How to Change Toilet in a Coachmen RV

As a recreational vehicle enthusiast, you possess an indomitable spirit for adventure. You love visiting new, far-off places in your Coachmen RV where you'll be in or near wild areas of the country. You travel with and rely on your problem-solving skills and your family. You know how to ensure that you have a successful excursion and have faith in your ability to overcome any obstacle.

Many RVers are avid DIY enthusiasts. They either know or are willing to learn how to fix problems. Let's say that your toilet needs replacing. Maybe it's broken. Perhaps it's just old, and you want a newer model. You could even do a little remodeling and upgrading. So, we know you're an RVer and a DIYer. What do you do? You replace it yourself, of course. We explain how in this article. 

Preparation

You'll need a few tools and materials to complete the job. We recommend assembling them before you begin. You'll want to gather at least the following:

• Pipe, socket, and open-end wrenches.
• A flathead screwdriver.
• Pliers.
• A water bucket.
• Towels or rags.
• Cleaning agents.

You'll also want to have the new toilet and any flange and seals to seat it properly ready. If you're upgrading to a toilet with a spray-clean function or a bidet, your first step is installing a splitter in the water. Bidets help reduce paper waste that can fill your tank and clog pipes, making them increasingly popular.

Remove any items from your bathroom that could be in your way. Replacing a toilet isn't a two-person job, but having an extra pair of hands is always useful. We also recommend wearing eye protection even when not using power tools, and a pair of gloves can come in handy. We recommend a durable latex set for this job. Latex gloves are water-resistant and thin enough to handle smaller parts without fumbling.

Removal of the Old Toilet

Most RV toilets have the same removal process. Follow these steps, and you'll have your old toilet out quickly:

1. Empty your tanks and rinse them with water. 
2. Turn off the water pump.
3. Flush the toilet to drain the water. If the water pump is on, it will refill your toilet.
4. Make sure your RV is level and that you've correctly chocked the wheels. 
5. Place your bucket beneath the water line entering the toilet. You might need a towel to clean up any spills.
6. Remove the water line from the toilet with a pipe wrench. Newer toilets might have a butterfly nut that won't require a tool unless stuck.
7. Remove the bucket after the water drains.
8. Locate the bolts holding the toilet to the floor and remove them. Some models might have covers on the bolts. You can use a flathead screwdriver to pop them off.
9. Remove the toilet. It might lift right off or get stuck. Jiggle it from side to side to gently knock it free.

Choosing the Right Replacement

Congratulations on successfully removing your old RV toilet and preparing to install a new one. Before you start, determine whether you have found the right replacement. If you liked how your old toilet performed, consider replacing it with the same model. 

You know how important it is to have a reliable, comfortable toilet in your RV. Some key factors to consider are maintenance, comfort, water efficiency, durability, and ease of installation. We recommend you research your options before purchasing.

Many RV toilets sit lower than household ones. This can be problematic, particularly if you have bad knees. However, some manufacturers offer residential-height toilets that eliminate this concern. RV toilets also come with round or oval seats. Which one you choose is an entirely personal decision, and you're likely to base it on what you have at home.

A pressure-enhanced flush helps empty the bowl but uses more water. For large families, this might cause issues with tank space on longer trips. Groups of two or three likely won't have the same concern about water usage, so the additional flush pressure is a viable option.

No matter what material you choose, make sure it isn't porous. A porous material will stain from simple watermarks and any chemicals you use to clean or maintain the system. Some RV toilets have pedal flushes, which some prefer as a more sanitary option, while others have levers. Some toilets have multiple flush jets, adjustable water levels, and even slow-close lids. You can even find options with hand-held sprayers to help with cleanup.

Installation Process

The installation below follows the removal steps in reverse: 

1. Clean the floor around the toilet area. 
2. Fit your seal onto the drain pipe.
3. Place your new toilet on the pipe, lining up the bolt holes.
4. Attach the bolts and close the bolt covers.
5. Reattach the water line.
6. Turn on the water pump.

That's it, you're done. As a final note, we only recommend a wax seal for stationary, climate-controlled RVs. Extreme temperatures and vibration from the road can compromise a wax seal, allowing vapors and fluids to leak into your bathroom. If you're a regular on the road or a seasonal RVer, we strongly encourage you to opt for a wax-less seal.

Testing and Troubleshooting

Once you've installed your new unit, you'll want to test and troubleshoot any problems before you hit the road. Make sure the area around your toilet is completely dry. Test flush and check for leaks at the water connection. If you don't have any leaks, your job is done. 

If the toilet leaks, it's probably coming from the base seal or the water line connection. Check and retighten these areas and test again. If you can't find the source, contact our service department for help.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your toilet involves routine cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners with chemicals that are safe for your system. You should also ensure that you flush and clean your tanks before, during, and after the RV season.

Need Help Installing Your RV Toilet?

We hope you found this article helpful and enjoy your new RV toilet. If you run into a problem, are short on time, or would prefer not to install your new toilet, we can help. You can schedule a service online, and one of our trained technicians will handle the rest.

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