It’s no secret that staying cool in your food truck during the summer can be a challenge, so it’s important to make sure that your food truck is ready to handle the demands of hot weather. As it turns out, there are plenty of cheap and easy ways to beat the summer heat without beating up the environment or your wallet.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to keep cool in your food truck, you can keep your business running smoothly all summer long.
Park Your Food Truck In The Shade, If Available
When you park a food truck or trailer in the sun the radiation from the sun’s rays will heat up the roof. Also, the street underneath your food trailer is subject to the same process before you park there, so when you park in the sun you are being heated from above and below. A spot in the shade is ideal, so make sure to choose the right location.
Opening The Doors And Windows Helps A Lot
Open the windows at night or any time there is a breeze. This will create a crosswind in the vehicle and can significantly help in cooling the temperature. Cover the windows of the truck with blackout curtains or windscreen covers. These keep sunlight and heat out.
Set Up The Awning (If You Have One) When You’re Parked.
The awning shades not only the service window but also the side of the food truck, and helps protect your customers and employees from the sun’s sweltering rays.
The Way You Dress Can Make A Huge Difference
Make sure your clothes are summer-friendly with breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Also, remember that darker or black clothing absorbs more heat, making the clothing warmer to wear!
Prepare Cold Food
Having cold food for sale from your food truck can make a big difference if you aren’t able to change your hours or park under a tree. Not running your stove, oil fryer, or microwave in your food truck will cut down on the heat inside the truck, allowing you to stay open longer and serve more people.
Throwing A Wet Towel In The Fridge
Another cost-effective and simple way to cool off in summer is to take some towels or extra rags, wet them, and then put them at the bottom of the fridge. Later on, take them off and place them around your neck as a cold wrap, and let the cooling down start!
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water each day is vital, especially in the summertime heat, and some beverages are better than others at keeping you hydrated. Sports drinks containing electrolytes such as sodium and potassium can be smart alternatives in a pinch. These beverages can often be found in a healthy vending machine.
Don’t Lose Your Cool
Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible, only taking food out in batches. Your fridge won’t have to work as hard to stay cool, which again, saves you energy.
Turn Off Appliances When Not In Use
Appliances generate heat, so another rule to keep your food truck cool in the summer is to turn off as many kitchen appliances as possible. It is true that you run a mobile food business and the kitchen is where you make your money, but make sure you minimize the heat load as much as possible.
Use Fans
Fans are one thing that can help out in a hot sweltering food truck. Use small battery- or solar-powered fans throughout the vehicle to keep air circulating.
Cook Outside… If Possible
If it is an option in your area, cook outside. Using the oven or grill heats up the small space inside a food cart in no time. Check out what the laws in your state says before you can do this, though some cities allow it.
Remember, staying cool isn’t just about comfort, it’s also a crucial element for the success of your food truck business during the scorching summer months. Running a food truck in the summer can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can beat the heat and keep your cool.
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