Thetford separation kits and toilets - update July 2025
UPDATE JULY 2025: As interest in alternative toilet systems continues to grow, Thetford presents its latest innovations: the Separation Toilet (S series) and Separation Kit (SK series). Designed to offer more flexibility for motorhome users, both products are the result of a thorough development journey built on experience, refined through testing, and held to the highest standards of comfort and hygiene.
Exploring the trend
Thetford identified a growing shift among a specific group of leisure vehicle users seeking alternative toilet systems. Although separation toilets were gaining visibility, especially through (social) media and events like Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, many of these offerings lacked the reliability and performance expected by the touring community. As market interest matured, so did the opportunity for Thetford to deliver a solution that matched its quality promise.
Understanding the underlying needs and requirements
To better understand the deeper needs behind this shift towards alternative toilet systems, Thetford commissioned independent research by MiiOS in 2024. The study revealed that leisure vehicle users are generally open to changing their sanitation setup, especially when certain alternative systems are seen as more environmentally friendly and easier to empty. However, while sustainability plays a role, the most influential factors in product choice are hygiene and convenience. These key drivers helped shape the foundation of the new Thetford S and SK series.VIDEO
Innovation powered by experience
To translate these needs into real, high-quality products, Thetford formed a cross-functional development team — uniting expertise from market research, engineering, product management, chemical development, quality management, and more. Together, they brought over 100 years of experience to the table and followed the project through every stage: from market analysis and prototyping to testing, refinement and production.“Bringing a complete product programme to market – from the first sketch to a production-ready release – within just a few years, across both the European and Australian markets, is a real achievement and a testament to great teamwork,” says Pascal Kuijten, Product Manager RV/OEM.
In January 2024, the first project meetings, competitor research and feasibility studies took place. It quickly became clear that many existing separation toilets caused ergonomic issues — especially for the female anatomy— and lacked reliability, particularly around the urine tank. Challenges that Thetford faced head-on.
Prototyping, testing and refining
The first prototypes were shown at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf in August 2024. Over the months that followed, more prototypes were built, tested and fine-tuned, both in-house and in real-life camper setups. Each component was refined to meet user expectations for hygiene, ease of use and reliability, all while fitting within the dimensional constraints of existing C220 and C260 toilets.
With each iteration, the system improved. An optional active vent was designed, and specially crafted consumables were developed to further enhance the convenience, hygiene and lifespan of separation toilet systems. In May 2025, the manufacturing plant was ready for production and the first production test runs were performed.
Watch the Separation Kit in action
The finishes touches: consumables to match the system
To enhance the user experience, the Chemical Department developed tailor-made consumables for separation toilets:
- Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh: prevents odours and urine scale, keeps the tank clean and fresh.
- Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner: fast-acting spray that cleans and shines the bowl in second.
- Thetford Separation Toilet Drying Agent: 100% biodegradable wood fibre that absorbs moisture and prevents odours.
- Thetford Separation Toilet Waste Bags: strong, recycled-material bags for clean and simple disposal of solid waste.
Freedom of choice
With the launch of the S and SK series, Thetford reinforces its commitment to practical innovation, the touring community and the environment. Whether travellers choose a classic portable toilet, a cassette toilet, or a separation toilet, Thetford continues to support freedom of choice, backed by decades of experience and a shared love for life on the road.
The S and SK series, along with dedicated consumables, will be available from September 2025.
Frequently asked questions Separation Toilets
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Compared to competition Thetford offers more value for money. The complete Thetford Separation toilet (S220 or S260) has an RRP of € 850 and the Thetford Separation Kit (SK220 or SK260) has a RRP of € 599.
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No, the Separation Toilet does not require any water to operate. Our Thetford Toilet Bowl Cleaner is water-free and perfect for off-grid use.
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The full kit includes a urine tank, a leak-free connection to the urine tank, solid waste container, and a complete toilet bowl (both inner and outer ) – custom-fit for the C220 or C260 cassette toilets.
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The kit is designed for Thetford C220 and C260 cassette toilets.
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If you travel off-grid often or don’t want to use flush water or chemicals, this system offers comfort, hygiene, and flexibility. The system does not require water to operate and consumables are optional.
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A separation toilet is a type of dry (non-flush) toilet that separates solid and liquid waste at the source. It’s an increasingly popular choice among campers, vanlifers and off-grid enthusiasts who are looking for a waterless and believe a separation toilet is a more environment conscious alternative to traditional cassette toilets.
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Our products are tailored for separation systems, and clean and maintain the toilet without affecting the toilet’s components.
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Use Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh and Thetford Separation Toilet Drying Agent for daily odour control. For extra odour control, add the optional ventilator kit. Regularly clear your toilet bowl with Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
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Urine can be poured into any regular toilet. Solid waste – preferably collected in our Waste Bags made from recycled plastic – can be disposed of with residual waste (check local laws and regulations).
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Yes, the kit has been designed for DIY enthusiasts and is easy to install.
Usage
Cleaning and maintenance
Troubleshooting
