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What Is A Food Truck?

A food truck is a huge, motorized vehicle that looks and feels like a Post Office or FedEx van. Similar to food trailer, they are equipped with fully operational kitchens, generators, sinks, counters, and other kitchen equipment, in addition to having an engine, which provides more mobility. Food trucks are relatively more compact, making them easier to navigate on city streets.

What Is A Food Trailer?

Food trailers, also known as Concession trailers, are units that are not mobile in the same way that food trucks are. Concession trailers are moved by being towed behind a vehicle with a towing capacity strong enough to support the weight of the food trailer. Concession trailers are perfect for events or locations where they will be parked for extended periods of time. They are relatively more spacious and more cost efficient than food trucks.

Food Truck vs. Food Trailer

1. Budget

Before you spend some cash on a purchase of a truck or a trailer, spend some time thinking about your budget and what your goals are for your business.
New food truck purchases typically cost between $50,000 up to $200,000 and come with a lead time to build. For used trucks you can expect to pay between $30,000 and $100,000, and will be able to use immediately after any maintenance.

By contrast, food trailers cost less upfront than a truck. The cost of a new concession trailer will be around $40,000 to $60,000 and if you're looking for an affordable option, you can find used concession trailers still in good condition anywhere from $25,000 to less than that.

2. Size

The main difference between food trucks and food trailers is their size.

Average food truck sizes vary greatly and range from 14 to 20 feet. Most trucks have an average width of 7 feet to accommodate staff and kitchen equipment, but the length of the truck can vary greatly. The truck you choose should be large enough to accommodate your kitchen, storage needs, and staff operational area.

Food trailers or concession trailers are the largest and most spacious. There is a variety of food trailer sizes, and the exact dimensions are dependent on the specific food trailer model and customization. The average food trailer sizes start at 7ft and stretch up to 26ft in length, width ranges from 5.2ft to 8ft, while the height is above 6.6ft.

3. Storage Space

The size of your interior kitchen space can have an impact on what you can bring with you and your staff size.

Due to their size and mobility, food trucks may call for more dependence on countertop cooking equipment, space-saving storage solutions, and a staff of 1-3 cooks.

While food trailers are large enough for full-sized restaurant equipment, cleaning supplies, and full cooking staff.

4. Vehicle Mobility

The way a mobile kitchen navigates can help determine which events and locations they best cater to.

Food trucks provide excellent mobility, allowing you to navigate different locations, attend festivals, and explore various customer bases.

While concession trailers are slightly less mobile compared to food trucks, they are still highly adaptable and can be moved to different locations as needed.

5. Set-up and Operating

The vehicle's layout requires efficient equipment organization and well-planned workflows to optimize the service process.

Food trucks are designed for quick and easy set-up. Once parked, they can be operational within minutes, providing a seamless experience for both the owner and customers.
Food trailers require additional set-up time as they need to be detached from the towing vehicle and stabilized. However, their larger size allows for more storage space and the potential to accommodate a wider variety of cuisine.

6. Paperwork requirements

Another aspect to consider when deciding between a food truck vs. food trailer is the paperwork involved.
Food trucks require more paperwork to get started, with requirements like permits, insurance, tax documents, and a lot more.

If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest route to opening your mobile food business, a trailer might be a quicker option as it requires less paperwork.

7. Visibility and Branding

Compelling marketing and branding helps attract your target customers.
With their eye-catching exteriors, food trucks are excellent for grabbing attention and showcasing your brand. The exterior of a food truck can be wrapped with vibrant graphics and branding elements, making them memorable and stand out in the crowd. Moreover, food trucks often come with fold-out service windows for customer convenience.
While food trailers don't offer the same mobility as food trucks, they can still be customized to enhance visibility and branding. By utilizing signs, lighting, and creative design, food trailers can attract customers and build a strong brand presence. Additionally, the larger surface area of a food trailer may present more opportunities for creative branding.