Howdy everyone!
Today I will be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of running a mobile kitchen through both a food trailer and a food truck.
At this point you should have already decided what your food truck concept will be and should have already decided what kind of food you will serve. This is important because it can play a critical role in your decision between a truck and a trailer. Here are the facts on both the food truck and the food trailer.
Food Trailer
- Right off the bat, one of the greatest advantages of owning a trailer has to be not having to worry about your truck breaking down. I have personally witnessed food trucks out of business for weeks and event months at a time. The beauty of a trailer is that if the truck you use to haul the trailer malfunctions, you can always borrow or rent a different truck to tow it.
- Another factor in which the trailer has the upper hand is the additional storage space in the truck bed of the vehicle towing the trailer. This can come in handy when carrying extra supplies and even a freezer to keep food. I personally use the additional bed space to carry my generator along with an extra cooler. Which being able to keep the generator outside of the trailer can become another advantage by itself considering how large generators can be.
- Another wonderful convenience to owning a trailer must be the freedom of being able to unhitch and go for a supply run. You can always leave your trailer with someone still working it while you leave to restock. This has been a critical point for us in several events in which we were able to maximize the event even after running out of our product. We were able to restock just in time and squeeze out some extra sales that a regular food truck would’ve missed out on.
- Affordability is definitely an important aspect of your decision depending on your situation. A trailer can be much more affordable when compared with a food truck. I was able to up fit my trailer for about $15,000 as opposed to the $30,000 plus I have heard business owners spend on a food truck. However this is not including the truck you will need to pull the trailer. If you do not already have a truck to use for hauling it may also be something to take in to account unless you will be leaving the trailer in one specific spot at all times. You must also keep in mind that the truck you do purchase must meet the towing capacity necessary to pull the trailer.
- The last advantage depends on what strategy you decide to pursue with your business. There is another debate when starting a food truck which compares choosing a set location for your truck as opposed to going mobile and moving from place to place. If you decide to remain in one spot, a trailer may be the best way to go in this scenario.
Food Truck
- The first advantage I can point out when owning a food truck is the simplicity of owning just one single unit. You won’t have to worry about purchasing a separate truck to pull your kitchen because the kitchen itself will have it’s own set of wheels. Despite a food truck being more expensive the fact that you will not have to purchase a truck for hauling may end up saving you more money in the long run.
- The second point in which the food truck has the upper hand also has to do with the truck being one single unit. This makes it much easier to maneuver and in fact is allowed in more places as opposed to trailers. I personally have not experienced this but I have heard that there are some places in town that will not allow food trailers.
- The food truck is also ideal when visiting multiple spots. When using a trailer there are many times in which you will be asked to unhitch from your truck. This can be very time consuming depending on your set up as opposed to a food truck which you can skip this step and get started right away!
- Most recently I also discovered that insuring a food trailer is a bit more complicated and expensive. Many people are under the impression that you can simply get general liability and mobile property coverage for the trailer. You must purchase a commercial auto policy for the tow vehicle. Be sure to increase your liability limit to $1,000,000 as well. It never hurts to think ahead. However if you have a food truck the only thing you will have to worry about insuring is the food truck itself.
- Appearance definitely plays a role in your success as a mobile kitchen. I have noticed that people are generally attracted to food trucks for one reason or another. Food trucks just look more appealing and exciting to people. This is still only an observation on my part and have not been able to find any factual information of anyone comparing the differences. If you have done so please feel free to share your findings with me. I would really appreciate it.
In conclusion I must still admit that the decision between owning a food truck as a opposed to a trailer is still a preference. Every business is different and they themselves must adapt to their own needs to best run their business. If you feel that I have left out some critical information or if you have some questions or comments please feel free to contact me below. Please share this with your friends. You never know who might be in need of this information. Thank you!
Texasfoodtrucker 
Great Blog, you pointed out different facts and I love the topic, it makes me want to start my own business.
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Thank you Joanna! Share it if you can.
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