RV & Van Life: The Ultimate Guide to Installing a Nature's Head Composting Toilet

I have been yearning for a life on the road. The kind of life where every day is an adventure and the open road will be my backyard. The call of the wild beckons and the comforts of home travel right alongside you. It truly sounds like a dream! And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. A lot of us are being inspired by the vlogs and posts that we see online. There are now a lot of people packing up their stuff and moving to their well-built vans and comfortable RVs.

Van life and RV living are lifestyle choices that embrace freedom, simplicity, and exploration. Whether you're a minimalist nomad, a weekend wanderer, or someone seeking an alternative to traditional housing, this way of life offers a unique blend of mobility and comfort. It's a chance to break free from the routine, connect with nature, and discover new horizons.

However, I know that this kind of life isn't only butterflies and rainbows like we imagine it to be. There are lots of challenges, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. One of the most common questions for those considering van life or RV living revolves around toilets. After all, nature's call doesn't take a break just because you're on the move. Thankfully, companies like Nature's Head are here to help. With the popular Nature's Head Composting Toilet, there is now a better way to enjoy life on the road with ease. Read along for an easy RV and van composting toilet installation guide!

Understanding Nature's Head Composting Toilet

Nature's Head Composting Toilet is incredibly user-friendly and offers a sustainable bathroom solution suitable for any setting. These toilets are designed with an efficient, waterless, and urine-separating feature, allowing them to accommodate around 60 to 80 uses before requiring emptying. I found this capacity to be quite impressive!

Many might question how these composting toilets compare in comfort to traditional home toilets. Nature's Head has addressed this by ensuring the inclusion of a sturdy toilet seat, making it a reliable option for use in boats, vans, or RVs, without the worry of seat damage or mishaps. Additionally, they've considered the challenges posed by the toilet slightly colder climates, designing the toilet to be resilient against the potential damages caused by freezing temperatures.

Managing your Nature's Head Composting Toilet

The fundamental principle of the Composting Toilet revolves around efficiently segregating liquid waste from solid waste. It's crucial to guide your visitors on the correct usage of this eco-friendly facility to facilitate optimal composting and ensure their comfort.

Allowing urine to mix with the composting material material in the chamber could lead to unpleasant smells and interfere with the composting activity, something you'd want to sidestep. Fortunately, the process of emptying the liquid compartment is straightforward. For convenience, consider having an additional liquid container on hand to swap out when the current one nears capacity, especially if you're not in a position to dispose of it immediately.

For optimal use of the Nature's Head Toilet, it is advisable for all users, regardless of gender, to be seated. This position guarantees that liquid and solid wastes are directed appropriately. The separating flap can be utilized in either an open or closed position while seated. Should you need to use the toilet while standing, ensure the flap is closed to avoid combining the two types of waste.

When it comes to toilet paper, feel free to use it within the system. However, be aware that it breaks down at a slower rate than solid waste, meaning it may remain visible for some time even after the waste has decomposed. While any toilet paper can be used, thinner varieties, such as those designed for marine or RV use, tend to compost more quickly.

It's important to refrain from disposing of items like diapers, wipes, or tampons in the waste container. These products often contain plastics or a blend of non-biodegradable materials and will not decompose within the system.

Installing the Nature's Head Composting Toilet

The Nature's Head designers know what they're doing. These are the same people who lived through years on their boats with earlier versions of composting toilets. They understand how these kinds of toilets are in need of improvement. Not only in design and durability but in terms of convenience as well. They came up with a concept that has been refined and reworked, which resulted in the comfortable and user-friendly Nature's Head Toilet that we know and love today.

The toilet installation may look daunting but it is easy! In fact, we got ourselves our own Nature's Head Composting Toilet and created an installation video to help guide you! No more confusion as to where the l brackets are going to go or how to assemble and install the vent hose, power connection, and wall transformer. We got you covered. (Click here to watch the video.)

Innovative Features for a Seamless Experience

To address the ventilation, the Nature's Head comes with a PVC pipe and a venting hose provided, crucial for directing odors outside the RV or van. The kit includes a PVC vent assembly and a mushroom vent mounted on the exterior, working together to pull fresh air in and keep the bathroom smelling fresh. The venting system is complemented by a hose adapter provided, allowing for easy connection to the venting hose.

Installation is made easier with counter-sunk mounting screws and mounting knobs, ensuring that the liquid tank for the toilet is securely attached to a wiring system. The optional spider handle decreases the space needed for installation, making it an ideal choice for the confined spaces of camper vans and tiny houses. For those requiring increased hose lengths, the system is adaptable, ensuring that the composting process isn't hindered by spatial constraints.

What's in the Box?

To start off with your Nature's Head Composting Toilet installation, you will be receiving the following:

• Nature's Head Composting Toilet

• Liquids Bottle and Cap

• Basic Installation Kit

  • 5 Feet of 1 1/2 inch inside diameter hose with ends

  • Inside vent flange

  • Agitator Handle unattached

  • 2 Mounting L-Brackets and knobs

  • 4 Mounting Screws (for wood floor installations)

  • 6' Single Pin Cable for 12V Fan

  • Fuse Holder and Fuse for Direct Battery Attachment

  • Allen set screw for installation of Spider handle attaches

• Instruction Manual

• Warranty Card

Know that your Nature's Head Composting Toilet will come with most of the items needed to complete the installation. In addition, you'll have to note that the exhaust fan for the head was pre-installed before your toilet ships. This is on the right side when facing the toilet.

Now that you have the items to complete your Nature's Head Composting Toilet installation, don't forget to stock up on your composting medium. You can use peat moss or coco coir. These are readily available in your local stores.

Installing Nature's Head Composting Toilet in RVs and Vans

The Nature's Head Composting Toilet will come with the 12V Power Cable but you will have to get two power adapters, the Nature's Head 12V wall transformer or AC wall adapter, to plug into an outlet to power the fan. This is only needed if you are using a 110 volt house power.

If you already have an existing vent to connect the Nature's Head Composting Toilet, then getting an outside vent is not necessary. However, if you don't, then you can use the Nature's Head Shell Vent, which can be purchased separately.  It is recommended to vent to a side or a roof and not through the vehicle floor.

How do I install this into my Van or RV?

You can do the installation yourself! No professionals are needed! Installing the Nature's Head Composting Toilet is a breeze. 

Simple Installation Steps:

L-Bracket Attachment: Your Nature's Head toilet comes with all the necessary hardware. To start, simply attach it to the floor using two small L-brackets attached bracket together. This secure foundation ensures stability while you do your business.

Ventilation Magic: Proper ventilation is key to a pleasant bathroom experience. Your Nature's Head comes with a ventilation hose that needs to be run outside. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process that ensures fresh air circulation.

Power Up: For added convenience, there's a 12-volt power supply hook-up for a small computer-type fan. This fan helps maintain optimal conditions inside the toilet and minimizes any potential odors. It's like having a breath of fresh air in your bathroom!

Solar Option: If you're a fan of sustainability and off-grid living, you can even run the Nature's Head completely powerless by a power adapter connecting the vent hose to a solar vent. This will let you enjoy an eco-friendly bathroom experience.

We understand that clear instructions are essential, and Wild Oak Trail has you covered. Complete installation instructions are readily available for your convenience. You can find them hereon our website, where they can be easily downloaded. And guess what? Nature's Head also includes a copy of these instructions with your new Nature's Head Composting Toilet, so you'll always have a handy reference.

Ready to make the switch? Order your Nature's Head Composting Toilet from Wild Oak Trail today and experience the future of sanitation, one flush (or compost) at a time!

We at Wild Oak Trail decided to get ourselves our own Nature's Head Composting Toilet to see what the fuss is all about! Check out our YouTube videos as we explore why the Nature's Head Composting Toilet is the favorite of the preppers, adventure seekers and the RV living community!

If you have any questions at all about buying or setting up your Nature's Head Composting Toilet, maintaining it, or checking to see if it's working correctly, give us a call, chat in or email us at Wild Oak Trail! 1-844-WILDOAK (1-844-954-3625), www.wildoaktrail.com or customersupport@wildoaktrail.com