Thetford is the world's leading brand for portable camping toilets — and for good reason. With over 50 years of experience designing sanitation solutions for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tents, Thetford's Porta Potti range has become the benchmark by which all other portable toilets are measured.
Whether you're equipping a caravan for a touring holiday in Cornwall, fitting out a campervan for van life, or looking for a reliable toilet solution for a family tent, this guide covers everything you need to know about Thetford's portable toilet range.
The Thetford Porta Potti Range — Models Compared
Thetford's Porta Potti range covers several models, with the key differences being tank capacity, seat height, and features. Here's how the main models compare:
Porta Potti 145
The most compact model in the range — ideal for campervans, small boats, and emergency use where space is at a premium. The 145 has a 10-litre waste tank and a 10-litre fresh water tank, a push-button flush, and a carry handle. It's lightweight and easy to transport, but the lower seat height makes it less comfortable for longer use compared to larger models.
Best for: Campervans, small motorhomes, and as a backup toilet for tent campers.
Porta Potti 165
A step up from the 145 in terms of comfort, with a higher seat height that's much closer to a household toilet. The 165 has a 15-litre waste tank and a 15-litre fresh water tank, a bellows flush, and a battery-powered level indicator so you know when the tank needs emptying. A good all-round choice for most camping and caravanning applications.
Best for: Caravans, motorhomes, and family camping.
Porta Potti 565
Thetford's most popular model — the 565 adds an electric flush powered by a rechargeable battery, giving a more powerful and consistent flush than the bellows models. It also features a waste level indicator and a higher seat height. The 565 has a 21-litre waste tank and a 15-litre fresh water tank, making it suitable for longer trips between emptying.
Best for: Caravans and motorhomes where a more comfortable, home-like experience is the priority.
Porta Potti 565E Excellence
The top of the Porta Potti range. The Excellence model adds a rotating pour-out spout on the waste tank (no more awkward emptying angles), a piston pump flush, and a premium white and grey finish. Like the standard 565, it has a 21-litre waste tank and electric flush, but with a more refined design and easier maintenance.
Best for: Caravanners and motorhome owners who want the best portable toilet experience available.
Thetford Toilet Chemicals — Explained
Using the right chemicals is essential for keeping your Thetford toilet odour-free and functioning correctly. Thetford produces two main types of chemical:
Aqua Kem Blue — Waste Tank Treatment
Aqua Kem Blue goes into the lower waste tank. It breaks down waste, controls odour, and keeps the tank clean between empties. Available in liquid (pour) and drop-in sachets. The liquid is more economical for regular use; sachets are convenient for travel.
Tip: Always add the correct dose of Aqua Kem Blue before your first use and after every empty. Under-dosing is the most common cause of odour problems.
Aqua Kem Pink — Bowl Freshener
Aqua Kem Pink (also called Aqua Rinse) goes into the upper fresh water tank. It lubricates the flush valve, keeps the bowl clean, and adds a fresh scent to every flush. Use it every time you refill the fresh water tank.
Aqua Kem Green — Biodegradable Formula
Thetford's eco-friendly alternative to the standard Blue formula — Aqua Kem Green is biodegradable and suitable for use on sites that require environmentally friendly chemicals. It performs slightly less aggressively than the Blue formula but is perfectly adequate for most camping applications.
How to Empty a Thetford Porta Potti
Emptying a Porta Potti is straightforward once you know the process:
- Slide or pull the waste tank away from the upper section (most models have a release button or lever)
- Carry the waste tank to a designated chemical disposal point (Elsan point) — these are available at almost all caravan and motorhome sites
- Open the pour-out spout (or rotate the spout on Excellence models) and empty slowly to avoid splashing
- Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water
- Add fresh Aqua Kem Blue before reassembling
Never empty Porta Potti waste into regular toilets, drains, or on the ground. Always use a designated Elsan disposal point.
Thetford Cassette Toilets — What's the Difference?
As well as the Porta Potti portable range, Thetford manufactures cassette toilets — these are fixed toilets built into caravans and motorhomes, with a removable cassette (waste tank) that slides out from an external hatch. If your caravan or motorhome has a built-in toilet, it's almost certainly a Thetford cassette system. The same Aqua Kem chemicals are used for both portable and cassette systems.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Thetford Toilet
- Always use Thetford dissolvable tissue — standard toilet paper doesn't break down properly in the waste tank and can cause blockages
- Don't overfill the waste tank — empty when the level indicator shows full, not when it's overflowing
- Keep the seal lubricated — a small amount of Aqua Rinse in the fresh water tank keeps the flush valve seal in good condition
- Store with chemicals — if storing your Porta Potti over winter, leave a small amount of Aqua Kem Blue in the tank to keep seals from drying out
- Clean regularly — Thetford's cassette and bowl cleaner is formulated to clean without damaging the seals or plastic components
Shop Thetford at Newquay Camping Shop
We stock the full Thetford range at Newquay Camping Shop, including Porta Potti portable toilets, Aqua Kem chemicals, dissolvable tissue, and cleaning products. Visit our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, open Monday to Friday, where our team can help you choose the right model for your caravan, motorhome, or campervan setup. UK-wide delivery available on all orders.
Browse our full range of camping toilets and toilet chemicals and cleaning products.
