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Planning for your very first food truck business needs one vital aspect to help you get started—a reliable truck or trailer that will house your enterprise.
Truck or trailer conversion is the most effective solution to having a mobile kitchen.
With its customized approach, you can choose the design that you want, put the equipment you need in the right corners, and just have flexibility with how you envision it to be.
However, designing your mobile kitchen is not an easy task. In fact, it requires many considerations and careful planning so you will not have to deal with headaches in the process.
Here are helpful pointers to guide you if you are looking into a food truck and trailer conversion project.
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Things to Consider Before Starting a Food Trailer Conversion
Before starting a food truck or trailer conversion, check out these primary considerations.
Decide on a budget
The food truck business is an enticing industry that many like to try because of its huge potential.
To start a food truck business, you need to pull out a whopping investment of money. The starting capital usually ranges from $28,000 to $114,000. You need to consider additional costs for some unpredicted costs along the way.
Among the first expenses you have to deal with is the actual vehicle. Now you don’t need to buy a brand-new truck or trailer. A secondhand car can work within your budget with just the proper maintenance and tune-up.
The truck or trailer conversion costs add to the rate, which can go up depending on your customization needs. To ensure that investment money will be used wisely, determine the budget you can only allot for the conversion. Stick to it and find manufacturers who can work on your budget while providing satisfactory service.
Consider your time
Food truck and trailer conversions can take time, energy, and effort. Since you need careful planning, the process may require your full attention, especially if you are the only one leading the conversion yourself.
A great option would be to get the services of trusted trailer or truck conversion companies that can handle the job.
Overall, it allows more time for you to focus on other aspects of the business such as sales and marketing.
See also: 21+ Digital Marketing Strategies to Boost Your Catering Business
Determine the type of food you will prepare
So what will be your food offering? Will you be selling simple snacks like hotdogs and sandwiches? Are you eyeing to offer ice creams and gelatos, or will you be grilling barbeques and burger patties?
Ask yourself what specific food you will serve to your customers. From there, you will know how to convert your truck or trailer to a customized food truck business.
Materials and equipment to be placed in your vehicle will have to rely on the type of food you will sell so you will avoid problems during high-volume cooking.
You need sturdy and commercial-grade grilling equipment for your gourmet burgers, while cold products, such as ice creams, require a big freezer.
In addition, the type of food product you intend to offer affects the duration of the conversion process. A simple menu only requires essential equipment, while complex ones may need more time to meet its specialized requirements.
How to Convert a Truck or Trailer into a Food Truck?
Food truck conversion is a recipe consisting of creativity, attention to detail, and practicality. These tips ensure you meet the basic requirements for a food truck.
1. Define your concept
Come up with a clear idea for your food truck. List down your desired menu, your target number of customers, and the place where you plan to set up your business. A concept determines your mobile eater’s equipment, size, and layout so you can utilize the limited space with much functionality.
2. Pick the right vehicle
Now that you have already defined your concept, you’ve arrived at a point where you need to select the type of vehicle.
Are you eyeing a small van or do you want to convert a truck or trailer?
Here are the differences between these vehicles according to their size and use.
- Van. Typically, smaller vans can be more maneuverable than oversized vehicles. They suit narrow roads, limited parking spaces, and tight urban areas.
- Truck. Providing more space and storage are trucks that can accommodate heavy equipment. They can be rugged even in off-road and remote places.
- Trailer. The detachable feature of trailers is what makes them a good option if you want to separate your kitchen from your serving area. Trailers provide more accessible storage and easy transport. Moreover, you have the flexibility to have more space for your staff to work on.
Before making the final decision, consider that each vehicle has its fuel efficiency, weight capacity, storage space, and maintenance requirements.
3. Look into your layout plan
Your mobile kitchen should be meticulously utilized up to its very corners. Work with your food truck conversion specialist to put your equipment in place. Your oven, sink, refrigerator, storage areas, and stove must all be installed with safety and functionality in mind.
4. Secure all permits and licenses
Ensure that your project receives the green flag from local government authorities. Get necessary permits such as health permits, business clearances, and parking permits to ensure your project will be completed on time. The lack of necessary permits may slow down your pace, which can lead to more problems such as additional costs.
5. Install your systems safely and securely
Work on all your systems and ensure that everything meets proper compliance. A faulty wiring may cost you a lot of trouble in the future and may pull out expenses from your end. Poor installation of your gas system can even cause accidents.
To ensure your systems abide by the regulation, hire an expert to handle these crucial aspects.
These are the systems you need to ensure as you convert your truck into a mobile kitchen:
- Electrical system. Ensures all appliances’ lights, fans, and wiring meet electrical standards and are correctly in place.
- Plumbing system. Provides clean water supply directly to your sink and directs wastewater to a tank for safe collection and disposal.
- Gas system. Allows safe cooking inside the vehicle, whether you use propane or natural gas for your ovens, fryers, and grills.
- HVAC system. Look into your heating and ventilation, making sure that the staff is safe and customers are comfortable.
- Generator. Provides power backup during outages to make sure that you continue operation. It also gives enough supply during emergencies.
- Fire suppression system. Prevents and controls fires in the kitchen area. The system should have an exhaust fan, hood, automatic sprinklers, and fire extinguishers.
6. Mount your appliances
It’s time to put your equipment and appliances in place. See to it that the sizes work well with the area in which they are placed. The sizes of appliances, especially the heavy ones, need to follow the weight capacity of your truck.
7. Add the final touches
Once your equipment is installed, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your food truck. Enhance the look of your truck by installing the flooring, walls, and signage around your vehicle.
Ensure that the food truck’s overall look reflects your brand identity to attract customers more and so your products will stick in their minds. Make sure that your truck stands out from the rest and can be recognized even from afar.
See also: How Elon Musk Became the Richest Person Again
Should You DIY a Food Truck Conversion?
Many small business owners find a way to lower the costs of their food truck business through a do-it-yourself approach.
It also offers an avenue for personal fulfillment as you complete a project from your own creativity. You can control the design process while working on a flexible schedule.
However, this option may not be suitable for all aspiring food truck owners. Aside from it being time-consuming, it may require specific skills that not many may have.
If you have an intensive background in mechanical and electrical work, you have a good shot at customizing a food truck to your own liking.
Just keep in mind that you also need tools and equipment to aid your work. These tools are not cheap though and can cost a lot. If additional expenses for tools are not within your means, then a DIY approach may cost you more than the budget you set aside.
Hire a Truck Conversion Company
If you have little knowledge of retrofitting and modifying a truck, getting an expert is the best way.
Specialists in food truck conversions know how to design a vehicle that will suit all your food business needs while meeting your customers’ expectations.
Helps you create an efficient layout
Your food truck layout should utilize the available space and ensure everything you need is within arm’s length. All these while providing that appropriate equipment is installed, and all systems adhere to local regulations.
Provides creative ideas for a more appealing look
They complete your food truck conversion with an overall enticing look that aligns with your brand. Truck conversion companies know what will stand out from the rest of their competitors by providing techniques and tools that attract customers.
Saves you time and money
You can avoid the common mistakes of first-time food truck owners by hiring a professional in the field for years. Their business expertise can save money from being put to waste as they guide you to the next steps you need to take.
Converting a truck into a mobile kitchen can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By carefully considering these factors, you can turn your vehicle into a functional and efficient food truck that will surely make your business a success.
