RV Toilet Paper: Do You Really Need Special Paper for Your RV?

Short Answer

With your 2025 Entegra Anthem's macerator toilet system and your frequent 2-3 day dumping schedule, you actually have more flexibility than most RV owners. While RV toilet paper is still the safest choice, your macerator system can handle regular toilet paper better than standard RV toilets. For tank treatment, with your frequent dumping routine, you're probably overdoing it - the treatment is most beneficial during longer storage periods rather than active camping with regular dumps.

Understanding the Problem

Your situation is unique because you have a macerator toilet system, which gives you significant advantages over standard RV waste systems. The macerator pump system in your Entegra Anthem uses an external pump to grind waste and paper after it leaves the toilet, creating a much more efficient waste processing system than regular gravity-fed toilets.

The key difference is that your frequent dumping schedule means waste isn't sitting in the tank long enough for the typical problems to develop. Most RV toilet paper recommendations are based on waste sitting in tanks for weeks, not the 2-3 days you're describing. Your macerator system, combined with regular dumping, creates a much more forgiving environment.

Regarding tank treatments, these chemicals are designed to break down waste and control odors over extended periods. When you're dumping every few days, you're removing waste before it has time to build up significantly, which reduces the need for chemical intervention during active camping periods.

What You'll Need

For toilet paper testing, you'll want to do a simple dissolve test: place a few sheets of your preferred toilet paper in a jar with water, shake vigorously, and see how quickly it breaks down. With your macerator system, even slower-dissolving papers should work fine.

For tank treatment, consider switching to a more targeted approach. Instead of using treatment packets every few days, focus on using them during storage periods and perhaps once weekly during extended camping trips. Popular options include Camco TST or Happy Campers, but with your dumping frequency, you may not need them at all during active camping.

You'll also want to ensure you have adequate water in your system. Your four flushes after dumping should be sufficient for regular operation, though you may increase to 5-6 flushes if needed for proper waste dilution during active camping.

How to Fix It

For your toilet paper question, start by gradually transitioning away from RV-specific paper if you want to save money. Begin by mixing regular 1-ply or 2-ply toilet paper with your RV paper, monitoring your tank sensors and dump valve performance. Given your macerator pump system and frequent dumping, most quality toilet papers should work fine.

Adjust your tank treatment routine to match your actual usage patterns. Skip the treatment packets during active camping when you're dumping every 2-3 days. Instead, use them strategically: add one packet after your final dump before storing the RV, and consider adding one if you're going to be camping for more than a week without dumping.

Continue your current post-dump flushing routine of four flushes, which should be adequate. This ensures your black tank has adequate water for the macerator pump to function properly and helps prevent any residue buildup. The extra water is especially important with macerator systems, as they rely on good water flow to move waste effectively through the system.

Implement a storage routine that makes sense for your Entegra's systems. When parking in your barn for extended periods, leave the tank empty with just a treatment packet to prevent odors. Consult your owner's manual for specific storage recommendations for your macerator toilet system.

Leave It to the Experts

While your toilet paper and treatment questions are straightforward DIY decisions, consider having your macerator systems professionally inspected annually, especially given how much you rely on them. A qualified RV service technician can check the grinding mechanisms, seals, and pump performance to ensure everything continues working optimally.

If you start experiencing any unusual odors, slow draining, or pump noises, don't attempt macerator repairs yourself. These systems require specific tools and knowledge, and improper repairs can lead to expensive damage. Your Entegra dealer or a certified RV service center should handle any macerator-related issues.

Consider consulting with your Entegra dealer about optimal maintenance schedules for your specific 2025 Anthem model. They may have updated recommendations based on the latest system configurations and real-world feedback from other owners with similar usage patterns.