We bought a Thetford toilet last year for our first camping trip. But on arrival decided not to unpack it (still wrapped up etc) as we were right next to the toilet block and there was no need.
Our kids are 6 and (almost) 2. We bought it mainly for them (night trips to the loo when they need a wee) - although I have a weak bladder and wake up a couple of times in the night for a wee too.
Anyway tempted to now sell it - it took up so much room in our roofbox and we're not sure we need it - as long as we're close to the toilet block etc.
Quote: Originally posted by mattdanielc on 03/2/2020
Anyway tempted to now sell it - it took up so much room in our roofbox and we're not sure we need it...
You're sure to need it if you've got rid of it!
Anyway, you might want to try Certificated Sites or Temporary Holiday Sites, not all of which have toilet facilities (though they will have Disposal Points) and in any case you may not always get a pitch conveniently close to the toilet block even on a commercial site.
Not used one with kids (didn't have one when we had kids!), but certainly felt the benefit for my own use! Two particular circumstances spring to mind, one was on a rally field we used regularly, the loos were miles away, no fun on a wet dark night, or even a wet day, or any day for that matter - start off walk 'thinking' you want to 'go' - bloody desperate by time you got there! The other was in France where the loos got to be pretty disgusting between cleanings, very grateful for 'private' facility!
Must agree, they are bulky and take up a lot of space, but every time we debate should we not bother, we opt to play safe and take it, sometimes very grateful to have done so!
If nothing else it widens your scope of camp sites you can use, and an absolute godsend if ever you have gyppy tummy! If you have the details of the camp site, or you know it, and can be sure to be near loos, then you don't have to take it, if in doubt, take it.
I don't have kids with me but I still take a portaloo of sorts! Just a basic one that's a glorified bucket with seat and lid, not as fancy as a Thetford; it's very much appreciated for night-time wees especially if it's raining / cold / windy. Just needs a splash of disinfectant to keep it respectable until it's emptied. I wouldn't want to be without one, especially if I had little folks in tow.
Thanks for all the comments so far. I suppose I should add - I'd only book a site with great (and modern) toilets - my wife wouldn't camp otherwise. Will always try and get near them too.
The reason I'd tempted to ditch it is a) do I need it? but also b) we've bought a bigger tent and I could do with the space - we only have a small car :)
When our kids were young we didn't have one, and somehow we always seemed to manage. We only ever went on sites with toilets, and tried to pitch near one. These days, being in our 70s we have a caravan and are glad to have one onboard, although we still tend to use site facilities in the daytime. Saves keep emptying our own one.
Just a bucket for us.....Used to bung a few handfulsof cat litter in to reduce any odours but that was heavy and took up room so dont use the cat litter anymore. The bucket is washed every morning so no unpleasant smells. The bucket is for wee's only no big jobby's.
Its actualy a nappy pale so it has a lid too that helps keep it more sanitary imho.
Thought about a Portapotty but can see no advantage at all.
------------- Snowmen fall to earth in kit form........
Every day is a gift..That's why it's called the present.
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 03/2/2020
Biggest snag with them is the room they take up.
Do you mean the kids?
We had a portaloo when the kids were little. We found that it took up far too much room in the car and they would use it for the novelty value. Once we got rid of it, the novelty wore off and they didn't need a wee in the night as often! I personally really don't mind getting up and having the stars to myself whilst I go to the loo in the night and I really appreciate the extra boot space.
------------- Mummy of two daughters and two guinea pigs
Yes all the time, both in the early days when Caravans didn’t have a toilet, just a small cupboard to keep one in, and as Tent campers on all kinds of sites. We did have a camping trailer though, so even with a small car, space for taking it with us was never a problem. Also better to use it during the night than risk leaving the children sleeping alone whilst the Adult goes off to the toilet block.
We still have our 1982 vintage brown and cream Elsan Bristol camping toilet, and jolly useful it is too, we used it recently during building work to provide an onsite toilet before the new one was connected up and working, and our daughter borrowed it to use downstairs after having hip surgery.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
When we had our tent our oldest daughter was young and we only had a small car, so there was no room for a toilet. When our second daughter came along we bought an old small caravan which only had a cupboard for a toilet and we used that as a cupboard for all the girls' bits and pieces, so still no room for a toilet. Then our son came along and we bought a slightly bigger caravan, again with no toilet, just a cupboard. A few years later we gave up caravanning and bought a boat, so at last we had our own toilet.
Finally, several years on with the family all grown up and moved out, we bought another caravan - with a toilet! Glad of it at night, now that we are pensioners.
If I had kids I'd take them camping. It would be more fun than camping with a portaloo.
Once the kids and the tent are in the car there won't be room for a portaloo, unless someone sits on it all the way to the coast.
We used a BogInABag for ages - fab as pack size is negligible. We've recently replaced it with a Bivvyloo, which is much more comfortable and lower & much more stable - so probably better for your 2YO. It folds flat and is very 'stowable' - highly recommended. We use the clever powder provided on overnighters or cat litter for longer stays.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Those with kids...do you take a portaloo?
via mobile 05/2/2020 at 9:59pm
