Questions to ask about honey wagon hire

For a TV and film location manager, few things derail a shoot faster than overlooked logistics. While honey wagons might not be the most glamorous part of production planning, they are absolutely essential to keeping cast, crew and schedule on track. 

How many units will we need?

Crew size, shoot length and working patterns all affect the number of honey wagons required. A small drama unit might need just one luxury trailer, while a major production may require several units split between cast and crew. At Fortis Hire, we will help you to calculate numbers based on headcount, daily usage and whether the units will be static or moved between locations.

What types of honey wagons are available?

Not all honey wagons are the same. Options range from twin-cubicle luxury units – the Luxury 1 Plus 1 Toilet - to multi-bay trailers with separate male and female areas that can be converted to single-gender units – the Luxury 8-Bay toilet. For productions with high-profile cast members, dedicated star wagons may be essential. Understanding what’s available helps you balance comfort, budget and space and our range of luxury toilet units includes eco-conscious vacuum units and portable disabled toilets too. 

How do delivery and collection work?

We understand that timing is critical on a film set. We will confirm delivery windows, setup time and, wherever possible, we will work around overnight installs or tight call times. We will endeavour to offer as much flexibility as possible where shoot schedules change and units need to be collected or relocated at short notice.

How often are the units emptied and serviced?

A maintenance and servicing contract keeps facilities hygienic and odour-free, and it is important that location managers understand that waste will be removed, fresh water replenished, consumables restocked, and interiors cleaned on a regular basis.  On longer shoots or high-usage sets, daily servicing may be required. Where mains facilities are available on location, all our luxury toilet trailers are available for mains connection; this removes the need for a service contract. We will always tailor a servicing/maintenance schedule to your production rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

Is insurance and documentation in place?

Fortis Hire carries full public liability insurance but you will need separate insurance cover for damage, vandalism, and theft, which we can advise on. We will also work collaboratively with your team to complete all required risk assessment paperwork, so you can satisfy production and location owners alike.

What supplies are included?

Luxury toilet hire from Fortis Hire means more than just the unit itself. All paper consumables are provided, along with luxury toiletries, and these are all replenished and restocked as standard during servicing and maintenance. 

What are the power requirements?

It is particularly important for location managers to understand the power requirements of portable toilet trailers, especially in remote locations where power may be limited. Our fleet requires a minimum of a single phase 13 amp power supply, and each luxury toilet consumes roughly 3 kVA, depending on model. Our units work off normal domestic supply, but where mains power is unavailable and a generator is required, we will provide a list of reputable and trusted companies who can provide a quotation.

How big are the units and what access is needed?

Exact dimensions, weight and capacity are included in individual toilet product pages, where you will also find a floor plan and full spec. Where urban locations may have restricted access, or rural or off-road sites may need specialist vehicles, we will work with you to assess access routes in advance. 

What are the benefits of honey wagon hire on location?

On urban shoots, honey wagons reduce reliance on public facilities and help keep productions self-contained. On remote locations, they are often the only practical solution, providing comfort and hygiene where no infrastructure exists. Well-maintained luxury units improve efficiency, reduce downtime and show consideration for cast and crew welfare. Find out more in Honey wagon hire on location.

Ultimately, the right honey wagon hire partner should feel like part of your production team. By asking these questions early, you’ll ensure your facilities run smoothly—leaving you free to focus on what really matters: getting the shot.

Honey wagon hire from Fortis Hire

As accredited We Are Albert suppliers, and having supplied Pinewood, Longcross, Elstree and OMA:X studios, we offer a wide range of luxury toilet units to the TV and film industry. Our team will work with you to complete all necessary paperwork, including risk assessments, and we will coordinate delivery and installation to suit your scheduling. We empty and maintain all units, removing waste for ethical disposal, and we will leave the location in good, clean condition. We can also help to organise IBCs and generator hire.

To let us help your next location shoot, email some details to sales@fortishire.co.uk or give the team a call on 01525 643850.