Will a Regular Toilet Seat Fit an RV Toilet? 3 Things to Know

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If you need a new toilet seat for your RV, you might want to use a regular toilet seat. It will improve comfort and aesthetics. But will a regular toilet seat fit an RV toilet?

Sometimes you can use a regular toilet seat in your RV. But this isn’t common. Most RV toilets are smaller and have a different design than standard toilets. And because RV toilet seats aren’t universal, they must be measured to ensure a proper fit.

It depends on many factors. Read on to learn how to figure out if a regular toilet seat will fit your RV toilet and what to consider when shopping for the right one.

Will a Regular Toilet Seat Fit an RV Toilet?

Some regular toilet seats might fit your RV toilet, but it’s not a guarantee. Instead of buying a regular toilet seat and hoping it works, buy one specially made for RVs.

RV toilets are small and save space because they fit in limited RV space.

A standard toilet would be too large for almost all RV bathrooms. RV toilets also typically have a different shape compared to regular toilets.

Factors to Consider: There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for an RV toilet seat, such as

Fit
Material
Installation process

1. Finding the Right Fit

The first step in determining the proper fit for your RV toilet seat is to measure the distance between your toilet’s mounting holes.

This measurement determines whether or not a standard toilet seat will fit your RV toilet. You should also compare the overall size and shape of the seat to that of your toilet bowl.

For the best fit, remove your current seat and take it to the hardware store to compare. You might want to have a tape measure with you – to ensure the length, width, and bolt width are the same.

According to American Standard, there is an industry-standard for toilet seats. According to the post, “*all toilets* have seat post holes on 5 1/2″ centers –*all* elongated bowls are 18 1/2″ from seat posts to front of rim, and *all* round bowls are 16 1/2″.”

2. Best Material for an RV Toilet Seat

Consider the seat’s materials and durability, as RV toilets are frequently used in a mobile environment and may experience more wear and tear than a regular toilet.

Plastic: Plastic toilet seats are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They are also reasonably priced, simple to replace, and resistant to warping and cracking.
Wood: Wood toilet seats are a traditional option with a classic appearance. They are solid and long-lasting. As a bonus, you can paint or stain them to match your RV’s decor. However, wood seats can be heavier and more expensive than plastic seats.
Bamboo: Bamboo toilet seats are environmentally friendly and have a distinct, natural appearance. They are long-lasting, lightweight, and simple to clean.
Metal: Metal toilet seats are strong and long-lasting, but seats made of other materials are more comfortable. Metal options are heavy (and cold) and may not be the best choice for an RV toilet.

Concerned about plumbing leaks? Check out our RV toilet seal guide. And here are two ways to turn off RV toilet water.

3. How to Change RV Toilet Seats

Changing the toilet seat in your RV is a simple task that requires only a few basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing your RV toilet seat.

Gather the Necessary Tools

You’ll need a screwdriver (either Phillips or flathead, depending on the screws), a replacement seat, and possibly a wrench or pliers if your current seat is difficult to remove.

For the replacement seat, it helps to find one with new hardware included. There are many RV-specific toilet seats available at RV supply stores and online retailers.

Remove the Old Toilet Seat

Locate and remove the screws that hold the old seat in place with the screwdriver. If the seat is difficult to remove, you may need to loosen it with a wrench or pliers.

After you’ve removed the screws, gently lift the old seat away from the toilet.

Attach the New Toilet Seat

Place the new seat in the open position to inspect the underside. Locate and align the mounting holes on the new seat with the holes in the toilet.

To secure the seat, use your screwdriver to twist in the screws from the new seat. Tighten them carefully so you don’t cause the seat to crack.

Test the New RV Toilet Seat

After installing the new seat, ensure it’s secure and level. If the seat isn’t level, you might need to adjust the screws or add a shim.

Keep learning: Check out all our RV content in our huge Guide to RV Living

Your Turn

While standard toilet seats may fit in some RV bathrooms, they may not fit all.

You can find the right fit for your RV toilet by considering the seat’s compatibility, size, and materials. You can always choose RV-specific toilet seats made to fit RV bathrooms.