Bob,

The reason it doesn't come up often is because a Thetford PortaPotti (or its'
look-alikes) works so darn well. Plus there's none of the attendant problems
associated with emptying the onboard black water tank, hose storage, and dump
area clean up.

Don't forget the Vanagon is very short as far as RV's go. It's less that 15
feet! Most Class B vehicles with plumbed toilets are in vans 17-19 feet long
that have engines mounted in the front. They have more available floor space
than a Vanagon. After the necessary camper fixtures are installed there is very
little floor space left in a Vanagon.

In addition, there isn't much room on the Vanagon's underside for a large
traditional black water tank. On my van the gray water tank holds 13 gallons and
occupies the area opposite my propane tank (the reverse of the Westfalia). For
black water you would want a tank with a larger capacity. Another option is a
recirculating toilet like those used in the Xplorer van conversion. An RV, which
at 20 feet, is 5 feet longer than a Vanagon.

So you don't get the wrong idea, I like the smaller footprint of the Vanagon and
am willing to forego some of the "luxuries" found on its' larger brethren.

BTW, I do have a plan that might work for someone provided they are willing to
sleep at night while sitting on the toilet . <G>

Garrett Adams
83.5 Adventurewagen GL
Stockton, California