If you enjoy the freedom of being on the road in your RV and the compact efficiency that recreational vehicles provide, you probably also have become skilled at keeping yours organized and in tip-top shape. Part of maintaining an RV is, of course, the bathroom and everything that goes along with managing your black water tank. RV-friendly toilet paper is specifically designed to break down more quickly than the standard household variety which helps avoid clogging up your black tank.
While choosing between the two is all a matter of preference, finding the best quality product should be non-negotiable. It’s a fact that these things are not created equally, so you should be very thorough in your search for the top options.
Our choice for the best RV toilet paper is Scott Rapid-Dissolving Bath Tissue, however, we review a few other decent options below.
Best Toilet Paper For Camping
Scott Rapid Dissolving Toilet Paper
Toilet paper disposal is one of the trickiest things if you are in a camper van or RV. If you’re at home, your plumbing can take quite a bit more volume of paper without causing clogging.
But if you are traveling in an RV it’s a different story. The toilets in a camper van or motor home are not designed to withstand the volume of paper you toss into a standard flush toilet, this can cause problems that can be costly to remedy, and even if you do it yourself, cleaning up a clogged black water tank on an RV can be a messy and frustrating hassle (gag).
The Scott Rapid-Dissolving Bath Tissue offers a quick solution to such woes. As they are specially formulated to easily break down once flushed in your RV toilet without having to worry about clogs and waste disposal. This bath tissue by Scott is specifically designed for RVs and boats.
This product is also gentle on the skin if you have sensitive skin or are prone to chafing. It’s also specially formulated for outdoor use, so you can be sure that it will be very easy to deal with even while you’re away from indoor plumbing.
Pros
- Soft and absorbent.
- RV tank and septic tank safe.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
- Specially crafted as RV toilet paper.
- Strong enough texture for wiping without falling apart.
Cons
- More expensive than household toilet paper.
Thetford 20804 RV/Marine Toilet Tissue
One of the setbacks of rapid-dissolving camper toilet tissues is the fact that they’re quite pricey. While they do justify their higher costs with the convenience of being able to disintegrate quickly after hitting the water, some people still don’t see the point of spending as much for what they might consider as a tiny additional convenience.
However, for RV campers and lovers of the great outdoors, this additional pro can make their trips more hygienic and easier especially with the potential problems a clogged-up RV tank can cause. If you are on the road for a long time and just can’t pay the price, you may want to scroll down and check out the video below- there are long-time RVers that just use regular 2 ply toilet paper – but check out the video first and a quick test you can do to make sure your regular tissue will work in your RV toilet.
This Thetford RV/Marine Toilet Tissue is a popular option. Affordable rapid-dissolving tissues aren’t a dime a dozen, so they’re always fantastic finds.
To make them more affordable and easier to degrade, the Thetford RV Toilet Tissue is made as a single-ply tissue. This makes it easier for water (and tank additives) to break down faster, making your cleanups more fuss-free.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Rapid-dissolving
- Soft and absorbent
- 100% biodegradable
Cons
- Thin texture, not as durable as the previous option
- Could break down while in use
Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Paper (03300 )
This product takes being a rapid-dissolving tissue literally. It quickly disintegrates the moment it gets wet, so you won’t have to struggle or use a lot of water when flushing it down a portable toilet. This tends to be a major setback as well, though, as you might have to use more of it to do a thorough job at cleaning yourself.
Pros
- 100% biodegradable
- Dissolves into the water effectively
- Designed specifically for boats and RVs
Cons
- A bit more expensive than regular toilet paper
- Rather thin
Benefits of RV toilet paper:
Shopping for the right RV toilet paper for your road trips and outdoor adventures can be a challenge, especially if you’ve already faced some difficulties with your portable toilet before. Regular TP just won’t do if you do not have ample pressure power to break and flush heavy toilet paper. They can clog your system, make it harder to clean, and even consume more water than necessary, which can effectively deplete your supply.
More and more RV drivers, camping enthusiasts, and other outdoor lovers who use portable toilets regularly are now advocating for the use of biodegradable toilet cleaning products. These varieties offer so much more than the cheap rolls you find at the grocery store. A few of their benefits include:
Breaks down easily
Being biodegradable, these toilet products are also capable of breaking down easily. This allows them to require less water when being flushed down the toilet, so you won’t have to keep flushing to send them to the sewage system of your recreational vehicle (RV). This also helps prevent clogging, which can require even more water and chemicals to deal with.
The ability to break down easily also makes these products easier to process in the sewage system. As they can decompose faster, they can turn into natural waste sooner, minimizing the production of harmful by-products. This makes it healthier not only for the environment but for sewage systems and individuals as well.
Toilet paper that breaks down easily is also the best option for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only will you be able to contribute to the conservation of the planet with these products, but you can also avoid running into problems with your portable toilet. It is easier to dispose of, letting you leave no trace after spending days off the grid.
Here’s an interesting video by the folks at RVGeeks. They’ve been traveling around in an RV for over a decade and say they just skip the “RV safe” label and buy regular Kirkland Toilet Paper. Whether you decide to buy specialty paper or not this short video is a useful hands-on video showing you a quick test of how you can easily test to see if the toilet paper you are using breaks down fast enough to use in an RV
Environment-friendly
Toilet paper is considered a basic necessity by millions around the globe; the fact that its production thins out forests around the globe has been deemed as collateral damage by the advancement of today’s society. The high demand for these products can effectively damage ecosystems, even if measures are taken to replace what was taken.
Then there’s also the fact that a lot of manufacturers put in additives in their formulations so they can lower their production costs and make more effective products. While the paper is naturally biodegradable, the extra ingredients are definitely not. This makes them more damaging to the environment as they’ll take longer to decompose, release harmful by-products, and maybe even not be suited for recycling.
As an alternative, biodegradable toilet paper was created. These are an environment-friendly option because they don’t use harmful chemicals in their creation and will, as the name suggests, break down and more easily decompose.
Biodegradable toilet paper is also manufactured in a manner that contributes to forest preservation. Many regular toilet paper brands are made from virgin strands of wood so they will require to take down more trees. These eco-friendlier alternatives don’t use the same materials, so they don’t have to dent thriving forests.
Most biodegradable toilet paper is made from recycled or natural ingredients. However, it should be noted that recycled doesn’t exactly equate to “used” TP. It only means that their fiber content doesn’t come from virgin woods. As for the organic varieties, they’re called such because they don’t use chemicals as additives in their formulations.
Unlike regular Toilet paper, eco-friendlier options also don’t require lots of water to manufacture. With clean water becoming less and less available as of late, finding ways to conserve it is a must. These products offer an effective technique to contribute to this measure.
Suits people with sensitivities
As these products are made with more natural materials, they can easily be safer for users. Without chemicals that are potentially harmful to one’s health and skin, those who are sensitive to certain ingredients can rest assured that these products won’t cause flare-ups and other adverse reactions in their bodies.
Paper vs. wipes
Biodegradable toilet paper may be better for the environment, but with wipes offering a whole different level of toilet cleanups, they’re becoming more attractive options for many. If you’re torn between camper toilet paper or wipes, learning more about the two will help you weigh your options. The one problem with these is that while many are marketed as “flushable“, they really don’t break down as easily as claimed. See our article here about why you should never flush wipes, especially if have a septic system at your home.
Toilet paper pros:
Although wipes have been around for years already, toilet paper still reigns supreme for many reasons. The best example of this is its low price. Being staple items at home, you’ll want to save money on them to get the best value for your money so they have to be very affordable.
These products are also easily available. You can find rolls of TP at almost any store you go to so you’ll never have to worry where to get them. This makes them even more convenient options.
Opting for biodegradable varieties can also help you contribute to the conservation of the environment. As mentioned above, you can now find recycled and organic toilet paper, so even if you do constantly use it, you can rest assured that you’re not damaging the planet in a major way.
The availability of rapid-dissolving bath tissues is also a good reason why you should opt to use bath tissue. This variety breaks down more easily inside your toilet, making them faster to flush and degrade in the sewage system. They can help prevent clogs and other complications in your plumbing as well.
Toilet Paper Cons
Chafing is one of the major issues you’ll have to face when it comes to using toilet paper. Using it too often can really dry out your skin, but not using them enough can also leave you with a dirty bottom. This can be a problem, especially while on the road or away from indoor plumbing. As chafing can be very uncomfortable and even cause irritations and infections, you will want to try to avoid it at all costs.
Then there’s also the fact that toilet paper can’t always get everything out. Sometimes there is that stubborn dirt that won’t easily come off, leaving you feeling gross and unclean.
Wipes Pros
As these products come pre-treated with cleaning agents, they tend to be more reassuring for some folks in terms of a more thorough cleaning. They can help get everything out without risking chafing and can also help eliminate odors.
As flushable wipes are now also available, you won’t have to worry about damaging your sewage system with these products. Make sure to choose natural, unscented, and chemical-free varieties as well for the best results.
Wipes cons
Due to their use of additional ingredients, they can cause irritation and allergies from fragrances and other chemicals included in the mix. This can hurt your sensitive areas, which can lead to more serious issues later on. If you do have allergies you may want to also take a look at these options for hypoallergenic toilet paper which are specifically made for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
If you’re planning to use wipes on outdoor trips, you also shouldn’t expect them to dissolve immediately in your black water tank. The fastest that they can be broken down is a couple of weeks, so they’re not for short trips with a portable toilet.
Conclusion
So, which one should you choose when looking for a cleanup tool for yourself every time Mother Nature calls? It’s entirely up to you. All of the products in this list have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s all a matter of preference when it comes to these things.
The Scott Rapid-Dissolving Bath Tissue is also a solid choice. It stays true to its name and is very affordable, so if you’re on a budget and you’re not too fussy, this can already do the trick for you. If you’re willing to rough it out or brave the great outdoors for a few days it doesn’t mean that you should forego proper hygiene. There are many diseases that are borne from unsanitary habits, especially after handling human waste. Not only can these be fatal, but they’re also contagious. It’s your responsibility to stay in top shape no matter what.