If you have bought a new RV, of course, you are going to want to do everything to keep it rolling on the road without any bumps or hiccups. And that includes making sure your plumbing doesn’t run efficiently after accidentally using regular toilet paper instead of RV-friendly toilet paper. But how do you know what kind of toilet paper you need to buy?
The most important trait of RV toilet paper is that it disintegrates quickly. TP for your RV should be labeled as “Safe for RV Use,” “RV/Marine Toilet Tissue” or “Safe for Septic Systems.” Generally, if it is safe for a septic tank, it can be used confidently in your RV.
In this article, we’re going to cover what you need to know to keep your pipes clear, as well as what brands of RV TP work best. So let’s get into it.
RV Sewer Systems
Types Of Toilets
Before we get into what toilet paper to buy, let’s review why it is important to double-check what paper you are flushing down there.
On most RVs, the black water tank is located right under the toilet. However, some have rear bathrooms. In this case, the toilet has to pump wastewater horizontally into the tank a short distance away. These are called “macerator” toilets.
These two systems are basically the same, though the second type of toilet uses a bit more water to increase the flow. This encourages everything to get into the black water tank. If a toilet is positioned directly above the black water tank, then gravity does most of the work.
Black Water Tank
Now, the black water tank is essentially the same as a home septic tank. The only difference is that your RV’s tank hooks up to a municipal sewer system and must be routinely drained.
Anyone with a home septic tank can tell you that you have to be very aware of what goes into the toilet. If you aren’t careful, then everyone nearby is going to notice that you are having septic tank problems, which is not any fun for anyone.
Given the sensitivity of a black water tank, it is pretty clear why you want to be aware of what toilet paper you are putting down there. You want to make doubly sure you have easily dissolving toilet paper if you have a macerator toilet.
Popular RV And Non-RV Options
Is it important to select toilet paper specifically for use in your RV? Of course! But does it have to be specifically motorhome toilet paper? Not necessarily.
The most important quality in your RV toilet paper is, of course, its easy and quick dissolvability. But plenty of toilet papers that are not RV-specific brands can do this.
Easy disability comes primarily from the toilet paper’s thickness. If it is single-ply toilet paper, then it is probably RV safe. If it is more than single-ply, it is best to not take the risk.
RV toilet paper should also be environmentally friendly. Brands that are septic-safe and environmentally generally break down faster and more reliably.
Angel Soft, Scott’s Septic Safe, Scott’s 1-ply, Seventh Generation 2-ply are rated highly among RV-ers as good brands that you can buy in the grocery store. Or rather, without making a special trip to the camping store.
Yes, we mentioned Seventh Generation, which is a 2-ply toilet paper. This toilet paper is also environmentally safe and dissolves quickly. It will be up to you whether or not you want to put it to the test.
But let’s get into the most popular RV-safe toilet paper brands.
Highly-Rated RV-Safe Toilet Paper Options
If you’re unsure whether your TP is the best RV toilet paper to use, be sure to check the packaging to see if it says it’s RV or septic system safe. However, here is a shortlist of some good brands to try.
Freedom Living Septic Tank Safe Toilet Tissue
This toilet paper rates highest for its dissolve rate and the infrequency of toilet clogs while it is being used.
Valterra Q23630 Softness 2-Ply Toilet Tissue
Online reviewers are wild about this toilet paper’s softness, its dissolve rate, and that it does not leave behind a residue, unlike some other options. Also, this 2-ply toilet paper is safe not just for RVs but for septic tanks on other vehicles as well, such as boats.
Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue
Thetford is a leader in mobile home sanitation, and they make a great 2-ply toilet paper specifically for RVs. It is absorbent, dissolves well, and is soft.
In Summary
Picking toilet paper for your RV can be tricky, especially when there is so much out there warning against clogs and septic damage. The good news is that you still have options when it comes to finding the perfect TP for your RV.
When choosing a toilet paper, keep in mind that your camper’s toilet functions off of gravity. This means the toilet paper needs to dissolve easily so that it easily flows into the black water tank.
As long as your toilet paper is septic tank safe, it should generally be fine for your RV but always allow for a test period first.