Portable vs. Stationary Toilet?

We recently purchased a 1998 18' Tow Lite.

The camper has a wet bath, which is the toilet and shower share the same space.

We have discovered a leak running down the drain pipe from the black water tank.

The black water tank is covered by plywood on the bottom of the Camper, so the tank is not visible.

Question one:
Would I need to remove the toilet, unhook the shower drain, and remove the wet bath, or should I cut the plywood to access the drain for inspection?

Question two:

Have any of you forgone the standard toilet, black water tank setup for a portable Toilet?

I have dealt with a portable toilet on other camping trips, and this seems like a viable option.

I know it is all about what each individual wants in amenities, but would appreciate input from anyone who has went down this road before.

Thanks

I’d take a look from underneath - removing that ply and replacing it will be much simpler than working from above, where finish work would have to be redone.

At least from an investigative standpoint, it’s easier to start there (and restore the ply) than to start from above.

My father (a flight engineer and mechanic) would often say “when you don’t know where to start, do the simple/cheap thing first - you can always do the hard/expensive later if it’s warranted”.

KnottyRig father said it ...Later and down the road you will have better /different ideas ..

as for Portable there Ok and dang sure get the job done..and store ok ...

the downside if your age and or health are not ok ...Hauling them to dump can be a problem

and there generally LOW

Underside as it is not cosmetic.
I am not a fan of the black water tank. I use portable, very portable.
The stinch you drive around with, the need to always find dump stations, some you have to pay to dump, the mess. It can be a hassle.
I took toilet out first thing, frees up room in shower also. I have 3 and 6 gallon portable toilets that can be dumped much easier - in port-o-lets, in any public toilet, on a farm… but graduated to bucket and trash bag - trash cans are abundant. Also, I dont have to appease a female needs.