What Size Trailer Do I Need for My Event?

Photo courtesy PolyJohn

The right size restroom trailer helps events run smoothly, reducing long lines and increasing guest satisfaction. Guidelines provide a starting point, but planning capacity based on your specific situation is better. Guest count, event type, duration, and site layout affect what size trailer you need for an event.

To advise clients correctly, portable restroom operators must know how to determine the right trailer size and be able to communicate that to customers. Here’s what you need to know to handle both situations.

General Restroom Trailer Size Guidelines

General guidelines look at event duration and guest count to calculate the number of restrooms and handwashing stations. You can use a chart to estimate how many toilets and sinks you need.

Here are the general sizing guidelines for portable restroom trailers:

• Under 100 guests: A one- or two-stall restroom trailer accommodates guests at intimate gatherings. In some cases, a two-toilet trailer works for 150 people.
• 100 to 250 guests: A three- or four-stall trailer keeps lines shorter during events with guests who are eating, drinking, or using restrooms at the same time.
• Multi-day events: Consider larger trailers, like an eight-stall model, bring two smaller trailers, or supplement trailers with individual porta-potties, sinks, and sanitizer stations.
• Over 500 guests: Provide at least eight to 10 stalls in one large trailer or two separate units.

This approach gives you an idea to work with. But it doesn’t consider the event type and site layout. Evaluating additional factors can help you decide when a larger trailer offers better value per guest.

When to Size Up

Turn a general estimate into a solid figure by looking at the event’s unique circumstances. For example, add 15- 20% more capacity at functions with food or alcohol. And two trailers are more appropriate in venues with a split layout, like a wedding with separate areas for the ceremony and reception.

Sizing a trailer to the flow of the function also minimizes restroom lines. At a wedding or concert, people head to restroom facilities around the same time, while usage is more staggered at a festival with multiple stages.

That said, trailer configurations should take guest demographics into account. Public and corporate functions need ADA-compliant units, and you can expect families with young children to spend a bit more time per restroom visit. Wedding guests also use trailers to freshen up. All of these factors can cause longer queues when customers apply general use guidelines instead of specifics.

How to Communicate Size Requirements to Customers

Underestimating the number of stalls a restroom trailer needs reflects poorly on your company, even in cases where the customer chose the size. During discussions with clients, show them the value of right-sizing trailers.

Here’s how:

• Provide testimonials from customers who sized up or down during similar events
• Demonstrate traffic flow and usage using visuals, like site layout maps
• Discuss how increasing capacity aligns with event goals for sales and length of visit
• Explain how size affects service requirements when setting up trailers at events

Choosing the Right Size of Trailer for Events

Tailoring the trailer size to the function improves guest satisfaction and site safety. Use general guidelines as a baseline. From there, assess site or event-specific factors. When customers request smaller or larger units than necessary, advise them how right-sizing delivers more value. By being the authority on everything trailer-related, you can help customer gatherings go on without a hitch.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”