Cali Ocean fixed toilet; any options

[Yorkieboi]

Does anyone know if a fixed toilet can be retro-fitted into a Cali Ocean?

 

[ReinholdMessner]

Not being facetious but it depends on what you mean by “can”. It would be physically possible to screw one down, but your problem would be space. To install it somewhere you could sit on would mean either taking up a beyond-inconvenient space in the main floor area, or removing something like the passenger seat, or the kitchen, which you probably don’t want to do...

So realistically, the answer is more a “no”.

 

[Yorkieboi]

Not being facetious but it depends on what you mean by “can”. It would be physically possible to screw one down, but your problem would be space. To install it somewhere you could sit on would mean either taking up a beyond-inconvenient space in the main floor area, or removing something like the passenger seat, or the kitchen, which you probably don’t want to do...

So realistically, the answer is more a “no”.

Thanks for that. We don't have the Cali yet, so don't have a real appreciation of the space. I wondered if the downstairs bed was as far forward as it could go, would there be enough space at the back to fit a vanity unit with a toilet? There's only 2 of us, so conceivably we could sleep upstairs and free up some space. I've seen (utube) Cali conversions with a fixed toilet unit at the back.

 

[Dr-Snickers]

Thanks for that. We don't have the Cali yet, so don't have a real appreciation of the space. I wondered if the downstairs bed was as far forward as it could go, would there be enough space at the back to fit a vanity unit with a toilet? There's only 2 of us, so conceivably we could sleep upstairs and free up some space. I've seen (utube) Cali conversions with a fixed toilet unit at the back.

Most of those style vans split the rear seats to create a corridor to the rear of the van where you find a kitchen in one side and the toilet on the other. Not sure how you would get to the back without getting out of the van, due to the bench seat.

What a lot of people do is place their porta potti of choice in the living area and cover it with a box etc. A lot of forum members choose the Thetford 335 because it can fit under the rear parcel shelf if needed. You can get specific brackets to hold it down to the floor rails or a Brandrup tray for the under sink cupboard.

A lot of us have followed @kurienp’s set up and cover it with a Dunelm storage box and a ROK Strap to keep it in place. It’s super easy to access, can be moved and used even If you want to sleep downstairs and makes a perfect seat height to avoid having to turn the drivers seat round for quick pit stops.

Then there’s all sorts of other portable toilets that people rave about on the forum, and a quick search will bring up lots of useful threads.

Basically, I’m saying there are lots of options for toilets even if they aren’t formally fixed.

 

[Soton Campers]

Sounds like you might be better off with a Westfalia Kepler One than a California.

 

[Camperfamily]

Genuine questions - may I ask why you want a fixed toilet specifically? What can you do with a fixed toilet that you can’t with a portable?

 

[Bellcrew]

Genuine questions - may I ask why you want a fixed toilet specifically? What can you do with a fixed toilet that you can’t with a portable?

I agree, the operation of a fixed toilet is identical to the portable version, most have a larger capacity but normally only18 litre compared with a cubes 10.
Just means the portable version is emptied more often, unfortunately the vile process is just the same if they are used for number 2s.

 

[Calimili]

The only advantage of a fixed toilet like the one fixed in the bigger motorhomes is that it uses water to flush from the main tank and the cassette can be extracted from a lockable hatch on the outside.
Some may flush with an electric pump wired into the motorhome batteries.
I personally have a Portapotti 335, like many here, it does fit of course between bed fully extended downstairs and front seat, but I think it is much much more convenient than a fixed one:
1) no electrics involved, the manual pump is easy and light to operate, you can even regulate how much pressure you put into the flush
2) it has a separate/own tank of about 12L : this means the water capacity of my Ocean is now 42L rather than 30L
3) I usually place it behind the right hand front seat, but I have the flexibility to remove it altogether in 1 second if I need the space. I can store it in the cupboard under the sink or at the back under the parcel shelf. Or I can put it in a (closed) awning. Or I can store it outside and bring it in at night.
4) no extra key to faff about to open a hatch etc... Accessing it from the main sliding door gives me plenty of room for ease of operation.
5) it's way cheaper to replace if it breaks . I can swap it for one with bigger capacity if I want/need to.
6) several models if you want a specific seat height/capacity etc

 

[Calimili]

I agree, the operation of a fixed toilet is identical to the portable version, most have a larger capacity but normally only18 litre compared with a cubes 10.
Just means the portable version is emptied more often, unfortunately the vile process is just the same if they are used for number 2s.

there are some with more than 10L black water capacity. On the other hand emptying often rather than storing for longer a tank full of sh... may not be that bad afterall...

 

[Yorkieboi]

Thank you to all for your informative replies.
We are retired couple, but like traveling and exploring, and are going to try campervan life. I guess we are trying to replicate our home comforts in regards to sleeping and pooping so as not be put off. It does seem that this issue is one that has been solved and suitable equipment is available, and we'll get used to it.

 

[ThomasHJ]

It's also possible, to place the portapotti (portable toilet) in the righthand cabinet. Allowing you to have it stowed away when not in use. There are even people who make a DIY slide-out to make it easy to make it appear and disappear when needed. Does take up a cupboard.

I always liked the idea. Have seen in on a Dutch VW forum. This is a picture from that forum, where someone did something like that in a T4

 

[The Merle]

Thank you to all for your informative replies.
We are retired couple, but like traveling and exploring, and are going to try campervan life. I guess we are trying to replicate our home comforts in regards to sleeping and pooping so as not be put off. It does seem that this issue is one that has been solved and suitable equipment is available, and we'll get used to it.

I would go hire a cali or campervan before you buy, so you can see what is right for you. Don’t just jump in and buy something that may not suit.

 

[Yorkieboi]

It's also possible, to place the portapotti (portable toilet) in the righthand cabinet. Allowing you to have it stowed away when not in use. There are even people who make a DIY slide-out to make it easy to make it appear and disappear when needed. Does take up a cupboard.

I always liked the idea. Have seen in on a Dutch VW forum. This is a picture from that forum, where someone did something like that in a T4

Thanks for this, I like this solution, will try to implement on our Cali when it comes.

 

[Yorkieboi]

I would go hire a cali or campervan before you buy, so you can see what is right for you. Don’t just jump in and buy something that may not suit.

We did do that, and our Cali is on order since last November. Partly the reason why I'm looking at alternatives. I do like the one in the previous post, and will wait until until our comes and see if I can do it. Thanks again.

 

[B J G]

Brandrup toilet storage.

BRANDRUP - Toilet

www.brandrup.de

 

[WelshGas]

We did do that, and our Cali is on order since last November. Partly the reason why I'm looking at alternatives. I do like the one in the previous post, and will wait until until our comes and see if I can do it. Thanks again.

I'm glad you have hired so you are aware of the compromises that have to be made.
It's all in the name Camper Van and Motor Home , but at least you can visit places that a Motorhome cannot.

 

[B J G]

I'm glad you have hired so you are aware of the compromises that have to be made.
It's all in the name Camper Van and Motor Home , but at least you can visit places that a Motorhome cannot.

Agree with that as I recall parking up on the outskirts of towns and walking a mile or two into the centre when I had a Motorhome.