While many portable restroom service trucks look alike at first glance, it’s the little things that set them apart. Shutoff warning sensors, pre-filters, deodorant delivery systems, heated valves, pump-protecting ice and mud guards, and folding restroom carriers are among the trademark accessories available from the industry’s truck builders and distributors. Today’s service vehicles are designed to make your job easier and your business more productive.
When it comes time to expand or update your fleet, here are some of the truckbuilders’ favorite features you might want to consider:
Secondary Sensor
A secondary shutoff sensor from Best Enterprises Inc. sets off an alarm should the primary fail, alerting the operator that waste is entering the secondary shutoff valve so pump failure can be averted. 800/288-2378; www.bestenterprises.net.
Pump Pre-Filter
The pump pre-filter from Progress Tank is designed to prevent mechanical problems and extend pump life. The filter cleans the air entering the pump, helping reduce vane wear. With twice-a-year cleaning, the metal screen on the filter can last the life of the pump. 800/558-9750; www.progresstank.com.
Truck Control System
The truck control system from Bosserman Aviation Equipment Inc. includes the PTO control on automatic trucks, water pump control, work lighting, non-contact tank level indicator and optional data acquisition and transmission function all in one 5.7-inch, color touch-screen display. The data acquisition function enables drivers to send updated service information back to the office before leaving the jobsite, as well as enabling office personnel to view engine speed, whether the truck is idling or the PTO is engaged, as well as tank level and road speed. The level indicator lets the operator know at a glance how much tank capacity remains before having to offload. 419/396-6256; www.bossermanaviationequip.com.
Slush Guard
The Slush Guard from Imperial Industries Inc. is a piece of 14- by 16-inch diamond-plate aluminum installed behind the driver’s door and bolted to the front of the vacuum pump stand. Designed to keep the front tire from throwing snow, ice and mud onto the pump, the guard is a time-saving feature that enables the operator to access controls, such as levels for vacuum and pressure, without having to first pressure-wash the pump. The guard also makes pump maintenance easier by providing a clean view of the oil level dipstick. 800/558-2945; www.imperialind.com.
Removable Side Rails
Removable, upright side rails from Crescent Tank Mfg. enable the operator to slide two restroom units onto the truck deck simultaneously. 585/657-4140; www.crescent-tank.com.
Electric Pump Package
The eVAV-1204 electric pump package from LMT Inc. features light and 30-cfm, four-vane, fan-cooled B-400 Hertell vacuum pump. The 1-hp, 3,300-rpm, DC motor is powered by the truck’s 12-volt battery. The modular pump package with adjustable belt drive creates 15 inches of vacuum in a 600-gallon tank in 2.5 minutes. Vacuum is monitored and maintained through an automatic vacuum switch that engages power to the pump when vacuum drops below the factory-set level. The quiet-running unit has a 2-gallon secondary shutoff and 2-inch oil catch muffler that activates by switch from the cab. 800/545-0174; www.tanksandpumps.com.
Freshwater Fill
The high volume freshwater fill from Ledwell & Son Enterprises Inc. enables the operator to dispense water with the flip of a switch. Equipped with a heavy-duty, self-recoil delivery hose, the system refills a restroom in about 20 seconds, reducing operator fatigue, while improving efficiency. 888/533-9355; www.ledwell.com.
Chem Delivery System
The Chem Delivery System from Satellite Industries Inc. is designed to recharge a restroom immediately after service. Upon evacuating the tank, the operator opens the freshwater valve on the wand, fills to the designated mark and adds deodorizer. For technicians who prefer using a fill bucket, Satellite offers a 4-gallon Deodorizer Dispenser System that ensures a proper mix. Adjustable to the half-ounce, the system enables the operator to add the correct amount of concentrate to the bucket. The fully enclosed wet basket is easily accessed and completely stable. 800/328-3332; www.satelliteindustries.com.
Heated Valves
Heated valves from T-Line Equipment Inc. help avoid costly and time-consuming freeze-ups in cold-weather climates. Ready to go once the truck engine is warm, the valves feature copper tubing to prevent rust from contaminating the cooling system. The tubing is soldered directly to the valve for quicker heating, circulating 180- to 200-degree water that helps keep the valves warm in temperatures down to -20 degrees F. PVC pipe along the length of the frame protects the heater hose from wear. 920/864-4444.
Folding Restroom Carrier
The folding restroom carrier from Vacutrux features a hot-dipped galvanized steel frame for lasting protection. Anti-shift bottom pockets keep restroom skids from sliding and frame-welded anchors for dual tie-down straps help secure loads. The dual tail-lighting system operates both down when transporting units and up when not in use. A spring-loaded hinge allows for easy operation, while safety hardware locks the rack in place. 800/305-4305; www.vacutrux.com.
Stainless Steel Water Pump
Stainless steel water pumps from TSI Tank Services Inc. offer protection from rust and salt mixture on internal parts as well as overall durability in any climate. 866/720-4999; www.tankservicesinc.com.
