8.5x20 Enclosed Trailer with Bathroom

An enclosed trailer is more than just a box on wheels; it’s a mobile solution for your passion, your profession, and your adventures. But what happens when long days at the track, remote jobsites, or weekend-long events demand more than just secure storage? The answer is adding the one amenity that transforms capability into comfort: a bathroom. An enclosed cargo trailer equipped with its own facilities elevates its utility from a simple hauler to a self-sufficient mobile base of operations, unlocking unprecedented convenience and extending your time on-site.

Why an 8.5x20 Enclosed Trailer? Balancing Space and Maneuverability

The 8.5x20 footprint represents a sweet spot in the world of cargo trailers. It’s spacious enough to accommodate vehicles, equipment, or a mobile workspace while remaining manageable for most full-size trucks to tow. This size provides ample room to house a functional bathroom without significantly compromising the primary cargo or operational area, offering a perfect blend of capacity and agility.

The Value Proposition: What a Built-In Bathroom Offers

A built-in bathroom is a game-changer. It means no more searching for public restrooms, no more relying on unsanitary portable toilets, and no more cutting a productive day short. For professionals, it enhances efficiency and morale on the job. For racers and hobbyists, it provides the comfort of home at any event, allowing you to stay focused on what you love. This single feature dramatically increases the trailer’s versatility and value.

What This Guide Will Cover

This essential guide will walk you through every critical aspect of selecting the perfect 8.5x20 enclosed trailer with a bathroom. We will explore the core benefits, break down foundational trailer specifications, take a deep dive into bathroom-specific features and options, and show you how to tailor your trailer for specific applications, from a race trailer to a mobile command center.

Understanding the “Why”: The Core Benefits of an Enclosed Trailer with a Bathroom

Integrating a bathroom into your enclosed trailer goes beyond simple convenience; it fundamentally enhances its purpose and your experience. The growing popularity of enclosed trailers, a segment expected to grow at the highest CAGR within the trailers market, is driven by this demand for increased functionality and self-sufficiency.

Enhanced Comfort and Productivity on the Go

For professionals operating a mobile office trailer or a construction office at a remote jobsite, on-site facilities are invaluable. A private, clean bathroom eliminates downtime spent searching for alternatives, keeping your team focused and productive. For long hauls or multi-day events, the comfort of having your own facilities reduces fatigue and improves the overall experience, whether you’re managing a race team or running a concession stand.

Versatility Across Professional and Personal Applications

An 8.5x20 enclosed trailer with a bathroom is a multi-purpose asset. On weekdays, it can serve as an Oil Field / Jobsite trailer, providing essential amenities for a crew. On weekends, the same trailer can be loaded with ATVs or motorcycles for a family getaway. This dual-purpose capability makes it a wise investment, adaptable to a wide range of needs, from Concession / Vending to an Enclosed Car Hauler.

Independence and Convenience: Eliminating External Facility Needs

The primary benefit is total independence. You are no longer tethered to locations that offer public facilities. This freedom opens up new possibilities for where you can work, camp, or compete. It ensures you have a private, sanitary option available 24/7, providing peace of mind and unmatched convenience that public or portable options simply cannot replicate.

Core Trailer Considerations: Laying the Foundation for Your Mobile Oasis

Before focusing on the bathroom, you must ensure the trailer itself is built to handle the added demands. A bathroom package adds weight and requires specific structural and electrical considerations, making the foundational choices critical.

Dimensions and Interior Space: Making the 8.5x20 Work for You

While the 8.5-foot width is standard, the interior height is a crucial variable. A 7-foot or 7.5-foot interior height is highly recommended for trailers with bathrooms. This extra headroom prevents a cramped feeling, especially in the shower area, and provides more vertical space for cabinetry and fixtures. Carefully planning the layout is essential to ensure the bathroom placement optimizes cargo space and workflow.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Axle Capacity: Supporting Your Amenities

A bathroom adds significant weight from the holding tanks (fresh, grey, and black water), fixtures, and construction materials. Therefore, a robust axle system is non-negotiable. A TANDEM AXLE configuration is standard and necessary for an 8.5x20 trailer, providing the stability and weight distribution required. Ensure the GVWR is sufficient to handle the trailer’s base weight, the bathroom components, and your intended cargo.

Construction and Durability: Building to Last

Look for a trailer with a strong frame, typically made from steel tubing. The wall studs, floor crossmembers, and roof bows should be spaced closely (e.g., 16 inches on-center) for maximum rigidity. The exterior skin, usually aluminum, should be of a sufficient thickness to resist dents and wear. Investing in a well-built trailer ensures it can withstand the rigors of the road and support the integrated bathroom for years to come.

Entry and Access Points: Functionality and Flow

The primary access point is typically a rear ramp door, which is essential for loading vehicles and heavy equipment. Opting for a Heavy Duty Ramp Door is a smart upgrade, especially for an Enclosed Car Hauler or equipment trailer. A side entry door is also crucial for easy access to the interior and the bathroom without having to lower the main ramp. Consider the placement of this door in relation to your planned bathroom layout for optimal flow.

The Heart of the Matter: Deep Dive into Bathroom-Specific Features and Options

This is where your mobile oasis takes shape. Understanding the components and systems that make up a trailer bathroom is key to choosing a setup that meets your needs for self-sufficiency and comfort.

Types of Onboard Bathroom Setups

Most trailer bathrooms fall into two categories. A “wet bath” combines the toilet and shower into a single waterproofed compartment to save space. A “dry bath” separates the shower from the toilet and sink, similar to a traditional bathroom, offering more comfort at the cost of a larger footprint. The choice depends on your space priorities and how you intend to use the facilities.

Water Storage and Management: Essential for Self-Sufficiency

A self-contained bathroom relies on a three-tank system:

• Freshwater Tank: Holds clean water for the sink and toilet (and shower). Capacity can range from 10 to 40 gallons or more.
• Grey Water Tank: Collects wastewater from the sink and shower.
• Black Water Tank: Holds waste from the toilet.

A water pump is required to pressurize the system. Consider the tank sizes relative to your expected usage between opportunities to refill fresh water and empty the waste tanks.

Ventilation and Climate Control: Maintaining a Fresh and Comfortable Environment

Proper ventilation is critical in a small bathroom space. A powered roof vent with a fan is an absolute must-have to exhaust moisture and odors, preventing mold and maintaining a pleasant interior environment. For all-season use, consider integrating heating and air conditioning, which often requires a more robust electrical system.

Powering Your Bathroom and Trailer: Electrical Systems

Your bathroom’s water pump, lights, and ventilation fan all require power. A standard trailer electrical system may not be sufficient. Upgrading to a 50 Amp electrical package is highly recommended. This provides ample power to run air conditioning, a microwave, and other amenities simultaneously. Furthermore, including Generator prep with an exterior compartment and transfer switch allows for seamless integration of an onboard generator for true off-grid capability.

Bathroom Fixtures and Finishes: Functionality Meets Aesthetics

Fixtures should be durable and designed for mobile environments. RV-style toilets, compact sinks, and flexible shower wands are common. Wall and flooring materials should be waterproof and easy to clean. Finishes can range from basic and functional to more residential-style options, depending on your budget and preference.

Essential Features for Overall Trailer Functionality (Complementing the Bathroom)

A great bathroom is only one part of a highly functional trailer. Several other features are essential for safety, security, and usability.

Safety and Security Features

Safety on the road is paramount. All tandem axle trailers must be equipped with electric brakes on both axles for reliable stopping power. High-visibility LED lights are a modern standard for taillights, brake lights, and clearance markers. For security, ensure the ramp and side doors have robust, lockable latches to protect your valuable cargo.

Cargo Management and Interior Versatility

Your enclosed trailer still needs to function as a hauler. A well-equipped interior includes multiple floor- or wall-mounted tie downs to secure vehicles, equipment, or other cargo. E-track or L-track systems offer maximum flexibility for securing items of various shapes and sizes. Proper cargo management ensures your gear stays put while leaving clear access to the bathroom.

Aesthetic and Practical Upgrades

Beyond core functionality, several upgrades can enhance your trailer’s appearance and practicality. A Blackout Package, which typically includes black trim, black wheels, and black stone guards, offers a sleek, modern aesthetic. Other practical upgrades include aluminum wheels, finished interior walls and ceilings (like white vinyl or aluminum), and insulated walls to help with climate control.

Tailoring Your 8.5x20 Enclosed Trailer with Bathroom to Specific Applications

The true beauty of a custom build is the ability to optimize the layout and features for a specific purpose. This ensures your investment perfectly matches your operational needs.

Mobile Office and Command Center Solutions

For a mobile office trailer or command center, the bathroom provides a crucial amenity for staff during long deployments. The layout can prioritize desk space, cabinetry for supplies, and wiring for communications equipment. The bathroom makes the trailer a truly self-contained workspace, ideal for a construction office or event management hub.

Professional and Jobsite Utility: Oil Field / Jobsite Facilities

In industries like energy and construction, an Oil Field / Jobsite trailer with a bathroom provides a vital facility for crews in remote locations. These trailers can be built for durability, with rugged flooring, ample storage for tools, and a simple, easy-to-clean bathroom setup that improves on-site sanitation and morale.

Concession and Vending Trailers

For a Concession / Vending trailer, a bathroom is often a requirement for health code compliance, especially if food preparation is involved. It provides a necessary handwashing station for employees and a private facility, projecting a professional and sanitary image to customers.

Recreational and Event Support

Whether you need a Race Trailer for weekend competitions or Motorcycle Trailers for rallies, a bathroom adds immense value. It serves as a private changing room and a convenient pit-stop, eliminating the need to use crowded or dirty public facilities. For a Gooseneck Car/ Racing setup, the additional space allows for an even more comfortable and spacious bathroom configuration, perfect for supporting a whole team.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 8.5x20 enclosed trailer with a bathroom is an investment in comfort, efficiency, and independence. By balancing the foundational strength of the trailer—from its tandem axle and heavy-duty ramp door to its interior height—with a well-designed and properly powered bathroom system, you create a truly versatile asset. Whether your goal is to build a mobile command center, a trackside haven, or a remote jobsite facility, the key is to match the features to your specific application.

A custom build allows you to achieve the perfect synthesis of utility and comfort. At Phil’s Trailer Sales, located on South Loop 340, we specialize in helping customers design and acquire the ideal enclosed cargo trailer to meet their unique needs. If you’re ready to explore the unmatched convenience of a mobile bathroom, contact us today to discuss your vision and let our expertise guide you to the perfect solution.