How Much Does a Portable Restroom Truck Cost?
If you are in the portable sanitation business, one of the first big investments you will make is a vacuum truck. The portable restroom truck cost can vary widely depending on several factors, from the size of the tank to the chassis brand, the power of the pump, and the level of customization you choose. Understanding what goes into pricing and what you are really paying for will help you make a smart purchase that fits your budget and your long-term business needs.
Portable Restroom Truck Cost: Typical Price Range & Inclusions
A new portable restroom truck typically costs between $65,000 and $150,000, though highly customized models can go beyond that range. The spread is broad because no two trucks are quite the same. A base model will include a vacuum tank, pump system, hoses, and fittings mounted on a new chassis. From there, the cost depends on whether you want additional storage cabinets, dual service tanks, advanced power take-off (PTO) configurations, upgraded suspension, or specialized upfits for efficiency.
A used truck can cut that cost down significantly, often starting around $30,000 to $60,000, but that comes with trade-offs in warranty coverage, longevity, and potential downtime. More on that later.
At a baseline, the purchase price includes the truck chassis, the tank system, the pump, and the labor to integrate those components. What you get beyond that, stainless steel hose reels, larger tank capacity, or slide-in units, is where costs start to scale up.
Portable Restroom Truck Cost: Materials vs Labor & Custom Fabrication
It is important to understand what portion of your investment goes into materials and what goes into labor. For example, a high-quality aluminum tank costs more upfront but saves weight and reduces corrosion risks compared to a steel tank. Fabrication labor can also vary depending on whether you choose standard specs or custom designs. Custom fabrication adds time and cost but can pay off by improving your workflow, helping crews complete more service calls per day, and reducing long-term maintenance issues.
Portable Restroom Truck Cost Factors: Tank, Pump, Chassis, Upfits
The largest drivers of cost are the core components of the truck. Let’s break down each factor in detail.
Tank Size and Material: Tank capacity ranges from about 300 gallons (ideal for slide-in units) to more than 2,500 gallons for full-size trucks. The larger the tank, the higher the cost. Materials also play a role; aluminum tanks are popular for weight savings and corrosion resistance, while steel tanks may be more affordable initially but heavier and prone to rust.
Pump System: The pump is the heart of a vacuum truck. Options range from basic 150 CFM vacuum pumps up to high-powered pumps capable of 400 CFM or more. A stronger pump allows for faster service and easier handling of difficult jobs, but the upgrade comes at a premium.
Chassis Selection: The chassis often represents 40 to 50 percent of the total price. Common brands include Ford, Chevrolet, Ram, International, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Mack, Isuzu, and Kenworth. Each comes with different cab sizes, weight ratings, and powertrains. Heavy-duty chassis like Peterbilt or Freightliner cost more than light-duty Ford or Ram pickups, but can handle larger payloads and last longer under heavy use.
Upfits and Customization: Extra storage compartments, dual-tank setups, stainless-steel plumbing, and advanced PTO-driven pump systems all add to cost. Some operators also request custom hose reels, LED lighting packages, or heated compartments for cold-weather climates. These upfits may add thousands of dollars but can save operators significant time and frustration on the job.
Portable Restroom Truck Cost by Payload, PTO, and Vacuum Specs
The payload rating of your truck determines how many units you can service before returning to dump. Higher payloads mean larger upfront costs but fewer trips and better productivity. PTO setups, which allow the pump to draw power directly from the truck’s engine, increase efficiency but also add cost compared to engine-driven or clutch-driven pumps. Vacuum specifications are another hidden cost factor; high-CFM pumps require more robust PTO configurations, reinforced plumbing, and higher-grade hoses, all of which add to the total build price.
New vs Used: Financing, Lead Times, and Resale Value
When deciding between new and used, the math extends beyond just sticker price.
New Trucks: A new build can cost upwards of $100,000, but you benefit from full manufacturer warranties on both the chassis and the pump system. Lead times for new trucks can range from a few months to half a year, especially if the truck requires custom fabrication or if there are supply chain delays. Financing options are more flexible for new vehicles, with lenders often offering longer repayment terms at lower interest rates.
Used Trucks: Used trucks can save you 30 to 50 percent on purchase price. However, they may come with limited warranty coverage and hidden maintenance costs. Lead times are shorter since the truck is ready to go, but you may need to invest upfront in repairs or upgrades.
Resale Value: A well-maintained new truck holds value over the long term and can command a strong resale price. Used trucks depreciate faster, and resale values vary widely depending on age, mileage, and service history. The key is the total cost of ownership over five to ten years, not just what you pay on day one.
Warranty, Service Intervals, and TCO Planning
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is where many operators underestimate their expenses. Factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, downtime, and resale value to get a true picture of cost.
Warranty Coverage: A new chassis often comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, while pump and tank components may carry 1- to 2-year warranties. This coverage can significantly reduce early maintenance costs.
Service Intervals: Routine oil changes, pump rebuilds, tank inspections, and hose replacements add up. A strong preventive maintenance program ensures uptime, but should be budgeted as part of your truck’s annual operating cost.
Long-Term Planning: Think of your truck as a revenue-generating asset. The more efficient it is, the faster it pays for itself. A larger tank and higher-capacity pump may seem expensive upfront, but can reduce daily trips, cut fuel costs, and increase billable services. In that sense, the most expensive truck may actually be the cheapest when you calculate revenue per day against ownership costs.
Making the Right Investment
The bottom line is that portable restroom truck cost depends on a blend of capacity, power, durability, and customization. While you can find a starter truck for under $60,000, most professional operators invest between $80,000 and $130,000 for a new build that can handle years of daily work. Consider not just the sticker price but the financing terms, warranty protection, and total cost of ownership.
At KeeVac Industries, we specialize in matching businesses with the right truck for their needs. Whether you want a brand-new International or Peterbilt build, a reliable used Ford or Ram chassis, or a cost-effective aluminum slide-in pumper unit, our Denver-based team can help. We work exclusively with licensed dealers to source new and used chassis and can custom-build septic pump trucks and vacuum tanks to your specifications.
If you are ready to invest in your business with a reliable, high-performance truck, contact us today. Explore our full lineup of portable restroom trucks, septic pump trucks, and aluminum slide-in units designed to fit the full-size bed of almost any pickup. Our customer-first team is here to answer your questions, walk you through financing, and help you get on the road with a truck built to last.