December 26, 2024
How to Efficiently Set Up Your Portable Restroom Trailer
The day of a big event or the first day you bring your new restroom trailer onto a job site can bring some added tasks that you may need to prepare for. Setting up your trailer can be an overwhelming task if you have never done it before or don’t have anyone with experience to help you.
Setting up your trailer correctly includes many steps, from site scouting to checking toilet paper inventory. As experts in the field, we have put together this helpful guide to help you take your trailer from the garage to use as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Find the Right Location
Where you put your portable restroom trailer is almost as important as having one in the first place. The location of your trailer should be easily accessible, close to necessary power and water lines, and be on stable ground. It is also important to remember that wherever you choose to place your trailer, it must be accessible by truck, as you will need to tow the unit in and out of the space. Additionally, if you don’t intend to use a portable generator to power your event restroom trailer, it is crucial that you choose a location that is close enough to a power source that cable hookups can reach.
Different uses for your trailer will mean having different priorities when choosing a location, so make sure that you decide what is most important to you, whether it be proximity, concealing the trailer, or accessibility.
If you have an event hosted outdoors, you may want to conceal your trailer if you don’t intend to decorate it to match your decor. The perfect location for your trailer(s) will likely be hidden by trees or bushes but not too far from your event space.
On job sites, it is essential to ensure that your workers can quickly make their way to the restroom without needing to make a trek, halting their workflow and interfering with working hours. Somewhere close to your site will be an ideal location for your trailer, so wherever the closest hookup is to power and, if necessary, water.
If those with mobility issues will frequent your trailer, placing an ADA restroom trailer in an easily accessible area is crucial to making your event as inclusive as possible. While all trailers should be placed on a flat surface, in situations like these, it is important to ensure that the path to the trailer can be easily traversed using mobility aids. Preferably, there should not be any stairs, loose gravel, or steep inclines on the way to the trailer.
Step 2: Connect to Utility Lines
Once you have your trailer in its proper location, you need to begin prepping it for use. The first and most important part of this process is connecting your trailer to the necessary utilities.
Your trailer will need a connection to electricity. As we previously stated, you must choose a location close to a power source. Depending on their size and features, mobile bathroom trailers can be equipped with anywhere from one to four 20-amp circuits. These circuits will need to be connected either to an in-wall outlet or to a portable power generator. If you need long cables to connect your trailer to a building's power source, make sure that you tape down any wires or move them out away from walkways. They can easily become a tripping hazard, which is unsafe for your guests, and can cause power outages in your restrooms, which is less than ideal during big events or work sites.
If your trailer does not run on self-contained fresh water tanks, you must be near a water source, usually a garden hose. Each trailer that needs to be connected to a water hose will specify the necessary PSI of the water flow to keep the trailer operating smoothly. Typically, it is around 40 PSI of pressure, which a standard garden hose can handle. The trailer should have a well-labeled connection to indicate where the water hookup will be. If your trailer does not require a direct connection to a water source but rather uses a freshwater tank, ensure that the tank is full before you open your trailer for use.
Step 3: Check Inventory
Before your trailer opens up for use or your event begins, make sure to check in on the inventory levels of your supplies. As you finish setting up, ask yourself:
Do I have enough toilet paper for the day?
Are the paper towel and soap dispensers well stocked?
Do I have extras in case there is a shortage?
If the answer is no to any of these questions, it is vital to address them immediately. Nothing is worse than running around during an event or at work, trying to find supplies for the bathroom after they have run out.
Step 4: Handle Your General Cleaning and Maintenance
Part of setting up your portable restroom trailer rental is getting it in shape for the day. Make sure that you give the floors a good mop, wipe down the countertops and toilet seats, and clean the mirrors. Additionally, make sure that your lights are working, the water is running, and the toilets are flushing properly.
While it may seem like a cosmetic job to handle during setup, it is much more. Yes, your guests will appreciate coming into a clean facility, but staying on top of your trailer's “household cleaning” throughout your day or event makes the end of the day so much easier. If you are looking for a complete guide to all things potable trailer maintenance, check out our handy mobile restroom maintenance checklist.
A Quick Summary
Setting up your portable restroom trailer efficiently can make a significant difference, ensuring a smooth event or job site experience. Choosing the right location, connecting utilities, checking supplies, and performing a quick cleaning guarantee your trailer will be ready for use in no time. Following these steps will not only simplify your process but also help you avoid any last-minute hiccups. You’ll be left with peace of mind and a well-prepared restroom solution for your guests or workers.
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