Last month, I started planning a family gathering at my uncle’s farm. The venue is spacious and scenic, but there’s one problem: there aren’t enough restrooms. I don’t want to use those plastic portable toilets—they smell bad and look ugly. I heard there’s a “luxury bathroom trailer” available now, similar to an RV, with a shower, toilet, sink, and even air conditioning. I wondered, “How much would it cost to rent one for a day?”
Step 1: Search online for prices
I turned on my computer and typed “luxury bathroom trailer daily rental” into Google. A bunch of company ads popped up, with prices ranging from $100 to $600. Some said “as low as $199/day,” while others listed $450 directly. The more I looked, the more confused I got. Which one was real?
These prices looked very attractive, but when I clicked on them, I found out that they weren’t the final prices.
Calling to find out the truth
I decided not to look at the websites and just call them directly. I called five different rental companies, and each one had a different answer.
The first one said, “The basic model is $250 per day,” but with marble countertops and air conditioning, the price went up to $475.
The second one didn’t give any specific numbers, just asked, “How many toilets do you need? Do you need electricity? How far do you need it delivered?”
The third one said, “Starting at $195,” but then listed a bunch of additional fees: cleaning fee, fuel fee, and mileage fee.
I finally understood: the listed price is just the starting point, and the real costs come from the “hidden fees.”
Prices vary greatly between different tiers of trailers
After asking around, I found that the market is divided into three categories:
- Basic model: One toilet, one sink, simple decoration. Daily rental: $150–200. It looks like an upgraded toilet but isn’t considered “luxury.”
- Standard luxury model: Includes a shower, space for two people, lighting, and air conditioning. Daily rental: $250–350.This is what most people want.
- Top-tier custom model: Like a five-star hotel bathroom, with mood lighting, hot water temperature control, and high-end tiles. Daily rental: $400–$650, with options like a “celebrity package.”
I wanted the second type, but it wasn’t cheap.
Delivery fees are a must
Almost all companies do not include delivery.You have to pay extra to have the trailer delivered to your home.
The cost is calculated based on distance:
- Within 15 miles: $75-100
- 15-30 miles: $100-150
- Further: additional charges based on mileage
I live in the suburbs, and the nearest rental location is 30 miles away, which costs $130 one way.
Installation and dismantling may also incur additional charges
Some companies include installation and dismantling in their service, while others charge an additional $50–100. For example, connecting water pipes, leveling, and connecting power all require manual labor.
If you know how to do it yourself, you may be able to save a little, but most people have to hire someone to do it.
Long-term use incurs additional maintenance fees
If the event lasts more than two days, they will come to clean the sewage tank, refill the water tank, and inspect the equipment. Each visit costs an additional $75–150.
For example, if you rent for three days, they may come once on the second or third day. This fee is non-negotiable.
You need a generator if there is no power
Many rural areas do not have power outlets. If the trailer requires air conditioning or a water heater, you will need a generator.
The rental company provides generators, but fuel costs are additional, ranging from $25 to $50 per day. Some charge by the hour, so the more you use, the more you pay.
What is the total cost?
I did the math for renting a standard luxury trailer for three days:
- Daily rental fee: $300 × 3 days = $900
- Delivery fee: $130 (one way) + $130 (return) = $260
- Fuel cost: $50/day × 3 days = $150
- Maintenance fee: $100 (one-time visit)
Total: $1,410. Average daily cost is nearly $470, far higher than the listed price.
Why are the quotes so confusing?
I’ve noticed that many companies intentionally set the base price very low to attract customers to call. When you ask for details, all sorts of additional fees come up.
It’s like renting a car: the listed price is “US$50 per day,” but insurance, fuel, and GPS add up to double the price. Luxury bathrooms are the same; the listed price is just the “entry fee.”
How can I avoid being scammed?
If you’re also looking to rent, keep these points in mind:
- Don’t just look at the “starting price”; ask what’s included.
- List all possible fees: delivery, fuel, maintenance, cleaning.
- Request a written quote, not just a verbal agreement.
- Compare at least three companies before booking.
- Check user reviews to see if anyone has complained about “low price traps.”
Are there any cheaper alternatives?
Later, I found out that some small local companies offer “shared rental” services. For example, several families can rent one trailer and split the cost by the day. This way, each person spends less.
Some people rent two basic models, one for men and one for women, which is half the price of renting one luxury model.
My final decision
After calculating the costs, I gave up on renting a luxury trailer. At over $1,400, I could hire workers to set up a few clean toilets.
Plus, the trailer would take up space and require water and electricity, which would be a hassle. Unless it’s a large wedding or commercial event, it’s really not necessary.
Advice for those who need it
If you really want to rent:
- Book at least two weeks in advance, as it’s hard to get one during the peak season.
- Choose a company that is close by to save on delivery fees.
- Keep the event to less than two days to reduce maintenance fees.
- If you have your own power supply, you don’t need a generator, which saves on fuel costs.
- Confirm all fees before signing the contract to avoid any ambiguity.
Summary
Luxury bathroom trailers aren’t as simple as “how much per day.”
The listed price is just the starting point; the real costs come from additional services.
On average, the actual daily cost is over 50% higher than the quoted price.
To save money, consider sharing or choosing a basic model.
Don’t be fooled by the word “luxury”; calculate the total cost first before deciding.
