RV and travel trailer owners are no strangers to the occasional mystery odor. Often, the first culprit suspected is a dry P-trap in a drain. A simple fix, as one might suggest, is adding a tablespoon of cooking oil to the P-trap to reduce evaporation, especially during winterization. However, what if you’ve checked all the usual suspects and the smell persists? The issue might be lurking somewhere less obvious, like a cracked toilet mounting flange and a failing Travel Trailer Toilet Seal.
One RV owner discovered this firsthand when battling a persistent odor in their Oliver travel trailer. After confirming the P-traps were functioning correctly, the real problem revealed itself: a broken and cracked toilet mounting flange. This damage allowed black water to leak stealthily under the toilet, dripping onto the black tank and between the hulls of the trailer. Over time, this hidden leak created a significant odor issue. The problem escalated until water began leaking from the under-hull scupper each time the toilet was flushed, finally making the source of the issue undeniable.
Cracked plastic travel trailer toilet flange allowing black water leak
The culprit? Oliver trailers, like many residential applications, utilize plastic toilet flanges. While common, these plastic flanges can be prone to cracking, particularly under the weight of a heavy porcelain toilet bowl in a travel trailer that endures constant road vibrations and bumps. This issue isn’t unique; other owners have reported similar problems, sometimes even in brand-new trailers, suggesting the flange can be damaged during the initial toilet installation.
The solution, in this case, was a more robust replacement. The owner opted for a new toilet flange featuring a stainless steel ring to secure the toilet mounting bolts, providing added durability and preventing future cracks. Alongside the flange replacement, a new Dometic travel trailer toilet seal was installed between the toilet and the flange.
New stainless steel reinforced travel trailer toilet flange with Dometic toilet seal installed
With the cracked flange replaced and a fresh travel trailer toilet seal in place, the odor issue was completely resolved. Of course, some cleanup and disinfection were necessary to address the black water residue between the hulls. Fortunately, the toilet was primarily used for liquid waste, simplifying the cleanup process.
This experience highlights an important, often overlooked area when troubleshooting RV toilet odors. While dry P-traps and standard travel trailer toilet seal degradation are common concerns, a cracked toilet flange can be a hidden source of significant problems. If you’re experiencing persistent, unexplained odors in your RV bathroom, especially coupled with any signs of leaks around the toilet base, inspecting your toilet flange and travel trailer toilet seal should be a priority. Upgrading to a more durable flange with a steel ring and ensuring a proper travel trailer toilet seal can prevent this messy and smelly issue from ruining your travel adventures.
