BoxIO Vs. Trelino: In-Depth Differences

I’m a van lifer obsessed with finding the perfect composting toilet, and BoxIO and Trelino caught my eye for their compact, waterless designs.

But which one’s worth your money?

In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, comparing their features, pros, and cons to help you choose.

From capacity to ease of use, I’ve tested both to see which fits a nomadic lifestyle best.

Let’s unpack why one might edge out the other for your adventures.

Comparison Table: BoxIO Vs. Trelino

My Journey with BoxIO and Trelino

As a van lifer for three years, I’ve learned that a good composting toilet is a game-changer.

I started with a DIY setup, but it was messy and odor-prone.

When I heard about BoxIO and Trelino, I was curious.

BoxIO, a German-made budget option at $199, promised simplicity.

Trelino, a pricier German brand ($375–$799), boasted larger capacities and stylish designs.

I tested the BoxIO Toilet and Trelino Evo L for a month each, using them full-time in my Ford Transit van while exploring national parks.

First, the BoxIO.

It arrived in a compact box, and I was impressed by its recycled plastic build.

At 8.6 pounds, it was easy to tuck into my van’s bathroom nook.

I used it for a week in Joshua Tree, emptying the 1.3-gallon liquids jug every two days and the solids bin (lined with compostable bags) every four.

The setup was straightforward: pee goes into the jug, poop into a bag with coconut coir.

But condensation built up in the solids bin, causing a slight smell, and the small capacity meant frequent empties for two people.

Next, the Trelino Evo L.

It felt premium, with a sleek anthracite finish and a soft-close lid.

At 15.2 pounds, it was bulkier but fit my van’s layout.

The 2.6-gallon liquids tank lasted four days, and the solids bin (also bagged) went six days before needing a dump.

I loved the larger capacity, perfect for longer boondocking.

Odor was minimal with cedar chips, and the optional fan ($250) kept things fresh.

But the price stung, and the wooden lid’s strong magnets made accessing the solids bin a chore.

Both toilets separated liquids and solids, keeping odors low compared to cassette toilets.

But their differences in capacity, design, and cost sparked my curiosity.

Let’s break it down.

What Makes BoxIO and Trelino Tick?

BoxIO, made by BOXIO in Germany, is a no-frills composting toilet launched in 2021.

It uses recycled plastic, keeping costs low at $199.

The 1.3-gallon liquids jug and solids bin are designed for solo travelers or weekend warriors.

An optional fan ($40) helps with odor, but there’s no size variety.

Trelino, founded in 2020, offers three sizes (S, M, L) and premium features like a soft-close lid and optional fan.

The Evo L’s 2.6-gallon tanks suit full-timers, and its plastic or birch multiplex build adds style.

Both are waterless, urine-diverting, and use compostable bags for solids.

Pros and Cons of BoxIO Toilet

Pros of BoxIO Toilet

• Budget-Friendly: At $199, BoxIO is half the price of Trelino’s base model. I saved enough to buy extra camping gear. It’s perfect for budget-conscious nomads.
• Lightweight and Compact: At 8.6 pounds and 15.7 x 11.8 x 11 inches, it’s a breeze to move. I stashed it under my van’s bench when not in use.
• Eco-Conscious Build: Made from recycled plastic, it’s a green choice. I felt good supporting a brand focused on sustainability.
• Easy Setup: No tools needed. I had it ready in 10 minutes, with clear instructions for lining the solids bin with bags.
• Affordable Fan Option: The $40 fan reduced odors significantly. I added it after a week and noticed a difference in my small van.

Cons of BoxIO Toilet

• Small Capacity: The 1.3-gallon tanks filled fast. With two people, I emptied the liquids jug every two days, which was inconvenient off-grid.
• Condensation Issues: The solids bin had moisture buildup, causing slight smells. Reddit users on r/vandwellers noted this too, blaming the lack of ventilation.
• No Size Options: Only one size exists. I wished for a larger model for longer trips, unlike Trelino’s variety.
• Basic Design: The boxy look isn’t stylish. It worked but didn’t blend with my van’s aesthetic like Trelino’s sleek finish.
• Flimsy Lid: The plastic lid felt cheap and wobbled. I worried it might crack with heavy use, though it held up for a month.

Pros and Cons of Trelino Evo L

Pros of Trelino Evo L

• Larger Capacity: The 2.6-gallon tanks lasted twice as long as BoxIO’s. I went four days without emptying liquids, ideal for boondocking.
• Premium Build: The anthracite plastic and optional birch multiplex look chic. It felt like a high-end addition to my van.
• Multiple Size Options: Small, Medium, and Large models fit any setup. I chose the Evo L, but the S would suit smaller vans.
• Soft-Close Lid: The lid closed quietly, a small but appreciated touch. It added a polished feel, unlike BoxIO’s basic lid.
• Effective Odor Control: With cedar chips and the optional fan, smells were nearly nonexistent. I was impressed even in 90°F heat.

Cons of Trelino Evo L

• High Price: At $375–$799, it’s a big investment. I hesitated before buying, and the fan’s $250 price tag felt excessive.
• Heavier Weight: At 15.2 pounds, it’s less portable than BoxIO. Moving it around my van was a hassle during cleanups.
• Tricky Solids Access: The wooden lid’s strong magnets made opening the solids bin awkward. I needed two hands, unlike BoxIO’s simple lift.
• Limited Color Options: Only white, anthracite, or natural wood finishes. I wanted more variety to match my van’s vibe.
• Complex Assembly: Setup took 20 minutes, with more parts than BoxIO. The instructions were clear but felt overwhelming.

Head-to-Head: My Testing Experience

I used each toilet for a month, alternating between solo trips and travels with my partner.

My focus was capacity, odor control, ease of use, and portability.

For capacity, Trelino crushed it.

The Evo L’s 2.6-gallon tanks meant fewer empties, saving time in remote areas.

BoxIO’s 1.3-gallon tanks filled too quickly, especially with two users.

I emptied BoxIO’s liquids jug every two days, while Trelino lasted four.

Solids were similar: BoxIO needed dumping every four days, Trelino every six.

Odor control was close.

BoxIO’s optional fan helped, but condensation in the solids bin caused a faint smell, noted by van lifers on Reddit. 

Trelino’s fan and cedar chips kept things fresher, even in heat.

Neither had urine odor issues when emptied regularly.

Ease of use leaned toward BoxIO.

Its simple design meant less fuss—lift the lid, swap the bag, done.

Trelino’s magnets and heavier lid slowed me down, especially in a rush.

But Trelino’s soft-close lid felt more refined.

Portability was BoxIO’s win.

At 8.6 pounds, I moved it easily, even stashing it in a cupboard.

Trelino’s 15.2 pounds and larger footprint made it a fixture in my van’s bathroom.

Maintenance Tips for BoxIO and Trelino

• Empty Regularly: Both need frequent emptying to avoid odors. I dumped BoxIO’s liquids every two days and Trelino’s every four. Solids went every 4–6 days.
• Use Compostable Bags: Line the solids bin with biodegradable bags. I used BioBag for both, making disposal easy in dumpsters.
• Add Absorbent Medium: Coconut coir or cedar chips control moisture. I added a scoop after each use, keeping smells low.
• Clean the Jug: Rinse liquids jugs with vinegar weekly. I used a 1:4 vinegar-water mix to prevent urine buildup.
• Check Fans: If using a fan, ensure it’s running. I checked BoxIO’s $40 fan monthly for dust and Trelino’s for battery life.
• Store Dry: Keep toilets in a dry spot. I stored BoxIO under a bench and Trelino in a vented nook to avoid mold.

Also Read: AER Travel Pack 3 Vs. Peak Design Travel Bag

Why BoxIO Appeals to Budget Nomads

BoxIO’s $199 price tag is hard to beat.

It’s ideal for solo travelers or weekenders who don’t mind frequent empties.

The recycled plastic build feels sturdy, and the optional fan is a cheap upgrade.

But the small capacity and condensation issues, echoed in van life forums, limit its appeal for full-timers or couples. 

If you’re pinching pennies and camp near dump sites, BoxIO gets the job done.

When Trelino Shines for Full-Timers

Trelino’s Evo L is a premium choice for van lifers staying off-grid longer.

The 2.6-gallon tanks and sleek design suit full-timers or those with larger vans.

The soft-close lid and optional fan add polish, but the $375–$799 cost and tricky solids access are drawbacks.

Promobil.de praises Trelino’s compact S model for small vans, but the Evo L’s capacity won me over for extended trips. 

If you value durability and style, Trelino’s worth the splurge.

Real-Life Scenarios: Which Toilet Fits Your Life?

If you’re a solo weekender, BoxIO’s your pick.

I used it for a three-day Yosemite trip, and the small size and low cost were perfect.

Emptying was no hassle with nearby restrooms.

For full-timers or couples, Trelino’s larger tanks make life easier.

I took the Evo L to Death Valley for a week, and the extra capacity meant fewer trips to dumpsters.

Got a tiny van? Trelino’s S model fits better than BoxIO’s one-size-fits-all.

Budget woes? BoxIO saves cash but demands more maintenance.

The Science of Composting Toilets

Both toilets use urine diversion to prevent sewage.

Mixing pee and poop creates “black water,” which smells and requires dump stations. 

By separating them, BoxIO and Trelino produce gray water (urine) and bagged solids, disposable in restrooms or dumpsters.

Coconut coir or cedar chips absorb moisture in the solids bin, reducing odor.

Fans enhance ventilation, but BoxIO’s lacks power compared to Trelino’s.

A 2025 van life guide notes Trelino’s larger tanks suit full-timers, while BoxIO’s simplicity fits casual campers.

What Others Say

Everywherewithclaire.com calls Trelino the winner for capacity and size options, though BoxIO’s $199 price appeals to budget buyers. 

Reddit’s r/vandwellers praises BoxIO’s affordability but flags condensation issues. 

Promobil.de highlights Trelino’s compact S model for small vans but notes the Evo L’s premium cost. 

My take? BoxIO’s great for short trips, but Trelino’s capacity and polish make it better for long hauls.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Lucshy Travel Bag

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

After testing BoxIO and Trelino, I’m torn.

BoxIO’s $199 price and lightweight build won me over for solo trips, but its small tanks and condensation issues frustrated me.

Trelino’s larger capacity and sleek design shone for longer adventures, though the cost and tricky lid were drawbacks.

If you’re on a budget, grab BoxIO for short jaunts.

For full-time van life, splurge on Trelino.

Either way, you’ll ditch dump stations and roam freer.