Porta Potty Forum

Water line crew moving about a mile a week: can we tow a trailer unit ourselves?

Carl D.asked 0 viewsConstruction & Job SitesConstructionJob siteTrailer unitRelocateHolding tankService visit

We're replacing a water line along a county road, crew of six, and the work face moves roughly a mile every week. Right now we have one standard unit sitting back at the original staging area, and by Thursday the guys are a ten minute drive from it. Nobody is happy about that.

I've seen units mounted on small trailers on road jobs. If we rent one of those, are we allowed to hook it to our crew truck and move it ourselves every few days? Does the holding tank need to be pumped before it gets towed, or is it built to ride with waste in it? And how does the weekly service visit work when the driver has to find it in a new spot each time?

Next phase starts Monday so I'm trying to sort it out this week.

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Ray M.Dallas, TX

Yes, you can tow a trailer-mounted portable toilet yourself if the rental company allows it and the unit is designed for towing with waste in the holding tank. Most trailer units are built to be moved while full, but you must confirm this with your rental provider. The holding tank does not need to be pumped before towing if it is a standard non-flushing model, as these are sealed and stabilized for transport. However, never move a unit if it is overfilled or leaking.

For your crew of six, OSHA 1926.51 requires only one toilet since you have fewer than 20 workers. A single standard unit on a trailer would meet the rule. Coordinate with the rental company for service visits; they will need the new location each time, and you must ensure truck access within 25 feet on level ground. Service frequency is typically weekly, but moving the unit more often may require adjustments, discuss this to avoid missed service charges. Always secure the unit properly during moves to prevent damage or spills.

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