Separation toilets represent a growing category within caravan and motorhome sanitation, designed for owners who prioritise off-grid independence. These waterless toilets work by diverting liquid and solid waste into separate containers at the point of use, removing the need for flush water or chemical additives. The collection covers complete replacement toilets in the S220 and S260 series, plus conversion kits (SK220 and SK260) for retrofitting existing Thetford cassette toilets. Thetford backs all separation toilets with a three-year warranty and rates them for users up to 120kg.What types of separation toilets are available for caravans and motorhomes?
Thetford offers two main options: complete S-series toilets (S220 and S260) and conversion kits (SK220 and SK260) for existing C220 or C260 cassette toilets. Complete toilets come in CS versions with a surface-mounted cistern unit or S versions requiring recessed wall installation. Each type includes a urine tank, solid waste container, and specially designed bowl with a blade that covers waste and guides fluids.
Thetford dominates this collection with over 50 years of RV sanitation experience and more than 2.5 million C220 and C260 cassette toilets already installed across Europe. The S220 series mirrors the dimensions of the C220 cassette toilet, making it a direct replacement without requiring bathroom redesign. The S260 series follows the same principle for larger C260 installations. Both come with mechanical or electrical urine tank level indicators depending on the model. The CS versions include a backplate that houses the control panel and flush button, allowing surface mounting to any suitable wall with cassette access.
Separation toilets suit several distinct user groups. Extended off-grid travellers benefit most because waste disposal doesn't depend on finding dedicated Elsan points. Eco-conscious owners appreciate the waterless operation and absence of chemical additives. Van conversion builders favour these units for their flexibility during installation. The technology also appeals to those on boats and canal narrowboats where similar disposal flexibility matters. Consider pairing a separation toilet with a ventilator kit for enhanced odour control during warm weather touring.
The S220 models fit smaller bathroom spaces and suit most standard caravan washrooms. The S260 series provides a larger footprint for motorhomes with dedicated bathroom compartments. Pricing follows a clear pattern: conversion kits cost less than complete toilets because you're keeping your existing base, seat, and cover. Entry-level comes through the SK220 and SK260 conversion kits, while the S260CS with electronic level indication sits at the premium end. Factor in ongoing consumable costs including drying agent, waste bags, urine tank fresh, and bowl cleaner when budgeting.
One common mistake involves installing a conversion kit without fully understanding that removing the bracket makes reverting to your original cassette toilet impossible. If you want flexibility to switch back later, opt for a complete S220 or S260 instead. Check your existing toilet model carefully before ordering, as the SK220 only fits C220 variants and the SK260 only fits C260 variants. Proper ventilation matters more than many buyers expect; adding the optional electric ventilator kit with charcoal filter dramatically improves odour control, particularly in warmer conditions. Never rinse the urine container with plain water, as this promotes urine scale formation. Use the dedicated Urine Tank Fresh product mixed with the contents instead.Why are separation toilets growing in popularity among UK caravan and motorhome owners?
The UK holiday park and campsite sector generated £12.2 billion in visitor expenditure in 2024, with over 750,000 touring caravans and motorhomes now in regular use. Off-grid capability ranks as a key buying factor for many owners, with 18% of campers choosing off-grid experiences in 2023. Motorhome registrations grew 20.2% in 2024, reflecting increased demand for self-contained travel where separation toilets provide independence from fixed disposal points.
The Thetford Separation Toilet S260CS is a complete waterless toilet s
The Thetford Separation Toilet S260S is a complete waterless toilet de
The Thetford S220CS Separation Toilet offers a waterless alternative t
The Thetford Separation Toilet S220s represents a shift in how off-gri
The Thetford SK220 Separation Toilet Kit transforms your existing C220
The Thetford Separation Toilet Kit SK260 transforms your existing C260
Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh is a specialist maintenanc
Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner is a 500ml fast-acting spr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a separation toilet and a cassette toilet?Cassette toilets combine liquid and solid waste in a single tank that requires water for flushing and chemical additives to control odours. Separation toilets divide waste at the point of use into two containers, 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 dedicated Elsan points every few days, while separation toilets give more flexibility for off-grid travel.Which Thetford cassette toilets are compatible with the separation conversion kits?The SK220 conversion kit fits all Thetford C220 series cassette toilets. The SK260 conversion kit fits all Thetford C260 series cassette toilets. Both kits include a urine tank, solid waste container, and complete toilet bowl with both inner and outer sections. Other cassette toilet models from Thetford or other manufacturers are not compatible with these conversion kits and would need a complete S220 or S260 replacement toilet instead.Can I switch back to a cassette toilet after installing a separation conversion kit?No. Installing an SK220 or SK260 conversion kit requires removing the bracket from your existing cassette toilet, which is a permanent modification. Once the bracket is removed, you cannot return to the original cassette toilet model. If you want the flexibility to switch back in future, Thetford recommends installing a complete S220 or S260 separation toilet instead. These complete units can be removed and replaced with a cassette toilet if you change your mind later.How do I dispose of waste from a Thetford separation toilet?Urine can be emptied into any standard household toilet connected to a sewage system. Solid waste is collected in bags made from recycled plastic and disposed of with regular household waste where local regulations permit. The process is similar to disposing of nappies. Add Thetford Drying Agent to the solid waste container to absorb moisture and make disposal cleaner. Always check local council regulations before disposing of solid waste in public bins.Why does my separation toilet smell and how do I fix it?Odour in separation toilets typically occurs when the waste containers are not managed properly. Use Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh to prevent urine scale and odour in the liquid container. Add Thetford Drying Agent to the solid waste container after each use to absorb moisture and prevent odour development. For persistent smell issues, install the optional electric ventilator kit with charcoal filter, which actively extracts odours from the toilet and filters the air before releasing it outside the vehicle.What is the difference between the S220 and S260 separation toilet models?The S220 matches the dimensions and mounting footprint of the Thetford C220 cassette toilet range, designed for smaller caravan washrooms. The S260 matches the larger C260 cassette toilet range, suited to motorhomes with dedicated bathroom compartments. Both come in CS versions with a surface-mounted cistern backplate housing controls and flush button, or S versions requiring recessed wall installation. The S260 offers a slightly larger seating area but requires more bathroom space.Does the Thetford separation toilet need water or electricity to operate?Thetford separation toilets do not require water to operate. The system is designed as a waterless dry toilet. Models with electronic urine tank level indicators require a 12V electrical connection. The optional ventilator kit also requires a 12V power supply to run the extraction fan. Models with mechanical level indicators can operate without any electrical connection, making them suitable for basic van conversions where power availability is limited.What consumables do I need for a Thetford separation toilet?Thetford offers four main consumables for separation toilets. Separation Toilet Waste Bags are recycled plastic bags for solid waste collection. Drying Agent is 100% wood fibre that absorbs moisture and prevents odours in the solid waste container. Urine Tank Fresh prevents urine scale and controls odour in the liquid container. Bowl Cleaner is a water-free spray for daily cleaning. While consumables are optional and the toilet functions without them, using them significantly improves hygiene and odour control.What is the weight limit for Thetford separation toilets?All Thetford separation toilets are designed to support users weighing up to 120kg without any risk of damage or reduced performance. This applies to both the complete S220 and S260 toilets and to toilets converted using the SK220 and SK260 kits. The toilets are built from durable materials and undergo rigorous testing to meet this specification.What warranty covers Thetford separation toilets?Thetford provides a three-year warranty on all separation toilets and conversion kits. Spare parts purchased separately carry a one-year warranty. The warranty does not cover fitting or labour costs associated with spare parts. Contact a Thetford dealer or service centre if you need warranty support. Keep your proof of purchase as this will be required for any warranty claims.
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