Hunting camp used only on weekends: can we schedule service for every other week?

Question

We run a hunting camp in Montana that's only used on weekends from late September through November. We have one standard portable toilet for a group of six guys. The unit gets no use from Monday to Thursday. A weekly service visit seems wasteful since the holding tank is barely touched. I'm looking at bi-weekly service to cut the rental cost. The unit sits on level gravel about twenty feet from a two-track that a vacuum truck can use without trouble. The rental company charges for every service trip, so fewer trips means real savings. Has anyone else scheduled service for every other week for a weekend-only camp? Will a rental company even allow that for a standard unit?

Sam O. · Answer

Yes, you can schedule bi-weekly service for a weekend-only hunting camp. A rental company will often allow every-other-week service for a standard unit with light use, especially if you discuss the usage pattern upfront. Your setup is ideal: one standard unit for six people over weekends only, with the holding tank at 50 to 70 gallons capacity, and it sits on level gravel with good truck access. Weekly service is the norm, but service frequency adjusts based on use, light usage, cold weather, and no midweek activity mean the tank fills slowly and odors stay manageable. To ensure it works, confirm with your rental company that they offer flexible scheduling for long-term rentals and that their deodorizer formula is effective over two weeks. Avoid flushing units or handwash stations here, as their fresh water tanks can freeze or stagnate. This approach cuts costs by reducing service visits without compromising sanitation.

Hunting camp used only on weekends: can we schedule service for every other week?

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