Nature's Head Weekender vs Full-Size: Which Model Do You Need?

Nature's Head Weekender vs Full-Size: Which Model Do You Need?

Nature's Head makes two composting toilet models: the Full-Size and the Weekender. They share the same seat, fan system, and urine bottle — but the Weekender is genuinely smaller on the outside, not just internally. That difference in footprint matters for tight installs, but it also means a smaller composting chamber and more frequent emptying with heavy use.

Here's how to choose the right one.

What's Actually Different?

The Weekender has a smaller external housing and a smaller internal composting chamber. Unlike what's sometimes assumed, the size reduction isn't limited to the inside — the Weekender takes up meaningfully less space than the Full-Size. Everything else — the seat, fan system, urine diverter, and liquids bottle — is the same between both models.

Who Should Choose the Full-Size?

The Full-Size is the right choice for anyone using the toilet as their primary or daily bathroom, or anyone who has the space for it:

• Full-time van life — You'll use it every day, multiple times a day. The larger composting chamber means 3-4 weeks between solids empties for a couple. If your van layout has the room, the Full-Size gives you fewer maintenance trips.
• Liveaboard sailors — Same reasoning. Full-time use demands full-size capacity.
• Tiny home primary bathroom — If this is your only toilet and space allows, get the Full-Size.
• Off-grid cabins with regular use — If you're living at the cabin full-time or spending extended periods there, the Full-Size handles the volume.
• Families — More people means more uses per day. The Full-Size accommodates this; the Weekender would fill up fast.

Who Should Choose the Weekender?

The Weekender is designed for situations where the toilet sees lighter or intermittent use — and where space is at a premium:

• Tight van or vehicle installs — The Weekender's smaller footprint (18"W × 16.75"H × 18"D) makes it a genuine fit for compact sprinter builds, schoolies, and conversion vans where every inch counts.
• Under-bunk or cabinet installations — The reduced height (16.75" vs. 21") opens up placement options that simply aren't possible with the Full-Size.
• Weekend cabin or cottage — 2-4 days of use per trip, a few times a month. The smaller bin handles this without needing the full capacity.
• Seasonal boat use — Pocket cruisers, day sailors, fishing boats, or cruisers used on weekends and vacations.
• Occasional camping — Truck campers, pop-up trailers, or overland rigs used periodically.
• Guest bathroom — A secondary toilet that doesn't see daily use.
• Budget consideration — If you genuinely only use it on weekends and want to save approximately $150.

Are Accessories Interchangeable?

Most accessories work with both models:

• Extra liquids bottle — Same bottle, fits both ✓
• Vent hose and fan assembly — Identical system ✓
• Spider handle upgrade — Same handle ✓
• Seat and lid — Same top assembly ✓
• 12V wall transformer — Same power system ✓
• Extra base with lid — NOT interchangeable. The Full-Size and Weekender use different solids bases due to their different housing sizes. Make sure you order the correct one for your model.

Browse all Nature's Head accessories including extra bases, bottles, and vent assemblies.

Emptying the Weekender vs Full-Size

The emptying process is identical for both models — disconnect the upper housing, remove the solids base, dump the composted material, add fresh medium, and reassemble. The only difference is frequency.

For two people using the toilet full-time:

• Full-Size: Solids every 3-4 weeks
• Weekender: Solids more frequently due to smaller bin
• Urine bottle (both): Every 2-3 days

If you're in a location where emptying is inconvenient — boondocking in the desert, anchored offshore, or at a cabin without easy disposal — the Full-Size's longer interval between empties is a real practical advantage.

For step-by-step emptying instructions, see our emptying guide.

Installation

The installation process is the same for both models, but the mounting footprint differs. You'll need:

• 4 mounting bolts (included) to secure the base to the floor
• A 12V power connection for the fan
• A vent hose routed to the exterior (through a wall, roof, or hull)

Because the two models have different external dimensions, their floor mounting patterns are not identical. If you ever upgrade from a Weekender to a Full-Size (or vice versa), you may need to adjust your mounting hole positions. However, the vent hose, power connection, and hardware kit are compatible across both.

For detailed installation steps, check our RV and van life installation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from a Weekender to a Full-Size later?

Yes, but it's not a simple base swap like it would be if the housings were the same size. Since the external shells are different dimensions, upgrading to a Full-Size means replacing the entire unit. Your vent hose, fan, and power setup can carry over, but you'll need to account for the larger footprint and potentially adjust floor mounting positions.

Is the Weekender smaller on the outside?

Yes — this is one of the most common misconceptions about the two models. The Weekender measures 18"W × 16.75"H × 18"D, while the Full-Size is 20"W × 21"H × 19"D. The Weekender is notably shorter and slightly narrower, which makes a real difference in tight installs under bunks, in cabinets, or in compact vehicle builds.

Which one is better for a camper van?

It depends on your space and usage. If your van layout is tight and you only use it on weekends or part-time, the Weekender's smaller footprint is a genuine advantage. If you're living in your van full-time and have the room, the Full-Size gives you 3-4 weeks between solids empties — far more convenient when you're parked in remote locations.

Do both models use the same composting medium?

Yes. Both use coco coir or peat moss. Coco coir is recommended for both — better moisture absorption, pest resistance, and structural integrity. One compressed coco coir brick is enough to fill either model's base.

Is there a price difference?

Yes, the Weekender is typically priced around $150 less than the Full-Size model. Check our Nature's Head collection for current pricing and bundle options.

The Bottom Line

If you're using the toilet daily and have the space — van life, liveaboard, full-time tiny home — the Full-Size gives you fewer empties and better long-term value.

If you're tight on space or using it on weekends, vacations, or seasonally — the Weekender's smaller footprint and lower price make it the smarter fit. Just know the tradeoff: less space also means a smaller solids bin and more frequent emptying under heavy use.

Either way, you're getting the same fan system, the same urine bottle, and the same 5-year warranty. Browse both models in our Nature's Head Compositing Toilets collection.