Thetford Fresh-up Sets

Thetford Fresh Up Sets provide a complete refurbishment solution for cassette toilets in caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. Each set includes a brand-new waste-holding tank and toilet seat with lid, offering the most cost-effective way to restore a cassette toilet to like-new condition. They're designed for owners of pre-owned leisure vehicles who want complete washroom hygiene without replacing the entire toilet unit, and they're also used by tourers who need a spare cassette for longer trips or festival camping. Available for C200, C220, C250/C260, C2/C3/C4, C400, and C500 series toilets, these kits typically cost 40-50% less than buying a replacement cassette and seat separately.

Which Thetford Fresh Up Set do I need for my toilet?

Identifying your correct model is straightforward with the data badge located underneath your waste-holding tank. C200 sets fit swivel bowl models (popular in smaller caravans), C220 sets include wheeled cassettes for easier handling, C250/C260 sets suit larger comfort models, whilst C2/C3/C4 sets come in left-hand or right-hand configurations for bench-style installations. C400 and C500 sets are convertible between left and right configurations through a simple rotation mechanism. Modern sets feature handles and wheels on cassettes, a significant upgrade from older models manufactured before 2015.

Fresh Up Sets serve three main user groups. Buyers of second-hand caravans and motorhomes represent the largest segment, wanting fresh sanitation facilities without the cost of a full toilet replacement. Full-timers and extended tourers use them as spare cassettes to double their capacity between emptying points, particularly valuable at festivals or remote locations where facilities fill quickly. Owners of ageing vehicles (8+ years old) choose them when seals start failing or cassettes develop persistent odours that cleaning can't eliminate. Seasonal tourers with storage units often keep a spare set to avoid mid-trip repairs. The sets work across the UK's 1.14 million registered touring caravans and motorhomes, with particularly strong demand from the 225,000 motorhome owners who frequently undertake longer journeys.

When selecting a Fresh Up Set, start with your current toilet model number from the data badge - mixing models won't work. Check if you need left-hand or right-hand access (C2/C3/C4 only), determined by which side of the vehicle the cassette removes from. Verify your existing cassette has wheels before ordering a wheeled set, as some pre-2015 models require different mounting brackets. Entry-level sets (C200) suit budget refurbishment and typically retail at mid-tier pricing. Mid-range options (C220, C250/C260) offer better capacity (17-20 litres) and ergonomic improvements. Premium sets (C400, C500) include convertible mechanisms and three-level indicators, suited to high-specification motorhomes. Consider a Fresh Up Set rather than individual parts whenever your cassette is over 5 years old - the bundled pricing makes economic sense even if you only need the tank.

The most common mistake is buying a set without confirming compatibility with your existing flush mechanism - whilst the cassette is universal within each series, mounting points and vent positions vary. Don't assume all C200 models are identical; toilets manufactured before June 2000 use different specifications. Check your automatic vent configuration if fitted, as newer cassettes include spring-loaded vents that occasionally require swapping with your original vent to ensure proper blade operation. Avoid purchasing from sellers who don't specify left/right configuration for C2/C3/C4 models, as returning installed sanitation products is typically prohibited. Store your old cassette after fitting the new one - it serves as a valuable spare for emergency repairs. Apply Thetford Seal Lubricant to the lip seal before first use to ensure proper seating and odour control. Sets don't include mounting brackets or flush mechanisms, so inspect these components for wear before installation to avoid disappointment.

How many caravans and motorhomes use cassette toilets in the UK?

The UK has 1.14 million registered leisure vehicles comprising 365,000 caravans, 225,000 motorhomes, and 555,000 touring caravans. The caravan and motorhome manufacturing sector contributes over £1.8 billion to the UK economy annually, with motorhome registrations increasing 20.2% in 2024. Thetford cassette toilets represent the dominant sanitation solution across this fleet, with the used vehicle market showing particular strength as owners refresh pre-owned units rather than purchasing new vehicles.