Trelino Vs Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet Review

If you’re trying to decide between Trelino vs Cuddy Lite, you’re not alone. These are two of the most popular portable composting toilets for campervans, RVs, and small off-grid setups.

On the surface they look pretty similar, but there’s a lot more to know before deciding which is right for you. I used composting toilets full-time for years, and while both options can work well, they’re designed for very different priorities.

In this Trelino vs Cuddy Lite composting toilet review, I’ll break down the differences that actually matter, including daily usability, odor control, ease of emptying, space requirements, and overall value.

I’ll also share my honest take on whether the Cuddy Lite composting toilet is worth the higher price, and when Trelino makes more sense.

In this article:

• Key differences in size, features, & best use case
• What to consider when deciding between Trelino and Cuddy Lite
• How to save money with Cuddy and Trelino discount codes

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Trelino Vs Cuddy Lite Overview

Overall, Cuddy Lite offers better design features, while Trelino focuses on size flexibility and affordability.

Key differences at a glance:

• Cuddy Lite includes a urine level indicator and modesty trap doors for better odor control
• Trelino comes in three sizes (S, M, L) and two color options
• Cuddy Lite uses flush-fit hinges, so you don’t have to remove the seat to empty it
• Trelino lacks hinges so seat removal is necessary to empty it, which is less hygienic
• Price difference is relatively small once discount codes are applied

Trelino Vs Cuddy Lite Features

NOTE: This comparison primarily focuses on Cuddy Lite vs Trelino Evo L, since they’re closest in size and capacity.

Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet Review

Is it worth it?
Yes—if you want the easiest composting toilet to live with day-to-day and don’t need multiple size options.

Cuddy Lite is a layering composting toilet designed for the easiest day-to-day usability. Instead of an agitator, you line the solids bin with a bag, add compost material after each use, and toss the bag when full.

While Cuddy Lite and Trelino both function similarly (each are layering composting toilets), there are a few key features which set Cuddy Lite apart.

Modesty Cover

The modesty cover is essentially a trap doors that cover the solids bin when not in use. This does three important things:

• Reduces odor escape
• Prevents flies from accessing the solids bin (a big problem if they lay eggs)
• Keeps you from staring directly into the bin every time you sit down

Urine Level Indicator Light

This sounds like a small feature, but it prevents one of the most common composting toilet mistakes: overfilling the liquids container.

As someone who has personally experienced the overflow issue (multiple times 🤦‍♀️), I promise this is a hugely important feature.

Flush-fit Hinges

Cuddy Lite’s specialty hinges are another small, but really useful design feature. The seat stays attached when you open the toilet to empty it. You don’t have to pry the seat off the box or find somewhere to set it down while you clean out the containers.

Most composting toilets do not have this hinge feature, and it makes maintenance of Cuddy Lite feel far more hygienic.

All of Cuddy Lite’s features make a noticeable difference in daily use, especially in warm climates (with more bugs) or full-time setups. Unfortunately, you won’t find any of these features in a Trelino toilet.

Perhaps my favorite feature of the Cuddy Lite is its ability to be upgraded to the Cuddy Original (with agitator) or Cuddy S1 Dry Flush Toilet (self sealing bags) by swapping the internal parts.

Deal: Use code EVERYWHERE30 to save $30 on Cuddy Lite.

Trelino Composting Toilet Review

Is it worth it?
Yes—if space constraints or budget matter more than extra convenience features.

Trelino is also a layering composting toilet and works similarly to Cuddy Lite in basic function.

These toilets focus on simplicity and flexibility, not features. Trelino does the basics well, but small annoyances show up with regular use.

If you need a small composting toilet, or something more affordable than Cuddy Lite then Trelino is a great alternative.

NOTE: Trelino does not come with a urine indicator light, but for $40 you can upgrade to a manual indicator.

There are a few top features that make Trelino toilets stand out:

Multiple Size Options

If you plan to take shorter trips and don’t need a full-size composting toilet then Trelino has some great options.

While each Trelino is nearly identical, liquids and solids capacity will vary. Each Trelino is 13 inches wide and 15.4 inches deep, but height varies based on size.

Better Budget Composting Toilet

Particularly if you’re looking for a smaller composting toilet, Trelino offers a more affordable option than Cuddy Light.

You’ll be getting less capacity, but the small Trelino compared to the Cuddy Light is nearly $300 less.

If you’re a part-time traveler, these things are small concessions and can save you a lot of money. However, if you plan to travel for weeks, months or full-time these small things will add up to big annoyances.

Deal: Use code EVERYWHERE15 to save $15 on Trelino.

Composting Toilet Tips

There are a few practical things to understand before choosing the best composting toilet for your setup, especially if you’ll be using it regularly.

Liquids management is the most important factor.

The average person produces roughly ½ to ¾ gallon of urine per day. If your campervan or RV toilet is your primary bathroom, that means:

• One person: empty liquids every 2–4 days
• Two people: empty liquids every 1–2 days

In practice, I recommend emptying the liquids container at least every two days, even if it’s not completely full. This was one of the biggest surprises for me when I first switched to a composting toilet: liquids are what cause odor, not solids.

My solids bin never smelled, but if I let the liquids container go too long, I’d start to notice an odor. The good news is that dumping liquids is quick and easy, and doing it proactively prevents almost all smell issues.

Warm climates introduce another challenge: bugs.

Flies and insects are attracted to composting toilets, especially in hot or humid environments. Keeping the lid closed when the toilet isn’t in use helps, but design features still matter.

A composting toilet with a modesty cover over the solids bin makes a huge difference. It blocks access to the solids container, which helps prevent flies from getting inside and laying eggs.

Unfortunately, very few composting toilets offer this feature and Cuddy Lite is the most affordable option by a landslide. Others, like Airhead and Nature’s Head, sell for over $1,000.

Trelino does not have a modesty cover, which means the solids bin is exposed whenever the lid is open.

Final Verdict: Trelino Vs Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet Review

Both Trelino and Cuddy Lite are capable composting toilets, but they’re built for very different priorities.

Cuddy Lite’s modesty cover, flush-fit hinges, and urine level indicator solve the most common problems people have with composting toilets.

If you plan to use your toilet regularly those features are absolutely worth the small price difference between Trelino and Cuddy Lite.

Cuddy Lite discount code: EVERYWHERE30

Trelino discount code: EVERYWHERE15

More Camper Toilet Resources

• The Best Camper Van Life Toilet Options For Every Budget
• 13 Best Composting Toilets For RV & Off-Grid Life
• How Does A Composting Toilet Work? + What It’s Like
• Airhead Vs Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
• Trelino Vs Boxio Portable Composting Toilet Review