The Ultimate Guide to Buying Food Trucks and Trailers

By Cooking Solutions

With 10+ years of experience in food truck/trailer building and sales, we bring you the 1st fully detailed guide to buying a food truck or trailer. Food trucks/trailers can lead to financial freedom, the 1st step is smart decisions. THIS IS STEP ONE!

 

This guide will prepare you for the building and purchasing part of obtaining a food truck or trailer. I've been in this industry for 10+ years and compiled this information from the top builders in this industry. Our guide covers the common and not so common items and steps you will come across during your search for a food truck or trailer. We believe that an informed, prepared customer will save money and time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cooking Solutions
• Release date: Feb 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215711897

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

FOOD TRUCK VS FOOD TRAILER

The 1st major decision you will need to make for your mobile restaurant is the type that you want. The two main options are a FOOD TRUCK OR FOOD TRAILER. Keep in mind that they both are great options that have their pros and cons, this section is going to focus on the differences.

2

Food Trucks

Food trucks are the most seen and sought after mobile restaurant type. The mobility they provide and parking space access is a major plus. Depending on your region, food truck prices can range between $45k and $149k. Prices vary based on truck condition, equipment, and features. The shape can make it easy to utilize more of the empty space.

3

Do not overlook the fact that food trucks are trucks! They have all of the same parts as an automobile i.e. engine, transmission, etc.

Food trucks can be subject to mechanical issues just like any automobile, so keep that in mind. Days with your food truck down can cost you and then you add on the cost of the mechanic. During your build out, make sure the plans include the stud locations for future equipment additions and lock down.

Food trucks typically do not have a lot of places to lock down the equipment while in motion. Ask the builders or sales person to show you how equipment is locked down.

4

Food Trailers

Food trailers are a great alternative to a food truck. The enclosed trailers come in various sizes ranging from 4ft x 8ft through 8.5ft x 28ft. They can be outfitted with the same equipment as a food truck. When operating a trailer there are no automobile parts except for tires and axles. Depending on your region, food trailer prices can range between $9k and $75k. Prices vary based on trailer condition, equipment, and features. The metal frame of the trailer provides multiple places to lock down equipment to prevent movement while in transport.

5

Without any engine parts, your trailer must be towed by a pick up truck, suv, or car.

Depending on the size of the food trailer, you may need to upgrade your vehicle or designate a vehicle strictly for towing purposes. There is a learning curve for those with little to no experience maneuvering a trailer. Maneuvering (reverse, parking, and spacial awareness) is important to consider in regards to parking and setting up at a location. Pre-planning your route and set-up location is important because you may need to purchase 2 parking spots - 1 for the truck and 1 for the attached trailer.

6

CHAPTER 2

BUILDING MATERIAL

Next up is the type of