Why We Chose the Trelino Composting Toilet for Van Life: Unboxing, Setup & Secure Installation
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Are you considering a composting toilet for your van conversion? Finding the right toilet for van life is a crucial decision, and after much research, we chose the Trelino large composting toilet. It’s compact, easy to maintain, and eliminates the need for plumbing or chemicals—making it an eco-friendly and hassle-free solution.
In this post, I’ll cover:
Why we chose a composting toilet
Unboxing & first impressions
How to secure it in a van
How the separation system works
Our method for odor control
This toilet was generously provided for free in exchange for an honest review, so I’ll be sharing my unbiased thoughts after setting it up in our 2019 Ram ProMaster camper van.
P.S. You can also save $15 on your Trelino composting toilet with coupon code STONE15 so click here to get your discount!
Why We Chose a Composting Toilet
When planning our van conversion, we knew we wanted a toilet that didn’t require plumbing or chemicals. A composting toilet was the best option for:
✔️ No black tank – No need for RV-style sewage management
✔️ Eco-friendly – No chemicals, just natural composting materials
✔️ Odor control – Separation of liquids and solids prevents bad smells
✔️ Portability – Easily removable for emptying and cleaning
After researching various options, we landed on the Trelino large composting toilet because its height mimics a standard home toilet, making it more comfortable for daily use.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Opening the Trelino for the first time, I was impressed with its simple and sturdy design. Inside the unit, there are:
A liquid separation system that prevents odors
A urine jug with a sealing cap for easy disposal
A removable solids container with compostable bags
A slow-closing lid for a sleek finish
We also decided to try hemp litter instead of traditional coconut coir or sawdust, as it's more eco-friendly.
How We Installed & Secured the Trelino Toilet in Our Van
Since space is limited in our van, we hid the toilet inside a bench seat for a clean and seamless look. Here’s how we secured it:
Ratchet Strap Method – We used heavy-duty hooks and a ratchet strap to secure the toilet inside the bench. This keeps it in place but also allows us to easily remove it when needed for cleaning or adjusting placement.
Screw-In Method (Optional) – The Trelino also has pre-drilled holes for directly screwing it to the floor. This is an option for those who prefer a more permanent installation.
Both methods ensure that the toilet stays in place even on bumpy roads!
How the Trelino Composting System Works
One of the biggest benefits of a composting toilet is its odor control system, which works by keeping liquids and solids separate.
💧 Urine Jug: The front compartment collects urine, and the sealed cap prevents leaks and smells.
🌱 Solids Bucket: The rear compartment is lined with a compostable bag. After each use, we sprinkle a layer of hemp litter to aid decomposition and further reduce odors.
Since the liquids are kept separate, the composting process works efficiently, and the result is a clean, low-maintenance system.
Final Thoughts on the Trelino Composting Toilet
So far, I’m really impressed with the design, simplicity, and ease of use. It’s a great off-grid toilet solution for van life, tiny homes, and RVs. The ability to remove and empty it easily while keeping things odor-free makes it a game-changer.
If you’re looking for a portable, eco-friendly toilet for your camper van, I highly recommend checking out Trelino’s composting toilet lineup!
Have questions about composting toilets or van conversions? Drop them in the comments below!
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