America is a very lucky nation. Whenever they crave food, they are offered a lot of choices. Among the most famous features on the road are food trucks offering gourmet cuisines. As of January 2021, there are around 24,602 active food truck businesses in the US. Its market is worth $1.4 billion in 2019 and is still growing. To begin a food truck business, one must decide the best type of truck to use. There are several things to consider to get the right fit for your offering. There are also certain types of vehicles that would make the best food truck.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Food Truck

Here are some things to consider before buying a food truck.

Area of the truck

A food truck should offer enough space for cooking, serving, and storage. On average, its area should range anywhere from 14 to 34 feet long. Such a large space gives enough room for cooking and allows the smooth serving of the food offerings. Food truck operators can also use some space for storage. 

Cost of the truck

The average cost of a slightly used food truck is around $50,000 to $100,000. It is thus important to consider your funds before purchasing a food truck. In most cases, financing options are available to fund the startup. But you may also need to put out a hefty amount for repairs and remodeling. 

Food Offering

An important consideration you should include before buying a food truck is the menu you will offer. Think of the equipment and storage space you will need. The best is to start small and eventually upgrade as you succeed. 

Location

Choosing the right food truck should match the space where you intend to market your offering. Don’t buy a large one if you intend to roam on narrow streets. Consider the parking space and 

Top 8 Vehicles that Would Make the Best Food Truck

Here are the top 8 vehicles that would make the best food truck

Airstreams

These are iconic American trailers produced during the 1930s. They are typically 27 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet high. The durable body of an airstream is ideal for fitting large equipment a food truck may need. Moreover, its light aluminum body makes it easier for food truck operators to move it from one place to another.

Caravans

These are vintage camper trailers commonly 12.6 feet long, 6.6 feet wide, and 7.7 feet high. They make one of the best food trucks for those starting up and offering a small but unique menu line. The small body of a caravan makes it easier to do mobile business in any corner of the street. They are also a cheap find for those with limited capital.

Citroen H

These are French panel vans made between the 1940s and 1980s. Their dimensions (Length = 14 feet; Width = 7 feet; Height = 8 feet) is ideal for serving beverages and coffee. Their vintage look makes them an eye-catching fixture in the streets that catches the attention of your target market.

Container Vans

These are commonly used to transport goods. The length of their boxed trailers ranges from 20 feet to 40 feet. While their width and height are commonly 8 feet and 8.5 feet respectively. These dimensions give enough room to house cooking equipment, ample storage space, and easy movement for the food truck staff. Container vans are ideally recommended for food trucks that commonly have a fixed location.

Peugeot J9

This is a French van produced between 1981 and 1991. Its dimension is around 15 feet long, 6.6 feet wide, and 7.5 feet high. The van can easily be customized as a food truck by making a window on one side of its body to serve customers. They are perfect as a bakery food truck.

School Buses

These are commonly 44 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet high. These dimensions make school buses a great food truck. They have enough inside space to accommodate, cooking, serving, and storage. What makes them an ideal candidate for a food truck is their yellow body color. This can make them shine out on busy roads and streets.

UPS Trucks or Ford Step Vans

These are typically used for parcel delivery. But their dimensions (Length = 18 feet; Width = 7.5 feet; Height = 9.6 feet) are very spacious to start a new food truck business. Such a type of boxed truck has a ceiling high enough for the staff to stand up in. It also sits low for easier entry and exit. 

On top of that, it’s easy to find the best step van when you are just starting your business. You can find some of the best deals for step vans here.

VW Beetle Bus

This is a light vehicle manufactured by Volkswagen for camping purposes. It is commonly 14 feet long, 5.5 feet wide, and 6.3 feet high. It can be a good choice for a coffee and snack bar. Its iconic bug-like appearance makes it a cute attraction among street-goers. 

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Visit our website or call (601) 749-8424 for expert advice.