Is RV Toilet Paper Really Necessary?
Using the restroom is a part of RV life, meaning RV toilet paper is equally important. When you use the restroom, you need toilet paper, but not all of it is the same. The toilet tissue at the market is different than toilet paper designed for RVs. Here's what you need to know about RV toilet paper:
What is RV Toilet Paper?
RV-friendly toilet paper will break down quickly to avoid clogging up your sewage system or holding tank. It is specially formulated for RV use and is RV septic tank safe, so it doesn’t compromise your RV’s plumbing system.
By disintegrating quickly, RV toilet paper won’t block the sensors inside your holding tank that tell you when your tank is full. It also reduces the likelihood of clogging your RV sewer hose when you empty your holding tanks at a dump station.
In other words, RV-friendly toilet paper makes maintaining your RV’s holding tanks much easier. And it also helps you avoid embarrassing messes when dumping your RV so you can remain a happy camper throughout your RV adventures.
Is RV Toilet Paper Necessary?
Many new RVers wonder whether it’s really necessary to use RV toilet paper. The truth is yes. You do indeed need to use quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. If you don’t have tissue that’s safe for RV use, you shouldn’t flush it into your RV’s sewage system.
RV septic systems, whether in a new motorhome or a used motorhome, are somewhat delicate. They aren’t as robust as a residential sewage system. This means you need to treat it more carefully than you would treat your home bathroom or toilet.
Be very mindful of what goes down your RV toilet.
The last thing you want is for your RV’s sewer system to have an issue while camping. Trust us, nobody will have much fun camping if the toilet doesn’t work.
Here’s a short list of things that should NOT be flushed down an RV toilet:
- Baby wipes
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- A tank treatment that isn’t specifically formulated for RV use.
- ANYTHING THAT ISN’T RV TOILET PAPER!
Can You Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?
Some types of household toilet paper will disintegrate at similar rates to RV toilet paper, and many people have used non-RV toilet paper in their RVs without issue. But there is a risk.
To test if your conventional toilet paper is ok for RV use, try this conventional at home test:
Fill a jar with water and put a couple of sheets of your favorite brand of toilet paper inside, then put the lid on and shake it. If the TP starts to dissolve after a few seconds of vigorous shaking, it should be fine for RV use. If not, don’t use it!
If all you have is regular Angel Soft household toilet paper, it’s best to use a single-ply option and perform the test above before using it in your RV. Even if you’ve deemed it safe for RV use, use less than your typical amount. The more non-RV toilet paper you flush, the more likely you are to experience clogs and other issues.
A Few More RV Toilet Tips
It might not be the rosiest subject, but knowing how to use your RV toilet properly will make your road trips much more enjoyable. So here are a few more tips for healthy RV toilet use:
- Use minimal TP. Even with RV-friendly toilet tissue, it’s a good idea to minimize how much you flush into your tank.
- Don’t be shy with the water. Before going, fill the toilet bowl with water for 3-5 seconds. This will fill your tank with plenty of fresh water and aid in a smoother dumping process when the time comes.
- Treat your tanks regularly. Use RV tank treatments after each RV trip to minimize odors, clean tank sensors, and remove remaining residue.
- Open your roof vent and turn on the fan. This is a courtesy to yourself and your fellow campers. RVs are small spaces, and promoting airflow is essential to keeping your space fresh and enjoyable.
While non-RV products like Poo-Pourri should NOT be used in your RV toilet, candles and air fresheners are great options to keep your space smelling fresh.
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We hope this article keeps you from a sticky situation!
See you on the road!
Dennis on
I have been camping for 55+ years from ground to 5th wheels I have always used Charmin in my last 3 trailers with only 1 problem Young kids using too much TP and not enough water.
I dump my tank and fill 3/4 again before leaving a full hook up site.
I have a 3 gallon bucket I fill up with clean water, I drop 1 tide pod into the toilet and put in the water Tank is spot less when I dump at my storage yard DON’T us a Pine Sol etc the will ruin your rubber seals
stan twerion on
RV toilet paper is expensive and really not needed. I have only been camping and using different types of facilities for about 60 years. I have had the pyramid of poo to deal with because of a strong type, and cheap, toilet paper. I have found that Charmin works very well without a, I did the dissolve test with several brands! Store brands not very good for RVs. New Low flush toilets may be the biggest problem by not getting enough water in the tank especially at the drop point, usually straight below the toilet. A little water force is needed so flushing for a little longer than a person feels necessary is a good idea. I talk from past experiences.
Mark Harvey on
Septic safe toilet paper dissolves as fast as RV safe paper by several tests. Also, the RV safe toilet paper by Scott is the exact same paper as their Septic Safe “soft” paper, yet the septic safe is cheaper.
Please post any tests done that prove the RV safe version is better than septic safe paper.
Lou on
When using the “fart fan” remember to use it ONLY WHEN YOU ARE NOT ACTIVELY FLUSHING! Otherwise, you will draw the odors from the tank onto the bathroom and make it stink worse….
Also, why is Poo-pourri not advised?
Been using it consistently, it’s just essential oils so not sure what concerns it raises?
Mark Wandrey on
We’ve used Angel Soft for 4 years full time. Works awesome, never see any TP during the dump.