RV enthusiasts know that every detail counts when it comes to outfitting their rigs. One of the most important features of any RV is the toilet. RV toilets come in two main materials: plastic and porcelain. But what is the typical RV toilet weight limit?
Plastic RV toilets have a weight limit of 250 to 300 pounds, while porcelain RV toilets have a weight limit of up to 1,000 pounds.
Despite the weight difference, both plastic and porcelain toilets have their advantages and disadvantages.
Porcelain toilets are often sturdier and more durable, while plastic toilets are easier to install and maintain. Ultimately, the choice between plastic and porcelain comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of each RV owner.
We’ll go through more of the differences between each, along with some examples of how much weight an RV toilet can hold in this guide.
Understanding RV Toilet Weight Limits
When it comes to RV toilets, weight limits are an important consideration. Most RV toilets have a weight capacity ranging from 250 to 500 pounds, but it’s important to check the specific weight limit for your toilet model to avoid damaging your plumbing system and risking your health.
Porcelain and plastic are the two most common materials used for RV toilets, and they have different weight limits and other pros and cons to consider.
Porcelain RV Toilets
Porcelain RV toilets are heavier and more expensive than plastic models, but they are also more durable and easier to clean.
The total weight of a porcelain RV toilet includes the tank, which can weigh up to 30 to 50 pounds when full. The actual weight will depend on the specific model and manufacturer.
Porcelain RV toilets have a weight capacity of around 500 pounds or even up to 1000 pounds, which is much greater than most plastic models.
They are also more comfortable to sit on than plastic toilets because they are warmer and softer to the touch, and feels more like a regular at-home toilet.
See related: Can you install a regular toilet in an RV?
Plastic RV Toilets
Plastic RV toilets are lighter and less expensive than porcelain models, but they are also less durable and harder to clean.
The plastic RV toilet is also less comfortable than a porcelain RV toilet because it is hard and cold to the touch.
Plastic RV toilets have a weight capacity ranging from 250 to 350 pounds, which is lower than most porcelain models.
They are also more prone to cracking and leaking than porcelain toilets, especially if they are exposed to extreme temperatures.
Comparing Porcelain and Plastic RV Toilets
| RV Toilet Feature | Plastic RV Toilets | Porcelain RV Toilets |
| Price | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
| Weight Capacity | 250 to 350 pounds | 500 to 1000 pounds |
| Durability | Less Durable | More Durable |
| Comfort | Harder and Colder to the touch | Softer and Warmer to the touch |
| Ease Of Cleaning | Harder to clean | Easier to clean |
When choosing between porcelain and plastic RV toilets, it’s important to consider your budget, weight capacity needs, and comfort level.
Porcelain toilets are a better choice for those who want a more durable and comfortable toilet, while plastic toilets are a more affordable option for those who don’t need as much weight capacity or comfort.
Check out our guide on how to clean an RV toilet for some related tips.
Comparing Plastic and Porcelain RV Toilets
Weight Limit Comparison
As we discussed earlier, porcelain RV toilets have a greater weight capacity versus plastic RV toilets, making them more durable and better for heavier campers.
Porcelain RV toilets also weigh more than plastic RV toilets, so you’ll need to account for this when determining the impact it has on the total load of your rig.
Durability Comparison
When it comes to durability, porcelain toilets are generally considered to be more durable than plastic toilets. Since porcelain is stronger and denser than plastic, it is much more robust and has a higher RV toilet weight limit. Porcelain toilets are also more resistant to scratches and stains than plastic toilets.
However, plastic toilets are not without their advantages. They are easier to repair than porcelain toilets.
Cost Comparison
Porcelain RV toilets are generally more expensive than plastic RV toilets. This is because porcelain is a more expensive material than plastic. However, the cost difference is not usually significant.
For example, the Thetford 31671 Aqua-Magic V RV Toilet, which is a plastic toilet, costs around $150. The Dometic 320 Series Toilet, which is a porcelain toilet, costs around $200. So, while porcelain toilets are more expensive, the cost difference is not usually a deal-breaker.
Maintenance Comparison
Both plastic and porcelain RV toilets require regular maintenance to keep them clean and functioning properly.
Porcelain toilets are regarded as easier to clean because you usually don’t have to use any special products on them, while plastic versions may require special care and non-abrasive products.
Plastic RV Toilets
Again, when it comes to RV toilets, plastic and porcelain are the two most common materials used. Plastic toilets are often found in entry-level RVs because they are cheaper and lighter than porcelain toilets. In this section, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of plastic RV toilets.
Advantages of Plastic RV Toilets
One of the main advantages of plastic RV toilets is their weight. They are typically much lighter than porcelain toilets, making them easier to transport and install. Most plastic toilets weigh between 8 and 15 pounds, while porcelain toilets can weigh up to 50 pounds.
Another advantage of plastic RV toilets is their price. They are often much cheaper than porcelain toilets, making them a great option for those on a tight budget. For example, you can purchase a Thetford Aqua Magic V plastic toilet, one of their best sellers, for around $112.
Plastic RV toilets are also easy to clean and maintain. They are less likely to crack or chip than porcelain toilets, and they do not require as much cleaning or maintenance. Plastic toilets are also less likely to stain or discolor over time.
Disadvantages of Plastic RV Toilets
One of the main disadvantages of plastic RV toilets is their durability. They are not as strong or durable as porcelain toilets and are more likely to crack or break over time. Plastic toilets are also more prone to scratches and scuffs, which can make them look worn and unsightly over time.
Another disadvantage of plastic RV toilets is their weight limit. Most plastic toilets are designed to hold up to 300 pounds, which may not be enough for larger individuals. This weight limit is in place to prevent the toilet from tipping over, but it can be a concern for some RVers.
Finally, plastic RV toilets may not be as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain toilets. They often have a more basic and utilitarian design, which may not fit in with the décor of some RVs.
Porcelain RV Toilets
Advantages of Porcelain RV Toilets
Porcelain RV toilets are a popular choice among RV enthusiasts for several reasons. One of the main advantages of porcelain toilets is their sturdiness. According to Getaway Couple, porcelain RV toilets can hold up to 1000 pounds, making them much sturdier than their plastic counterparts, which typically have a weight limit of 250 to 300 pounds. This sturdiness can provide a more comfortable and secure experience for RVers while using the bathroom.
Another advantage of porcelain RV toilets is their appearance. Porcelain toilets have a sleek and modern look that can add a touch of elegance to an RV bathroom. The Thetford China porcelain RV toilet, for example, weighs 25 pounds and is a seamless replacement for a regular plastic toilet. This toilet looks sleek, modern, and minimalistic, and its residential-style seat is comfortable and customizable.
Disadvantages of Porcelain RV Toilets
While porcelain RV toilets have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages that RVers should consider before making a purchase.
One of the main disadvantages of porcelain toilets is their weight. A porcelain camper toilet can weigh between 30-50 pounds, which is equivalent to lugging around 4-7 gallons of water in your RV.
RVers should make sure that their RV can carry this weight before installing a porcelain toilet.
Another disadvantage of porcelain RV toilets is their cost. While the price difference between porcelain and plastic toilets is not significant, porcelain toilets are generally more expensive than plastic toilets.
The cost of a porcelain toilet may be worth it for RVers who prioritize sturdiness and appearance.
RV Toilet Weight Limit Examples
So, how much weight can an RV toilet hold in real life? Here are some real-world examples of popular RV toilet models and their listed weight limits:
- Dometic Series Standard Height RV Toilet: 350 pounds
- Thetford V Toilet: 285 pounds
- Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet: 310 pounds
- Aqua-Magic V Pedal Flush RV Toilet: 330 pounds
- SereneLife Portable Toilet: 340 pounds
Check out our other helpful RV repair guides while you’re here:
How to fix a problem when your RV toilet is not holding water