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How do I set up a Restroom Trailer on Site?

WHAT IS NEEDED TO SET UP A RESTROOM TRAILER?

SET UP IN LEVEL DRY, WELL DRAINED AREA

11 station restroom trailer exterior

11 station restroom trailer exterior

Restroom trailer set up delivery to site should be performed by an experienced driver with appropriate driver’s license. Firstly, the delivery site for the restroom trailer should be reasonably level, dry and well drained. Secondly, choose a site with space for a pumper truck to park close to the trailer.  Importantly, located at the front hitch end of the portable restroom trailer resides a dump valve.  Therefore, the pumper truck connects to remove waste from restroom tank. Given that, access may be needed by a truck each day as the unit may require to be pumped out daily.

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY POWER IS NEEDED FOR A RESTROOM TRAILER?

Firstly, electricity powers most restroom trailers.  Hence, we recommend providing each restroom trailer with at least two independent electrical circuits.  Importantly, use dedicated 20-amp power circuits. (A winter package with electrical heaters requires more electrical power) The dedicated circuit means no other power draws on the circuit. Generally, the supply power cables to the trailer are site owner’s responsibility.  Finally, ensure no other power draws electricity off of lines of circuit to which they are connected to.

HOW DO YOU TROUBLE SHOOT RESTROOM TRAILER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS?

Most electrical problems in the restroom trailer occur because a lack of proper amount of power to the trailer. For example, an air conditioner may start but will kick off a breaker after a short time. It won’t work properly without adequate electrical power. Also, be sure that each power cord is properly sized (gauge) for the distance it will run.  And the 20 amps it will draw. Additionally, a lightweight electrical cord will lose power the farther it is away from the power source. We recommend a generator if the power source is more than 150 ft. from the restroom trailer.

HOW DO YOU CONNECT CITY WATER CONNECTION FOR RESTROOM TRAILER SET UP?

Every restroom trailer requires a garden hose with a minimum water pressure of 40 psi. Also, a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute required at the restroom trailer. The trailer provides a city water connection below the mechanical room. Therefore, a standard ¾” garden hose pressurizes and provide fresh water for the toilets and sinks.

DOES A RESTROOM TRAILER HAVE A ON BOARD FRESH WATER TANK?

Often an on -board freshwater tank comes standard in the mechanical room of the restroom trailer. Therefore, a water pump requires “on” operation in order to draw the water from the tank. Additionally, when the restroom trailer has an on-board freshwater tank, the water needed for toilet flushing or hand washing draws from this tank.

IN SUMMARY

LOCATE A FLAT, LEVEL AREA TO SET UP RESTROOM TRAILER WITH ROOM FOR A PUMPER TRUCK.
PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 20 AMP SHORE LINE CORDS.
ALLOW A FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO REACH THE RESTROOM TRAILER.

HOW DO YOU DELIVER A RESTROOM TRAILER TO SITE?

Restroom Trailer Delivery to site should be performed by an experienced driver with appropriate driver’s license. The restroom trailer axles have electric brakes and require the towing truck to have an electric brake controller.

The delivery site for the restroom trailer should be reasonably level, dry and well drained. As the site position is chosen it is important to allow space for a pumper truck to park close to the trailer. A pumper truck will connect to a dump valve located at the front hitch end of the restroom trailer and remove waste from the trailer’s tank. Access may be needed by a truck each day as the restroom trailer may need to be pumped out daily.

HOW DO YOU LEVEL RESTROOM TRAILER FOR PROPER SET UP?

Stabilizer jacks come with the restroom trailer but do not use them to level the trailer. The stabilizer jacks (stab jacks) help remove the bounce of the spring axles and rubber tires while in set up position. Use blocks to help bring the tires of the restroom trailer into a level position.

PROVIDE NECESSARY RESTROOM TRAILER POWER

Most restroom trailers use electricity. If you have trouble with the operation of any of the electric appliances including the air conditioning or optional heaters the most common problem with a restroom trailer is not providing enough power to properly operate it. Each restroom trailer will have at least one shoreline cord to provide power. The more electrical appliances installed within the restroom trailer, the larger the need for electricity.

PROVIDE WATER FOR THE RESTROOM TRAILER

CITY WATER FUNCTION

The trailer as a city water connection provided below the mechanical room. A standard ¾” garden hose will be able to pressurize and provide fresh water for the toilets and sinks.

ON BOARD FRESH WATER FUNCTION

If an on-board freshwater tank is provided in the mechanical room a water pump will need to be turned on in order to draw the water from the tank.

WASTEWATER FUNCTION

A large waste tank is built into the frame structure of the restroom trailer. All toilets and sinks are directly above the waste tank and drain directly into the waste tank. A 3” dump valve comes installed on the towing end of the trailer to allow a pumper truck to pump the waste from the restroom trailer.

The standard toilet is a low flush toilet which uses a foot pedal to allow water into the bowl and then to open ball at bottom of bowl for waste to exit into the waste tank.

Helpful hint-
For use of toilet when solids are to be deposited into the bowl first push foot pedal approximately halfway to floor which will allow water into the bowl. After the bowl is used the foot pedal is then pushed to the floor.

The sinks installed in the trailer come standard with water conserving faucets. These operate by pushing down on top valve. The valve is set to shut off in approximately 10 seconds. Importantly, the valve adjusts with a set screw under the top valve cover. (See faucet manual included with trailer)

ROOF MOUNTED AIR CONDITIONING

The restroom trailer will have a roof mounted air conditioning unit. Firstly, it ducts into each of the separate rooms. Secondly, the air conditioning uses power from a 110v and operates with a wall mounted thermostat. The thermostat, normally located in one of the public restrooms, has a locked cover over the controls. Thereupon, the desired temperature can be set and then the box locked over the thermostat to prevent public tampering with the temperature. (If electric heaters are installed in the restroom trailer they will be controlled with separate thermostats)

IMPORTANT SUMMARY

Most concerns with restroom trailers begin with a lack of appropriate power necessary to run it. Begin your set up and operation of the restroom trailer by confirming you will have the necessary utilities to operate it.

phone 260-593-2279