Campervans or motorhomes with built-in toilets are great for camping in the outdoors, but no one expects a toilet setup in a regular SUV, right? Well, a Toyota Fortuner owner from India had other ideas and retrofitted a toilet in the back that’s accessible from the cabin.
This clever modification caught the attention of local automotive journalist, Sarath Saji, who showcased it on his YouTube channel. While the video is mostly in Hindi and lacks subtitles, the visuals speak for themselves.
The bespoke toilet was designed and built by Ojes Automobiles, an Indian company that specializes in motorhomes. They have done a great job integrating the extra room inside the Fortuner’s cabin, although things are quite cramped due to the limited interior height. The box is mounted on the boot, occupying half of the space for the third row of seats. This means that the Hilux-based SUV is now a six-seater with more limited cargo space at the back.
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The additional room barely fits a human being but it has a proper toilet seat, ventilation, and a door. As reported by Cartoq, vacuum toilet conversions have become increasingly common in India during the pandemic, particularly for those embarking on long journeys. This solution has proven especially popular among taxi drivers, who often struggle to find clean and safe restrooms on the road. It’s worth noting that the video description implies that these projects are undertaken upon request for individuals with disabilities.
Vacuum toilets can be used while the vehicle is on the move, thanks to leak-free metal containers, although we wouldn’t recommend it as things could get messy in case of heavy braking or emergency maneuvers. Interestingly, the Fortuner still has a seatbelt next to the toilet seat, even though the buckle is nowhere to be found.
While the Toyota Fortuner may not have been designed to accommodate a toilet, the ingenuity of the owner and the expertise of Ojes Automobiles have made it possible. It’s worth noting, however, that modifying a vehicle in this way may have legal and safety implications. It’s always best to consult with experts and authorities before making any significant changes to your ride.
Despite the limitations of the Fortuner’s retrofitted toilet, it’s still an interesting solution for those who need it. It just goes to show that with a little bit of creativity and some technical know-how, almost anything is possible.