Where can a restroom trailer be placed?

The great thing about restroom trailers is that they are mobile and can be placed almost anywhere. There are a few things we want to avoid when placing, or parking a restroom trailer. First, restroom trailers are not allowed to be placed on public streets, alleys, or sidewalks without approval or permission from the local municipality or authority. Second, mobile bathroom trailers are very heavy, especially when the tank is full of water and/or waste. So we make sure the landing surface is either paved or compacted. If necessary, we can place blocks under each support leg to prevent ground sinking and/or damage to the surface. Third, the space where the restroom trailer is parked must be in space for our trucks to maneuver in-out and be accessible on both sides of the trailer. This is important because the backside of the unit is where the mechanical components are located. In the unlikely event of a water or power issue, our technicians must be able to access the service door. So parking up against a wall or a fence is okay as long as there is a greater 5-foot distance between the restroom trailer and fixed divider (wall or fence).

How much do portable restroom trailers cost?

Just like anything most things, it depends. However, you should expect to pay $800-$8000 to rent a portable restroom trailer. On the lower end ($800) this would be for a single-day mid-week rental of a 2-station bathroom trailer. On the high end ($8000) would be a month-long commercial rental for a 9-station luxury restroom trailer. So it depends on the size of the trailer, the duration of the rental, and the season. Depending on whom you rent from their inventory will also be reflected in the price. The size of the trailer is the single largest factor in price. The larger the restroom trailer the higher the prices. And depending on how long the bathroom trailer rental will be needed (night, day, weekend, mid-week, week, or month) will influence the price. However, the longer you rent the portable restroom trailer the cheaper your average daily rate will be. Lastly, seasonality is something that can drive the cost of a restroom trailer rental. For those summer and winter months there aren’t many events, so companies will rent the restroom trailer out for less. But during those peak wedding season months of fall and spring, prices historically have surged and are known to double.

How do I keep my restroom rental maintained during an event?

Luxury restroom trailers are simple to maintain and require little to no effort by those who rent a portable bathroom trailer. The three biggest things are: power, water, and supplies. The Lavatory luxury restroom trailers have air conditioning and heating units installed in them and require a dedicated 20 amp service. Typically a washing machine, home refrigerator, microwave, etc., are plugged into a 20A. They look like your standard 3-prong plug but one receptacle shaped like the letter “T.” Please work with your Lavatory luxury restroom trailer technician to find a dedicated 20A service. The trailer cannot be parked more than 100’ from where it’s plugged in. This will ensure that the heating/cooling and lights operate properly. Each portable restroom trailer can be connected to the city or local water with just your average ½” garden water hose. Similar to the power, this cannot be further than 100’ away from the restroom trailer. In the unlikely event it does, each trailer is equipped with a 200-gallon freshwater tank that can be filled on site. Lastly, keeping the luxury restroom trailer stocked with supplies is an absolute must. Each trailer is clean and fully stocked with supplies to accommodate single-day events. Additional supplies (toilet paper, towels, soap, etc.) can be found under the sink of both the men's and women’s stations.

What chemicals do you put in a portable toilet?

The Lavatory luxury mobile restrooms use a sophisticated pump and filtration system similar to those found in airplanes. This means the use of chemicals is limited. The only thing that we put in our tanks is scent tablets to help eliminate odor. They are used also for RVs and marine use. They are safe for all septic tanks and completely biodegradable, the drop-ins are made with an ultra-concentrated formula that does not contain the toxic, formaldehyde-releasing ingredient bronopol. Other than that, we use basic household chemicals to clean and sanitize the restroom trailers. We use a variety of products including bleach, multiple-purpose cleaner, and glass cleaner. Our luxury portable restroom trailers have Meyers brand hand soap and Purely hand sanitizer. Lastly, for extra freshness, each bathroom trailer has an automatic air freshener that sprays a pleasant smell into the air every 15-30 minutes.

Can portable toilets be used in hot climates?

It's much better and easier to have a portable restroom trailer than porta potties in hot climates. Each of The Lavatory luxury restroom trailers is equipped with an independent air conditioning system. The thermostat is located in the service room and is only accessible to our technicians. We do our best to keep the restroom trailer at a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a specific temperature request please let the technician know. Another thing to consider is the steps and handrails to get in and out of the trailer are also metal. When exposed to direct sunlight they can get very hot. So please be cautious when using the entry and exit hardware of a portable restroom trailer.

What are temporary restrooms for long-term rentals?

Long-term portable restroom trailers have exclusive commercial pricing and specific requirements. Having a restroom available to your employees and customers is typically required by most local city, county, and state government regulations. In the unexpected event, something happens to your onsite facilities, a temporary restroom in the form of a portable bathroom trailer rental can immediately accommodate your needs and requirements. Repairing a commercial restroom can be time-consuming and frustrating ordinal. But renting a temporary restroom trailer for short-term or long-term periods doesn’t need to be. Depending on the number of employees or expected customer use, we can help you determine what size luxury portable restroom trailer will accommodate your needs. Once the site has been determined for the presented use cases, identifying the parking location onsite will be the next challenge. Typically for long-term restroom trailer rentals, we tap directly into the local sewage. Where onsite sewage is not available to the bathroom trailer, we will schedule a local third-party pump service. The schedule and number of pumping services necessary will be determined by the portable restroom trailer’s usage frequency. All associated pump servicing fees are passed directly onto the customer. Along with sewage, the restroom trailer will be connected to onsite water and power. These hookups cannot be further than 100’ from the trailer. The bathroom trailer does have locks for security purposes. However, our preference is that the restroom trailer is enclosed in an area that is fenced off from public access. When securely enclosing the luxury restroom trailer isn’t possible, onsite security may be required or other arrangements may need to be made.

What is included in your restroom trailer price?

Customers just want to know what the bottom line price is. The Lavatory luxury mobile restrooms believe in offering flat rate no-nonsense pricing on all our portable bathroom trailers. The single price you’re quoted from The Lavatory is all you’ll ever pay for your restroom trailer rental. After providing the base rate, most of our competitors will add additional fees. Some of these fees can include taxes, sewage, sanitation, delivery, transportation, setup, administration, etc. All these fees can become exhausting and drive up the original base rate. The Lavatory includes all of this into a single, including taxes. Once the restroom trailer is delivered and set up, you’ll be completely stocked with paper products. This includes toilet paper and paper towels. Sanitation supplies, soap, and hand sanitizer will be topped off. Extra supplies can be found underneath each vanity on both the men's and women’s sides. Additional supplies may be found in the maintenance closet on the backside of the restroom trailer. The only exception here is for a long-term restroom trailer rental. Long-term is any temporary bathroom trailer rental lasting one week and longer.

Where will the luxury portable restrooms be set up?

Deciding where to place the portable restroom trailer needs identified before delivery. Several things need to be considered before setting up. The primary thing to consider is where the bathroom trailer will be parked. Once the portable restroom trailer is placed it cannot be moved. The surface area needs to be flat, cemented, or impacted enough to hold up 25,000LBS. The ideal location for setup is patios and driveways. The secondary considerations are the distance from power and water. The mobile restroom trailer cannot be parked further than 100’ from the power and water sources. The trailer’s powered services need a dedicated 20 amp service to adequately power the onsite heating/cooling system and lighting. Anything further than a 100’ run will not provide enough electricity to adequately power the unit. The same applies to the water hookup, if the distance is more than 100’ from the restroom trailer there may not be enough water pressure to service the sinks and toilets. Lastly, and often overlooked is the placement for aesthetic purposes. The bathroom trailer is the last backdrop anyone would want in a photo or be something people have to walk by before getting food. Think about a place where a portable restroom trailer can be easily accessed, but out of the way from everything else that may be going on. No matter where you decide to park the luxury bathroom trailer, a truck needs to be able to get in and out when dropping it off then picking it up.

How Do Restroom Trailers Work: A Comprehensive Guide

4 days ago
6 min read

You’ve found the perfect venue for your event, but there’s one big problem: no bathrooms.

Now you have to figure out what to do about restrooms, and the last thing you want is a line of smelly plastic porta-potties with blue water and visible waste.

After looking into your options, you discover a much better solution: a restroom trailer. It offers clean, private, and climate-controlled bathrooms that are comfortable, presentable, and welcoming for your guests.

But what exactly is it? How do restroom trailers work? Where does everything go? That's all what we'll be covering below. From how they work to why you should get one for your event or construction site.

What are Restroom Trailers?

At first glance, you might think you are inside a luxury restroom at a restaurant or hotel.

Restroom trailers are just like real bathrooms, just on wheels. They include working toilets, sinks, air conditioning, lighting, mirrors, and many of the same amenities you would expect in a clean indoor restroom. You can tow it to events or job sites with a regular trailer hitch.

Restroom trailers come in many sizes. The smallest restroom trailers have two stations and are best for private parties.

The larger ones have more stations and can serve 20 or more people at once. They are best for weddings, festivals, corporate events, or long-term job sites. Some larger trailers even come with separate shower stations. Each station is built above a waste holding tank.

Most trailers have a central mechanical room that runs all the equipment needed for a working bathroom. This often includes water pumps, a water heater, air conditioning, a sound system, and a freshwater tank.

In short, a restroom trailer is a complete bathroom built inside a mobile unit.

At a Glance: Restroom Trailer Specs

Features	Typical Range
No. of Stations Per Trailer	2 - 10+
Freshwater Tank Capacity	100 to 600 gallons
Waste Tank Capacity	250 to 1000+ gallons
Power Requirements	20 - 50 amp service
Trailer Length	16 - 30 feet
Guest Served Per Station	50 - 75 per 4-hour event

How Do Restroom Trailers Work?

Restroom trailers have four main systems:

Water Supply
Waste Management
Power
Climate Control

Each system helps the trailer work and feel like a regular indoor bathroom. Let’s look at each one.

1. Water Supply

Restroom trailers use pressurized water systems to keep water flowing steadily to all fixtures. Fresh water can enter through fill connections or from a built-in tank. Water comes directly from a water supply at the venue or construction site. If there is no outside water source available, the freshwater tank supplies clean water for flushing toilets and using sinks.

Water is pumped through the trailer to supply toilets, sinks, and sometimes showers. The flushing system is not as strong as the one in a typical indoor bathroom. But it’s still surprisingly great for a portable toilet.

Most restroom trailers have two or three tanks. One tank holds fresh water for toilets and sinks, while another stores wastewater. If there are three tanks, there are separate tanks for toilet and sink wastewater.

2- Waste Management

Restroom trailers are designed for safe waste management. They are directly connected to the system when on-site sewer access is available. Otherwise, built-in holding tanks collect wastewater from sinks and toilets.

The sealed tanks store waste until they are pumped out by a service truck. Professional servicing is provided after your rental period ends. For multi-day events or long-term construction sites, mid-event pump-outs can be scheduled to keep waste tanks from reaching their capacity.

3- Power

The biggest thing that makes the restroom trailers feel luxurious and comfortable is their power system.

Many standard restroom trailers run on 20- to 50-amp electrical service, which can be supplied by plugging into an appropriate outlet at the venue or by using a portable generator. This provides enough power to support LED lighting, air conditioning, water pumps, and sometimes even heating.

Many high-end trailers also have built-in sound systems for playing music.

4- Climate Control

Climate control is probably the next best thing about restroom trailers, helping keep them odor-free and very comfortable.

Restroom trailers have a built-in HVAC system that is part of the trailer’s frame.

In warm weather, the air conditioning removes hot air and brings in cool air, so the inside stays comfortable even on hot days. When it’s cold, the heater keeps the space warm, so guests don’t have to step into a chilly restroom. This system works like the HVAC in a home or hotel, just made smaller for a mobile trailer.

Exhaust fans work with both systems to pull stale air out of each stall and bring in fresh air. This keeps the restroom smelling clean and avoids the stuffy feeling you often get in regular porta-potties.

Benefits of Restroom Trailers

There are many reasons why event planners, couples, and site managers choose restroom trailers over the standard porta-potties. Here is a basic rundown on them.

1. Enhanced Comfort

Nobody wants to use a bathroom cubicle while wearing nice clothes or working on a long day. Many people even leave the event early because of bathroom issues.

Restroom trailers are clean, NOT smelly, well-lit, have mirrors, are air-conditioned, and have running water to freshen up at any time of day. No long lines, poor lighting, or unpleasant facilities.

Providing clean, climate-controlled restrooms shows guests that you value their time and comfort.

2. Superior Hygiene and Sanitation

Around 72% of Americans now prioritize accessible restroom facilities at public events after the COVID-19 crisis.

Porta potties often get disgusting by the end of the event. Even the so-called "flushable" ones usually have the same issues, like bad odors and piled-up waste.

Restroom trailers give your guests a much more hygienic experience. They have real flush toilets and dedicated hand-washing stations with soap and running water. Plus, the sealed waste tanks keep the floors clean. No leaking onto the floors. No stinking.

Some luxury trailers even have automatic flushing toilets, motion-activated faucets, and automatic soap dispensers to minimize the spread of germs.

The best part: restroom trailers are built on sturdy frames, so nobody can tip them over with people inside after a few drinks. Also, these trailers are typically serviced and cleaned before delivery, so you start your event with a fresh, sterile environment.

3. Privacy and Aesthetics

Restroom trailers offer spacious, private rooms with interior lighting, wood-grain flooring, and high-end finishes. They are designed to blend into the background of your event and are amazingly clean and presentable.

4. Inclusivity & Accessibility

Events bring together people of all ages and abilities.

Many restroom trailers come with ADA-compliant options. These units feature an ADA China Toilet with handlebars, an ADA sink equipped with AC/heating, an easy-to-deploy ramp for easy wheelchair access, wider doorways, and spacious interiors to ensure that all of your guests can use the facilities safely and comfortably.

Some restroom trailers are gender-neutral, and others have separate entrances and areas for men and women.

Well-designed restroom setups support accessibility and inclusivity in a way basic options often don’t.

FAQs

Can you flush toilet paper in a trailer toilet?

Yes, you can flush toilet paper in any restroom trailer toilet. And no, you don’t have to worry about the brand or type of toilet paper. Restroom trailers work much like your bathroom at home. That said, you shouldn’t flush things like paper towels, facial tissues, feminine napkins, or tampons in your restroom trailer toilet. Toss such products in the provided waste bin, as they do not disintegrate in water like toilet paper and can clog the system.

What About Odor Control?

Restroom trailers have a great ventilation system. Exhaust fans remove stale air from each stall and bring in fresh air, so the restroom stays clean and doesn’t get stuffy like regular porta-potties. Some trailers even use chemicals to break down waste and control smells. Also, after your rental period ends, professionals service the trailers to keep them in top condition.

Can I Place the Restroom Trailer Anywhere?

No. Restroom trailers need a flat, stable place to park, a water supply if the tank isn’t already pre-filled, a power connection or space for a generator, and enough room for a pump-out truck at the end of your rental. We will help you choose the best spot for your venue or site.

Do I Need Permits or Special Permissions?

You don’t need permits to host a private event on your own property or on land you have permission to use. If you want to place a trailer in a public area, like a street, park, or community center, there are extra steps to follow. We know the local rules and can help you with the process when you book with us.

Are There ADA-Friendly Options?

Yes. We offer ADA-compliant restroom trailers. These units feature wider doorways, grab bars, lower sinks, and sufficient interior space for a wheelchair. If you have guests with mobility needs, be sure to request an ADA-accessible trailer upon quote.