February 09, 2019
There is nothing we love more than a passion project. Over our years as a business, we have had the pleasure of working with a large variety of companies and organizations, and when we run into one with a good cause, we work even more passionately than usual. As a conscious company, we value organizations that spend their time, money, and efforts on the betterment of humankind, and we are thankful for their service.
Because we provide restroom and shower trailers, we often come across organizations who work with those less fortunate. From nonprofits that help the homeless to hospitals that house long-term patients, groups like these are who truly make our work important. We love being at the tailgating party too, but when it comes to businesses whose purpose is to improve the lives of others, we can’t help but feel the passion - it’s contagious! We are always ready to help a nonprofit or organization in need when their goal is to improve the lives of the needy.
When the Salvation Army came to us with a new project, we were eager to hear about their needs and ready to provide them with a unit that would help their community.
A PROGRAM FOR HUMANITY
Whenever we work with the Salvation Army, we are floored by the many hats this organization wears and the impact they have on communities nationwide. This time, their organization in Los Angeles reached out with a need for shower trailers.
This establishment has a very specific purpose. They serve a low income side of the City of Angels, providing services for the community. Many visitors they see are homeless and trying to get back on their feed. The office’ purpose is to rehabilitate those who are struggling. With mental health being a hot topic in the nation today, we can’t help but admire this organization’s efforts.
They exist solely to get those struggling back on their feet. They want the community to thrive with healthy minds and healthy bodies. The provide a wide variety of solutions for those in need, and they are ready to add yet another service to their list. With shower trailers, they could provide the homeless community with something that most of them have no access to.
Those of us with homes often take for granted the luxury of a shower. Many of us can’t imagine life without. For those living on the street, a hot shower is hard to come by. It is something that each American should have. When the Salvation Army described the situation and highlighted that many of their visitors have no access to bathrooms, we felt their passion for their community and their eagerness to provide this everyday amenity to those who don’t have it. Their passion was palpable and contagious - we were eager to get started and send the shower trailers they needed ASAP.
A Solution with Shower Trailers
Salvation Army needed an affordable restroom solution for the many men and women that they provide services for. They also wanted to give them access to showers, granting them their human right to proper sanitation. The organization needed a full service restroom for many users throughout the busy day.
As we learned about their needs, we browsed our collection of shower trailers and chose an ideal solution. With their need for both bathrooms and showers, we chose the 6 Station Shower/ Restroom Combo, Classic Series. This trailer, measuring 20 feet, had all the amenities they needed in a restroom.
Like all of our shower trailers, this unit is built with insulated walls and ceiling, keeping the interior temperature comfortable for users no matter what outdoor weather they may be experiencing. The exterior is clean and durable with dent-proof layers to ensure this is a unit that stands the test of time.
The Combo Classic Series has six unisex suites, each with their own separate entrance. Each entrance is equipped with aluminum rails and steps for safe access, and lighting is added at each porch for use anytime, day or night.
Our shower trailers are always built with designer non-slip flooring for added safety. As you enter each suite, they are equipped with all the amenities of a home bathroom, like a shower, flushable toilet, sink, and shatterproof mirror. The toilets are built with ceramic china and the showers are temperature adjustable for comfort.
This unit has an 850 gallon waste tank and 150 gallon fresh water tank, allowing for moderate to heavy use throughout the day. Rest assured, your restroom managers won’t need to worry much about tank levels. This unit is equipped to last through the crowd, and has a tool that makes fleet management easier.
THE SMARTER RESTROOM APP
In February of 2017, we launched the Smarter Restrooms App, and this tool has helped our many partners to more effectively run their shower trailer business. The app, which can be downloaded and used on any smartphone, tablet, or laptop, makes the overall management of restroom fleets convenient and more time effective.
As we continue to partner with new businesses, we want to highlight the value of purchasing a shower trailer with the Smarter Restrooms App feature. Read ahead to discover three key upgrades that the app provides.
Receive Timely Notifications
Each shower trailer unit comes with water saving flushable toilets, running water from sinks, and sometimes, showers and other amenities. This means that fresh water tank and waste tank levels require careful monitoring.
No need to do this math on your own any longer! The Smarter Restroom App sends the fleet managers alert notifications when waste and freshwater tank levels are 2⁄3 full or empty, causing the unit will be out of service shortly. This is sure to boost productivity, allowing your team to have easy access to the information they need to keep your shower trailer operating smoothly.
All-In-One Control System
Nothing is more important than the experience of your guests. We want to ensure that every user has a comfortable experience in a climate-controlled unit with all the amenities of a brick-and-mortar restroom. This is an easy achievement with the app’s system operations control feature.
The app detects and controls shore power, interior climate temperatures, and up-to-date weather conditions, giving units winter protection from freezing temperatures and keeping things cool when hot. This ensures that restroom fleet managers stay updated from a remote location - they’ll know what changes are needed to the unit and when, which allows for a consistently pleasant restroom experience for guests.
The app also allows for geometric locating, allowing managers to see the exact locations of all portable restroom trailers at all times.
Offsite Unit Management
The most tasking part of operating a restroom or shower trailer fleet is basic management. Making the trip back and forth to one or many units takes up valuable time, which can lower efficient customer service. The app addresses this issue as well.
Managers have capabilities to remotely control lights, air conditioning, heating, water heaters, and trailer power. This means managers can operate more restroom trailers off-site, expand their operations, and provide superior service.
Overall, the Smarter Restrooms App was developed to allow businesses who use or own a shower trailer to manage them more effectively. The app allows the management team to get more done in less time, makes fleet operations easier in general, and saves valuable employee time. Now, with the app, you can ensure that restroom visitors have a top-notch experience with less manual labor. We’ve made it easy so that your business can provide the best service possible easily, allowing you to grow and prosper.
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH SHOWER TRAILERS
We are always happy to leave a customer satisfied. With Occucare, we were able to provide them with a portable bathroom trailer that fit their needs, easily accommodating their high volume usage while providing a restroom facility that made guests feel comfortable.
We have worked with companies much like Occucare in the past, along with a wide variety of other businesses and facilities. We have provided our portable bathroom trailers as rental facilities during events, disaster recovery, and for seasonal employees, as well as for those needing more long term solutions, like construction sites, logistics companies, and more.
With our continued success partnering with such a diverse range of companies, we are confident in our ability to help those who may have a restroom need in the future. Tell us about your business. Do you hire temporary or seasonal staff? Have a venue or facility that needs more restroom access. How about a nonprofit organization that services those in need? If so, we are here to help you solve all of your restroom problems with a wide range of portable bathroom trailers. With basic to luxury designs, small to large in size, we have the restroom trailer that is perfectly equipped for your exact needs!
WINTERIZING SHOWER TRAILERS
For those who experience extreme weather conditions, we know how hard it can get to maintain your shower trailer. Maintenance issues are bound to arise: what if your water freezes? What if the hose gets clogged by ice? How do I keep my restroom guests comfortable during use?
These are all thoughts we’ve had when thinking about how to continue to improve our product. We want you to have the highest quality experience possible after your purchase. When it comes to cold weather, note these tips to ensure your shower trailers stay functioning and keeps that high quality for long periods of time.
Protect Your Water Supply
Wrap heat tape around a ¾” garden hose. Use duct tape to hold it in place, about every 12 inches.
Put foam tube insulation around the hose and heat tape. Leave the plugs and power lights uncovered.
Run duct tape down the insulation, leaving the connecting ends, plugs and power lights uncovered. If you cover them, you will not be able to connect the water or power. Leave test lights and power lights uncovered (for testing and to be sure the hose remains working).
Create A Box
Place two 1500-watt electric heaters under the unit. Be sure you have sufficient power!
Build a 2×2 or 2×4 wood frame to fit underneath each side of the unit. This is going to box the bottom of the outside of the unit.
Fill any gaps with insulation
Cut ½” plywood to fit frame for each side. Be sure to consider stairs when cutting your wood. Stairs should be out and in place before measuring.
Measure and cut out a 6”x6” square to cover the drain access. Attach this with hinges so you can access the drain when needed. This will protect drain valve from freezing.
Eliminate gaps and holes on the tongue side of the unit with R-13 (or greater) insulation.
Staple insulation inside the wood box
Cut a piece of insulation in half and lay it on the ground where the box will be placed. This eliminates gaps between the wood and the ground.
After Plywood is Attached
Fill any small gaps on the top and bottom of the box with insulation
Staple bubble wrap around the outside of the wood unit. This closes of gaps and keeps cold air out and heat in.
Use electrical tape to cover plug connections that will remain outside.
For Units Not Used in Winter
Eliminate the use of power and water until the unit is ready to be used again.
Drain water from all the lines.
Add non-toxic RV “Pink Water System” antifreeze
Unplug
If you are a nonprofit organization or know a nonprofit who could benefit from having shower trailers, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to browse our wide selection of not only shower trailer combos, but restroom, laundry, and custom trailers as well.
When it comes to purchasing your restroom or shower trailers, we have options! Find out about leasing and financing options. We are willing and able to work with any budget to ensure you get the products you need.
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