Toileting for older van dwellers! 

I really appreciate this video. I am considering van living due to finances. I am older, on disability and I too would need to change clothes if I had to pick around in the dark to set up a pottie. Lol, love your humor, I have had bladder issues all my life, your setup is genius. Things like this can change a person's life 😃🎄

Good idea. When you have IBS like a lot of us older ppl have you need to be close to a toilet ASAP. No time to go looking for a place to use.

Exactly what I have been designing in my mind, however, for the urine, I have been trying to come up with something which isn't "round" and tho't about using the urine specimen trays which you get from a Dr. or when in the hospital . I found that they sell them at Walmart online, at less than $4, and a couple of those should last for a year, I'd think, with proper care. They are straight across the back (rather than round) and would leave more room for a bowel movement to hit the bucket a little easier. And they have a rim which fits easily under the toilet seat. Anyhow, just a thought for everyone Why pay a thousand dollars for a composting toilet when you can build your own for $10 - $15 total cost. You did a super job on this one with everything being right there at your disposal. And I like the idea of a privacy curtain. Thanks so much for sharing with us! People our age aren't always comfortable talking about this, but you were very informative while being discreet! I appreciate that!

Disabled for 22 years...thank you for addressing this in such an informative and realistic manner. I have all sorts of “bathroom” issues. This is one of the adaptive issues that has caused me to NOT experiment with Vanlife. Thank you!

Love your bathroom setup. Also like your no-nonsense way of explaining things. You have a new subscriber!

Thank you so much for addressing this sensitive issue. I am 57 and have urinary incontinence issues, along with osteo arthritis. I appreciate this information!

WooHoo and thank you for talking about the realities of life and living out there!! I have been full of dread for those girlie funnels....not happenin!! Love your set up and thank you for paving the path for us dealing with these very real parts of life!!

I suffered with acute IBS & pelvic issues most my adult life, which pretty much affects both ends, I got it in the late 70's and I'm 64.8 so I've suffered with the disease a long time. So bathrooms are of great importance to me, and I hate going in public rest rooms. I think you are one of the bravest woman on earth to talk about this and discuss how you handle your needs. The nice toilet from before looked great, but what every suits your needs is a big game changer regardless of what it looks like. I personally think you did a nice job with design and also giving yourself privacy. Young people don't realize what it is to age and, some of the limitations us older people man or woman go thru as we age. I'm fairly spry, except my disease has kind of ruled my life, and while medicines help, nothing works even at 80%. As a man going in a bottle, because the IBS made my bladder hold less is a big help, so when my belly is under control I can at least get out in my kayak fishing and act fairly normal, however I guess there are down sides to being a man just as there are two sides to any story. I really appreciated you sharing, and I hope your van dwelling continues to be rewarding and you stay in good health. FYI, I am not a van dweller, but I’m just introverted enough that I could be, LoL. I live rural with my cat Shyann, in a 28 x 8 foot converted construction trailer, but I also have a six car garage, which houses my cars, a small wood shop, my heated shower room and washing and drying machine. The latter was all on my land, and after I won disability at the age of 57, I had to liquidate my business while my x wife divorced me and I gave her the house. so it seemed like moving into what used to be a thriving machine shop for 32 years with some clean up and retrofitting, was the best place to move too since it had paid in full mortgage, for years. Thanks again for covering this sensitive subject. I wish you all the best, and my hat is off to you once again for your bravery and being adventurous.

Your toilet solution is the best I’ve seen so far. Thank you for sharing this brilliant design!

Thank you thank you thank you...such practical and sensible advice and setup...I have been wondering how I would manage as my hips and knees arent what they used to be and having had children urgency is always an issue.

I am Ursula, I love your calm demeanor and info as well. I love the " GramKracker" name of your channel. Thank you so much for the info, you are a real peach to be so informative and helpful with your honestly.

Yeah, age brings challenges. We have to face them. These ideas are very important. Thanks.

Thanks Gram! I am just starting my build at age 60! I like the design and chemical free operation. Returning the toilet I bought at WalMart as it does not separate and requires questionable stuff for odor control...not interested in breathing in any chemicals. I totally subscribed!!!!

I can't tell you how much I appropriate your open and honest comments about older folks, especially women, and our special needs. Thank you so much!

I so agree with you as I am now 69. I would definitely need my own potty for an extreme emergency if I lived in a van. I love your toilet setup. Thank you for talking from a older woman's point of view. Stay safe in your travels.

Thank you for having the courage to "deal" with such a delicate subject and relate the problem in such a straightforward manner. I'm a man with a middle of the night problem ( although not in a rv situation yet) so seeing your solution have me hope. Thank you!

First of all thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for broaching this subject. I realize it can be a hard to find a solution that works, in such a tight space, that is functional, and easy to keep sanitary. Very clever setup. Cheaper then buying the special separator from Amazon. While in Boy Scouts, with my sons, I took a milk crate that was dual purpose. I used it to carry extra gear to the campsite, then once empty, I added a couple of plastic bags to line it with, for inside my tent at night. Who wants to get up and walk all the way to the bathroom at night just to pee. Now, I put special cut pieces of conduit over the edge, of the crate, and then a large size pool noodle, before the plastic bags and it works great. Necessity is the mother of all invention. Stay safe and than-you for bringing us along for your journey.

Thanks for being the one to finally show us the physical design of seperating waste! Being in my 60's and pretty crippled up, I REALLY appreciated that you addressed the need for quick and easy access needed by us older folks. Don't know why everyone else makes such an uncomfortable issue of it. We're all adults here (theoretically) and...everybody poops!

Thanks for your frank, no-nonsense, respectful explanation of older women’s bathroom needs. After my cancer surgery I have many changes in how my body works. Your toilet setup will make it possible for me to retrofit a van and begin my nomad adventure. Hope to meet you on the road.

Good video. I travel the country in a 2014 Ram Promaster high top. I haul freight in it. I use a toilet called the "Hassock". It's like $24.00 from Amazon. I put 2 bags in it, solids and liquids go in it and I just cover everything with cheap cat litter. It makes everything a solid. I tie up the bag and toss it into a dumpster or garbage can about everyday. It's really no different than throwing out cat litter from your cat. It works great! It's simple. No moving parts. No water. The only thing I am going to change on it is that it's just a little too short. I'm going to cut a piece of dense foam and glue it to the bottom to make it taller.

To separate urine from stool, try a "urine measuring hat". This is a medical device used in hospitals. Ìt is a half-moon plastic container that fits beneath a toilet seat. Place it either in the front or back of the seat. It has a small spout that makes it easy to pour urine into a storage bottle. About $5 online.

This is the #1 guestion (No pun intended) in van dwelling. Thx for being brave and sharing with us!

So glad you addressed this subject for those of us who need the taller toilet. I had often wondered how older or physically limited people would manage.

I'm so impressed with you. I'm 74 and also handicapped. Not gonna be living in an RV. So I fulfill my fantasies watching you all on RU-vid. Dealing with bathroom issues would be a deal breaker for me. I'm really happy to hear you have solved that situation. Take care. I hope you continue to enjoy your traveling life. ❤️

I'm 59 and cannot relate to your bathroom challenges. Hopefully I'll never have to but am glad you're sharing for those that do. Thank you.

This is such a great, practical video. You rock!

I am SO glad that I found your channel just now!!! There are going to be so many of us ladies out there, and you just gave some of the most practical advice!

I have been using a five gallon bucket with seat and a jar. I am getting better at using the jar separately, mainly because I use the jar regularly, not waiting for a body signal. At 64, my body signal is a day late and a dollar short. Your setup is brilliant, and I like the idea of removing the passenger seat for location. keeps the home space more open. I just subscribed, you are a treasure.

Very nice idea! While I'm only 46, I have had to get up in the night for a number of years to potty. I have just moved into a minivan, and I have made sure I set up a toilet every night before bed. Most of the time I have to use it. I don't yet have space to make a dedicated area for a toilet that stays set up, but one day when I can obtain a bigger van, I will do something like yours, probably. Thanks for the video!

Excellent solution for toileting issues! I often wondered how elderly women handled that being in such small spaces...& many having mobility issues. I could not imagine living full time in anything smaller then a class c. One reason we opted to part time Class A & build a homestead instead of full time mobile. My hats off to you ladies doing this 😁✌❤

I applaud your frank discussion on this essential human function. Well done. Thank you.

I lived in a rural area in Alaska. Separating the paper is a must and I like your carbon idea. A 5gal bucket will give you the height you need. Pour @ 1qt of clean water in the bucket add I package of baking yeast and you are done. Deposit your solids and your liquids into the same container. The yeast will skin over the top of the water and there will be no odor. Most of us make more liquid than solid ,so the solids slip below the surface where the yeast breaks them down to a slurry very quickly. People using my commode always remarked how odorless it was and wanted to know my method. Which I always shared freely.

That's a great idea. One reason I hesitate being a van dweller is because of toileting and shower issues.

GREAT VID !!... I've been wondering what I was going to do about the toilet thing, ( once I get on the road that is.) Your idea fixed it for me! Here's a big THANK YOU for sharing it with us older people. Maybe one day we'll meet up. :-)

What a great video about a subject most people don’t address in such practical terms. I’m a new subscriber having seen you interviewed by the Cheap RVing guy. You’re a great example of living life to its fullest. And at 76 that includes those multiple bathroom visits.

I am 74. I have used the bucket method for years. You are right, it's an emergency in the middle of the night. I use shreaded cedar to cover it all until I can dump. I cover it all with a towel and use it as a table. I van camp and teardrop camp.

Going to hit the road in about a year so helpful. Thanks!

To separate urine from stool, try a "urine measuring hat" ($5 online). It's a half-moon plastic container that fits either in the front or back of the toilet. Place it under the toilet seat. It has a small spout to help pour urine into a storage bottle.

I'm 60 and one who has nighttime issues. Thank you for the video. I would always have some type of toilet in their van. Stay safe in your travels

Fantastic ideas ...very sensible....thank you

My 75 year old disabled human votes a huge thumbs up . And yes, I, Bridget ( Yorkie ) told my human she should subscribe. By the way: I rescued my human ..woof woof. ( thank you)

Hello I have just watched this video Oct 2019. Wow how clever you are this is a fantastic idea. Thankyou for sharing. Stay Safe ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Well I have wondered how that situation would be for me if I ever got to have a van life!!! Now I know. You are exactly right. I’m one of those up a time or two at night !! Almost 70 !! Love the videos. Keep em coming 🥰

Thank you for sharing your potty design as I am over 60 and disabled and had been worried about how to design one for my needs. I will be in minivan, so there will need to be a fewtweaks, but at least now, I have a place to start! B I geodes to call my grandma "gramcracker"! Not for long as it did not amuse her... My grandson calls me nana wile my granddaughters call me mema. I tease my 5yr. old grandson about being his nana bananas! A while back, my son discovered that there is a game by the name nana bananas! How funny! Another new subscriber to your videos for you!

That's a great setup you have there. I'm pushing 60, but am disabled, too. Hey, at least we can modify our living spaces to be more comfortable, lol.

Hello, I think its good to talk about these things. We tend to suppress the nasty bits, don't we? but its only natural. My husband always teases me about how I would poop if I lived in a van, and I don't want that to inhibit him/me or us. I am glad I watched. Best regards, c

Awesome first person I've heard someone address my issues being a older woman. Thank you.

Genius , I'm not a van dweller, but disabled to the point I can't get up to go to the bathroom . This could be made mobile so I could use it . Thank you and GOD BLESS 💜😊

Great design! Through explanation...thanks for sharing!

Don't mind me but I had to watch your toilet building idea again. I've got some experience, so I'll be ok with it. THANKS AGAIN! 🌼

Very practical. Good. Save a lot of money.

Your design replicates common composting toilets without the expense. Thanks!

I'm new to discovering this fun lifestyle, and am in the process of watching a ton of videos! I admire you and all of the folks out there living in small, mobile quarters!!! This video was so informative and I believe it will help many people. I am amazed there has not been a decent toilet commercially made!!!!!! Thanks for being there with such a personal yet helpful video.

My mini is my bedroom while my cabin tent is my living/bathroom. I use a bucket potty with a bag and a little bit of kitty litter, although I want to try the cedar chips next trip. Yoga stretches and squeezy exercises have helped muscle control tremendously. I’m a curvy size also and have arthritis, which I manage with yoga. I do simple stretches with no pretzel acrobatics. LOL. My tent is my yoga space. Happy trails.

Thanks so much for this video!!! I'm 63 yrs old,,, been living in my van now 9 months. I have tryed a few different designs for tolieting,, Today I'm trying your design,,, I think yours is perfect set up. For showers I have a solar shower that works wonderful,,, plus my membership at gym,, I can shower 24/7,,,,doesn't matter what time it is. Your a wonderful lady!!! Keep the videos coming. Love ❤️ your van,, all the colors!! Bless you and safe travels!!

So great seeing an older woman out there and giving truth! I've been researching vanlife and have IBS, incontinence, and other medical issues, and watching young men and women who say you only need a gym membership for your bathroom obviously don't know the struggle! They don't understand when I say one must have is a toilet, not a bucket.

I love your toilet design! Very well thought out and executed. BTW, Kiln-dried pine pellets sold by feed/grain stores for horse stall bedding is less expensive than shavings. It kills the urine odor, and reduces to a lightweight sawdust and dries the #2 very quickly. It retails around $6 - $7 for a 40 pound bag. Usually the guys at the feed stores are very helpful and are accustomed to helping customers load their purchases, just ask!

That's an awesome "dunny" (old NZ and Australian slang) Really practical.

I just happen to come across the video. Thanks for doing it. A lot of us guys have the problem caused by old age and or prostrate problems and cancer. When we had our bathrooms remodeled in our house we had the taller ADA toilets installed. Man, what a difference. They are great. We haven’t done any RVing May or may not in the future. I been watching the various RV videos to learn all about it.

My toilet itself is a 3 gal. tool bucket on wheels, with a funnel diverter into a jug for #1 and compostable plastic bag for number two. It's topped with a lugable loo seat. I use this as my seat on wheels inside my van because I have just a standard length, low top cargo van So I don't have room for a dedicated toilet but like you I need to have one available inside my van. So I turned it into a stool on wheels, with a round seat cushion and fabric curtain that fits over it like a little slipcover. It's perfect for me to roll around inside my van. So I don't have to constantly be bending over or on my knees on the floor doing things. And when I need to use the potty I just lift the cushion and fabric up off of it and lift the toilet seat which does a good job of keeping all the odors in check. I use pine horse bedding pellets for both my potty and my kitties litter box. It smells like a pine forest. And it costs me between $5 and $10 for a 40-lb bag at any tractor supply store. Which is about the same size as a big bag of dog food to give you a reference.

I plan to replace the front passenger seat with a commode chair and separate that front area from the back with a shower curtain.

You're an engineer!

Thank God someone is adressing the older van person for every part of van dwelling. Thank you so much

I am still young under 40, disability is worsening for me so I have had two accidents trying to climb to a space where the toilet was away from the bed area of the van along with taking wipes and tissue out as well. I have a husband that was trying to figure out the box set up and this he liked a lot. I can take my own waste out this way as well. Disability is no joke no matter the age but when you can't hold things and can't hold the bladder (dominant side weakness with opposite side following). Thanks for sharing 😊👍💯💝

Great info - I am not a vandweller but I've always wondered how those women who are older deal with such things!

Yes, thank you for your thoughtful video! And yes, I like it. Haven't got the van yet but planning soon for it. And collecting good ideas for it. Yours is in my collection!! Your video was needed!!

Thanks for taking on a difficult subject and a great idea

Very honest, beautifully explained. Love it cherish your life.

Ahhh Thank you so much for sharing what works for you, this is a great idea!

Brilliant! Thanks for addressing this issue especially for us over 55s. Wish I could do the compositing toilet, but like you point out, hard to keep things separated. Have had lots of experience with sawdust toilets on whitewater r rivers, and boy, is it an improvement over out or vault toilets. No flys, no smell.

Enjoyed that video tremendously. Very clever setup. That's essential for me to have a shower and good tolieting. I'm older and when I.need to go I got to move. So thank you for that innovative info. Good to hear you say your enjoying your life style. The nomads life is a good life but you have to be smart about what your doing.

As a 55+ female Im up 2-3 times per night. Brilliant design, thanks for sharing! "Love what you do. Do what you love." Safe travels

You should patent and sell them! I’ll buy one!

New subbie! It is so refreshing to learn from someone who understands the unique needs of women of a certain age, and who clearly has well- thought-out solutions to make living on the road more comfortable and safe. You are truly filling an important niche. How do you keep your plants from falling over when in motion? Thank you so much for doing what you do, and I am keen to look back at your prior vids and to see the new ones as you continue to post!

Subscribed! Practical affordable workable organized solutions. Kudos!

about time someone addressed the specific issues of older and well endowed partially disabled women! you are so right that we are not all 25year old, lithe and limber young males who can wait as long as it takes to get to the right pit stop. thank you for talking about real people with real issues

That's and incredible design. We have a class c but dont even use our black tank, only use the toilet for setting the bucket into... I'd live to replace it all with this, but I have no carpentry skills.

I’m sitting on my toilet,while watching your video.👍🏻lol

Cindy - You are brilliant! Thank you for sharing this amazing invention. You are a rock star!

True, we older women need more comfort to accommodate these basic human needs and you are doing it very well for your wonderful selfie :D Much appreciation for this great video.

Okocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter,,,,...Is also environmentally friendly if you can't find saw dust or coconut core. Sold on line by Amazon and Walmart.

I set mine up for the night. Rv portable toilet

Whenever I watch van living my one must is a toilet for the reasons you mentioned. Still in a mid size C but someday a van may be necessary and I’m glad to have your experiences, thanks

Nice design, practical, doable, makes plenty of sense now that you explained it. Thanks for sharing.

can you remove the bowl if you accidentally go over the edge?. I am disabled and if life ever intervenes and I get a van this would be my big issue. I am glad you are showing us how to modify space for our needs

So, this is a gross question but what does someone do that suffers from chronic diarrhea. I have had to manage this issue as a result of surgeries 40+ years ago. While it has always been bothersome now, as I adopt the nomad lifestyle, it is a real problem. I do not want to deal with black tanks but do I have an option? Thanks for addressing this issue faced by older, bigger, less mobile ladies.

I think this is very good advice for any van dweller or even camper who needs to get up at night. Your explanation is very well-done. Thanks.

Thank you I’m 65 and I’m thinking about van dwelling

I would like to have a small composting but in my van (if I was to live in it), there would not be too much room. I have heard of a big gallon bucket with toilet seat and kitty litter :) I am like you, I have to pee in the middle of the night. So much to consider when traveling in a van or living in a van. Thank you for this video. :) Travel safe.

That is a very creative toilet! Great job!! That was always my concern, bathroom necessity! You have certainly solved that problem. I hope you have a patent on its creation!! May I ask your age? I'm 73 and would live to hit the road!! My grandson calls me graham cracker! LOL

Thank you so much for your he information I think what you have done is a wonderful idea. When I do my van I am going to use your idea and yes I am a older woman hope to run into you some day.

Good 👍👍👍video. I made my own compost toilet too with a urine diverter and 5 gallon bucket from home depot works great 👍

Awesome setup do you build that yourself? It is nice to see someone addressing older woman's issues as nomads. Are you full time and what is your rig?

Great setup! Question: how often do you have to dump your bag? Is it every time, or can you use it a few times since you use sawdust an coconut core?

Thank you for being so candid about the needs of a senior woman. I am handicapped (with a service dog) and my spirit says 'DO IT" buy my body will sometimes not cooperate in spite of spirit. Thank you again . . . it makes a difference. Blessings to you.

I enjoyed is video, love to hear what the seniors are doing... Thank you..

Thank you! I am in my early sixties and in a mini van so I know the struggle is real. That toilet will be awesome. I can't wait to build one. Again, thank you.

Getting ready to hit the road in our Grand Caravan. I'm 65 and my husband is 72. Yep I need to potty 2-4 x's a night. You are the first person I have seen address this issue with older adults and ones with disabilities. I have already set up for my potty. If mine doesn't work I will try yours. Thanks for the info it was very helpful!

Awesome toilet I think. I will build one for my wife in my van . I am sure she will Appreciate it. Thanks for the help.

Thankyou, I had been thinking about that issue too, before I head out. I spent one Thanksgiving making an outhouse because our( years ago) landlord had us stay in their camper while they did renovations,but forgot to empty the tanks before leaving on a trip out of state and sure enough, it was full on Thanksgiving day, of all days !lol! I dug a nearly 5' hole straight down, (without a post hole digger,lol because of neck injuries.).. with boards ,a 5 gallon bucket, careful cut a toilet seat out of an extra lid and melted the edges smooth...I saved the dirt in planting pots, used tarps and string for walls...it came out really nice for an outhouse and never smelled, even in the Florida heat. For those with stability issues, I saw one setup where a guy turned one of his favorite chairs from home into a secret commode, it too, had no oders and looked fine. I also saw on the app "Wish" a plastic thing for women to use, to pee discreetly ,like a man while standing. I imagine that someone could use as is or attach a tube to a bottle/bucket or even stabalize it inside a toilet like the one in this video to help separate the two...Not sure what route I'll eventually take, but I just have a hard time with a $1,000 composting toilet and my income right now while only receiving Social Security Disability. At this point, I would choose a month of freedom and good experiences over a crapper. Lol. Happy travels !