Thetford Porta Potti 165 Review: Features, Pros & Cons
The Thetford Porta Potti 165 has been used for camping and cabin applications, including considering its comfort, flushing system, portability, tank capacity, odor control, and ease of emptying. Its full-height seating position and 21-liter waste tank make it particularly practical for longer stays where a conventional toilet isn’t available.
The Porta Potti 165 is one of Thetford’s larger portable toilet models and combines a household-style seating height with a manual piston-pump flush. In this review, we’ll look at its design, comfort, capacity, flushing performance, portability, cleaning, and suitability for year-round outdoor use.
Our Experience With the Thetford Porta Potti 165 Camping Toilet
We evaluated the Porta Potti 165 based on the areas that matter most when using a portable toilet outdoors: seating comfort, flushing performance, portability, waste-tank capacity, odor control, cleaning, and ease of emptying. We also considered its practicality for cabin and camping use where a permanent bathroom isn’t available.
The 40.8 cm seat height gives it a more familiar feel than many compact portable toilets, while the 21-liter waste tank provides useful capacity for multi-day trips. The integrated carrying handles and rotating emptying spout also make handling the waste tank easier.
Thetford Porta Potti 165 Review
Main Features:
- Flush: Manual piston pump
- Waste tank: 21 liters
- Fresh-water tank: 15 liters
- Seat height: 40.8 cm
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Dimensions: 41.4 × 38.3 × 42.7 cm
- Tank indicator: No
What We Like: | What Could Be Better: |
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Design and Ergonomics
As is often the case with the vast majority of Thetford products, the Thetford Porta Potti 165 demonstrates high-quality craftsmanship. From the first contact, it reveals a robust construction, ready to withstand regular use of product chemicals. While it may be relatively expensive to purchase, the investment comes with real guarantees regarding its durability.
On the other hand, this toilet is appreciated for its portability, measuring 41.4 x 38.3 x 42.7 cm and weighing 3.9 kg. It features front and rear handles, which facilitate transport and provide valuable assistance when emptying. For campers preparing for longer or more self-sufficient trips, learning practical techniques such as waste management and campsite setup can also be useful.
In terms of comfort, this portable camping toilet lives up to expectations. The seat is at the right height (40.8 cm), making it suitable for use by both adults and kids. The small storage provided for the roll of toilet paper is very practical.
Specifications and Features
Previously known as the Porta Potti Qube, the Porta Potti 165 portable toilet comes with a 21-liter waste holding tank, complemented by a 15-liter clean water compartment. This configuration provides an interesting operating capacity, especially for your outdoor family activities.
However, neither of its two tanks has a fill indicator. The manual flush with a piston pump, on the other hand, is effective. The design of this toilet is such that it prevents the spread of bad odors. Given that the Thetford Porta Potti is a portable toilet, you have the option to add chemical additives. These serve to reduce bad smells and dissolve waste, thereby increasing its capacity.
Who Is the Thetford Porta Potti 165 Best For?
The Thetford Porta Potti 165 is a good fit for campers, cabin owners, RV users, and anyone who needs a portable toilet with a more familiar household-style seating height. If you’re putting together a complete camping setup, you can also see our guide to the best camping gear for other essential equipment.
Its 21-liter waste tank is particularly useful for longer trips where frequent emptying isn’t convenient. It may be less appealing if your priority is the smallest and lightest portable toilet possible, or if you want a tank-level indicator.
Final Verdict!
Compared with smaller portable toilets, the Porta Potti 165 prioritizes seating comfort and waste capacity over compactness. Ultimately, despite its higher initial cost, the Thetford Porta Potti 165 is a portable toilet that we recommend because of its robust construction and large waste tank. Like the other Porta Potti models, it offers an appreciable level of comfort and operating capacity that make it a companion of choice for your outdoor adventures.
FAQs About Thetford Porta Potti 165 Camping Toilet
How often do you need to empty the waste tank?
During our testing with a family of four, the 21-liter waste tank lasted approximately three days before it needed to be emptied. Actual capacity will vary depending on how frequently the toilet is used and how many people are using it. For longer camping trips or cabin stays, the relatively large waste tank is a useful advantage because it reduces how often you need to stop and empty it.
How difficult is it to empty and clean the Thetford Porta Potti 165 waste tank?
The waste tank is designed with an integrated handle that makes carrying and emptying straightforward. The spout also swivels, which reduces the risk of splashing. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water keeps it in good condition, and chemical additives help prevent buildup inside the tank.
Is the Thetford Porta Potti 165 suitable for winter or freezing conditions?
Yes, but precautions are necessary. If used in cold environments, it’s recommended to add a small amount of non-toxic RV antifreeze to the tanks. This prevents water from freezing and protects the flushing system from damage during year-round use in cabins or outdoor setups.
How effective are chemical additives in reducing odors?
The use of Walex Porta-Pak chemical additives proved highly effective in minimizing odors, both during use and the dumping/cleaning procedure.
Can it be used as a permanent solution at home?
Yes, some users utilized the Porta Potti 165 as a portable potty in their garage because of the challenges of connecting regular sewer lines to their septic system in a rural area.
How was the experience in terms of smell and leakage?
We consistently reported minimal to no smell during use and praised the product for not leaking. The flush was noted as super quiet.
