TOILET - PLASTIC any good?

[JERSEYPHIL]

I am interested in a Travel Trailer that has a Plastic toilet.
My last Fifth Wheel had porcelain.
Is there a downside to having the PLASTIC toilet?

Thanks in advance,
PHILKASH

[ducksface]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rv+porcel...f=nb_sb_noss_1

It takes very little money to erase any hesitations.
Replace the toilet if it seems inadequate or is not what you want.

But
No,
There is no downside to a plastic toilet other than preference.

An rv is a kit.
They lend you a cheap toilet so you can decide if cheap is good enough or if you'd rather have the $1,000 heated macerator bidet model.

Make the toilet your own not what some Jr accounting clerk decides will hit their build dollar amount.

[16ACE27]

Just one of many GOOGLE results:

https://www.bing.com/search?q=plasti...logo=CT3210127

Differences Between RV Toilet Porcelain vs Plastic

When choosing an RV toilet, you must decide between a porcelain or plastic model. While both materials are strong and durable, there are some key differences to consider:

Durability
Both types of toilets have pros and cons, but when it comes to durability, porcelain wins out. Porcelain toilets are made from a more rigid material than plastic, making them less likely to scratch or chip. Also, porcelain toilets are less susceptible to staining than plastic models.

Weight
Plastic toilets are going to be much lighter than porcelain toilets. This is because porcelain is a lot thicker and more robust than plastic. Also, if you drop a plastic toilet, it is more prone to breaking than a porcelain flush toilet.

Comfort
Porcelain toilets are more comfortable, as they are smooth and easy to clean. These toilets are more similar to traditional toilets, which means they are also usually comfortable. They also tend to be quieter and more subdued than plastic toilets.

Installation
When it comes to installation, porcelain toilets are generally more challenging than plastic toilets. This is because porcelain toilets need to be anchored to the floor, while plastic toilets can simply be bolted to the floor or wall.

Weight Capacity
Porcelain toilets usually have a higher weight capacity than plastic toilets. This means that they can accommodate more weight without breaking or becoming damaged. Since porcelain is stronger and denser than plastic, it is much more robust.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Porcelain RV Toilets

Porcelain RV toilets are becoming increasingly popular among Rvers for several reasons. They have several advantages & disadvantages, including:

Advantages:

Porcelain RV toilets are durable and resistant to staining, fading, and chipping.
Due to the smooth surface of porcelain, waste does not adhere to the sides of the toilet, making it easier to maintain.
Typically, the bowl of a porcelain RV flush toilet is taller than a plastic RV toilet, which makes sitting more comfortable.
Its black water tank serves as a storage area for wastewater until it is flushed.
They are more comfortable to use and will last longer with proper care.
Disadvantages:

Porcelain RV toilets are generally more expensive than plastic RV toilets.
They are also heavier and harder to install.
These toilets require more maintenance than plastic toilets.
A more frequent cleaning and a more frequent refill of the tanks with water are required.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Plastic RV Toilets
Advantages & Disadvantages of Plastic RV Toilets
In the past, most RVs were equipped with ceramic toilets, but today, many manufacturers opt for plastic toilets. There are several advantages & disadvantages to using a plastic toilet in an RV:

Advantages:

Plastic RV toilets are much lighter than ceramic toilets, making them easier to install and less likely to damage the RV floor.
These toilets are less likely to crack or break if they are dropped or accidentally bumped.
They are generally less costly than porcelain toilets, making them a more budget-friendly option for RV owners.
Because they’re non-porous, you won’t have to spend as much time scrubbing your toilet bowl with a toilet bowl cleaner.
Disadvantages:

Plastic RV toilets are not as durable as porcelain ones and may fade or stain over time.
The plastic RV toilet bowl is usually shorter than a porcelain RV toilet, which makes it less comfortable to sit on.

https://www.shootingstar-rvresort.co...in-vs-plastic/

[Chateau_Nomad]

Other than weight, would you put a plastic toilet in your bathroom at home?

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Other than weight, would you put a plastic toilet in your bathroom at home?

Great question

[ducksface]

Yes I would use a plastic toilet.
Unless you have a dog that you think would chew it up,
I see no downside.
It might even store room temperatures instead of sinking them to/from the floor as a ceramic toilet does.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Yes I would use a plastic toilet.
Unless you have a dog that you think would chew it up,
I see no downside.
It might even store room temperatures instead of sinking them to/from the floor as a ceramic toilet does.

Plastic thrones scratch VERY easily. Cleaning with a brush leaves minute surface scratches which stain easily... read: iron deposits in water.

Porcelain can also be scratched, but I've seen porcelain toilets well over 50 years old which still look new.

For occasional use, sure. But as soon as stains appear you'll wish you had just gone with porcelain in the first place. They put plastic in there for ONE reason... they're cheaper.

[Lt Keefer]

The toilet material is not relevant. How many people have a porcelain toilet with a plastic seat? It's not rocket science, it's a toilet.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

The toilet material is not relevant. How many people have a porcelain toilet with a plastic seat? It's not rocket science, it's a toilet.

If that were the case, wouldn't you think there would be a preponderance of plastic toilets in homes as well as RVs?

Porcelain was the benchmark in RVs until recently... then along came the race to make it cheaper...

Get the best deal you can get. Then ask the dealer to swap the toilet for a Thetford porcelain one to finalize the deal. If they balk, tell them you're going elsewhere.

[JERSEYPHIL]

HOW do you clean a Plastic Toilet Bowl?
Can you use Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner, like on Porcelain?
And what about a brush? Would you need to use a very soft brush?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

If that were the case, wouldn't you think there would be a preponderance of plastic toilets in homes as well as RVs?

Porcelain was the benchmark in RVs until recently... then along came the race to make it cheaper...

Get the best deal you can get. Then ask the dealer to swap the toilet for a Thetford porcelain one to finalize the deal. If they balk, tell them you're going elsewhere.

Plastic toilets have been the STANDARD in cheaper RVs for decades, especially in travel trailers. Porcelain toilets have migrated to entry level MHs to give a false sense of class.

[atreis]

My current unit has porcelain. The last two had plastic. The plastic was better at splash prevention when using it while standing (had a bigger lip around the edge). The porcelain is a little easier to clean. To me, either one is fine.

Originally Posted by JERSEYPHIL

HOW do you clean a Plastic Toilet Bowl?
Can you use Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner, like on Porcelain?
And what about a brush? Would you need to use a very soft brush?

I used toilet bowl cleaner and a normal toilet bowl brush. No issues with scratching or anything else.

[ghnl]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Plastic thrones scratch VERY easily.

Less roughage ...

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by ghnl

Less roughage ...

[MJC62]

Plastic or porcelain does your derriere really care?

[MLP]

Had a plastic toilet in our Class C Itaska. Never had a problem with it. I sprayed Rain X in it after cleaning. Everything slid right down. Most toilets have plastic seats so.....

[JeffThor325]

My nearly 30 year old motorhome still has the original plastic toilet. It is not stained. It looks and works great. (The flush handle sticks about once in every 30-40 flushes. Since you can hear the water pump, it's quite easy to know if you have to "jiggle the handle".)

[jklbus01]

I'm no expert, having had one plastic and one porcelain toilet. My plastic toilet was inferior due to the blade valve at the bottom. It leaked. I had to use plumbers grease to help seal the leak. Putting grease on the drain of a toilet was not my favorite task.

My porcelain toilet looks cleaner, is easier to clean, and flushes like my home toilet. Of the two, I prefer porcelain, but it does add weight.

[Lt Keefer]

Originally Posted by jklbus01

I'm no expert, having had one plastic and one porcelain toilet. My plastic toilet was inferior due to the blade valve at the bottom. It leaked. I had to use plumbers grease to help seal the leak. Putting grease on the drain of a toilet was not my favorite task.

My porcelain toilet looks cleaner, is easier to clean, and flushes like my home toilet. Of the two, I prefer porcelain, but it does add weight.

Your porcelain toilet has a water tank? Your porcelain toilet is designed with a p-trap and doesn't have a ball valve to block the drain?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

Your porcelain toilet has a water tank? Your porcelain toilet is designed with a p-trap and doesn't have a ball valve to block the drain?

You listed all the reasons residential toilets are not in RVs.