The 4 Main Differences Between Food Trucks & Food Trailers
Types of Food Trucks

The 4 Main Differences Between Food Trucks & Food Trailers

April 13, 2021 · 2 min read

The food industry has evolved significantly in the last few years. Food trucks and trailers have emerged to provide a quick, cheap, convenient, and on-the-go alternative to restaurants. With delicious food options like tacos, burgers, pizza, or even grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s hard to walk a few blocks without spotting these mobile wonders.

However, while food trucks and food trailers serve food, here are 4 key aspects that make them different from each other:

1. Size

The most significant difference between food trucks and food trailers is their size. The average food truck is roughly 7-feet wide, while food trailers have a width ranging from 7-feet to 8.5-feet. The length is also crucial, especially when determining how much kitchen space you have to work with. Food trucks are as small as 10-feet or as large as 26-feet. On the other hand, food trailers provide a wider space with sizes ranging up to 53-feet.

If you need more kitchen space, a food trailer is the way to go. However, it would help if you kept in mind that food trucks can find easier parking spaces thanks to their convenient sizing.

2. Storage Space

With a larger size comes greater storage space. Thanks to their broader and longer sizing, food trailers are great for storing ingredients, kitchenware, utensils, and everything else you may need. If your business runs on fewer supplies and appliances, a food truck is your best option as its smaller area will be a breeze to clean.

3. Price

Overall, food trailers are cheaper than food trucks since they can’t move on their own and require towing. However, when considering depreciation, food trucks retain their value at a higher yearly rate than food trailers. 

At the end of the day, you need to consider how you want to run your business. If you’re planning on having a stationery service, a food trailer is the cheapest option. For businesses on the move, a food truck will give you the flexibility to reach different locations.

4. Transportation & Paperwork

Although food trailers offer more space, they require more paperwork than food trucks as they require parking two vehicles in a venue. Additionally, food trucks are also easier to transport and move around, unlike food trailers which are bulkier and harder to park.

Work With Houston’s Top Concession Trailer Manufacturers

Whether you need a food trailer or food truck, Trailer King Builders are your go-to concession trailer manufacturers. With over three years of experience in the industry, our trained professionals are ready to tackle any job regardless of its size. We also offer financing options to help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more kitchen space, a food truck or a food trailer?
Food trailers offer significantly more kitchen space, with lengths up to 53 feet compared to a food truck’s maximum of about 26 feet. Trailers also tend to be slightly wider, giving you more room for equipment and storage.
Is a food truck or food trailer cheaper to buy?
Food trailers are generally cheaper upfront because they cannot move on their own and require a separate tow vehicle. However, food trucks tend to retain their resale value at a higher rate over time.
Which is easier to transport, a food truck or a food trailer?
Food trucks are easier to transport and maneuver because they are self-propelled and smaller. Food trailers are bulkier, harder to park, and require additional paperwork since you are parking two vehicles at a venue.
Should I choose a food truck or trailer for a stationary business?
A food trailer is the better choice for a stationary setup because it costs less upfront and provides more kitchen and storage space. If you plan to move between locations frequently, a food truck offers greater flexibility.
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