Nature's Head Composting Toilet (Standard with Crank Handle)

The Nature's Head composting toilet is a proven, well-engineered solution for RVers, van-lifers, and boaters who want to ditch smelly black tanks and frequent dump station visits.

4.6

HitchHaven score4.6 out of 5 · our editorial rating

Self-contained waterless design with urine diversion
Side-mounted agitator crank handle for mixing solids with peat moss
Large capacity liquid tank with level indicator
Vented solids compartment with computer fan to reduce odor
Molded spider handle lid for easy opening
Stainless steel foot pedal mechanism for trap door

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Overview Specs Pros & cons Full review Related

The verdict

The Nature's Head composting toilet is a proven, well-engineered solution for RVers, van-lifers, and boaters who want to ditch smelly black tanks and frequent dump station visits. It demands a bit of a learning curve and manual upkeep, but the near-odorless operation, durability, and independence from sewage hookups make it one of the most trusted names in mobile composting toilets.

Spec plate

Dimensions: 19 in H x 20.75 in W x 21.5 in D (with lid closed)
Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Liquid Tank Capacity: 2.2 gallons (8.3 L)
Solids Compartment Capacity: Approx. 60 uses before emptying
Power Requirement: 12V DC fan (low draw, solar-compatible)

Pros & cons

What we like

Virtually no odor when used and maintained correctly
No black water tank or sewage hookup required
Simple composting process using coco coir or peat moss
Durable, corrosion-resistant construction for marine/RV environments
Lightweight compared to traditional holding tank systems
Liquid tank can be emptied easily at any approved disposal spot
Long-term cost savings versus dump station fees and chemicals

What to watch

Higher upfront price than standard portable camping toilets
Requires manual emptying of both urine and solids containers
Learning curve for proper venting and moisture management
Crank handle mechanism can feel stiff when brand new
Not ideal for very frequent heavy use by large families
Fan requires continuous small power draw (12V)

Full review

The Nature's Head composting toilet is a self-contained bathroom solution purpose-built for RVs, campers, and overlanding rigs where traditional black tank systems are impractical or undesirable. Unlike conventional marine or RV toilets that require constant water hookups and periodic dumping at designated stations, this unit separates liquid and solid waste at the source, using a simple diverter design that channels urine into a separate bottle while solids drop into a larger composting chamber mixed with coconut coir or peat moss. A hand crank built into the side of the unit allows users to agitate the solid waste chamber after each use, which promotes aerobic breakdown and significantly reduces odor without relying on chemicals, cartridges, or constant plumbing connections to a freshwater supply.

Built from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, the toilet features a sturdy molded base, a comfortable seat and lid, and a spider handle vent system that connects to a 12-volt fan for continuous airflow, pulling moisture and odor out through a vent hose rather than letting it linger inside the cabin. This fan runs on minimal power, making it compatible with the electrical systems already present in most campers, travel trailers, and converted vans, and it can be wired directly into a house battery or solar setup without straining the system. The unit's compact footprint and relatively lightweight construction, compared to holding tank systems full of liquid waste, make it a practical fit for small spaces, tiny homes on wheels, teardrop trailers, and off-grid rigs where minimizing weight and water usage is a priority for long hauls and boondocking.

For RV owners and full-time travelers, the appeal lies in the independence this toilet provides: no more hunting for dump stations, no black tank sensors malfunctioning, and no risk of freezing pipes during cold-weather travel. The liquids container typically needs emptying every few days depending on usage, while the solids composting chamber can go several weeks between emptying for a couple traveling together, with the end product resembling garden compost rather than raw sewage. Assembly is straightforward, with the toilet designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation using a simple mounting bracket system, and the overall footprint fits within standard RV bathroom cutouts, making it a popular upgrade for those converting a rig for extended boondocking, off-grid living, or international overland travel where sanitation infrastructure can't be guaranteed.

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