Porta Potti 165 v 365.

[StephenA]

Going to replace the old Porta Potti with a new one. Currently have a 165 (bellows type flush pump) but I understand the 365 has a piston type pump (and a level indicator)

 

Was wondering if anyone has got experience of the 365 and if the extra cost is worth it

 

 

[Arthur Marshall]

I think the first one I had was a 365. Can't say I ever found the level indicator any use. I reckon the piston flush worked slightly better than the bellows on the one I have now, but really can't say I've been hankering after a replacement!

[Tony Brooks]

Not Porta Potti, but from my experience of piston pumps on recirculating toilets I would be reluctant to go for a piston pump because sooner or later the seal/O ring in the shaft wears, then you are likely get effluent squirting up over your hand.  However, I would want experience to show the bellows were either easy to obtain and change or had a really long life.

[Alan de Enfield]

17 minutes ago, Tony Brooks said:

Not Porta Potti, but from my experience of piston pumps on recirculating toilets I would be reluctant to go for a piston pump because sooner or later the seal/O ring in the shaft wears, then you are likely get effluent squirting up over your hand.  However, I would want experience to show the bellows were either easy to obtain and change or had a really long life.

 

We had a Theftord 'bellows' version and the corrugations on the bellows split around the circumferance presumably due to flexing on the corrugations.

Replaced with a Thetfords 'piston pump' (not sureof the model) which has now had 3 years of "4 or 5 months in the Summer" (so 12 months 'continuous') use with no problems - feels robust and a better option.

 

The gauge is useful as it shows when the 'green' is starting to change to red and you can empty it before it gets to heavy / awkward.

 

Everyone has different need and wants.

Edited July 19 by Alan de Enfield

[StephenA]

19 minutes ago, Tony Brooks said:

Not Porta Potti, but from my experience of piston pumps on recirculating toilets I would be reluctant to go for a piston pump because sooner or later the seal/O ring in the shaft wears, then you are likely get effluent squirting up over your hand.  However, I would want experience to show the bellows were either easy to obtain and change or had a really long life.

 

Not a recirculating toilet. We've had our 165 for over 25 years and the bellows has split at the top and the trap seal leaks which means you have to carry it flat rather than by the handle - I know you can get replacements but....

[Arthur Marshall]

I did replace the trap seal on my 165. Bellows are ok so far. I would probably go for the 365 as a replacement.

[MtB]

42 minutes ago, StephenA said:

Going to replace the old Porta Potti with a new one. Currently have a 165 (bellows type flush pump) but I understand the 365 has a piston type pump (and a level indicator)

 

Was wondering if anyone has got experience of the 365 and if the extra cost is worth it

 

 

What is the extra cost then? 

 

I have one of each and the casette/tanks are interchangeble, so when you dump <snigger> the old 165, keep the tank. 

 

 

[StephenA]

1 hour ago, MtB said:

 

What is the extra cost then? 

 

I have one of each and the casette/tanks are interchangeble, so when you dump <snigger> the old 165, keep the tank. 

 

 

 

£60 for the 165, £80 for the 365.

 

[Peanut]

I have had the smaller 345 with piston pump and level indicator for five years. The piston has never given me any problems, but I have replaced the rubber donut seal on the slide valve due to a minor seepage

[MtB]

1 hour ago, StephenA said:

 

£60 for the 165, £80 for the 365.

 

 

Thanks.

 

I'd say the extra £20 is well worth it for the pump instead of the bellows. 

 

I'm sure I paid closer to £80 for my 165 though! 

 

 

[b00ke23]

The biggest practical difference is the seat height....330mm for the 165 and 408mm for the 365. So the 365 is going to be easier to get up from! 

 

People with camper vans love the 165 as it stores easily in a cupboard.

[Russ T]

52 minutes ago, b00ke23 said:

The biggest practical difference is the seat height....330mm for the 165 and 408mm for the 365. So the 365 is going to be easier to get up from! 

 

People with camper vans love the 165 as it stores easily in a cupboard.

Are you sure about that?

The 345 is 330 high 

 

https://www.thetford.com/app/uploads/2024/08/Thetford_Portable-Toilets_2025_EN.pdf

[MtB]

57 minutes ago, b00ke23 said:

The biggest practical difference is the seat height....330mm for the 165 and 408mm for the 365. So the 365 is going to be easier to get up from! 

 

People with camper vans love the 165 as it stores easily in a cupboard.

 

 

I reckon my 165 is the same height as my 365.

 

 

In fact I'm certain it is.

 

 

 

 

 

[b00ke23]

Damn I accidentally read the spec for the 145....it is 330mm high. The 165 and 365 have indeed the same seat height of 408mm. Soz guys!

[bizzard]

I have had a 365 for many years the pump packed up ages ago. I just keep a little jug of water handy to flush it. I spray the seal and slide with silicon spray each time I empty it.