DARTMOOR Portable Camping Toilet 10L & 20L Review
by DARTMOOR
The DARTMOOR Portable Camping Toilet offers versatile waste solutions for travel, available in 10L & 20L with a convenient removable tank.
Our Verdict
Consensus Verdict
This portable toilet proves to be a real game-changer for many campers, especially for avoiding those dark, middle-of-the-night trips to the site loos . It's praised for its simple, no-fuss operation, making it a great choice for those new to campervan life . However, while most users have a positive experience, a significant number of reports about leaks and flimsy parts raise questions about its long-term reliability.
Our Verdict
Who should buy this?
Who should consider alternatives?
Value for money
Our honest take
What Customers Say
Highlights from 14 customer reviews"Waste tank leaks from cap which does not tighten properly, after 1 month use."
"clips don't hold closed they open aren't that sturdy enough to stay closed"
"Very flimsy does not sit flush to the floor. The spigot that holds the seat and lid are different sizes and keeps dropping off."
"Ideal for our small campervan. Easy to fill/empty."
"has been a great help whilst getting a new bathroom fitted."
"The unit would be heavy if used to maximum capacity. Half to two-thirds full will be enough for me to handle comfortably."
"easy for us beginners to manage."
"Solid with no spills or smells."
"My bathroom is downstairs and at 67 years old I was getting fed up of going up and down stairs during the night."
"i do think the handle for the waste compartment should be on the side rather than next to the outlet to empty it as its a bit awkward to empty when full"
Key Specifications
How Well Is It Built?
Build quality is inconsistent. While many users find it sturdy and well-made, a significant minority report critical flaws. Issues include a flimsy overall construction that doesn't sit flush, clips that fail to hold, and parts that detach easily, suggesting potential quality control problems.
When it comes to the design and build of the DARTMOOR Portable Camping Toilet, customer experiences are sharply divided, pointing towards inconsistent manufacturing quality.
Mixed Reports on Sturdiness
On one side, a number of users are perfectly happy, describing the unit as 'well thought out and sturdy' and noting that the 'quality is spot on' . These reviews suggest that when you get a good one, it feels solid and reliable enough for its intended purpose.Significant Build Quality Flaws
However, this is directly contradicted by a worrying number of buyers who experienced significant build issues. One 1-star review described it as 'Very flimsy' and noted it 'does not sit flush to the floor' . Another major weak point appears to be the clips that hold the top and bottom sections together, with one user stating they 'don't hold closed they open aren't that sturdy enough' . There are also reports of smaller parts, like the spigot for the seat and lid, being poorly fitted and dropping off . This suggests that while the design concept is standard, the execution can be seriously lacking.How Does It Perform?
Performance is generally good for basic needs, with users praising its simple operation and ease of emptying. It's often described as watertight with no spills or odours. However, its reliability is questionable, as some users experienced significant leaks from the waste tank cap after only a month of use.
In practice, this portable loo's performance can be a tale of two halves. For the majority of users, it does exactly what it's supposed to do without any fuss.
Straightforward Operation
Its key strength is its simplicity. It's considered 'Easy to operate' and straightforward for beginners to manage . The process of filling the flush tank and emptying the waste tank is intuitive, with one 5-star reviewer highlighting it's 'so easy to empty' . When it's working correctly, it's an effective solution, providing a 'solid with no spills or smells' experience that's a massive convenience on a campsite .Critical Leakage Issues
Unfortunately, the performance is completely undermined for those who receive a faulty unit. The most critical failure reported is the waste tank leaking from its cap. One verified purchaser was left infuriated after the cap would not tighten properly, causing leaks after just one month of use . This is a catastrophic failure for a portable toilet and makes the product unusable. While many have no issues, the risk of such a significant performance flaw is a major concern.What Features Stand Out?
Key features include a two-part design with a freshwater flush tank and a removable waste holding tank available in 10L or 20L sizes. The standout feature is its simplicity, making it very easy to fill, empty, and operate, which is ideal for beginners or occasional use.
The DARTMOOR toilet doesn't boast a long list of fancy features, instead focusing on the basics required for a portable loo.
Core Two-Tank System
The primary feature is its classic two-part construction: a top section for the freshwater flush and the seat, and a detachable bottom section which is the waste holding tank. This separation is what makes it 'Easy to fill/empty' . The availability of 10L and 20L sizes allows users to choose based on their van size and expected usage, which is a welcome option.Simplicity as a Feature
Its simplicity is arguably its biggest selling point. There are no complex electronics or pumps to worry about. As one reviewer put it, it 'Does what it should' . This back-to-basics approach is great for those who just want a functional, straightforward toilet without a steep learning curve.What's Missing?
A key feature that appears to be lacking, based on customer feedback, is a robust and reliable sealing system. The issues with the waste cap not tightening properly and the flimsy side clips indicate that the components responsible for keeping everything contained are not up to scratch on all units. A level indicator for the waste tank would also be a useful addition, though it's not a standard feature at this price point.Who Is It For?
We've analysed how this product fits different buyer profiles. Find your situation below to see if it's right for you.
Casual Camper & Small Van Owner
"It's ideal for our little van. Doesn't take up much space and is a lifesaver for those late-night emergencies. Great value for the number of times we'll use it."
What They Love
- Budget-friendly price point
- Simple operation for infrequent use
- Compact size fits in small spaces
Considerations
- Build quality might not last season after season
Home Renovator
"This was a great help while our main bathroom was out of action. It's simple, does the job, and is easy enough to empty. A decent temporary solution."
What They Love
- Easy to set up and use immediately
- Self-contained with no plumbing needed
- More dignified than other emergency options
Considerations
- Potential for leaks is a major concern indoors
- Might not be sturdy enough for heavy use
Quality-Conscious Tourer
"I need kit I can rely on for weeks on the road. The reports of leaks and flimsy clips are a dealbreaker. I'd rather pay more for peace of mind."
What They Love
- Low initial cost
Considerations
- High risk of critical failure (leaks)
- Flimsy construction not built for the long haul
- Inconsistent quality control
How Does It Compare to Alternatives?
Against established brands like Thetford or Dometic, this toilet is a clear budget alternative. While it offers the same basic functionality for a lower price, it appears to sacrifice build quality and reliability. The risk of leaks and flimsy parts is higher than with premium, time-tested models.
In the world of portable toilets, brands like Thetford are the benchmark. The DARTMOOR portable toilet positions itself as a much more affordable alternative. For many, it successfully provides the core function of a chemical toilet, making it seem like 'great value' . However, the trade-off appears to be in the quality control and material robustness. While you might pay double or triple for a premium brand, you're also paying for the reliability and peace of mind that you won't have to deal with a leaking waste tank or clips that won't stay shut .
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What Amazon Customers Say
See all reviewsBased on 699 reviews
Leaks
Waste tank leaks from cap which does not tighten properly, after 1 month use. Infuriating.
Easy to operate
Ideal for our small campervan. Easy to fill/empty.great value .
Just right
It's great, works perfectly and has been a great help whilst getting a new bathroom fitted. Easy to empty. Arrived on time, great packaging, no complaints.
A well made, practical product.
I expected to need this but haven’t - so not used so far. It:s well thought out and sturdy. Clear instructions. All very simple. I’ve had test ‘sits’ and don’t envisage any problems. Easy to fill the water container and it has a large, easy to turn waste knob for emptying. The unit would be heavy if used to maximum capacity. Half to two-thirds full will be enough for me to handle comfortably. It’...
Does what it says in the add
Can't fault it
Good product
Does what it should and is easy for us beginners to manage.
👍
Good portable loo, quality is spot on.
Watertight and so easy to empty.
Whilst camping came in really useful in the middle of the night instead of trudging through fields to the loo in the dark. Solid with no spills or smells. Great product highly recommended 👌
Brilliant
I bought this to put in a converted walk in cupboard upstairs. My bathroom is downstairs and at 67 years old I was getting fed up of going up and down stairs during the night. I was unable to have a normal toilet put in and a plumber suggested this it’s nearly the height of a normal toilet I just stood it on a spare cupboard shelf just to make it stable and just give it a bit more height. It’s ide...
Perfect for a van trip
Great product , easy to use . No number twos yet but I'm sure it'll be just fine. I have added the chemicals
Good toilet
Have got this portable toilet outside my man cave in a toilet tent, its very handy and flushes well after you use it, i do think the handle for the waste compartment should be on the side rather than next to the outlet to empty it as its a bit awkward to empty when full, but still a good toilet
Good value
Got this for our summerhouse mainly for Grandaughters when playing out , it ideal for intended use and good price
Loo
Can't see that good but clips don't hold closed they open aren't that sturdy enough to stay closed
Portable loo
Very flimsy does not sit flush to the floor. The spigot that holds the seat and lid are different sizes and keeps dropping off. Would not recommend.
