SOG Unit – Greener Number Twos…
This is an old post now, please check out this one for details on the SOG unit, and how to fit one, thanks, Jay
It’s not a pleasant topic, but here goes anyway.
We’re looking at getting a Hymer 544, which will have a Thetford cassette loo. Anyone who’s used one of these will know the standard drill: add some viciously thick and blue chemicals to the inside of the loo, and some pink chemicals to the flush water. You then use special loo roll which disintegrates with the chemicals. When you come to use the loo or empty it, the smell is fine, unless you get the quantity wrong, in which case you’re in for a nasty experience (yes, this has happened to me, urghhh).
This all works fine. I (Jay) take on the loo emptying as a ‘man job’. Ju does so much on the van, it is the least I can do (and with all the chemicals it isn’t nasty anyway). One small problem though; in fact a couple:
- The chemicals and special loo roll are not cheap, and the chems take up space in the van
- You can’t go and empty your cassette any old place, it has to be in a designated place
I spotted a way around both problems the other day; the SOG Unit. This is basically a small fan which bolts to the outside of the van. When you open the ‘trapdoor’ after using the loo, the fan kicks in and draws air from the inside of the van, through the cassette and outside. There’s a carbon filter built into the van so you don’t stink out people having a BBQ next door. The idea is the extra flow of oxygen causes the bacteria which naturally break this stuff down to go into overdrive. No chemicals needed so you can empty the loo anywhere (within reason of course), and you can use standard loo roll. My only concern is fitting the thing, doesn’t look too easy, but I plan to give it a go.
Afternoon Both,
We had a SOG fitted to our Swift Bolaro last year by the supplying dealer and I must say after 20 odd years of using “blue” loo (chemicals) and very expensive loo paper at nearly four quid for four rolls I can say without any hesitation that a SOG system is the way to go if you use your ‘van more than a few weeks a year. I did try and justify the cost and divided the cost the “blue” and paper I use each year but I gave up as I probably would not have bought the system as it will take some time to pay for it’s self, however saying that I looked at it another way and that was from the ” I have not got to lug the yakky blue stuff around with me buy the four rolls at a time loo paper online or at my local dealers, I can empty as many times as I like where I like (using the correct facility) and not have to think of where and how to buy my next batch of supplies.
I must say that if I had got the guts to drill a big hole in my “new” second hand ‘van then I would have done it but alas I did not, even so it was still worth it including the labour charges. I would recommend the system without hesitation. I have to say your website and blogs are amazing thank you for sharing it all and all the best in your up and coming venture. Sorry for the long comment.