Is It Really Necessary To Use RV Toilet Paper?

Using the restroom is a part of RV life, meaning RV toilet paper is equally important. When you use the restroom, you need toilet paper, but not all of it is the same. The toilet tissue at the market is different than toilet paper designed for RVs – RV toilet paper.

What is RV Toilet Paper?

Photo by Camping World

RV-friendly toilet paper will break down quickly to avoid clogging up your sewage system or holding tank. It is specially formulated for RV use and is RV septic tank safe, so it doesn’t compromise your RV’s plumbing system.

By disintegrating quickly, RV toilet paper won’t block the sensors inside your holding tank that tell you when your tank is full. It also reduces the likelihood of clogging your RV sewer hose when you empty your holding tanks at a dump station. 

In other words, RV-friendly toilet paper makes maintaining your RV’s holding tanks much easier. And it also helps you avoid embarrassing messes when dumping your RV so you can remain a happy camper throughout your RV adventures.

Is RV Toilet Paper Necessary?

Many new RVers wonder whether it’s really necessary to use RV toilet paper. The truth is yes. You do indeed need to use quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. If you don’t have tissue that’s safe for RV use, you shouldn’t flush it into your RV’s sewage system.

RV septic systems, whether in a new motorhome or a used motorhome, are somewhat delicate. They aren’t as robust as a residential sewage system. This means you need to treat it more carefully than you would treat your home bathroom or toilet. 

Be very mindful of what goes down your RV toilet. 

The last thing you want is for your RV’s sewer system to have an issue while camping. Trust us, nobody will have much fun camping if the toilet doesn’t work.

Here’s How to Operate and Maintain an RV Toilet to keep it working and smelling great.

And here’s a short list of things that should NOT be flushed down an RV toilet: 

Baby wipes Paper towels Feminine hygiene products A tank treatment that isn’t specifically formulated for RV use. ANYTHING THAT ISN’T RV TOILET PAPER! 

Can You Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?

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Some types of household toilet paper will disintegrate at similar rates to RV toilet paper, and many people have used non-RV toilet paper in their RVs without issue. But there is a risk.

RV enthusiasts Russ and Tina DeMaris say they’ve found that most conventional toilet paper is okay for RV use. They even developed an at-home test: 

Fill a jar with water and put a couple of sheets of your favorite brand of toilet paper inside, then put the lid on and shake it. If the TP starts to dissolve after a few seconds of vigorous shaking, it should be fine for RV use. If not, don’t use it!

If all you have is regular Angel Soft household toilet paper, it’s best to use a single-ply option and perform the test above before using it in your RV. Even if you’ve deemed it safe for RV use, use less than your typical amount. The more non-RV toilet paper you flush, the more likely you are to experience clogs and other issues.

What if you Don’t Flush Toilet Paper in Your RV?

Additionally, some RVers avoid RV black tank issues by simply not flushing toilet paper at all. To do this hygienically, you’ll need a sealed waste bin in your RV bathroom that’s dedicated to toilet paper disposal. 

If you take this approach, you’ll be freed up to use your preferred toilet paper brand and thickness. You’ll just need to be mindful to inform any RV guests about your ‘bathroom process’ so that non-RV toilet paper doesn’t get flushed into your holding tank accidentally.

Where To Buy RV Toilet Paper

Image from Camping World

There are plenty of RV toilet paper brands out there. Thetford and Camco RV toilet paper are two of the most popular, but they are far from your only choices. You can buy RV toilet paper at most RV camping stores and should be able to get it at any RV dealership or RV store. 

Camping World also sells RV toilet paper at our nationwide network of retail stores.

Another option is to buy RV toilet paper online and have it shipped to your preferred address. You can have your order shipped to a nearby post office to pick up your resupply and keep your full-time RV lifestyle rolling.

Shop Camping World’s selection of dissolvable toilet paper.

There are also several wet wipe products out there that are popular right now. Camping World does sell some of these wipes, but in general, it’s not smart to flush them. They do not disintegrate like RV toilet paper and can ruin your used travel trailer.

A Few More RV Toilet Tips

It might not be the rosiest subject, but knowing how to use your RV toilet properly will make your road trips much more enjoyable. So here are a few more tips for healthy RV toilet use:

Use minimal TP. Even with RV-friendly toilet tissue, it’s a good idea to minimize how much you flush into your tank. Don’t be shy with the water. Before going, fill the toilet bowl with water for 3-5 seconds. This will fill your tank with plenty of fresh water and aid in a smoother dumping process when the time comes. Treat your tanks regularly. Use RV tank treatments after each RV trip to minimize odors, clean tank sensors, and remove remaining residue. Open your roof vent and turn on the fan. This is a courtesy to yourself and your fellow campers. RVs are small spaces, and promoting airflow is essential to keeping your space fresh and enjoyable.

While non-RV products like Poo-Pourri should NOT be used in your RV toilet, candles and air fresheners are great options to keep your space smelling fresh.

Looking for some septic-safe toilet paper for your RV? Check out the options for sale at Camping World. Looking to sell or trade-in your current RV for an upgrade? Check out the new customizable Happier Camper.

What is your preferred RV TP brand? And do you flush or go with the waste bin disposal approach? Let us know in the comments below!