Restroom trailer for a November 2026 corporate retreat: generator size?

Question

We're planning a corporate retreat in November 2026 for 40 people over three days at a rural lodge with no electrical hookups. The rental company is delivering a 4-stall restroom trailer with flushing toilets, sinks, and heating for the cold weather. I know we'll need a generator to power the lights, fans, and heater, but I'm not sure what size to get. The ground is flat gravel, and the trailer will be parked about 50 feet from the lodge. What size generator should we rent to handle the load without risking a shutdown? Are there any specific features or fuel considerations for a multi-day event like this?

Owen G. · Answer

Rent a 5500-watt to 6500-watt generator for a 4-stall restroom trailer with heating. The generator must handle the startup surge from the heater and the continuous load from lights, fans, and water pumps. A restroom trailer heater draws 1500 to 2000 watts per stall, lights and fans use 100 to 200 watts per stall, and water pumps add 500 to 1000 watts. The total running wattage is 6500 to 9000 watts, but the startup surge for the heater is higher. A 5500-watt generator provides enough headroom for the surge if you stagger the heater startups, but a 6500-watt unit is safer for simultaneous operation.

Use a quiet inverter generator to reduce noise at a corporate retreat. Rent a generator with a 20 to 30-gallon fuel tank and plan for 8 to 12 gallons of fuel per day at half load. Store extra fuel in approved containers away from the generator. Place the generator downwind and at least 20 feet from the trailer to keep exhaust fumes away from guests. Check the oil level daily and have a backup generator on standby for a multi-day event to avoid a shutdown.

Restroom trailer for a November 2026 corporate retreat: generator size?

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