Thetford permanent toilets are the factory-fitted standard in UK and European caravans and motorhomes. This collection covers the complete Thetford permanent toilet range, including swivel bowl models from the C200, C220, and C260 series, plus bench-style toilets from the C400 and C500 series. You'll also find the newer S220 and S260 separation toilets for waterless off-grid use. Waste tank capacities range from 17 to 19 litres depending on model, with all units designed to support users up to 120kg. Thetford backs these toilets with a three-year warranty.Which Thetford permanent toilet model do I need for my caravan or motorhome?
Thetford permanent toilets fall into two main categories: swivel bowl models (C200, C220, C260 series) and bench-style models (C400, C500 series). Swivel bowl toilets rotate 90 degrees each way to fit tight washroom spaces, while bench toilets integrate into fixed bathroom furniture. Check your existing toilet's model number on the data badge, as replacement units need to match the original mounting footprint and service door position.
The swivel bowl range includes the C200 series with 17-litre waste tanks for compact spaces, the C220 series with 18-litre tanks and improved seating comfort, and the C260 series available in plastic or ceramic bowl options with 17.5-litre tanks. Models ending in "S" draw flush water from the vehicle's main tank, while "CW" models have their own integrated flush tank. The "CS" designation indicates a surface-mounted cistern backplate housing controls and flush button. Bench-style C400 and C500 toilets suit motorhome fixed bathroom installations with larger seating areas and 19-litre waste tanks with wheels and handles for easier transport. The S220 and S260 separation toilets offer waterless operation by diverting liquid and solid waste into separate containers.
Caravan owners replacing existing toilets form the largest customer group, followed by motorhome owners and DIY campervan converters. Most purchases involve direct replacements for worn units, though some owners upgrade from plastic to ceramic bowl models within the same series. The Fresh-up Sets provide a cost-effective refresh option, replacing the waste tank, seat, and cover without changing the entire toilet. Toilet chemicals and consumables like Aqua Kem and Aqua Soft toilet paper are frequently purchased alongside these units to maintain proper operation.
Model selection depends primarily on your installation space and existing mounting configuration. The C220 and C260 series share the same footprint but differ in seating size and bowl material options. If you have a C260 ceramic model and want separation toilet functionality, you'd need the S260 rather than an SK260 conversion kit. Bench toilets from the C400 series work independently with their own flush tanks (C402X) or connect to vehicle water supplies (C403L). Entry-level swivel bowl toilets suit basic touring use, while ceramic bowl and bench models cost more but offer a more domestic feel. Budget for ongoing toilet chemicals, which typically run between four and seven days between tank emptying depending on usage and product choice.
The most common mistake is ordering a toilet without checking the existing installation dimensions and service door position. Left-hand and right-hand cassette access configurations are not interchangeable. Bench toilets have specific mounting requirements that differ from swivel bowl units. When replacing a toilet, photograph the existing unit and note the model number from the data badge before ordering. Lip seals should be replaced every four to six years and treated with silicone lubricant twice yearly to prevent leaks. The cassette waste tank should be emptied before it reaches capacity to avoid odour issues, and Thetford recommends using their Aqua Soft dissolving toilet paper to prevent blockages.How many UK caravans and motorhomes use Thetford permanent toilets?
Over 750,000 touring caravans and motorhomes are in regular use across the UK, with Thetford permanent toilets fitted as standard by most European and British manufacturers. The UK motorhome market is valued at £1.5 billion in 2024, with motorhome registrations increasing 20.2% year-on-year. Caravan and motorhome manufacturing contributes over £1.8 billion annually to the UK economy, and the camping sector generates £9.3 billion per year. This installed base creates consistent demand for replacement toilets, spare parts, and consumables.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Thetford swivel bowl and bench cassette toilets?Swivel bowl toilets (C200, C220, C260 series) have a bowl that rotates 90 degrees in each direction, allowing flexible positioning in compact washrooms. The entire toilet sits against an exterior wall with the cassette accessed from outside. Bench toilets (C400, C500 series) have a fixed bowl integrated into bathroom furniture with a larger seating area. Both types use removable waste cassettes with wheels and handles, but bench toilets are designed for dedicated motorhome bathroom compartments while swivel models suit smaller caravan washrooms.What do the Thetford model designations S, CS, and CW mean?The letter codes indicate water supply and mounting configuration. Models ending in S draw flush water from the vehicle's main water tank. Models ending in CW have their own integrated flush water tank, making them self-contained. The CS designation indicates a surface-mounted cistern or backplate that houses the control panel and flush button, while S models require the controls to be recessed into the wall. For example, a C223CS has an integrated flush tank and surface-mounted controls, while a C223S connects to the vehicle water supply with recessed controls.Can I replace my plastic bowl Thetford toilet with a ceramic model?Ceramic bowl options are available within the C260 series (C262CWE and C263 ceramic variants). You can upgrade from a plastic C260 to a ceramic C260 as they share the same mounting footprint and cassette. Upgrading from a C220 to a ceramic C260 would require modifications as the installation dimensions differ. Alternatively, the Thetford Twusch is a porcelain inlay that fits inside existing plastic bowls on all Thetford cassette toilets, providing scratch resistance and a more hygienic surface without replacing the entire toilet.How often should I empty a Thetford cassette toilet?Thetford recommends emptying the waste tank when the level indicator shows full or when odours begin, typically every three to five days depending on usage intensity and the toilet additive used. Thetford Blue products allow four to five days between emptying, while Green products require more frequent emptying at three to four days. Never leave the tank until completely full as this increases odour and makes emptying more difficult. The cassette has wheels and a retractable handle for transport to Elsan disposal points.Why is my Thetford cassette toilet leaking?The most common cause of leaks is a worn lip seal between the toilet bowl and the waste cassette. Thetford recommends replacing the lip seal every four to six years depending on usage. Before replacing, check the cassette is properly positioned and the seal is intact. Treating the seal with Thetford Seal Lubricant Spray twice yearly helps prevent drying and cracking. If the flush mechanism is leaking, the vacuum breaker may need replacement. Never use household cleaning products containing bleach or strong acids as these damage rubber seals.What is a Thetford Fresh-up Set?A Fresh-up Set is a refurbishment kit containing a new waste holding tank, seat, and cover. It allows you to refresh an ageing cassette toilet without replacing the entire unit. Fresh-up Sets are available for all main Thetford series including C200, C220, C250/C260, C400, and C500. This is a cost-effective option when the toilet bowl and mounting are still in good condition but the cassette shows wear, staining, or persistent odours that cleaning cannot resolve.What toilet chemicals do I need for a Thetford cassette toilet?Thetford recommends using Aqua Kem or Aqua Kem Green in the waste holding tank to control odours and aid waste breakdown. Aqua Rinse goes in the flush water tank to keep it fresh and provide a protective layer on the bowl. Use Thetford Aqua Soft toilet paper as standard household paper can cause blockages. For periodic maintenance, Duo Tank Cleaner Concentrated cleans the waste tank two to three times yearly. Thetford advises against household cleaning products as they can damage seals and plastic components.What is the difference between Thetford cassette and separation toilets?Cassette toilets combine liquid and solid waste in a single tank that requires water for flushing and chemical additives to control odours. Separation toilets (S220, S260 series) divert liquid and solid waste into separate containers at the point of use, operate without water or chemicals, and allow disposal of urine in any standard toilet while solid waste goes with household refuse. Cassette toilets need emptying at Elsan disposal points every few days, while separation toilets offer more flexibility for off-grid travel without reliance on disposal facilities.How do I find the model number on my Thetford toilet?The data badge is located either on the back of the toilet (which can be a tight fit to access) or on the base, depending on the model. The serial number also appears on both the cassette and the tank itself. The model number typically starts with C followed by three digits (e.g., C223, C402). Photograph this information before ordering replacement parts or a new toilet to confirm you get the correct components for your specific installation.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check cited sources.
What weight can Thetford cassette toilets support?All Thetford cassette toilets are tested to support users up to 159kg (350 lbs) without risk of damage or reduced performance. This applies to both swivel bowl and bench-style models across all series. The toilets are manufactured from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand regular use over many years.
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