Camper Van is term that has been used loosely over the years to describe any recreational vehicle as opposed to conversion vans specifically. The camper van conversion ideas discussed today will be geared towards the more readily available standard roof which allow less room than idolized Sprinter or High Top Camper Van.

I personally like the low ones more because less people gravitate towards them, they are far easier to acquire for the more specialized high top vans and are far cheaper on the used market than the later.

Intentions

Your use for the camper van will widely determine which ideas you would want to implement. For instance is this for permanent living, Short trips for weekend fun, Or long road trips. I’ve built a few a stealth camper for permanent life on the road, a weekend warrior for quick trips with my pups and something for festivals and road trips like Burning Man.

Keep this is mind when trying to figure out what ideas you would like to implement. The Camper van conversion can be a long and daunting process , especially if you lack vision. So know your intentions and build your camper with the end game prevalent.

Bathroom

A lot of the standard vans don’t have proper bathrooms because the van is so small, it lacks the sq. footage available to make a comfortable one and also lacks the ceiling height to stand. The height of the vehicle will be an on going concern in every aspect of the build. Another concern is having to set up a black water tank and find locations to empty it etc. This doesn’t even touch on the issues in regards to the smell in such a small living area.

Toilet

As far as the smell and black water tank is concerned you can alleviate that by going with a urine diverting composting toilet like Natures Head” target=”” rel=””>Natures Head. The toilet itself means you won’t have to deal with the black water tank as the toilet has its own container for solids and liquids. Contrary to popular belief the typical smell associated with bathrooms isn’t due to feces per se but do to urine and feces commingling and create sewage. With the feces dry the small is close to non-existent after the deed is done and an extractor fan will blow the residual smell right out of the vehicle. The toilet also has a small footprint 19″x19″x20″ meaning it won’t take up much space in the van. For more information about Natures Head Composting Toilet read this article.

As far as where to put it you can install in anywhere near a wall to vent out and even have a slide out mechanism like a drawer with the toilet on it (make sure the weight restrictions on the slide out account for combined weight of user and toiler). With this idea flexible tubing would be need to ensure that the toilet remains attached to the vent on the slide out. You can build a small hideaway like a table or counter and have the top flip off to reveal the toilet so it is hidden from view otherwise.

These methods are of course only necessary if you don’t have space. If you do, measure how much space you need for the toilet as well as your knees protruding, plus a few inches for comfort. Afterwards, build a small room that the toilet can remain in. If building as a room it may be easier to vent through the roof depending on your set up. This idea gives a bit more privacy if you are traveling with a friend or loved one vs the other methods that will most certainly allow the user to be seen. You can also add curtains the block the driver’s view of the remainder of the living area and those close encounter situations.

Alternative Toilet

Maybe you don’t want to invest that much into a toilet due to only using the camper on weekends. Or you don’t want to give permanent space to a bathroom or fixed toilet. There are still options available. The Luggable Loo” target=”” rel=””>The Luggable Loo is one of them. Simply a 5 gallon bucket with a seat and lid. You add a bag inside and take it with you in the van and use when needed. I would also keep a bag of peat moss as well to put in after using just to keep the smell down in a hot vehicle. The dimensions on this are 13.5″x13.5″x15.3″.

If your camper doesn’t have enough for that to live in the van with you there are still more options my favorite being the Trip Tips Foldable Toilet” target=”” rel=””>Trip Tips Foldable Toilet. When folded and not in use it’s dimensions are 3.2″ tall x 12.5″ long. It can fit in a cabinet, under the driver’s seat, in a back pack, you name it!!

Another great aspect of these options especially if you are concerned about the smell in your vehicle, is their mobility. If you have to use the restroom you can merely take your toilet with you into the distance, find a nice scenic area and do your business away from your camper interior. After completion cover the feces with the surrounding substrate to help eliminate any smell and then had back to the vehicle a few pounds lighter and with a smile on your face.

Recap

Toilet Ideas:

1. Composting Toilet
2. Slide out drawer to save space (instead of bathroom)
3. Hideaway table or counter to save space (instead of bathroom)
4. Build small bathroom

Untethered Toilet Ideas

1. Toilet that can be brought or removed from the camper at will
2. Luggable Lou
3. Trip Tips Folding Toiler

These camper van conversion ideas can help immensely when planning out your vehicle. You may have been struggling with space but still wanted options for using the bathroom on the road or had the space but didn’t want to have a black water system. Either way this may allow you to focus your energy on more important aspects of the build.

Let me know what you think of these ideas and if you have some of your own in the comments below.

Be sure to read our Camper Van Conversion Ideas: Shower In A Small Space.