The first trailer should fit the jobs most likely to happen, not the largest inquiry in the inbox. A purchase that requires a different truck, a new storage site and difficult service arrangements can cost far more than its catalog price suggests.
Write a job brief before opening the catalog
Record the normal use, the hardest recurring use, and work the business will decline. For a venue, include the event timetable and existing restrooms. For a rental operator, use actual customer inquiries and site conditions. For a contractor, include shifts, crew overlap and deployment length.
The brief needs total users, peak breaks, operating hours, location, water and power, waste-service access, accessibility requirements and delivery deadline. Headcount alone is not a model specification. Use the sizing worksheet to fill the gaps.
Build a shortlist using known differences
These published starting prices are purchase-budget references, not delivered totals or capacity guarantees.
| Candidate | Starting price | What to evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| ITS-2 | $34,500 | Two private suites; test whether the layout meets the recurring job before choosing on price |
| ITS-3 | $39,500 | Listed 1 male / 2 female configuration; examine how users will be distributed between rooms |
| ITS-4 | $49,500 | Listed 2 male / 2 female configuration; compare room allocation with the ITS-3 rather than price alone |
| ITS-6 | $69,750 | Request the exact floor plan and fixture schedule for the proposed unit |
| ITS-8 | $84,750 | Evaluate the proposed layout and deployed footprint against site and service access |
Start with the least expensive candidate that appears to meet the brief. Keep an alternative only if it offers a useful difference: room allocation, concurrent use, service capacity or fit with the existing fleet. A more expensive trailer has to earn its place in the shortlist.
Accessibility, procurement clauses and non-standard layouts belong in a custom scope. A standard model designation does not establish accessibility.
Eliminate candidates that cannot reach or work on site
Use a site sketch with the approach road, gates, turns, overhead obstructions, trailer position and service-truck position. Measure deployed space, including entries and any ramps or porches, rather than reserving only the body footprint. Keep guest routes separate from hose and vehicle movements.
For towing, obtain the proposed unit's rating labels and transport instructions. Match the vehicle and hitch system to trailer and tongue-weight requirements; curb weight alone is not the decision. The ITS operations guide requires fresh and waste tanks empty before transport. Check applicable driver licensing and commercial-operation requirements with the relevant authorities, not a general catalog answer.
For operation, record the required electrical connections for the installed equipment, the water source and refill plan, and the waste-service arrangement. A site that lacks a suitable connection needs a resolved utility plan before a trailer is selected.
Before-deposit checklist
- The written quote identifies the model, configuration, included equipment and options.
- A floor plan shows entrances, room allocation and deployed access space.
- Unit-specific dimensions, ratings and tank information are available for planning.
- The towing setup and storage space have been checked against that unit.
- A service provider can reach and service the planned sites.
- Price, applicable taxes, delivery charges and payment milestones are itemized.
- Availability or build timing is written down, including what can change it.
- Warranty terms, exclusions, claim process and parts contacts have been read.
- Owner instructions and a handover demonstration are included in the delivery plan.
- The budget includes startup equipment and working cash, not just the trailer payment.
Unanswered items are purchase conditions to resolve, not reasons to guess. Keep them beside the quote so a change in configuration does not silently invalidate the transport or site plan.
Choose the unit the business can operate
A rental operator needs turnover time and service capacity as much as a sellable interior. An owner-user needs reliable availability and an assigned person to maintain it. Use the model comparison with the completed checklist, then retain the agreed configuration and owner documents with the purchase record.