchase with a complex owner modification.

Maxcamp

Nice job. 
Installed two Swedish Clivus Multrum composting toilets in Crawford Notch in NH while on AMC Carpentry Croo in 1979.  It was a bust, too cold and shady to ever heat up.  Replaced next season.

How well does this work in a camper?  How easy to clean out?

I envision a bumper sticker reading
"You CAN take it with you.... " plus the brand name.

Broda

Boathealer, we are interested in the Joolca too. One video I have seen, mentions that after a while of use, the plastic seemed to have acquired or retained an unpleasant smell. Can you comment on that?   

boathealer

Maxcamp said:

Nice job. 
Installed two Swedish Clivus Multrum composting toilets in Crawford Notch in NH while on AMC Carpentry Croo in 1979.  It was a bust, too cold and shady to ever heat up.  Replaced next season.

How well does this work in a camper?  How easy to clean out?

I envision a bumper sticker reading
"You CAN take it with you.... " plus the brand name.

Watch the Joolca videos - there is nothing to clean out in the version/manner we are using ours.  Goes into a bag the few times its needed.  Nothing needs to warm up, either.    

boathealer

Broda said:

Boathealer, we are interested in the Joolca too. One video I have seen, mentions that after a while of use, the plastic seemed to have acquired or retained an unpleasant smell. Can you comment on that?   

We haven't had it long enough to know.  No smell yet.  We are using the bags, so no plastic contact for that part (if that's the source of the smell).

Broda

Boathealer, reading the Joolca install info, they mention leaving about 7 inch’s behind the toilet so the lid can be opened for cleaning. In your pics, it looks like the toilet is up against the wall for sink. How do you open it? 

boathealer

Broda said:

Boathealer, reading the Joolca install info, they mention leaving about 7 inch’s behind the toilet so the lid can be opened for cleaning. In your pics, it looks like the toilet is up against the wall for sink. How do you open it? 

Yes, that is an issue.  I made some hdpe blocks that fit into the recessed carrying handles on the bottom.  These are screwed to the floor.  To access the internals, we just lift the Joolca up and off the blocks and set it down a couple of inches forward. 

For now, there is no hold-down latches to keep it in place on the blocks, but we will add if that becomes a problem. 

Broda

Thx, we just got our Joolca toady. Already removed the standard toilet and flange. Now just planning the install. I might remove the rear hinges on that lower part - so when I need to empty just undo the front latch and lift the top straight up and off. I’ll test before securing it to the floor.