Clesana C1 Example Retrofit Guide - Replacing a Cassette Toilet in a Caravan

Complete Installation Guide for Lotus Caravan

This guide shows a retrofit of the Clesana C1 toilet in a caravan, replacing an existing cassette toilet. It should give you an overview of the retrofitting process.

Please note, this blog post is not a substitute for the official Clesana documentation.
If you do not have experience with 12V systems we strongly recommend getting your Clesana C1 retrofitted by a professional installer.

Video Walkthrough

Equipment Required

  • Clesana C1 Sealing Toilet
  • Clesana Power Management System
  • Lithium buffer battery
  • Basic hand tools
  • Optional: Custom backing plate


Removing the Existing Cassette Toilet

  1. Isolate and turn off all power in the caravan.
  2. Disconnect or bypass the cassette toilet's water supply.
  3. Remove the cassette from the caravan side access door and remove all retaining screws.
  4. Remove the toilet, disconnecting electrical connection and undoing retaining clips

Optional: Breathe a sigh of relief knowing you'll never have to empty the smelly cassette toilet again!

Prepare the Clesana C1 for install

  1. Unbox the Clesana C1
  2. Disassemble the Clesana for Installation
  3. To remove the toilet seat, press the black panel which holds the seat in place. It is positioned under the toilet seat hinge at the back of the toilet. Then lift the seat off the Clesana C1, lifting from back to front to unhook it from the small guiding tab on the front of the toilet.
  4. Remove the donut shaped barrier film holder.
  5. Remove the tray bucket to access the locking plate for the swivel base
  6. Using a star bit, remove the four stainless steel locking plate screws, then remove the round locking plate.
  7. Slide the toilet back
  8. Disconnect all the cables
  9. Remove the toilet completely from the base

Optional: Position the custom toilet backing

If you have a custom toilet backing or similar way of hiding cables and power supply this is usually where you would install it. The steps do this will vary depending on your setup.

Prepare the Swivel Base

  1. Locate the cable cutout indent on the bottom of the swivel base. 
  2. Using a knife, slice down either side of the cutout. 
  3. Remove the tab to create an opening for cables.
  4. Lift the base and feed cables through the cutout.

Install Toilet Swivel Base

Instructions for the Clesana C1 with round swivel base.

  1. Find your preferred positioning of toilet.
    • We recommend placing the base approximately 20-30mm away from a back wall. This will ensure the toilet lid can open unobstructed.
  2. Ensure your cables have been routed correctly for your setup, going through any glands or holes in your custom backing. 
  3. Secure the base to the floor using stainless steel button head screws.

Instructions for the Clesana C1 with L-adapter swivel base.

  1. Find a your preferred positioning of toilet.
    • Positioni the L-adapter swivel base so it is covering all side access hatches in the caravan wall. Ensure the lid can open and close without obstructions.
  2. Secure the base to the floor.

Mount the Toilet

  1. Lift the toilet unit and position it onto the base
  2. Slide the toilet forward to lock it into position
  3. Attach all cables to the toilet connections
  4. Insert the retaining locking plate
  5. Reattach the four stainless steel screws to hold the locking plate, tightening all screws securely

Install the Monitor

  1. Feed the monitor cable through to where you'll be mounting the display
  2. Connect the cable to the monitor unit
  3. Insert the monitor into your display mount or cutout
  4. Press until it clicks and locks into place

Install Power Management Board

Again, ensure power to the toilet off and isolated.

Connect Clesana C1 cables to Power Management unit

  1. Insert toilet's positive cable into the 'toilet' positive terminal on the board
  2. Insert toilet negative cable into the 'toilet' negative terminal on the board
  3. Tighten connections securely

Connect Buffer Battery to Power Management unit

  1. Mount the power management board
  2. Insert buffer battery positive cable into the 'battery' positive terminal on the board
  3. Insert battery negative cable into the 'battery' negative terminal on the Clesana power management unit
  4. Tighten connections securely

Connect the Buffer Battery

  1. Check your buffer battery's connection type.
    • You may need to modify the ring connections terminal on the cables that come with the Clesana Power Management. This will vary depending on the buffer battery you have selected.
    • Common connection types include; ring terminal, spade connectors,  blade terminal, bullet connectors etc...
  1. Connect the buffer battery to the cables with appropriate connectors
  2. Ensure positive and negative connections are correct

Final Electrical Check

  1. Ensure no cables are pinched or exposed
  2. Verify all connections are tight
  3. Securely mount your buffer battery so it doesn't move
  4. Use cable ties to organise and secure all wiring

Test your new Clesana C1! 

  1. Restore power to the toilet circuit
  2. Test the toilet functions:
    • Power on
    • Monitor display
    • Welding process
    • Swivel base operation
  3. Check for any error messages
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