I had an Airhead and went the other way, to a Nature's Head. I am happier with the NH. My AH is a few years old, and it is possible changes have been made to the design since then. Anyway...The trap door of the Airhead does not retract 100%. I'm not sure if this has been fixed, but if not it's a big problem. It's a poop catcher, and hard to clean. This is why Airhead was telling people to line the bowl with a coffee filter basket. The NH trap door fully retracts. The molded in seat can never break, and I find the elongated design much better than the smaller Airhead seat. The fan of the Airhead is external to the toilet, and must be installed separately. You have to run wires, which may be hard to hide. The NH fan is built in, you don't have to install it. The urine bottle on the NH is supported by the toilet (not so on the Airhead). That means the NH can sometimes be installed in a smaller space. In many RVs and especially boats there is a very small little ledge where the original toilet went. The NH fits here easily, while the Airhead requires you to build a support under the urine bottle. Finally, the NH does not have to be opened up as you say to get the bottle out. It just has to be opened a couple of inches. You are not exposed to anything. The advantage of this is it is simpler and avoids the spring mechanism with the Airhead.
Hi James - thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with the NH! You made some great points about the pros/cons to both. We started out with the filters, but after we ran out realized we didn't need them at all. We haven't had any issues with the poo catcher, thankfully. The built-in fan is probably one of the biggest selling points of the NH, and yes, the Airhead did take a bit longer for us to set up in the RV bc of the added wiring (which we ran lines to connect to our house battery.) We didn't have to build any support under the urine bottle, but could see how different installation set-ups may require customization. The seat style and comfort is likely a personal preference, but you made a valid point about it never breaking. A huge pro! Thanks for clarifying that the top does not have to be opened far enough to "reveal" anything. Not something we were terribly worried about, but seemed like a negative initially. Again - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. We really appreciate it and we hope it helps others in the search for their own composting throne! :)
James, I prefer the AH as well, I can see as the urine container fills and if it overflows as it did when i was sick and not paying attention it will initially fill the bucket it sits in, much better than the floor.
Thank you for this review. I was interested in this as I have heard MANY good things about the AirHead and I have the Nature's Head. A little background...my family of 4 has been using the Nature's Head fulltime for about 3 months now and we boondock 95% of the time. We made the change as we wanted to save our fresh water for other things and we were tired of finding places to dump the black tank every few days. This composting toilet has allowed us to stay out for 10-14 days. After watching this video, I am pretty sure I would buy the Nature's Head again...unless size constraint was an issue. The three big negatives you mention are the tank being clear (and being seen by others walking around with it), having to see the solids when you empty the liquids, and the seat. As for the clear tank, I like that I can see when it is anywhere from 60-100% full (and not just the little dot) and I just have a dedicated reusable grocery bag I put it in when I am dumping in a way that might be seen by others. Second, you only have to lift the lid about 3" or so to get the liquid container out. You don't need to see the solids really. And they don't smell at all if you are using the coco coir. I think the Natures head looks like it holds more solids and compost material, the seal on the liquid tank is a good design and has never failed us. Even if it did, the entire bottle sits in a cup. I don't mind the seat at all. Neither does my wife or my two kids. I think the design of it really helps you learn to aim quickly. After a couple of weeks, we don't have any issues with our kids or us missing the right holes (even when we go in the dark at night). The only negative in the design is that some liquids (maybe half an ounce) do collect in the top part of the toilet and when you change the liquid container it tends to drip into the solids. Putting lots of pee into your solids makes your solid tank not last very long and can turn the whole solid tank septic if a bunch gets in there. It seems like that may be better in the design of the AirHead. My workaround is to use a fairly dry mix of coco coir and to have two tanks so it is a quick swap and I do not have to lift the top half twice. BTW we had to purchase a second liquids tank, and in a few situations, it has been a lifesaver. I highly suggest having a second liquid container. For those that are interested our family of 4 can go 24-28 hours between liquid dumps (if using the toilet exclusively), and typically 2 weeks between changing the solids. Overall it is far less gross than dumping the black tank was. And it actually seems much cleaner and better smelling. The pee starts to turn really foul after about 32 hours. As the person who handles all these tasks for the RV, I would MUCH rather deal with a little bit of pee every day, and a total tank change every 2 weeks than constantly trying to figure out where to dump, waiting in lines, paying to dump, dealing with a potential nightmare if you are not paying attention, etc. If we stayed in parks mostly, I would have easily kept the flush toilet, but if you like to boondock and don't have huge tanks or a huge family...get a composting toilet. It was certainly a game changer for us and allowed us to live in much more remote areas.
Hi Allen - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with the Nature's Head! It's helpful to hear all the ins and outs when trying to make a purchase, and you provided really great insight. Glad you are enjoying the wonderful world of #composttoilets :)
@@Devoneakapimp Glad to help! As far as how often to empty - I suppose it all depends on one's personal diet and digestion system! lol! For the two of us, we found we could go at least three weeks on average before needing to empty the solids - even with daily use. Sometimes a little longer. Fluids we had to take care of emptying everyday.
@@MinimalKs thanks for your comparison review. I also have a Nature's Head. My concern about the AirHead - is it "wobbled" when you pushed on it! I want my toilet to be solid structure so it does not break from cheap plastic. All I know is that Nature's Head is built like a tank. I hope the AirHead works well for you.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 We've heard a few people mention the wobbling issue, yet can't say we've personally experienced it. Agreed that the Nature's Head is built like a tank though! Glad we can all find something that works for us! Thanks for watching!
I'm looking into converting the wet system in my Travel Trailer to a composting toilet and appreciate that you took the time to do a side by side comparison. Very informative, Thanks!
Excellent job explaining the differences, side by side. My wife and I are looking to buy one for our truck camper and the Air Head is now at the top of the list. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, David and June
Thanks for watching! Turning the handle is pretty easy! The fuller the container gets, it can become a little more resistant, but as long you as remember to spin it a few times after each use, there should be no real issue. Hope this helps!
Thanks for keeping this video short and to the point! So many of these types of videos get long and convoluted. How does the build quality of the toilets compare?
Hey there! Not sure how this question slipped through the cracks, and apologies on the delayed response. You likely pulled the trigger on one already, but I would say the build for both were solid and one didn't stand out as particularly better then the other. Going on 4 years with the Airhead and no needed replacement parts yet! 🤞🏻 Did you end up getting one?
Thank you very much for this! I've been interested in the concept for some time but haven't come around to doing any real research to speak of. Having seen photos of the tanks' shapes, I assumed Nature's Head would be the clear choice since the more square corners would allow a more thorough mixing of the solids. You brought up valuable considerations I didn't even realize I needed to make. In the end, those points definitely have me looking at the Airhead for my boat.
Glad we could help! That's an interesting perspective about the square corners. I can't say we've experienced any mixing issues with the Air Head, and emptying it is easy since a bag fits nicely around the circular top for a simple flip. The slightly smaller size and the seals around the seat and lid are a huge design plus, in our opinion.
Thank you for this video. It clears up a lot of questions I have. I’ve been going back-and-forth on several different composting toilets that I will be putting on my floating tiny house the airhead seems to be the better choice!
Thank you! I have completely changed my decision based on this video. I never considered before how much I want an actual toilet seat and a non transparent pee pot 😄 So glad I saw this before ordering!
My wife and I have a Natures Head in our 5th wheel for 3 years now and predominantly boondock. We purchased a second urine tank and use one of those cheep toilet motion sensor lights between the tank and cradle to keep from overfilling. It’s a great way to keep track of the level as well as helping you see at night when you have to go. The tank cradle on the NH sure helps minimize cleanup WHEN you do overflow the tank, and you will. The Air Head doesn’t have that. I also agree that $ 960.00 is a lot for a chunk of plastic but I would still pay it knowing how easy it is to use and how many hassles it’s saved us.
Thanks for watching! I'm sure there is more we could have covered, but first video jitters, you know? :) Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions we can help answer!
Another important difference is where the vent fan is located. WIth the AH you need to put a hole in your roof to vent it. THe fan is pulling the air upward and the fan is near the hole. With the NH the fan is at the toilet - pushing the air - and then you can connect the hose to an established stack in your trailer. The AH is slightly smaller than NH, if space is an issue. With NH there is a catch basin if your pee bottle over flows. There is not one for AH. THe bowl in the NH is slightly deeper. In the past you needed to use coffee filters to catch the solids in the AH, not sure if this is still required. You don't use coffee filter with the NH.
Hi Nancy! Thanks for pointing out the additional differences between the two models. All excellent points! Appreciate you taking the time to share. Just two quick notes: - The AH vent fan can be worked into an existing venting system. That's how we set ours up and it works great! - No need for coffee filters! Works perfectly fine just opening the trap door and closing when finished. :)
Good video, thanks for the comparison. It is my understanding from reading the recommendations from CDC that composting toilets do not break down many contagious pathogens present in human waste. This would include hepatitis A and B and a host of others I cannot pronounce. These are normally killer off in sewage treatment plants. If I understand correctly, it takes heat and time to kill these, which will occur eventually in composting, but it takes as much as a year. So if this is the case, it would seem important to handle and dispose of the material in an appropriate manner. Many RV’ers talk of dumping it near trees in parks or along the roadside. This doesn’t seem safe. Do you have any experience with this? How do you recommend to safely dispose of the composting material?
Hi there! Thank you for your comment! Sounds like you have been doing your research. We definitely do not support dumping it along the roadside or near trees! If it's going to be disposed of outdoors, it should be treated the same way one would treat any waste that needed to be left behind during a hike etc. It should be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from all water sources - ideally in a place where there is likely to be little to no foot traffic. If that's not possible, we recommend bagging it up (ideally in two to three layers of garbage bags to make sure no chance of ripping open) and placing it into a sealable, plastic storage bin in an RV bay. Since the solids often do not need to be emptied more than once every month or so, this will keep you from accumulating too large of a collection, but will allow significant time for the compost to break down. After about 6-8 months, you should be good to dispose of as you would regular waste.
To me it is the same as disposing of baby diapers. Those get thrown in the trash and no harm done, same with a bag full of toilet compost. I wouldn't dump it on the side of the road. Most people just put it in a garbage bag and put it in a dumpster, like you would baby diapers.
I'm a distributor of composting toilets, so I have a bit of knowledge around this. With most composting toilets, the composting has to "finish" outside in a compost drum or bin. What comes out of the toilet is not ready for the plants. After a period of time in the bin, the contents are 100% safe. How long is a matter of some debate, and depends on temperature and geographic location. It may be as short as 3 months. The World Health Organization suggests 6 months at summertime temperatures. In Canada, they suggest 2 years! However, they admit this is likely overkill, and is very long just to be on the safe side. There are test kits available, (from Solvita) which will tell you with certainty when the contents of your compost bin are completely safe. As an additional precaution, manufacturers of composting toilets recommend using the compost on non edible plants only. There is absolutely no doubt that compost toilets are safe, when used properly, and when you manage the output properly. Putting the waste in the garbage is kind of a gray area. It's not expressly legal or illegal anywhere, to the best of my knowledge. I do think it is similar to disposing of disposable diapers. I'd prefer to see people compost it. If that is not practical (say you are travelling in an RV) then bag it very securely in heavy duty plastic bags. If you need more help, I'm at compostingtoiletsusa.com
@@richardbrunt5706 I think Annapolis just made them illegal for use on boats. I guess an occasional diaper isn't a problem in the dumpster, but grown adults produce way more and the amount of waste in the cans and bins got to be a problem. Many boaters are angry about the ban, we'll see how this ends up in the future.
I think if you have those pathogens in your body, you need to be careful with more than just what you do with your poop. Thankfully most of us don't have these illnesses and can still safely dispose of our poop without fear of hurting people.
I am looking into composting toilets for my fifth wheel so we can boondock. I want to replace the 40 gallon black tank with an additional fresh water tank to give us a 103 gallon potable water capacity. I have 86 gallons of grey water capacity. My question is where you dump the pee and solid waste, especially in the rv parks.
A helpful comparison in terms of features, but I was expecting a comparison of how they work in actual practice, such as ease of actual use, etc. Thanks, though.
Glad we could provide a little bit of help showcasing the features, but sorry we weren't able to address all of your questions. There is a lot of information in the comments that we hope can be of some help. It may be time for a follow-up video as well. :) Thanks for watching!
Man thank you for this!......Def going airhead now......looking at 2 dozen videos on Nature's Head and mostly positive reviews....no one mentions there's just the built in toilet seat....kinda weird. Def rather a real toilet seat like the Airhead. And not having to look at poop everytime you empty the pee is def a bonus
I have neither but will be in the market soon (building a skoolie). My concern about the NH is you have to take out the entire unit to empty solids. How heavy is it? What I liked in this video about the AH is you can take the seat portion off and just take out the solid holding container. I will need to do more research. Definitely want to get the best one for me due to the cost. Thank you for the review.
Hey there! Depending on how long you go between emptying, both can get pretty heavy - but we thought the AH was a better design for emptying. Curious which one you decided to go with?!
Thank you very much. Have been hoping for a long time someone would do this comparison and you confirmed all of my previous thoughts about the two toilets. Obviously both are quality products, but I will also go with the airhead for all the same reasons you choose it. Thank you again.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! Agreed they are both solid products, but the Airhead just really fit the bill for us. Glad we could help. Best of luck with your install!
People with boats will be watching this video as they decide on which composting toilet to purchase. One important consideration is space, often not as generous as an RV. When space is an issue, as demonstrated in this video, the Airhead top doesn't tilt back as the other one does. The area required for this tilt may not seem significant but for some boat head's, the Airhead will be the better choice due to limited space.
AH option is forcing you to actually take your whole toilet out of your RV, that cannot be a good thing. The unnecessary small twisters to loosen the top from the bottom also is too fiddly, especially in a cramped up space where you would need to navigate your way in. It's probably a great toilet to use, but I would choose the NH for it's overall usability. The NH could for sure have done a better job with the seat comfort yes, definitely. But all the other things I think they have nailed! 👌
Hi Kenneth! We've actually never had to take our toilet out of the RV. We can lift it up and dump it into a bag right in the bathroom. We actually loved that the whole top can be removed so the bottom is lighter and easier to maneuver. The attached lid on the NH was actually more of a concern for us. Curious if you've found that complicates the emptying process? Glad you found a toilet that works for you though! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for sharing the video. I'll be looking to install a composting toilet on my boat. Many of the same issues as you have with an RV, especially leaving a mooring with the ENTIRE BOAT just to find a pump-out station then return. That is a major hassle, much more than driving an RV to a station.
Welcome to the compost toilet club! :) Yes - can only imagine how much more of a hassle that would be as opposed to driving an RV to a dump station. Good luck! Would love to hear your thoughts on it after you've used it for a little while.
@@MinimalKs Will do. Since posting, I bought this model based on your recommendation. I found it on the want-ads, unused, still in shrink wrap from someone that bought it for an RV project but changed their mind. Saved a few hundred bucks. It won't be until next year that it gets any use, though. Boat is laid up for the winter!
I appreciate the seal on the AH but wouldn't that make the fan work harder over time? The goal is to pull air from the cabin over the solids, so as to dry them for composting, etc. It seems if there is a seal, the fan would have to work too hard to pull air in.
Hey there - thanks for the comment! Definitely a valid question. So, we tend to leave the lid open to allow air to circulate. The trap door for the waste is not completely sealed off, allowing air flow as well as the holes for the urine diversion. I would think if the lid was constantly kept closed, it could potentially become an issue. Although, Airhead states that the design includes "an integral 12-volt fan that provides a constant negative pressure to pull moisture out of the living space." We've had our fan running for over two years with no issues.
Another brand is C Head. It's less expensive than Nature's Head and uses common components like a gallon milk jug for urine. People do report they like it. Comes in lots of colors, wood grain finish, etc. I'm finding out about all these different brands only after I already bought a Nature's Head. I have yet to install it, but I will say it's built extremely well. I don't tend to linger so long that seat comfort is that critical, but I do see that issue for some. The fan is unbelievably quiet. And Nature's Head customer service is fabulous. The Nature's Head mixer has a number of different crank options. A hand "spider" rotor, a foot operated rotor and a new ratcheted stick shift thing. I like that the company is in continued development. It will be so nice to never worry about a black tank. I don't mind emptying a box of compost once in a while compared to that hassle.
We haven't done much research on the C Head, but have heard positive reviews as well! Nature's Head is still a great option and mostly comes down to personal preference. As far as the molded seat vs regular, it was also a visual thing as well. Kind of felt like one would be sitting in the bowl. lol! Regardless, the end result of not having to worry about a black tank is worth any compost option. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!
CHead does too and its a more reasonable price. I purchased it and the Urine goes in a Milk jug and you can find that style Solid White with Horizon Milk. So you can always have a clean solid color gallon jug.
Hi Kathy - thanks for sharing your thoughts! We did look into the C-Head, and it is a great option as well. One aspect that we didn't like is that (according to the website) the capacity of waste for two people requires it to be emptied about once a week. We didn't want to deal with it that often. However, the urine container options sound good and we are happy to hear you found a compost toilet solution for your personal use!
I so need a New Toilet 🚽 in my 1980 Toyota Mini Cruiser:) The Only complaint I have is you didn’t mention the Prices:( I was so grateful I Became a Subscriber:) Safe Travels and Happy 😃 Camping 🏕
Yes! They both come with airflow hoses and require venting to the outside. We attached ours to the existing RV vent pipe by separating the vent and inserting a PVC Tee pipe with the hose attached.
@@MinimalKs As the toilet seat is well sealed to prevent odours, how does the exhaust fan draw dry air into the system if everything is pretty well closed up?
How is the smell outdoors near the vent? I purchased the nature's head to have on hand for emergencies. Is it something neighbors would smell or that would change the enjoyability of the back yard?
Hey! So sorry we didn't see this sooner. I would definitely say no one can smell it! We were worried about that initially, but never noticed it while standing outside our rig. The important thing is to keep it dry and stay on stop of mixing in the cocoa choir, shavings, etc
You've done a great job (pun intended🤣) it's important to many, so mulch appreciated 🤣. I'm looking at buying one for my van & your poop vid has helped me in deciding which I'd go with. Thank you 😐.
We have a natures head on one of our boats. It's great. Will definitely be putting them into our other two boats . We live on board full time an have had ours 4 years. No problems no wear or faults. Very easy to clean. Plastic rubbish bags fit over the unit perfectly. Flip the the unit over with the bag on an transport the waste to the septic tank. No smell ever with this wich is always a problem with marine toilets. Brilliant
Everything you've stated has been our experience as well with the AirHead! We've had ours for two years now and it's still in great working order. Very easy to clean, easy to empty and NO ODOR. Happy to find another compost toilet fan!
Hi Diane! Great question! So the existing exhaust vent went from the floor to the ceiling behind the original toilet. We were able to cut out a piece of the pipe about halfway up and put in a PVC Tee Socket so we could hook up the hoses for the compost toilet. Hope this helps!
Hey there! Thank you for this. The Airhead only just came on my radar recently when browsing Craigslist. I am looking to augment whatever compost toilet I get to have a bidet included (which would need a system to keep the water out of the solids area) and potentially rerouting the compost and urine containers under my van build so I could use larger containers. Which one of these do you think would be easier to do this with?
So sorry we didn't see this question sooner! Curious to know if you went with either option. Either one would have taken a bit of creative finagling :)
Do you have to use the fan/vent system on the Nature's Head or is it optional. Does the Airhead have a vent/fan? Does Airhead have the flush mechanism?
They both need venting fans and come equipped with them. The Natures head fan is mounted right on the unit and blows out through a hose. With the Air Head, the fan is located at the outside vent, and sucks out through the hose.
To answer about the flush mechanism - they both have a lever that opens/closes the trap door to allow the waste to fall into the container below. Although, it is better to leave the trap door open while doing your business, in our opinion.
It looks like you modified the Airhead's crank to make it smaller? Am I seeing things?? Would love to know more about how you did that, as I am considering the Airhead and would like to do the same thing :)
We can see how it looks like it was modified. We actually just hadn't installed the additional handle piece yet. I am sure you could probably make it work by leaving the piece off if you needed! May be a bit tougher to churn, but if it fits better it's worth a try!
HAHA! We've all been there. If it's bad, you will definitely need to have some cleaning wipes on hand to wipe out the bowl - but it cleans up pretty easily if you don't let it set. If you have a few days with bowel issues, it's a good idea to add more coconut choir or whatever material you're using to keep the moisture levels in the compost down. Hope that helps!
Hey there! We have had no issues with oder with the AH and we are thrilled about that! I have never been in an RV where there wasn't some sort of noticeable odor from just black tank - so this was a win all around!
What about the odor? I have a weird shaped bathroom and will probably put a composting or compartmental toilet in here too. I need to do something to stop the "War for the toilet"
The lack of odor was truly the best part of this investment! We couldn't believe that once you were done doing your business, closed up the trap door and gave it the old stir with the built-in handle, the rig still smelled as fresh as a daisy. lol! One thing to note is that you will need to be vigilant about making sure the urine container doesn't max out and overflow as the excess will flow into the bowl and over time the added moisture WILL cause an oder. Sometimes you can combat this issue by adding more coca choir (or whatever base you plan to use.) Other times, between too much urine getting in, or after many days of extra humidity in the air, you may need to empty the bowl sooner to keep ahead of the odor. Moisture in the bowl is what causes the odor issue. We really had very little issue with it though, and still highly recommend this throne. :)
I think you convinced me to get the Airhead. You didn't say anything about the cost but I'm guessing they are similar. I'll go check that out myself. Thanks for the review.
Hi Cynthia - that's awesome! Both of these toilets are an investment. You are not only paying for the design, but also a well-constructed, quality product. The Nature's Head retails between $925 & $965, while the Airhead comes in just a little higher at $1029. Let us know if you decide to get the Airhead! Would love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you may have!
@@MinimalKs I will do that. I won't be hitting the road for a couple months yet. I'll be getting my rig ready in the mean time. Hope to see you out there.
Hi there! Sorry we missed this question! The urine will likely be a daily chore depending on how many people use it and how much you drink. We can usually go about a month before needing to empty the solids. And that's for two of us with fairly daily usage. Hope this helps!
We really just wanted to provide an overview of the design styles as they function pretty similarly. We were trying to make a decision based on style, size, and basic functions. All of which can be observed without actually using. We hope this helps in some small way if you are currently in the market for a toilet!
Do they both have a ventilation fan? Im in the process of buying a composting one but Im not sure which one to get. We are in a caravan with limited space. I also looked at a chead ....was going to buy natures head but this other one looks good too. Natures head has a fan, you didnt mention if the other had one
Yes! They both have fans! The Nature's Head has a fan built into the unit on the side where the hose attaches- makes it quick and easy for setting up. The Airhead fan comes as a separate piece that you attach to the hose. Depending on how you need to install the vent hose, this one may need a little more tweaking. The Airhead is a little smaller and may work better for the limited space. Would love to see what you decide for the Caravan!
Yes - the Airhead on the left has an opening for installing the hose that connects to the fan piece. Here is an installation video from Airhead's site that shows how it works. At the 3:30 point in the video, you can see how the fan pieces go together. Hope this helps! airheadtoilet.com/the-air-head/composting-toilet-installation/
I only have a wet bath in my Class B+, and have been trying to find a composting setup... Would any of these two products be waterproof enough to be used and sat on while showering in a wet bath?
Hey Lawerence - sorry we didn't see your question sooner! We can't speak for the Nature's Head, but the AirHead does really well in wet and humid environments. With the seals around the lid and the seat, it's great at keeping moisture down! Because you are using a wet bath, you may have to add more coconut fiber or whatever filler you are using more frequently just to be sure it's not getting too wet or building up condensation inside the bowl. When showering, throwing a thin layer of plastic (for example, a plastic drop cloth, etc.) around the top of any composting toilet would help reduce any potential water issues as well. Hope this helps!
Hey! So sorry we missed this question! It actually has a hose that attaches to the side of the toilet with a vent fan and insect screen. We added a T-pipe it into our existing vent pipe so we could direct it up and out of the RV. Did you end up getting a compost toilet?
I found an airhead today for 600 bucks I'm about to buy it I reckon... Edit, it's from a friend and it's brand new they bought it last year but they never installed it. I've never been used it's out of the box but I was wondering how those rings that are kind of cut how they go on I think they're supposed to be glued on but I don't know what kind of glue, and also I have the side 90° hose Mount and fan shroud and I don't know what to put on the outside wall of the camper because I'm going to do a wall insulation so I don't damage my roof plus I need roof space for solar panels.Any advice would be great I guess I have to buy the outside downdraft vent somewhere else third party because I can't find it on the airhead shop on the website. I didn't buy it cuz I wasn't sure if it was missing parts but it looks like everything's there there's some weird adapters to the house I'm not sure how they work I need to figure out what kind of glue to use. And what are those freaking coffee filters for to do like a single drop deuce?
Hey Ryan - did you end up moving forward with this purchase? If you go to the AH website you should be able to verify if all the parts and pieces are there. airheadtoilet.com/usa-shop/?v=7516fd43adaa We didn't end up gluing anything that I can recall. We also just cut into our existing exhaust pipe rather than cut holes in anything wall or ceiling related. And you can totally skip the coffee filters if you just leave the trap door open when using. The filters help keep the bowl clean, so keep in mind you may need to do a little touch up on the bowl if you opt out of the filters. :) Hope this helps!
so do you have to stir this poo tank in some way after use and to be clear you have your waste and paper plus the fibre as well am I right here but I think the biggest downside is you have to bag it in some way I cannot go to a public bin and start to empty this thing you cannot put a bag inside the container and fold it over the top of the bucket this would be the better way to empty this thing . I need a different option for my UK narrowboat I either use a cassette toilet or a pump out toilet which is sucked out by machine at cost. S C UK.
Hi Steve! Thanks for your questions! You do need to spin the agitator after each use and it's a good idea to add in a handful of your dry compost material of choice every so often to keep moisture levels down. We chose to keep the paper separate and throw it away so we wouldn't have to empty as often. You can add your paper right in though if you prefer. As far as emptying. We personally recommend removing the top, placing a large trash bag over the bin and flipping it so it all plops right in with no mess. The handles on the side of the container make it pretty easy to do. Then, double or triple bag and place in a very well-sealed bin and allow it to compost for a few months before discarding. It sounds like you prefer a different arrangement for your boat. Would love to hear what you decide works best for you!
So what about the Separett tho? Did you not include that one in your assessment, for a particular reason? I was surprised because I am more familiar with that one and the Nature's head, than I was with Airhead. To me, Nature's head and Separett are the two better-known composting toilets on the market. Now I'm curious however others feel about the separate, vs airhead.
So. You walk out of your bathroom with a bucket full of "Semi-Composted waste" and out the door....where do you dump it? Are you saying you have to be boondocking somewhere to dump it in "nature?" dig a hole? on the ground?
Hey there - a very valid question. We definitely do not support dumping it along the roadside, under trees or just anywhere! If it's going to be disposed of outdoors, it should be treated the same way one would treat any waste that needed to be left behind during a hike, etc. It should be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from all water sources - ideally in a place where there is likely to be little to no foot traffic. If that's not possible, we recommend bagging it up (ideally in two to three layers of heavy duty garbage bags to make sure there is no chance of ripping open) and placing it into a sealable, plastic storage bin in your RV bay. Since the solids often do not need to be emptied more than once every month or so, this will keep you from accumulating too large of a collection, but will allow significant time for the compost to break down. After about 6 months, you should be good to dispose of as you would regular waste. Some compare it to waste from baby diapers and are ok with disposing of it immediately into a dumpster. I think it's a personal choice and as long as you are dealing with it in a sanitary manner and eliminating the risk of others - people or animals - coming into contact with it, you should be fine. Hope this helps!
@@MinimalKs thank you for the details. I'm thinking about using a composting toilet during my RV travels and have read so many talk about their composting toilets, yet never say a thing about what ya do with it. I've read the Humanure Book and can see how easy it would be at home, where you're close to the compost pile. On the road is another story.
When traveling it is usually put in a heavy duty plastic bag and thrown in the trash. Not illegal anywhere. It's kind of like throwing out disposable diapers. If you are stationary, it goes in a compost bin.
Question: Natures Head, it appears that to remove and empty the pee container you must loosen the "whole" toilet and tilt it back in order to remove the pee contain. were as the AirHead pee container can be removed without lifting and tilting the whole head each time your going to empty the pee tank. Sense you will need to empty the pee tank the most often this extra step of loosening the "whole" unit each time is a pain and especially if your toilet is in a tight space making it difficult to get access to loosening bolt in the back of the unit, Your thoughts and experience with the Nature's Head would be valuable. Many thanks
Yes - you are correct! The issues you mentioned were one of the main reasons we went with the Airhead. No need to open the top every time, and less concern about how much space we had to flip the lid. When this video was made, we had not officially used either one, but we did test them out by seeing how they fit in the space and how it felt to sit on them. One pro for the Nature's Head is that the venting fan is built right into the unit, whereas we had to custom fit our fan to our RV venting pipe and hardwire it to the RV house battery. Just an extra step, but one that we felt was worthwhile.
Just to clarify, you don't need to loosen the whole toilet to remove the pee bottle. You need to unclasp the two latches at the side and tilt the upper section up. The toilet remains fastened at the base to the floor.
I like that the liquid section on airhead can be removed without complete disassembly, but the shape of the seat is not as friendly to a man's junk....
Most rv camper do business outside the van. Why not in rv, i mean b type scenario be in rv in toilet direct eject off those busines, as long as you have prepared, or dig the resting place of those stuff ahead? If possible or legit by law, or whatever was possible by that liking, well better than doing it by the tree right?
As far as standing to urinate? There are no issues there. In regards to removing and emptying the containers, you do have to be careful to not let them fill to max capacity. The Nature's Head shouldn't have too many issues removing the container as you are lifting it straight out, but you have to be a little more careful with the Airhead as you have to slightly lift and tilt the container to remove it. Both have caps you can screw onto the top of the containers for transporting. Hope that helps!
@@lanceladewig2793 We've heard that too, and it certainly guarantees no chance of a splash when seated. However, the Mr. used it both ways and didn't seem to have an issue with splashing when standing. At least not splashing out. We also made it a habit of cleaning the bowl and seat daily bc urine inevitably splashes around the bowl. You can use a simple cleaning spray - even diluted white vinegar - for the bowl.
@@MinimalKs one other ? if i might. do you throw all your #2 TP into the toilet when using? i've heard that some people get the toilets to last longer if they toss the #2 TP into a trash can (kinda like we do in Mexico due to the narrow pipes). Or..perhaps just the first wipe into the coco husk and finishing wipes into the can? thanks!
@@josepinchero we would recommend tossing most of the paper into the trash bc it will give you more time before needing to empty the solids container. A few pieces here and there will be fine, but you can buy yourself more time by keeping it to a minimum. Hope this helps!
@@josepinchero late response, but the only TP we put in our AH is first #2 wipe. We use diaper wipes for subsequent #2 wipes (mostly because we don't have frequent opportunity to shower) and throw the diaper wipes into a trash bin.
more more and more plastic bucket companies are going to realise that with $0.50 of plastic they can either make $1 plastic buckets, $10 festival buckets or $1000 posh buckets... This isnt a negative comment on the quality of this at most $5 of plastic, but a snide remark at the fact that these companies are robbing us blind on these things which they have not developed, but just copied from a generic idea.
I'm a dealer for one of these brands. A few points. A bucket will not separate the urine from the feces, and that is the key to an odor free installation. A bucket will not have a fan, which is essential to get the moist, stinky air out of your toilet and outside. A bucket will not have a trap door or view screen to conceal the waste. A sewage bucket with a lid is nothing like a compost toilet. And it's not $5 worth of plastic. These are rotationally molded toilets. That is the strongest, best way to make something in plastic - like a white water kayak. It's about $200 worth of plastic parts, plus many other parts, and assembly. Getting set up to build a toilet like this is also vastly expensive (I am in plastics manufacturing as well) - probably $100,000 in molds alone.
Full time RV for @ 10 yrs had a Natures Head for 3 yrs. The composting concept sounds nice but it is a marketing illusion playing on our ecological guilt to get us to open our wallets. Your solids are not going to turn into usable compost in the period of time before you need to empty the box and it is most likely going to end up in a land fill anyway, along with the solids from the local waste treatment plant. I've removed all the mixing hardware and just double line the box with 13 gal kitchen trash bags. You are going to dump the waste into that anyhow so why not just minimize some of the unpleasantness and do a direct deposit. Add a cup or two of non-clumping cat litter with each use and it becomes a workable solution. My biggest complaint is the urine handling. The liquid falls thru two hole and onto a small platform that then drains to a tube that then enters into the top of the liquid container. The surface texture of this platform is not smooth enough to drain easily or completely, leaving residual urine deposits that dry out and build up over time to an unsightly and odorous mess. There is a thin rubber gasket along the box rim that supposedly seals off the box. This stretched to uselessness in about a month, so occasional the liquid will drain into the box which complicates the whole cleaning process. Once you get bugs, and you will (nice try with that diatomaceous earth recommendation NH), what you will discover is that they just love the cavernous area under the seat in which to lay thousands of their eggs. I had to go to a car wash and use a power wash wand to clean it out. You can get a yellow pest strip and stick it up in there to discourage them from moving in. If I had to do it over I'd build my own and save @ $850.
Yikes. Sounds like you had a lot of issues with the compost toilet you used. We do agree with you on certain points though. The compost process takes MUCH longer than most people realize. Not everyone will be dedicated to collecting and sealing it up until they can dispose of it the ecological way. The urine draining process seems to be a challenge with both models, however, we quickly learned that we could spray a vinegar and water solution in the holes after each use to keep urine from drying and congealing there. Yes - bugs will become an issue if the seal is not working properly. The Airhead is fantastic with all the seals and the only reason we got some bugs once is bc our coco coir had gnat eggs in it. Once we realized what was going one were able to empty the toilet, bleach it out and start fresh. No issues since. Sorry to hear you had more of an aggravating experience than a good one. I know several people have mentioned building their own toilets and we would love to see some of these designs! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
hmmm, 4 screws... why? One defined urine tank... why? That agitator and driven from the side... Its all not necessary. Have a look at the c-head. Steering from top, agitator reaches every corner, no complicated things outside to clean, if you have a wet bathroom, no vent motor needed because it REALLY composts
Thanks for taking the time to watch! The AH is a pretty solid piece and has been with us for several years. It's been through extreme temperature changes, and taken quite a beating riding over thousands of miles in the rig. We have to say we've been pretty impressed by the quality and have yet to replace a part.
@@MinimalKs Only concern I had was the screws looked like cheap plastic screws. Maybe that isn't the case and they are solid? The NH appeared to have solid metal clips which tend to last longer.
I had an Airhead and went the other way, to a Nature's Head. I am happier with the NH. My AH is a few years old, and it is possible changes have been made to the design since then. Anyway...The trap door of the Airhead does not retract 100%. I'm not sure if this has been fixed, but if not it's a big problem. It's a poop catcher, and hard to clean. This is why Airhead was telling people to line the bowl with a coffee filter basket. The NH trap door fully retracts. The molded in seat can never break, and I find the elongated design much better than the smaller Airhead seat. The fan of the Airhead is external to the toilet, and must be installed separately. You have to run wires, which may be hard to hide. The NH fan is built in, you don't have to install it. The urine bottle on the NH is supported by the toilet (not so on the Airhead). That means the NH can sometimes be installed in a smaller space. In many RVs and especially boats there is a very small little ledge where the original toilet went. The NH fits here easily, while the Airhead requires you to build a support under the urine bottle. Finally, the NH does not have to be opened up as you say to get the bottle out. It just has to be opened a couple of inches. You are not exposed to anything. The advantage of this is it is simpler and avoids the spring mechanism with the Airhead.
Hi James - thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with the NH! You made some great points about the pros/cons to both.
We started out with the filters, but after we ran out realized we didn't need them at all. We haven't had any issues with the poo catcher, thankfully.
The built-in fan is probably one of the biggest selling points of the NH, and yes, the Airhead did take a bit longer for us to set up in the RV bc of the added wiring (which we ran lines to connect to our house battery.)
We didn't have to build any support under the urine bottle, but could see how different installation set-ups may require customization. The seat style and comfort is likely a personal preference, but you made a valid point about it never breaking. A huge pro!
Thanks for clarifying that the top does not have to be opened far enough to "reveal" anything. Not something we were terribly worried about, but seemed like a negative initially.
Again - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. We really appreciate it and we hope it helps others in the search for their own composting throne! :)
James, I prefer the AH as well, I can see as the urine container fills and if it overflows as it did when i was sick and not paying attention it will initially fill the bucket it sits in, much better than the floor.
@@kfstreich4787 don't you mean Nature's Head - the urine container is in a bucket and you can see the urine...
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 I do believe that is correct
Actually, I find your rebuttal persuasive for the Nature's Head. But I will take in more reviews before I buy. Thanks!
Thank you for this review. I was interested in this as I have heard MANY good things about the AirHead and I have the Nature's Head. A little background...my family of 4 has been using the Nature's Head fulltime for about 3 months now and we boondock 95% of the time. We made the change as we wanted to save our fresh water for other things and we were tired of finding places to dump the black tank every few days. This composting toilet has allowed us to stay out for 10-14 days.
After watching this video, I am pretty sure I would buy the Nature's Head again...unless size constraint was an issue. The three big negatives you mention are the tank being clear (and being seen by others walking around with it), having to see the solids when you empty the liquids, and the seat. As for the clear tank, I like that I can see when it is anywhere from 60-100% full (and not just the little dot) and I just have a dedicated reusable grocery bag I put it in when I am dumping in a way that might be seen by others. Second, you only have to lift the lid about 3" or so to get the liquid container out. You don't need to see the solids really. And they don't smell at all if you are using the coco coir.
I think the Natures head looks like it holds more solids and compost material, the seal on the liquid tank is a good design and has never failed us. Even if it did, the entire bottle sits in a cup. I don't mind the seat at all. Neither does my wife or my two kids. I think the design of it really helps you learn to aim quickly. After a couple of weeks, we don't have any issues with our kids or us missing the right holes (even when we go in the dark at night).
The only negative in the design is that some liquids (maybe half an ounce) do collect in the top part of the toilet and when you change the liquid container it tends to drip into the solids. Putting lots of pee into your solids makes your solid tank not last very long and can turn the whole solid tank septic if a bunch gets in there. It seems like that may be better in the design of the AirHead. My workaround is to use a fairly dry mix of coco coir and to have two tanks so it is a quick swap and I do not have to lift the top half twice.
BTW we had to purchase a second liquids tank, and in a few situations, it has been a lifesaver. I highly suggest having a second liquid container.
For those that are interested our family of 4 can go 24-28 hours between liquid dumps (if using the toilet exclusively), and typically 2 weeks between changing the solids. Overall it is far less gross than dumping the black tank was. And it actually seems much cleaner and better smelling. The pee starts to turn really foul after about 32 hours.
As the person who handles all these tasks for the RV, I would MUCH rather deal with a little bit of pee every day, and a total tank change every 2 weeks than constantly trying to figure out where to dump, waiting in lines, paying to dump, dealing with a potential nightmare if you are not paying attention, etc.
If we stayed in parks mostly, I would have easily kept the flush toilet, but if you like to boondock and don't have huge tanks or a huge family...get a composting toilet. It was certainly a game changer for us and allowed us to live in much more remote areas.
Hi Allen - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with the Nature's Head! It's helpful to hear all the ins and outs when trying to make a purchase, and you provided really great insight. Glad you are enjoying the wonderful world of #composttoilets :)
Thanks! Your reply answered a lot of my questions. My greatest curiosity is how often will I have to empty the toilet for a full time family of two.
@@Devoneakapimp Glad to help! As far as how often to empty - I suppose it all depends on one's personal diet and digestion system! lol! For the two of us, we found we could go at least three weeks on average before needing to empty the solids - even with daily use. Sometimes a little longer. Fluids we had to take care of emptying everyday.
@@MinimalKs thanks for your comparison review. I also have a Nature's Head. My concern about the AirHead - is it "wobbled" when you pushed on it! I want my toilet to be solid structure so it does not break from cheap plastic. All I know is that Nature's Head is built like a tank. I hope the AirHead works well for you.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 We've heard a few people mention the wobbling issue, yet can't say we've personally experienced it. Agreed that the Nature's Head is built like a tank though! Glad we can all find something that works for us! Thanks for watching!
I'm looking into converting the wet system in my Travel Trailer to a composting toilet and appreciate that you took the time to do a side by side comparison. Very informative, Thanks!
Sure thing! Glad we could help! We think you'll love the upgrade!
I just got a Nature's Head and I can't believe anybody has been unable to do a knock off for less than a grand. It's a big piece of molded plastic.
@Kev you can adapt it with buckets and maybe fiberglass which is easier to mold.
Talk to the Chinese
@@jonothandoeser haha yes lmfao
Go for it!
Your ramble was perfect. To the point and not overproduced.
Excellent job explaining the differences, side by side. My wife and I are looking to buy one for our truck camper and the Air Head is now at the top of the list. Thank you for taking the time to make this video,
David and June
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to watch it, and happy we could help.
I'm thinking of using a coffee can with Kitty litter.
Why not? Do what works for you!
THANK YOU!!! Finally, a side-by-side comparison. The only thing not covered in this video is how easy it is to turn the handle of the Air Head.
Thanks for watching! Turning the handle is pretty easy! The fuller the container gets, it can become a little more resistant, but as long you as remember to spin it a few times after each use, there should be no real issue. Hope this helps!
Thanks for keeping this video short and to the point! So many of these types of videos get long and convoluted. How does the build quality of the toilets compare?
Hey there! Not sure how this question slipped through the cracks, and apologies on the delayed response. You likely pulled the trigger on one already, but I would say the build for both were solid and one didn't stand out as particularly better then the other. Going on 4 years with the Airhead and no needed replacement parts yet! 🤞🏻 Did you end up getting one?
Thank you very much for this! I've been interested in the concept for some time but haven't come around to doing any real research to speak of. Having seen photos of the tanks' shapes, I assumed Nature's Head would be the clear choice since the more square corners would allow a more thorough mixing of the solids. You brought up valuable considerations I didn't even realize I needed to make. In the end, those points definitely have me looking at the Airhead for my boat.
Glad we could help! That's an interesting perspective about the square corners. I can't say we've experienced any mixing issues with the Air Head, and emptying it is easy since a bag fits nicely around the circular top for a simple flip. The slightly smaller size and the seals around the seat and lid are a huge design plus, in our opinion.
Awesome video! You're so right; not many videos comparing the two. Grateful you put this together.
Glad we could help! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this video. It clears up a lot of questions I have. I’ve been going back-and-forth on several different composting toilets that I will be putting on my floating tiny house the airhead seems to be the better choice!
Thanks for watching! Happy it could help! We are still happy with our choice over two years later. Excited for your floating tiny house adventure!
Thank you!
I have completely changed my decision based on this video. I never considered before how much I want an actual toilet seat and a non transparent pee pot 😄
So glad I saw this before ordering!
Happy we could help (or entertain!) 😉
My wife and I have a Natures Head in our 5th wheel for 3 years now and predominantly boondock. We purchased a second urine tank and use one of those cheep toilet motion sensor lights between the tank and cradle to keep from overfilling. It’s a great way to keep track of the level as well as helping you see at night when you have to go. The tank cradle on the NH sure helps minimize cleanup WHEN you do overflow the tank, and you will. The Air Head doesn’t have that. I also agree that $ 960.00 is a lot for a chunk of plastic but I would still pay it knowing how easy it is to use and how many hassles it’s saved us.
Thanks for taking the time to share your comparison. Interesting and helpful.
Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful. :)
Hi, Thanks for having both side by side and your review. First time I have seen them both in same vid. Good video.!!
Thanks for watching! I'm sure there is more we could have covered, but first video jitters, you know? :) Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions we can help answer!
Another important difference is where the vent fan is located. WIth the AH you need to put a hole in your roof to vent it. THe fan is pulling the air upward and the fan is near the hole. With the NH the fan is at the toilet - pushing the air - and then you can connect the hose to an established stack in your trailer. The AH is slightly smaller than NH, if space is an issue. With NH there is a catch basin if your pee bottle over flows. There is not one for AH. THe bowl in the NH is slightly deeper. In the past you needed to use coffee filters to catch the solids in the AH, not sure if this is still required. You don't use coffee filter with the NH.
Hi Nancy! Thanks for pointing out the additional differences between the two models. All excellent points! Appreciate you taking the time to share. Just two quick notes:
- The AH vent fan can be worked into an existing venting system. That's how we set ours up and it works great!
- No need for coffee filters! Works perfectly fine just opening the trap door and closing when finished. :)
Good video, thanks for the comparison.
It is my understanding from reading the recommendations from CDC that composting toilets do not break down many contagious pathogens present in human waste. This would include hepatitis A and B and a host of others I cannot pronounce. These are normally killer off in sewage treatment plants. If I understand correctly, it takes heat and time to kill these, which will occur eventually in composting, but it takes as much as a year. So if this is the case, it would seem important to handle and dispose of the material in an appropriate manner. Many RV’ers talk of dumping it near trees in parks or along the roadside. This doesn’t seem safe.
Do you have any experience with this? How do you recommend to safely dispose of the composting material?
Hi there! Thank you for your comment! Sounds like you have been doing your research. We definitely do not support dumping it along the roadside or near trees! If it's going to be disposed of outdoors, it should be treated the same way one would treat any waste that needed to be left behind during a hike etc. It should be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from all water sources - ideally in a place where there is likely to be little to no foot traffic.
If that's not possible, we recommend bagging it up (ideally in two to three layers of garbage bags to make sure no chance of ripping open) and placing it into a sealable, plastic storage bin in an RV bay. Since the solids often do not need to be emptied more than once every month or so, this will keep you from accumulating too large of a collection, but will allow significant time for the compost to break down. After about 6-8 months, you should be good to dispose of as you would regular waste.
To me it is the same as disposing of baby diapers. Those get thrown in the trash and no harm done, same with a bag full of toilet compost. I wouldn't dump it on the side of the road. Most people just put it in a garbage bag and put it in a dumpster, like you would baby diapers.
I'm a distributor of composting toilets, so I have a bit of knowledge around this. With most composting toilets, the composting has to "finish" outside in a compost drum or bin. What comes out of the toilet is not ready for the plants. After a period of time in the bin, the contents are 100% safe. How long is a matter of some debate, and depends on temperature and geographic location. It may be as short as 3 months. The World Health Organization suggests 6 months at summertime temperatures. In Canada, they suggest 2 years! However, they admit this is likely overkill, and is very long just to be on the safe side. There are test kits available, (from Solvita) which will tell you with certainty when the contents of your compost bin are completely safe. As an additional precaution, manufacturers of composting toilets recommend using the compost on non edible plants only.
There is absolutely no doubt that compost toilets are safe, when used properly, and when you manage the output properly.
Putting the waste in the garbage is kind of a gray area. It's not expressly legal or illegal anywhere, to the best of my knowledge. I do think it is similar to disposing of disposable diapers. I'd prefer to see people compost it. If that is not practical (say you are travelling in an RV) then bag it very securely in heavy duty plastic bags. If you need more help, I'm at compostingtoiletsusa.com
@@richardbrunt5706 I think Annapolis just made them illegal for use on boats. I guess an occasional diaper isn't a problem in the dumpster, but grown adults produce way more and the amount of waste in the cans and bins got to be a problem. Many boaters are angry about the ban, we'll see how this ends up in the future.
I think if you have those pathogens in your body, you need to be careful with more than just what you do with your poop. Thankfully most of us don't have these illnesses and can still safely dispose of our poop without fear of hurting people.
I am looking into composting toilets for my fifth wheel so we can boondock. I want to replace the 40 gallon black tank with an additional fresh water tank to give us a 103 gallon potable water capacity. I have 86 gallons of grey water capacity.
My question is where you dump the pee and solid waste, especially in the rv parks.
Pee can be poured in the toilet parks & solid waste in the trash bag & throw away like normal.
A helpful comparison in terms of features, but I was expecting a comparison of how they work in actual practice, such as ease of actual use, etc. Thanks, though.
Glad we could provide a little bit of help showcasing the features, but sorry we weren't able to address all of your questions. There is a lot of information in the comments that we hope can be of some help. It may be time for a follow-up video as well. :) Thanks for watching!
Man thank you for this!......Def going airhead now......looking at 2 dozen videos on Nature's Head and mostly positive reviews....no one mentions there's just the built in toilet seat....kinda weird. Def rather a real toilet seat like the Airhead. And not having to look at poop everytime you empty the pee is def a bonus
Happy this could help! :)
I have neither but will be in the market soon (building a skoolie). My concern about the NH is you have to take out the entire unit to empty solids. How heavy is it? What I liked in this video about the AH is you can take the seat portion off and just take out the solid holding container. I will need to do more research. Definitely want to get the best one for me due to the cost. Thank you for the review.
Hey there! Depending on how long you go between emptying, both can get pretty heavy - but we thought the AH was a better design for emptying. Curious which one you decided to go with?!
Appreciate your generosity in sharing this info. I’m still not certain which one I’ll get but I learned a lot from your video.
You're too kind. Thank you! It's a tough choice because the are both great options! Let us know if we can help answer any other questions for you. :)
Starting to clear 6ac in TN hills for a homestead with 16x24. Thanks for the info
That's awesome! Excited to follow along on your journey, so hoping you plan to post videos of the process. :) Glad this info was helpful!
I know this is an old video. I like the Airhead except for the four screws to get the top off. The clams are better to me.
Thank you very much. Have been hoping for a long time someone would do this comparison and you confirmed all of my previous thoughts about the two toilets. Obviously both are quality products, but I will also go with the airhead for all the same reasons you choose it. Thank you again.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! Agreed they are both solid products, but the Airhead just really fit the bill for us. Glad we could help. Best of luck with your install!
Great review! Comfort is definately a big deal. 'Undelightful' is a great description for the see thru pee can. Haha.
People with boats will be watching this video as they decide on which composting toilet to purchase. One important consideration is space, often not as generous as an RV. When space is an issue, as demonstrated in this video, the Airhead top doesn't tilt back as the other one does. The area required for this tilt may not seem significant but for some boat head's, the Airhead will be the better choice due to limited space.
Definitely agreed! Thanks for that added perspective!
AH option is forcing you to actually take your whole toilet out of your RV, that cannot be a good thing. The unnecessary small twisters to loosen the top from the bottom also is too fiddly, especially in a cramped up space where you would need to navigate your way in. It's probably a great toilet to use, but I would choose the NH for it's overall usability. The NH could for sure have done a better job with the seat comfort yes, definitely. But all the other things I think they have nailed! 👌
Hi Kenneth! We've actually never had to take our toilet out of the RV. We can lift it up and dump it into a bag right in the bathroom. We actually loved that the whole top can be removed so the bottom is lighter and easier to maneuver. The attached lid on the NH was actually more of a concern for us. Curious if you've found that complicates the emptying process?
Glad you found a toilet that works for you though! Thanks for commenting!
Very helpful. Short and Sweet. You hit all the points of interest/concern for me. Well done.
Glad it could help! Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback!
Thanks for sharing the video. I'll be looking to install a composting toilet on my boat. Many of the same issues as you have with an RV, especially leaving a mooring with the ENTIRE BOAT just to find a pump-out station then return. That is a major hassle, much more than driving an RV to a station.
Welcome to the compost toilet club! :) Yes - can only imagine how much more of a hassle that would be as opposed to driving an RV to a dump station. Good luck! Would love to hear your thoughts on it after you've used it for a little while.
@@MinimalKs Will do. Since posting, I bought this model based on your recommendation. I found it on the want-ads, unused, still in shrink wrap from someone that bought it for an RV project but changed their mind. Saved a few hundred bucks. It won't be until next year that it gets any use, though. Boat is laid up for the winter!
@@PawlSpring WOW! What an awesome find! We will be eager to hear your personal review once you are back out on the water then! :)
I appreciate the seal on the AH but wouldn't that make the fan work harder over time? The goal is to pull air from the cabin over the solids, so as to dry them for composting, etc. It seems if there is a seal, the fan would have to work too hard to pull air in.
Hey there - thanks for the comment! Definitely a valid question. So, we tend to leave the lid open to allow air to circulate. The trap door for the waste is not completely sealed off, allowing air flow as well as the holes for the urine diversion. I would think if the lid was constantly kept closed, it could potentially become an issue. Although, Airhead states that the design includes "an integral 12-volt fan that provides a constant negative pressure to pull moisture out of the living space."
We've had our fan running for over two years with no issues.
@@MinimalKs Good to know! Thanks. :-)
Another brand is C Head. It's less expensive than Nature's Head and uses common components like a gallon milk jug for urine. People do report they like it. Comes in lots of colors, wood grain finish, etc.
I'm finding out about all these different brands only after I already bought a Nature's Head. I have yet to install it, but I will say it's built extremely well. I don't tend to linger so long that seat comfort is that critical, but I do see that issue for some. The fan is unbelievably quiet. And Nature's Head customer service is fabulous.
The Nature's Head mixer has a number of different crank options. A hand "spider" rotor, a foot operated rotor and a new ratcheted stick shift thing. I like that the company is in continued development.
It will be so nice to never worry about a black tank. I don't mind emptying a box of compost once in a while compared to that hassle.
We haven't done much research on the C Head, but have heard positive reviews as well!
Nature's Head is still a great option and mostly comes down to personal preference. As far as the molded seat vs regular, it was also a visual thing as well. Kind of felt like one would be sitting in the bowl. lol! Regardless, the end result of not having to worry about a black tank is worth any compost option.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!
CHead does too and its a more reasonable price. I purchased it and the Urine goes in a Milk jug and you can find that style Solid White with Horizon Milk. So you can always have a clean solid color gallon jug.
Hi Kathy - thanks for sharing your thoughts! We did look into the C-Head, and it is a great option as well. One aspect that we didn't like is that (according to the website) the capacity of waste for two people requires it to be emptied about once a week. We didn't want to deal with it that often. However, the urine container options sound good and we are happy to hear you found a compost toilet solution for your personal use!
Minimal K's Your welcome I am alone so its good for me. Thanks enjoy yourself
I so need a New Toilet 🚽 in my 1980 Toyota Mini Cruiser:) The Only complaint I have is you didn’t mention the Prices:( I was so grateful I Became a Subscriber:) Safe Travels and Happy 😃 Camping 🏕
Thank you for the review! I went with the air head as well.
Thanks for watching and letting us know which one you chose! Would love to hear how you've been liking it!
My question is do either model's handle turn back and forth vs one direction only when mixing the compost?
The handle can be turned fully in either direction.
Missed one the c-head composting toilet, seems simpler, cheaper, and far easier to empty
I use a bumper dumper just don’t put your feet to far back lol 😂
Do they both have airflow hoses and require venting to the outside?
Yes! They both come with airflow hoses and require venting to the outside. We attached ours to the existing RV vent pipe by separating the vent and inserting a PVC Tee pipe with the hose attached.
Thank you @James Madison! Was going to ask same question. Good info. I building a 25 shuttle bus atm. Shopping for John.
@@MinimalKs As the toilet seat is well sealed to prevent odours, how does the exhaust fan draw dry air into the system if everything is pretty well closed up?
How is the smell outdoors near the vent? I purchased the nature's head to have on hand for emergencies. Is it something neighbors would smell or that would change the enjoyability of the back yard?
Hey! So sorry we didn't see this sooner. I would definitely say no one can smell it! We were worried about that initially, but never noticed it while standing outside our rig. The important thing is to keep it dry and stay on stop of mixing in the cocoa choir, shavings, etc
You've done a great job (pun intended🤣) it's important to many, so mulch appreciated 🤣.
I'm looking at buying one for my van & your poop vid has helped me in deciding which I'd go with. Thank you 😐.
Thanks for watching, Joselyn! :) Which one did you decide on?
You don't seem happy to make this video but it was just what I was looking for so thanks!!
Oh no!! Didn't mean to sound unhappy - just first video jitters. :) Happy it could help!
Great points. Thank you. ❤❤❤
We have a natures head on one of our boats. It's great. Will definitely be putting them into our other two boats . We live on board full time an have had ours 4 years. No problems no wear or faults. Very easy to clean. Plastic rubbish bags fit over the unit perfectly. Flip the the unit over with the bag on an transport the waste to the septic tank. No smell ever with this wich is always a problem with marine toilets. Brilliant
Everything you've stated has been our experience as well with the AirHead! We've had ours for two years now and it's still in great working order. Very easy to clean, easy to empty and NO ODOR. Happy to find another compost toilet fan!
Totally agree with you. Our Nature's Head has been great and appears that it would last for many years.
I would like to know what you did about the vent situation. Thank you
Hi Diane! Great question! So the existing exhaust vent went from the floor to the ceiling behind the original toilet. We were able to cut out a piece of the pipe about halfway up and put in a PVC Tee Socket so we could hook up the hoses for the compost toilet. Hope this helps!
Hey there! Thank you for this. The Airhead only just came on my radar recently when browsing Craigslist. I am looking to augment whatever compost toilet I get to have a bidet included (which would need a system to keep the water out of the solids area) and potentially rerouting the compost and urine containers under my van build so I could use larger containers. Which one of these do you think would be easier to do this with?
So sorry we didn't see this question sooner! Curious to know if you went with either option. Either one would have taken a bit of creative finagling :)
Do you have to use the fan/vent system on the Nature's Head or is it optional. Does the Airhead have a vent/fan? Does Airhead have the flush mechanism?
They both need venting fans and come equipped with them. The Natures head fan is mounted right on the unit and blows out through a hose. With the Air Head, the fan is located at the outside vent, and sucks out through the hose.
@@tommegan6500 Thank you for taking the time to answer this!
To answer about the flush mechanism - they both have a lever that opens/closes the trap door to allow the waste to fall into the container below. Although, it is better to leave the trap door open while doing your business, in our opinion.
It looks like you modified the Airhead's crank to make it smaller? Am I seeing things?? Would love to know more about how you did that, as I am considering the Airhead and would like to do the same thing :)
We can see how it looks like it was modified. We actually just hadn't installed the additional handle piece yet. I am sure you could probably make it work by leaving the piece off if you needed! May be a bit tougher to churn, but if it fits better it's worth a try!
What if you have the”runs”? Spatter, explosive etc? Serious question!
HAHA! We've all been there. If it's bad, you will definitely need to have some cleaning wipes on hand to wipe out the bowl - but it cleans up pretty easily if you don't let it set. If you have a few days with bowel issues, it's a good idea to add more coconut choir or whatever material you're using to keep the moisture levels in the compost down. Hope that helps!
You will likely have to change out your composting solids tank sooner if it is very wet. You can also try to mix in some dry coco coir after the fact.
How about the smell and ventilation comparison? Is there smell with the Airhead, for I know there is none with the NH. Thank you.
Hey there! We have had no issues with oder with the AH and we are thrilled about that! I have never been in an RV where there wasn't some sort of noticeable odor from just black tank - so this was a win all around!
What about the odor? I have a weird shaped bathroom and will probably put a composting or compartmental toilet in here too. I need to do something to stop the "War for the toilet"
The lack of odor was truly the best part of this investment! We couldn't believe that once you were done doing your business, closed up the trap door and gave it the old stir with the built-in handle, the rig still smelled as fresh as a daisy. lol!
One thing to note is that you will need to be vigilant about making sure the urine container doesn't max out and overflow as the excess will flow into the bowl and over time the added moisture WILL cause an oder.
Sometimes you can combat this issue by adding more coca choir (or whatever base you plan to use.) Other times, between too much urine getting in, or after many days of extra humidity in the air, you may need to empty the bowl sooner to keep ahead of the odor. Moisture in the bowl is what causes the odor issue.
We really had very little issue with it though, and still highly recommend this throne. :)
@@MinimalKs True! I've been on campers and boats my whole life, and our Natures Head is the first head/toilet I've used that has ZERO smell.
Can you put some links in the description to each of the toilet manufacturers/Sellers Please ? Thank You
Sure thing! Links added! :)
I think you convinced me to get the Airhead. You didn't say anything about the cost but I'm guessing they are similar. I'll go check that out myself. Thanks for the review.
Hi Cynthia - that's awesome! Both of these toilets are an investment. You are not only paying for the design, but also a well-constructed, quality product. The Nature's Head retails between $925 & $965, while the Airhead comes in just a little higher at $1029. Let us know if you decide to get the Airhead! Would love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you may have!
@@MinimalKs I will do that. I won't be hitting the road for a couple months yet. I'll be getting my rig ready in the mean time. Hope to see you out there.
Close in price. Nh 960.00 ah 1026.00
@@patriciaalexander9751 Thanks for adding the prices!
How long can you go before you have to empty it is it like once a day or is it like once a week or twice a week or what
Hi there! Sorry we missed this question! The urine will likely be a daily chore depending on how many people use it and how much you drink. We can usually go about a month before needing to empty the solids. And that's for two of us with fairly daily usage. Hope this helps!
I'm learning more about this stuff☺
A review without using either of them?
We really just wanted to provide an overview of the design styles as they function pretty similarly. We were trying to make a decision based on style, size, and basic functions. All of which can be observed without actually using. We hope this helps in some small way if you are currently in the market for a toilet!
Helps me :) Thanks
Do they both have a ventilation fan? Im in the process of buying a composting one but Im not sure which one to get. We are in a caravan with limited space. I also looked at a chead ....was going to buy natures head but this other one looks good too. Natures head has a fan, you didnt mention if the other had one
Yes! They both have fans! The Nature's Head has a fan built into the unit on the side where the hose attaches- makes it quick and easy for setting up. The Airhead fan comes as a separate piece that you attach to the hose. Depending on how you need to install the vent hose, this one may need a little more tweaking. The Airhead is a little smaller and may work better for the limited space. Would love to see what you decide for the Caravan!
Also forgot to mention that Airhead has a solar panel option for powering the fan! instagram.com/p/BEG74qRkHQo/
Great comparison, thanks for doing this video!
Thank you, this was really helpful!
the one on the right has a spot to hook up for the fan does the left have a fan hook up also?
Yes - the Airhead on the left has an opening for installing the hose that connects to the fan piece. Here is an installation video from Airhead's site that shows how it works. At the 3:30 point in the video, you can see how the fan pieces go together. Hope this helps!
airheadtoilet.com/the-air-head/composting-toilet-installation/
I only have a wet bath in my Class B+, and have been trying to find a composting setup... Would any of these two products be waterproof enough to be used and sat on while showering in a wet bath?
Hey Lawerence - sorry we didn't see your question sooner! We can't speak for the Nature's Head, but the AirHead does really well in wet and humid environments. With the seals around the lid and the seat, it's great at keeping moisture down! Because you are using a wet bath, you may have to add more coconut fiber or whatever filler you are using more frequently just to be sure it's not getting too wet or building up condensation inside the bowl. When showering, throwing a thin layer of plastic (for example, a plastic drop cloth, etc.) around the top of any composting toilet would help reduce any potential water issues as well. Hope this helps!
Lol! “Everybody will know you’re carrying your pee around.”
It seemed like such a big deal at the time! lol!
Good video! Airheads Definitely better! Cheers.
Thanks!
LOL, I love your vid! Thanks for making it--useful stuff.
Thank you :) Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!
Airhead doesn't have any exhaust hole like the nature one right?
Hey! So sorry we missed this question! It actually has a hose that attaches to the side of the toilet with a vent fan and insect screen. We added a T-pipe it into our existing vent pipe so we could direct it up and out of the RV. Did you end up getting a compost toilet?
I found an airhead today for 600 bucks I'm about to buy it I reckon...
Edit, it's from a friend and it's brand new they bought it last year but they never installed it. I've never been used it's out of the box but I was wondering how those rings that are kind of cut how they go on I think they're supposed to be glued on but I don't know what kind of glue, and also I have the side 90° hose Mount and fan shroud and I don't know what to put on the outside wall of the camper because I'm going to do a wall insulation so I don't damage my roof plus I need roof space for solar panels.Any advice would be great I guess I have to buy the outside downdraft vent somewhere else third party because I can't find it on the airhead shop on the website.
I didn't buy it cuz I wasn't sure if it was missing parts but it looks like everything's there there's some weird adapters to the house I'm not sure how they work I need to figure out what kind of glue to use. And what are those freaking coffee filters for to do like a single drop deuce?
Hey Ryan - did you end up moving forward with this purchase? If you go to the AH website you should be able to verify if all the parts and pieces are there. airheadtoilet.com/usa-shop/?v=7516fd43adaa We didn't end up gluing anything that I can recall. We also just cut into our existing exhaust pipe rather than cut holes in anything wall or ceiling related. And you can totally skip the coffee filters if you just leave the trap door open when using. The filters help keep the bowl clean, so keep in mind you may need to do a little touch up on the bowl if you opt out of the filters. :) Hope this helps!
thank you for doing this
Does the airhead have ventilation like the nature’s head?
Yes. There’s a hose which attaches to the side with a vent fan. It comes with a shroud, too. There’s an insect screen assembly.
Great review. Thank u.
Thanks for watching!
Great. Thank you! 👍
so do you have to stir this poo tank in some way after use and to be clear you have your waste and paper plus the fibre as well am I right here but I think the biggest downside is you have to bag it in some way I cannot go to a public bin and start to empty this thing you cannot put a bag inside the container and fold it over the top of the bucket this would be the better way to empty this thing .
I need a different option for my UK narrowboat I either use a cassette toilet or a pump out toilet which is sucked out by machine at cost. S C UK.
Hi Steve! Thanks for your questions! You do need to spin the agitator after each use and it's a good idea to add in a handful of your dry compost material of choice every so often to keep moisture levels down. We chose to keep the paper separate and throw it away so we wouldn't have to empty as often. You can add your paper right in though if you prefer.
As far as emptying. We personally recommend removing the top, placing a large trash bag over the bin and flipping it so it all plops right in with no mess. The handles on the side of the container make it pretty easy to do. Then, double or triple bag and place in a very well-sealed bin and allow it to compost for a few months before discarding.
It sounds like you prefer a different arrangement for your boat. Would love to hear what you decide works best for you!
So what about the Separett tho? Did you not include that one in your assessment, for a particular reason? I was surprised because I am more familiar with that one and the Nature's head, than I was with Airhead. To me, Nature's head and Separett are the two better-known composting toilets on the market.
Now I'm curious however others feel about the separate, vs airhead.
Very valuable video
Thanks for watching! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Are you still liking the airhead toilet?
Hey there - missed this comment from a while ago! Sorry about that! Yes we are! Did you end up choosing a compost toilet?
@@MinimalKs No worries. We went back to another Natures Head since that is what we had used before. Still happy with it.
@@mikegreene9215 Glad to hear you have something that's working well for you!
Thanks for the review. It was great
Thank you! We appreciate hearing that. Hope it helped!
So. You walk out of your bathroom with a bucket full of "Semi-Composted waste" and out the door....where do you dump it? Are you saying you have to be boondocking somewhere to dump it in "nature?" dig a hole? on the ground?
Hey there - a very valid question.
We definitely do not support dumping it along the roadside, under trees or just anywhere! If it's going to be disposed of outdoors, it should be treated the same way one would treat any waste that needed to be left behind during a hike, etc. It should be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from all water sources - ideally in a place where there is likely to be little to no foot traffic.
If that's not possible, we recommend bagging it up (ideally in two to three layers of heavy duty garbage bags to make sure there is no chance of ripping open) and placing it into a sealable, plastic storage bin in your RV bay. Since the solids often do not need to be emptied more than once every month or so, this will keep you from accumulating too large of a collection, but will allow significant time for the compost to break down. After about 6 months, you should be good to dispose of as you would regular waste.
Some compare it to waste from baby diapers and are ok with disposing of it immediately into a dumpster. I think it's a personal choice and as long as you are dealing with it in a sanitary manner and eliminating the risk of others - people or animals - coming into contact with it, you should be fine.
Hope this helps!
@@MinimalKs thank you for the details. I'm thinking about using a composting toilet during my RV travels and have read so many talk about their composting toilets, yet never say a thing about what ya do with it. I've read the Humanure Book and can see how easy it would be at home, where you're close to the compost pile. On the road is another story.
When traveling it is usually put in a heavy duty plastic bag and thrown in the trash. Not illegal anywhere. It's kind of like throwing out disposable diapers. If you are stationary, it goes in a compost bin.
Great video. Ramble on.
Thank you. :)
Question:
Natures Head, it appears that to remove and empty the pee container you must loosen the "whole" toilet and tilt it back in order to remove the pee contain. were as the AirHead pee container can be removed without lifting and tilting the whole head each time your going to empty the pee tank.
Sense you will need to empty the pee tank the most often this extra step of loosening the "whole" unit each time is a pain and especially if your toilet is in a tight space making it difficult to get access to loosening bolt in the back of the unit,
Your thoughts and experience with the Nature's Head would be valuable.
Many thanks
Yes - you are correct! The issues you mentioned were one of the main reasons we went with the Airhead. No need to open the top every time, and less concern about how much space we had to flip the lid. When this video was made, we had not officially used either one, but we did test them out by seeing how they fit in the space and how it felt to sit on them. One pro for the Nature's Head is that the venting fan is built right into the unit, whereas we had to custom fit our fan to our RV venting pipe and hardwire it to the RV house battery. Just an extra step, but one that we felt was worthwhile.
Just to clarify, you don't need to loosen the whole toilet to remove the pee bottle. You need to unclasp the two latches at the side and tilt the upper section up. The toilet remains fastened at the base to the floor.
Alan Morton Thanks for the help
James Richy Thanks you for the clarification
I like that the liquid section on airhead can be removed without complete disassembly, but the shape of the seat is not as friendly to a man's junk....
What's cheaper??
The Natures Head is a much better untie if you know how to use it. Much more robust for travel.
Most rv camper do business outside the van. Why not in rv, i mean b type scenario be in rv in toilet direct eject off those busines, as long as you have prepared, or dig the resting place of those stuff ahead? If possible or legit by law, or whatever was possible by that liking, well better than doing it by the tree right?
Great question! Really just comes down to personal choice and convenience we would say.
Look into the Separett Tiny. Easier to handle. Looks better.
Is there any issues with splashing of urine with either?
As far as standing to urinate? There are no issues there. In regards to removing and emptying the containers, you do have to be careful to not let them fill to max capacity. The Nature's Head shouldn't have too many issues removing the container as you are lifting it straight out, but you have to be a little more careful with the Airhead as you have to slightly lift and tilt the container to remove it. Both have caps you can screw onto the top of the containers for transporting. Hope that helps!
@@MinimalKs Ohh I thoughI both men and women needed to be seated fit both procedures. Seems like itd really splash while standing?
@@lanceladewig2793 We've heard that too, and it certainly guarantees no chance of a splash when seated. However, the Mr. used it both ways and didn't seem to have an issue with splashing when standing. At least not splashing out. We also made it a habit of cleaning the bowl and seat daily bc urine inevitably splashes around the bowl. You can use a simple cleaning spray - even diluted white vinegar - for the bowl.
Is peat moss as good (or better?) than coco husk? looking for something i can get at Lowes that's cheaper than buying toilet husk bricks.
Hi Steve! You can definitely use peat moss! Both are recommended!
@@MinimalKs one other ? if i might. do you throw all your #2 TP into the toilet when using? i've heard that some people get the toilets to last longer if they toss the #2 TP into a trash can (kinda like we do in Mexico due to the narrow pipes). Or..perhaps just the first wipe into the coco husk and finishing wipes into the can? thanks!
@@josepinchero we would recommend tossing most of the paper into the trash bc it will give you more time before needing to empty the solids container. A few pieces here and there will be fine, but you can buy yourself more time by keeping it to a minimum. Hope this helps!
@@josepinchero late response, but the only TP we put in our AH is first #2 wipe. We use diaper wipes for subsequent #2 wipes (mostly because we don't have frequent opportunity to shower) and throw the diaper wipes into a trash bin.
Thank you!
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Can build one for less than $75.00.
Would love to see a video tutorial if you decide to make one!
Can you build one that is this small, light, and portable? A larger built in unit is easy, the advantage here is compact.
Paul, and did you find a great DIY-one?
Team Airhead 🤘🤘🤘
Thanks :)
Hope it helped!
more more and more plastic bucket companies are going to realise that with $0.50 of plastic they can either make $1 plastic buckets, $10 festival buckets or $1000 posh buckets...
This isnt a negative comment on the quality of this at most $5 of plastic, but a snide remark at the fact that these companies are robbing us blind on these things which they have not developed, but just copied from a generic idea.
I'm a dealer for one of these brands. A few points. A bucket will not separate the urine from the feces, and that is the key to an odor free installation. A bucket will not have a fan, which is essential to get the moist, stinky air out of your toilet and outside. A bucket will not have a trap door or view screen to conceal the waste. A sewage bucket with a lid is nothing like a compost toilet. And it's not $5 worth of plastic. These are rotationally molded toilets. That is the strongest, best way to make something in plastic - like a white water kayak. It's about $200 worth of plastic parts, plus many other parts, and assembly. Getting set up to build a toilet like this is also vastly expensive (I am in plastics manufacturing as well) - probably $100,000 in molds alone.
@@richardbrunt4497 Thank you for your professional insight! You said it better than we could and we appreciate the added clarification.
Has anyone here made a french drain for their urinal bottle?
Don't know how we missed this comment - sorry about that! We'd love to know that, too!
High Power Nature's Head Composting Toilet fan and why you need it: th-cam.com/video/srKfE7A-M7k/w-d-xo.html
This will change your life.
Full time RV for @ 10 yrs had a Natures Head for 3 yrs. The composting concept sounds nice but it is a marketing illusion playing on our ecological guilt to get us to open our wallets. Your solids are not going to turn into usable compost in the period of time before you need to empty the box and it is most likely going to end up in a land fill anyway, along with the solids from the local waste treatment plant. I've removed all the mixing hardware and just double line the box with 13 gal kitchen trash bags. You are going to dump the waste into that anyhow so why not just minimize some of the unpleasantness and do a direct deposit. Add a cup or two of non-clumping cat litter with each use and it becomes a workable solution. My biggest complaint is the urine handling. The liquid falls thru two hole and onto a small platform that then drains to a tube that then enters into the top of the liquid container. The surface texture of this platform is not smooth enough to drain easily or completely, leaving residual urine deposits that dry out and build up over time to an unsightly and odorous mess. There is a thin rubber gasket along the box rim that supposedly seals off the box. This stretched to uselessness in about a month, so occasional the liquid will drain into the box which complicates the whole cleaning process. Once you get bugs, and you will (nice try with that diatomaceous earth recommendation NH), what you will discover is that they just love the cavernous area under the seat in which to lay thousands of their eggs. I had to go to a car wash and use a power wash wand to clean it out. You can get a yellow pest strip and stick it up in there to discourage them from moving in. If I had to do it over I'd build my own and save @ $850.
Yikes. Sounds like you had a lot of issues with the compost toilet you used.
We do agree with you on certain points though. The compost process takes MUCH longer than most people realize. Not everyone will be dedicated to collecting and sealing it up until they can dispose of it the ecological way.
The urine draining process seems to be a challenge with both models, however, we quickly learned that we could spray a vinegar and water solution in the holes after each use to keep urine from drying and congealing there.
Yes - bugs will become an issue if the seal is not working properly. The Airhead is fantastic with all the seals and the only reason we got some bugs once is bc our coco coir had gnat eggs in it. Once we realized what was going one were able to empty the toilet, bleach it out and start fresh. No issues since.
Sorry to hear you had more of an aggravating experience than a good one. I know several people have mentioned building their own toilets and we would love to see some of these designs!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
hmmm, 4 screws... why? One defined urine tank... why? That agitator and driven from the side... Its all not necessary. Have a look at the c-head. Steering from top, agitator reaches every corner, no complicated things outside to clean, if you have a wet bathroom, no vent motor needed because it REALLY composts
Thanks for sharing this alternative as well! We didn't come across the C-Head in our initial research, but it sounds like a solid option.
AH looks fiddly and cheap. NH looks far better made. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
The AH is a pretty solid piece and has been with us for several years. It's been through extreme temperature changes, and taken quite a beating riding over thousands of miles in the rig. We have to say we've been pretty impressed by the quality and have yet to replace a part.
@@MinimalKs Only concern I had was the screws looked like cheap plastic screws. Maybe that isn't the case and they are solid? The NH appeared to have solid metal clips which tend to last longer.
I would prefere NH
Compare Incinolet.
Maybe one day! Sorry we weren't able to help with that particular model.