Whether you’ve been RVing for years or you’re new to the game, you probably still have questions. Some of the most common questions, especially for newbies are, “what is RV toilet paper, and do I really need it?” Keep reading to find out!
What is RV Toilet Paper Anyway?
RV toilet paper breaks down quickly to prevent clogs. Yes, you really can get a clogged toilet, even in an RV. Clogs are a pain to deal with in a sticks and bricks house. They are even more of a hassle (and grosser!) to deal with in an RV.
Avoiding a clogged RV toilet is something that should be on every camper’s list. One easy way to do this is to use RV toilet paper. When added to water, it breaks down quickly to prevent clogs. That’s why many RVers think it is worth it to spend the extra money and buy the toilet paper.
However, special toilet paper isn’t the only way to avoid clogs.
Can I Use Regular Toilet Paper in my RV?
The answer to this question is, “it depends.” Many traditional toilet papers break down quickly and easily. These brands are safe to use in your RV and will sometimes be labeled “septic safe”. Others don’t break down at all. So how do you know which brands are safe to use?
If you have a favorite brand of toilet paper you want to test, take 2-3 squares and put them in a jar. Fill the jar about halfway with water. Then put the lid on and shake it for 5-10 seconds. If the toilet paper breaks down into smaller pieces, it is probably safe to use in your RV.
If you test this process with Kleenex, for example, the tissue will not break down at all. If your toilet paper doesn’t break down, it isn’t safe to use in your RV. Some RVers will say only 1-ply is safe to use in the RV, however, this is a pretty big generalization as many 2-ply papers will break down just fine.
Why Not Be Safe and Use RV Toilet Paper Anyway?
RV toilet paper is notoriously expensive. It is also usually not the choice most people would make when picking a brand. After all, everyone likes soft toilet paper, and RV toilet paper is not so soft.
If you have become attached to a specific brand over the years, it is nice to stick with what you know. Even better, you’ll probably save a chunk of change. Just make sure to test it first.
Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your RV Toilet
There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of clogging your RV toilet. One is choosing the right toilet paper, even if it isn’t RV specific.
Another tip is to make sure you use enough water when flushing. If there isn’t enough water in your tank to break down the paper and waste, things can get clogged. You also shouldn’t go crazy on the amount of toilet paper you use. The more paper you use, the greater your risk of a clog. Finally, don’t put wet wipes or tissues in the toilet. That is just a recipe for disaster.
It is also a good idea for function and smell to treat your black tank with the appropriate chemicals. Also, don’t leave your black tank valve open. You should only open it when you need to dump your tanks. Your toilet and your nose will thank you for that one.
- What toilet paper brand do you use in your rig?
- Do you think it is necessary to have RV TP to avoid a bad time?
