Toilet Trailers Or Container Toilets, Which is Better?

Restroom facilities are crucial for ensuring comfort and hygiene at events, construction sites, and remote locations. When it comes to portable restroom solutions, toilet trailers, and shipping container toilets are among the most popular options available today. But which one is better? Choosing between these two can be quite a dilemma.

This ultimate guide breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs. Whether you're planning a short-term event or looking for a long-term sanitation solution, understanding the differences between these most popular mobile restroom solutions will guide you to the best choice.
 
 
 
 

Mobile trailers are mobile restroom units mounted on trailers, making them easy to transport from one location to another. These units are often seen at events like weddings, concerts, and festivals, as well as on short-term construction sites. They offer a range of amenities, from basic facilities to luxury options with flushing toilets, sinks, and even climate control. Due to their high mobility and versatility, mobile toilet trailers are an excellent choice for restroom rental companies looking to provide quick and efficient portable restroom solutions for various occasions.

 

 Pros:

  
Ease of Transportation
These toilet units can be towed by most vehicles, allowing for easy relocation. This makes them perfect for events and construction sites that require flexible restroom solutions. Whether you need to move them across a large festival ground or from one construction site to another, their mobility is unmatched.

Quick Installation and Disassembly
Equipped with everything needed inside, they are designed for rapid deployment, so you can have them operational in no time. The setup process includes positioning and leveling trailers and connecting hookups for water and electricity. It can be done within minutes. For events that have tight schedules and need immediate restroom facilities, these pre-assembled portable toilets are optimal options.

Reusable
These units can be cleaned and reused multiple times, making them a sustainable option. They're built to withstand frequent use, which means you get more value over time compared to single-use solutions.

Cost-Effective for Short-Term Use
For short-term projects and events, buying toilet trailers is usually more affordable than investing in permanent restroom structures. They offer a budget-friendly restroom solution without sacrificing quality and convenience.
  
   
 
 
Cons:
 
Fewer Toilet Stalls
One of the downsides is the limited number of stalls available in each unit. This can be a problem for large events or sites with high foot traffic, where more facilities are needed to avoid long lines and wait times.

Cramped Interior Space
The interior of portable toilet trailers can be quite compact. While they serve their purpose, they might not provide the same level of comfort as larger, more permanent restrooms, especially if you're hosting a high-end event.

Maintenance Challenges
Mobile restroom trailers pose maintenance challenges, often requiring more frequent upkeep than traditional restrooms that are connected to utilities, such as water and sewage systems. They operate independently and rely on manual intervention for essential maintenance tasks. Water tanks need to be regularly replenished to ensure a continuous water supply for flushing and handwashing. Additionally, holding tanks must be emptied regularly to prevent overflow and maintain proper sanitation levels.

Fast Wear and Tear
Trailers often spend a significant amount of time being towed to various locations, which contributes to their wear and tear. The combined effects of daily usage and transportation stress can lead to increased maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan for the trailers. Components such as the chassis, tires, and towing kits are particularly susceptible to damage from frequent hauling. As a result, these parts require regular inspection and replacement to ensure the trailer remains in optimal condition.
 
  
 
 

Shipping Container Toilets

Outdoor Portable Toilets of Great Durability & Rigidity

Shipping container toilets are modified from standard shipping containers, which gives them exceptional strength and durability. This robustness makes them ideal for harsh environments where long-term portable restroom solutions are needed. Unlike mobile porta potty trailers, these containers are typically installed at a fixed location and remain there for an extended period. They are often set up in places like construction sites, industrial factories, camps, and other remote areas where traditional restroom facilities are not feasible. Their strong steel structure ensures they can withstand heavy use and adverse weather conditions, making them a practical choice for sustained usage in demanding environments.

 Pros:
 
Exceptional Durability
These shipping containers with toilets are constructed from corrugated steel, a material known for its strength and resilience. Corrugated steel is highly resistant to environmental stressors, including heavy loads, impact, and severe weather conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for creating durable restroom facilities that can withstand harsh environments. The robustness of corrugated steel ensures that containers have a long lifespan, providing reliable service over extended periods. This exceptional durability makes them ideal for long-term installations in demanding locations, ensuring they remain functional and safe under various conditions.

Scalability
One of the significant advantages of portable container toilets is their scalability. These units can be customized and expanded to meet specific needs. Whether a site requires additional shower stalls, specialized facilities, or enhanced amenities, shipping containers can be modified accordingly. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small construction sites to large industrial complexes. By allowing for easy customization, these portable toilets can provide tailored solutions that cater to the exact requirements of any project.

More Features
Container toilet blocks offer the possibility of equipping a range of modern conveniences, enhancing the overall restroom experience. These can include smart toilets, showers, and even climate control systems, providing a more comfortable and luxurious environment. The ability to incorporate such features means that these modular restrooms can offer a higher standard of sanitation and user experience compared to traditional portable toilets. This makes them an attractive option for locations where providing high-quality restroom facilities is a priority, such as upscale outdoor events or long-term industrial projects.


More Restroom Stalls
Shipping container restrooms can accommodate more stalls and facilities due to their larger size. Standard container sizes, such as 20ft and 40ft, allow for multiple partitions, significantly increasing toilet capacity. This means they can handle higher user volumes without the congestion often seen with smaller portable toilet units. The ability to provide more toilets in a single unit reduces wait times and improves user convenience, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and large-scale operations where restroom accessibility is crucial.
  
   
 
 
Cons:
 
Time-Consuming Installation
Installing shipping containers is a more time-intensive process compared to restroom trailers. This is because they often need to be securely fixed to the ground and connected to utilities like water and sewage systems. Such installations require thorough site preparation, including leveling and ensuring proper hookups, which can extend the setup time significantly. This makes them less suitable for situations where quick deployment is necessary.

Limited Mobility
These large modular buildings are not as easily moved once installed. Dismantling and relocating these units can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring heavy machinery such as forklifts and specialized trucks, as well as a substantial workforce. This limited mobility makes them unsuitable for short-term events or projects that require frequent relocation of restroom facilities, where flexibility and ease of movement are paramount.

Higher Costs
The initial investment for shipping container restrooms is typically higher than for mobile toilet trailers. The high cost is attributed to several factors, including the price of the container itself, the expenses involved in modifying it into a restroom facility, and the installation costs. These costs encompass structural modifications, interior fittings, plumbing, and electrical work. Although they offer significant benefits, the higher upfront cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious projects or temporary installations.

Space Requirements
You need ample, level ground for installation, which can be a limitation in certain areas. Container restrooms need a significant amount of space not only for the container itself but also for the equipment required to install them. Ensuring the ground is flat and stable is crucial to preventing structural issues. This space requirement can be a challenge in urban environments or locations with limited flat areas, making it necessary to carefully plan the placement of these units to ensure they can be installed safely and effectively.

 
 

 

Toilet Trailers vs. Shipping Container Toilets, Which is Better for You?

You Will Find the Perfect Portable Restroom Solution for Your Needs

When looking for portable restroom solutions that are fast, convenient, and affordable, both toilet trailers and shipping container toilets are excellent options. They share some key similarities, such as portability, easy setup, and cost-effectiveness, making them well-suited for various situations, compared to traditional restroom facilities. But how do you choose between the two? The decision hinges on your specific requirements and circumstances.

Let's delve into the factors that will help you determine which option best meets your needs.

 

1. Temporary or Permanent Restroom?
 
When deciding between them, the duration of your need is crucial. Portable toilet trailers are perfect for short-term events such as weddings, concerts, and sports events. Their mobility and ease of setup make them an ideal choice for temporary use. They can be quickly transported to and from venues, ensuring that restroom facilities are available exactly when and where they are needed.
 
On the other hand, shipping container toilets are better suited as long-term restroom fixtures. Their robust construction and ability to withstand harsh environments make them perfect for permanent or semi-permanent installations. These units are typically set up in fixed locations such as construction sites, factories, and camps where they remain in place for extended periods. The durability and comprehensive facilities of shipping containers make them a reliable choice for locations that need a stable and enduring restroom solution.


 
2. What is Daily Usage Volume?
 
One of the most critical factors in setting up restroom facilities is determining how many people will be using them. Ensuring that there are enough toilets to meet demand is essential to avoid long lines and maintain hygiene standards. Here's a general guideline:
 

If your event or site has a high number of users but limited space for parking multiple trailers, container toilet units can be a viable solution. These containers, available in standard sizes of 20ft and 40ft, offer more compartments within a single unit, accommodating more users efficiently. Additionally, they can be disassembled and moved if needed, providing flexibility without compromising capacity.
 
 
 
3. Where is Your Location?
 
Both portable toilet trailers and container toilets are excellent outdoor porta potties, designed to withstand various weather conditions. The materials and construction of these units ensure durability and resilience. Shipping containers are made from corrugated steel, known for its strength and longevity. On the other hand, toilet trailers often feature exterior walls made of cold-rolled steel, XPS, and fiberglass, with galvanized steel frames for additional support.
 
While both types are sturdy, the former is particularly suitable for areas with harsh weather conditions. The robust corrugated steel construction offers superior protection against extreme weather, making containers a better choice for locations prone to severe climate conditions.
 
If you are looking for a mobile restroom solution for construction sites, this page may have what you want to know: Ultimate Guide: Mobile Restroom Trailers for Construction Sites

 
 
4. Do You Frequently Change Locations?
 
For wedding planners, event organizers, and restroom rental companies, the preference often leans toward mobile restroom trailers. This inclination stems from practical considerations of frequent changes in locations.
 
These professionals regularly encounter scenarios where event locations vary from one occasion to another. In such dynamic settings, the adaptability and mobility of mobile toilet trailers become invaluable assets. By being easily transportable and deployable, these mobile toilets offer a reliable restroom solution regardless of the event's locale, allowing professionals to focus on delivering exceptional experiences without constraints imposed by fixed facilities.
 
 

 

 

 
 
5. How Large Space Do You Have?
 
Setting up restroom facilities requires a clear area, preferably close to a water source. Most people opt for small trailers because they occupy less space. However, we now offer 1-stall shipping container toilets for sale, which are compact yet more upscale than the typical blue porta potties. These smaller units can fit into tighter spaces, providing a high-quality restroom experience without needing a large footprint.

 

 

 
 
6. Mobile Toilets or Luxury Restrooms?
 
Mobile porta potty trailers, due to their size constraints, often have smaller restroom compartments. They usually feature basic amenities such as toilets, urinals, mirrors, vanities, lighting, and ventilation. While these features suffice for most events, they may fall short for more formal occasions like weddings and anniversaries, where guests expect a higher standard of comfort and luxury.
 

Watch This Video to See the Features Our Basic Mobile Toilet Trailers Come With.
 

 
For a more upscale restroom experience, consider luxury toilet trailers.These come with enhanced features but still may not offer the full range of amenities that some events demand. If you need a restroom that allows for not only basic functions but also additional activities such as makeup retouching, resting, diaper changing, or even showering, container restrooms are the superior choice.
 
 
 

Understanding the pricing differences and associated costs of each option will help you make an informed choice. While toilet trailers tend to offer a lower upfront cost, shipping container toilets may provide more value over time, due to their enhanced durability and potential for long-term use.
 
Let's compare the prices and overall costs associated with each type to help you make an informed choice.
 
 

 
 
 

 

 
Learn How Shipping Container Toilets Work Here

Modification and Customization
Both portable restroom solutions can incur additional costs for customization. For trailers, this might include luxury upgrades or additional stalls, while containers may need significant modifications to become functional restrooms. Customization costs for shipping containers can include plumbing, electrical work, insulation, and interior finishes. These modifications can add thousands of dollars to the initial purchase price, depending on the level of customization required.

Transportation and Setup
Transportation and setup costs vary. Toilet trailers are designed for mobility and can be transported relatively easily, but they still require setup costs, such as site preparation and connection to utilities. Modular toilet containers, however, can be more expensive to transport due to their size and weight. They often require specialized trucks, cranes, or forklifts, adding to the overall cost. Setup for container toilets can also be more complex, involving foundation work and permanent utility hookups.

Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance and repair costs are ongoing expenses that can significantly affect the total cost of ownership. Toilet trailers might require more frequent maintenance due to their mobility and the wear and tear from being transported. Components like tires, towing hitches, and the trailer structure itself need regular inspection and maintenance. Shipping container toilets, being more robust and stationary, might incur fewer maintenance costs, but when repairs are needed, they can be more costly due to the container's size and construction materials.

Operational Costs
Operational costs include utilities, cleaning, and servicing. Both toilet trailers and shipping container restrooms will require regular cleaning and servicing, but the costs can differ. Trailer toilets might have higher servicing costs due to their mobility and the need for regular waste removal. Container toilets, being fixed in place, might have lower operational costs if connected to local utilities for water and sewage, but this depends on the availability and cost of these connections.

Depreciation and Resale Value
Depreciation and resale value can impact the long-term cost-effectiveness of your investment. Toilet trailers might depreciate faster due to the wear and tear from frequent transportation and use. However, they can be resold or repurposed relatively easily if maintained well. Sea container toilets, with their robust construction, might retain value better over time, especially if they are well-maintained and customized for high functionality. The resale value will depend on the condition and the extent of modifications made.

 

If you are ready to buy a mobile toilet trailer,  here you can get a detailed cost breakdown: Portable Restroom Trailer Costs: Breakdown & Examples

 
 
 
 

ETOD EVICE offers a wide variety of portable restroom trailers, including both mobile toilet trailers for sale and shipping container toilets for sale, catering to diverse needs, styles, and budgets. We also provide custom solutions to meet specific requirements. Contact us to discuss your portable restroom trailer needs and get a quote today!