Happy Camper concerns

Marbet · 08-07-2020, 02:47 PM

We have been using the powdered "Happy Camper" product in our Electra magic toilet for most of the 12 years we have owned our 09 2720 TM (purchased in 08). Recently, the seat and lid broke loose from the top and the seal began leaking around the top of the unit. We have used the TM a fair amount figuring we could account for living in the camper more than 18 months. Researching on line and looking at options on the forum we elected to replace the unit and found that purchasing a new, complete Electra-magic from David at Trailmanor was the best option for us. As the unit has served us very well. The info I want to share is that the old toilet had a gray/white scale coating all the internal parts partially clogging the screen. My concern is that the Happy Camper product was the cause of the scale and may have accelerated the deterioration of the toilet. Also I noticed the plastic had seemed brittle and the external surfaces were crazed I suspect a result of using ordinary bathroom cleaners as opposed to a product more friendly to plastic such as Thetford's products. Has anyone else seen this? Also does anyone use the Aqua-Chem toss ins as opposed to the liquid? seems like we are always learning.

Shane826 · 08-07-2020, 09:54 PM

When I first bought my camper used it came with some Aqua-Kem toss-ins. I used them, the toilet stunk, and I noticed the stuff coming through the clear elbow on the sewer pipe was more clear than blue. The. I saw it... The toss-in came through the hose, undesolved. I switched to the liquid (single serve bottles from WalMart) and didn’t have a smell issue again. I still use it with my SeaLand toilet.

Marbet · 08-10-2020, 12:29 PM

Thanks Shane for sharing your experience with the "Toss ins". I just like the idea of the Toss ins as easier storage and a little weight savings on a longer trip. I'll be curious to see if anyone has a similar experience with the "Happy Camper" product. We thought it worked well for years and was easy to mix up and store as well as a little cheaper. maybe not so much.

**Larryjb** · 08-10-2020, 03:36 PM

Just a thought about the toss-ins: could you dissolve them in a cup of water before dropping them in? I know it makes is less convenient, but you do have the weight savings that Marbet mentioned.

Shane826 · 08-10-2020, 10:21 PM

Is it really coming down to the right savings of a few ounces for a 6 pack of single serve Aqua Kem liquid vs toss-ins?