Do we really need RV toilet paper?

[Pnewman10]

We just picked up our third motorhome about three weeks ago. All three have had macerator pumps. Some people don’t like them, but I really do. We usually camp at RV parks and I usually dump every two or three days. We have dry camped before, and we can go about five days before we really need to dump so I guess I don’t really need to do it every few days but I do. In our current motorhome and in our last motorhome, our toilets are also macerator toilets. So, I have a couple of questions. The first question is do we really need RV toilet paper? The second question is about the black tank treatment. Do we need to put a packet of treatment in the black tank if we are dumping every few days? We do, but I wonder if it is doing anything. When we dump, we flush the toilet maybe four times to put water in the tank. Is that enough. Then, when we are done camping, when we get home, we dump at home and then put about four flushes in the tank and also a packet of tank treatment, while the motorhome sits in the barn. I would love someone else’s wisdom here.

Thanks

Pete
2025 Entegra Anthem
2020 Entegra Anthem sold

[R.M.A]

We use RV TP in our macerator. Because normal TP is like concrete if it gets stuck or clogged and undetected. I'd rather not deal with the possibility.

[Lt Dan]

Short answer, no and no. Tests have shown that standard toilet paper dissolves as quickly as the RV paper or even faster. If you are dumping regularly you don't need a treatment every time as those are generally enzymes for long term storage. Lots of water when you flush is all you need.

[UFO Pilot]

I have a macerator and we use the same TP as we do in our home. We have a 60 gallon black tank, I use plenty of water and have gone 2 weeks when dry camping. After dumping the tank and before going back to storage, I use the black flush until it runs clear water. I add a dose of Happy Camper only when it goes to storage.

[Alpine36]

We switched over to Northern Quilted. No more clumping of TP noted while dumping the black tank.

[Wildwoods22]

We use Angel Soft and have never had a problem. Use lots of water. We generally dump every 3 or 4 days (30 gal black tank for 2 people).

[SavnTheWales]

Best way to check your TP is to put a single sheet in a flat tupperware container and fill with water. Put the lid on and shake it for 5 seconds. Let it sit for 10 minutes. If it is breaking down/dissolving you are good.

We found the Walmart brand (Great Value) works great and breaks down fast. It also feels a lot softer than RV paper.

[ronlin11]

If store bought TP is labeled "Septic Safe" you should be able to use it in a motor home. I have been using Scotts or store brand single ply septic safe for the last 20 years in 3 different motor homes with no issues.

[AFChap]

We have used Walmart Best Value brand for over 20 years in our motorhome. We also never add anything to the tank except maybe twice a year something with coconut oil in it to help lube the dump valves. We dump when the tank is half or more full and then use the back flush to clean out the residue.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

Short answer, no and no. Tests have shown that standard toilet paper dissolves as quickly as the RV paper or even faster. If you are dumping regularly you don't need a treatment every time as those are generally enzymes for long term storage. Lots of water when you flush is all you need.

Exactly....lots of water is the key.

[RodnReel]

We have bidets on both toilets. TP is used to dry off so it goes into the garbage can, problem solved.

[Coral]

I installed Bidets on both toilets and the toilets are also macerator toilets. I use zero TP now. But my wife still uses it but her usage is way down. We have always used regular Charmin with our macerator toilets and never used additives in the tanks.

[Psneeld]

I have to disagree with the "no" answers to a point.

Not all rapidly dissolving paper dissolves quickly and not all regular paper doesn't. Quickly is in the eye of the "user".

Most of my work with clogs from TP have been on boats where macerating is king.

Even rapidly dissolving can clog when used in excess and hard, excessive solids with it.

If your RV toilet dumps into the tank and your macerator pumps it out hours later. You are probably fine with many recommendations.

If your toilet macerates and pumps to the tank beware. Management of both paper and solids is wise.

If less worried about the tiny monthly expense of TP costs. I highly recommend the Scott's rapidly dissolving tissue. I have lived with 2 women (at different times) who I have RVed with and lived aboard a boat since 2012. Both liked the Scott's better than all other's, even many household papers and I found it rarely clogged macerators that pumped to the holding tank.

[Wiscampsin1]

Don't have a macerator but Angel Soft and Liquified here and never had a problem.