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Composting Head Install
boathealer
Member Posts: 13
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.
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.
Comments
2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
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.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 54 Nights: 341 Towing Miles 43,780
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.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock/ 2012 Tacoma 4 cylinder truck / 2023 Tacoma 6 cyl. truck