We had a Thetford RV toilet (the Aria II electrically-activated gravity flush toilet) in our Newmar motorhome for over 18 years. Not only did it work perfectly for all that time, but it even had the original seal on the blade valve when we sold it! But we know that many RVers replace their RV toilets for one reason or another. And, many people who build their own van campers/RVs need to select a toilet solution that works with a less complex water system… or none at all. (See our post How Does a Composting RV Toilet Work for ideas on that topic).
So, in this post, we look at various types and models of Thetford RV toilets to sort out the differences as a guide for what’s readily available in the Thetford line. Let’s dive right in! (Oops, sorry…maybe not the best choice of words for today’s topic, LOL!)
- 1) Who is Thetford?
- 2) What Types of RV Toilets Does Thetford Produce?
- 3) Are Thetford RV Toilets Interchangeable?
- 4) Where is the ID Label on My Thetford RV Toilet?
- 5) Popular Thetford RV Flush Toilet Models
- 6) What Other Types of RV Toilets Does Thetford Offer?
- 7) Multiple Thetford RV Toilet Options
Who is Thetford?
Thetford is a leading manufacturer of mobile sanitation products worldwide.
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a global headquarters in Etten-Leur, Netherlands, Thetford has been making toilets and other products for the RV, camping, marine, and truck industries since 1964.
Their RV toilet products include low-water-use permanently mounted or portable toilets and tote tanks, as well as waste holding tank treatments and deodorants.
What Types of RV Toilets Does Thetford Produce?
Thetford makes RV flush toilets, portable toilets, permanently installed cassette toilets, as well as RV toilet accessories and parts. In essence, if you need a permanent or portable toilet for mobile use (or even for home health care), Thetford likely has an option available for you.
Are Thetford RV Toilets Interchangeable?
If you’ve got a Thetford toilet installed in your RV that needs to be replaced or upgraded, you can usually choose another Thetford model to install. In fact, newer models are more water-efficient and are available in lightweight high-quality plastic (polypropylene) or home-like porcelain. You can also probably buy a Thetford model that’s taller than the one currently in your RV for comfort and ease of use.
However, it’s important to remember that while RV toilet flanges are universal, RV toilets are not. There are many different types of RV toilets, so not all RV toilet replacements will work for every application. You’ll need to know how far from the wall your new RV toilet can be mounted, the location of the drain, etc. Older RVs, in particular, will have older toilets with varying installations. These details are good to know prior to ordering a replacement flush toilet for your RV.
To help, you may want to look for the ID label on your RV toilet for more information about your particular model. Or take some measurements to compare with the specifications of any replacement you’re considering. You can also contact Thetford directly if you’re having difficulty selecting a replacement toilet that will work for your application. You can reach out to Thetford’s customer service by calling 1-800-543-1219.
Where is the ID Label on My Thetford RV Toilet?
On a Thetford RV toilet, you’re most likely to find the ID label either below the rim on the center front surface or behind the seat. To see a label located behind the seat, lift the seat and lid halfway. On some RV toilets, you’ll find a sticker on the side with replacement information.
Your RV owner’s manual (if it’s the original toilet) should be helpful. If the toilet in your RV has been replaced previously, the owner’s manual for the new toilet will also have helpful information.
Popular Thetford RV Flush Toilet Models
If you need to replace your existing permanently installed RV gravity flush toilet, you’ve got a number of options. (Just remember to check the measurements of your particular application.)
Following are some of the most popular Thetford RV toilets currently on the market.
Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence
The Aqua-Magic Residence is a premium, lightweight (polypropylene), gravity, foot-flush RV toilet with a residential seat and cover. The high-profile version of the Aqua-Magic Residence is ADA-compliant at 18 inches high (19.5″ high with the lid closed). This replacement is helpful to many RVers who have a lower toilet installed and need more height for comfortable access.
The high-profile version weighs just 9.5 pounds and uses a single pedal flush, noted by the manufacturer as powerful, with 100% bowl coverage. Dimensions of this Thetford RV toilet are 19.75 x 15.25 x 18 inches.
A lower-profile version of the Aqua-Magic Residence (12.5 inches high and 8.5 pounds) is also available, as is an optional water-saving hand sprayer.
The toilet comes with a flange seal, 2 nuts, 2 bolts, and 2 bolt covers.
- [VERSATILITY]: Aqua-Magic Residence is a stylish, comfortable, and lightweight toilet, suited for all RV type
- [FUNCTIONALITY]: The toilet uses a single-pedal system - pressing the pedal half way adds water to the bowl, while pressing the pedal all the way...
Looking for the low-profile version of the Aqua-Magic Residence? Here you go!
- Thetford Aqua-Magic Residence Low Profile RV Toilet
- Color: Bone
Thetford Aqua-Magic Bravura
The Bravura is another high-profile, gravity flush RV toilet with a unique style designed to be easy to clean. The front shroud is removable for access to the mounting bolts and the flush pedal mechanism, allowing for thorough cleaning. The seat and cover pod are also removable for cleaning.
This is a single-pedal flush toilet: press the pedal halfway down to add water to the bowl and then all the way down to flush the toilet.
The Bravura has a universal floor flange so it can be mounted on any existing flange.
Thetford’s water-saving hand sprayer can be installed with this toilet, but it is not included.
This RV toilet weighs 18.7 pounds and is 16.25 inches tall.
- 2-in-1 Efficient Flush System: The single-pedal flush system has 2 functions: press the lever halfway to add water to the bowl and all the way to...
- The Comfort Of A Household Toilet: Bravura comes with a removable seat and cover pod for easy cleaning and servicing.
Aqua-Magic VI
Thetford’s Aqua-Magic VI weighs only around 11 pounds. It’s available as a low-profile toilet (14″ in height) and as a high-profile toilet at 18 inches. That’s a pretty significant difference in height, so be sure to choose the higher-profile Aqua-Magic V if you desire a taller throne! The low-profile version uses a one-pedal flush (halfway for water, all the way for a flush), and the high-profile version offers a single-pedal flush.
Thetford’s Aqua-Magic VI RV toilets are lightweight, durable, affordable, and quite popular due to having one of the deepest bowls available. The toilets come in white or parchment.
- Space-saving design allows for the closest possible mounting to the wall
- Foot flush positioned for minimal floor space interference
- Does not include hand sprayer
- Improved mounting bolt slots specifically designed for easy installation
Aria Deluxe II
The Aria Deluxe is the toilet we had in our RV for darn near two decades. The current version is the Aria Deluxe II, and it’s very similar. It’s a fully residential-sized toilet with a deep, all-china bowl and an elongated seat. It’s a high-profile toilet with a height of 17 1/2 inches and a weight of around 57 pounds.
The Aria Deluxe II has an electric push-button pulsating flush and a water-saving hand sprayer. It uses about half the water other brands do, so it’s great for boondockers like us (it includes two flush modes – residential and water saver – that can be selected using a rear-mounted switch).
As we write this post, the Aria Deluxe II is no longer available on Amazon, but you can learn more about it here on Thetford’s website.
Tecma Silence Plus 2
And finally, the Tecma Silence Plus 2, Thetford’s 12V RV macerating toilet with a wall switch. This toilet weighs just over 68 1/2 pounds and features a powerful, nearly noiseless turbine pump capable of pumping waste 120 feet with an 8-foot rise. It has a solid porcelain base with a molded plastic seat and cover. It’s fully self-contained, so there’s no need for an external macerator or pump.
The dimensions of this toilet are 13.9 x 68.6 x 10 inches.
- Amazingly powerful, yet virtually noiseless turbine pump
- Remarkably elegant European styling
These are by no means all of Thetford’s RV flush toilets but they represent several of the most popular. Should you want to look at other RV toilets currently offered by Thetford, we encourage you to check out Thetford’s website.
What Other Types of RV Toilets Does Thetford Offer?
Thetford offers several types of RV toilets that are suitable for various types of rigs.
Portable Toilets
Thetford offers portable toilets in several styles and sizes (check out our post on portable camping toilets to learn more about them).
These toilets are self-contained with a detachable tank underneath. They flush with water, and then the tank can be detached from the toilet and the contents dumped.
Portable toilets are very popular in camper vans without holding tanks, custom-built vans, and even cars.
Cassette Toilets
Thetford cassette toilets work in a similar fashion to permanent RV toilets while offering the convenience and easy addition of what is essentially a portable toilet combined with a holding tank.
This type of toilet is permanently installed and can be used in any van or RV build that has room for the toilet and its built-in tank.
We’ve used cassette toilets during all five of our international RV trips, and show you how to manage them in this video from our trip to England:
Multiple Thetford RV Toilet Options
We hope we’ve been able to give you an idea of the variety of RV toilet options offered by Thetford. There are other manufacturers of RV toilets, but Thetford is one of the most popular and significant producers. And our 17+ years of personal experience have been excellent!
Looking to replace a Dometic brand toilet? Check out this article: Need To Replace/Upgrade Your RV’s Toilet? Check Out Dometic’s RV Toilet Options!
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Joni
Monday 28th of October 2024
I have a thetford toilet in my 2017 travato. Original seals until April this year. Had them replaced. On my 3rd replacement now due to poor seal quality in bowl. 2 replacements have been from thetford. Where can I get a quality seal that doesn’t leak within 2 months
Bruce
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
I really enjoyed reading this article and it left me pondering some double entendres afterwards to include in this comment. We bought our first travel trailer in 2020 and we camp mostly in places which at least have an outhouse so we've avoided the hassle so far of dealing with solid waste - your article on pyramiding was provocative and left us pondering the possibilities of piles of poop. However, I am thinking of building a tear drop or van RV and considering what type of toilet to use. I did a deeper dive (no pun intended) afterwards on recirculating toilets which I had never heard of but found they sounded maintenance intensive and odiferous. It would be interesting to learn about other options, such as compost toilets, etc.
The other Bruce
Monday 28th of October 2024
@Bruce, our TrailManor (we've since moved up to a bigger trailer) came with a recirculating toilet. It was the absolute worst feature of what was otherwise a fabulous camping experience. Honestly, I would rather have gone back to the 'port-a-potty' that my family had in our popup when I was a kid.
My advice is Just Don't Do It.