Food Trailer Vs Food Truck – Pros And Cons

Food trailers are another common form of movable restaurant and eatery. They may not be self-propelled like food trucks, but this actually leads to a range of unanticipated benefits. Let’s take an objective look at the pros and cons.

Advantages of Food Trailers

There are many significant benefits to buying a food trailer for your business. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits. First of all, because the food trailer doesn’t come with a propulsion unit, it has a considerably lower initial cost. This lower upfront cost (compared to food trucks) makes them a more affordable entry-level option for many dreamers and entrepreneurs. As with the general costs, the maintenance costs can be considerably lower on a food trailer than on a food truck. Often, the lack of mechanical complexity leads to lower operating costs. The same is often true with insurance premiums for these trailers, as they’re considered to have fewer associated risks. Food trailers are sometimes considerably more complex than their mechanical counterparts, offering great flexibility in terms of size and design. Because they come in various sizes and are fully customizable, they offer more flexibility in terms of layout and equipment. Another advantage is that it’s often easier to park a food trailer and leave it for the duration of an event.

Disadvantages of Food Trailers

Food trailers aren’t entirely without their disadvantages, though these may be less than in the case of food trucks. The most significant disadvantage in the case of food trailers is that they require a separate towing vehicle. This means that they’re often less maneuverable and that there may be an additional cost associated with your upfront setup fees. In certain areas, you may also require additional permits or documentation before you can legally tow a food trailer. Finally, some people have concerns about the safety of unattended food trailers, especially in unsecured areas. However, they’re fairly easy to secure, and this can be worked around.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When you’re trying to choose between a food truck or a food trailer, it’s important to gauge the options in terms of your business needs. Below, we’ll discuss the different considerations you need to bear in mind before making a decision.

Your Budget

The first and most obvious consideration is your available budget. There are several aspects to consider here. First, you need to find out what the upfront costs would be for both a food truck and a food trailer, including any necessary modifications or customization. That will give you a base cost to start the comparison, However, that’s only the start of the comparison. You’ll also need to do research about what the insurance premiums are for both food trucks and food trailers. This can play a significant role in deciding which one will be more affordable. Also, take the time to consider the cost of a towing vehicle if you don’t have one. If you have a well-maintained tow vehicle to pull a trailer, this is a moot point. But, if you need to purchase a vehicle for pulling a trailer, you need to consider that as well.

Your Business Goals

You also need to consider your business goals to see which option will suit it better. First, consider how much mobility you require. Do you need a highly mobile vehicle like a food truck, or are you planning to remain stationary for long time periods? If you’re planning on remaining stationary, a food trailer will work well. You also need to consider your target audience and whether they’d be more likely to visit a food truck or a food trailer. In the end, the type of catering you plan to do and the expectations of your clientele are the main determining factors here.

Your Space Requirements

When trying to choose between these two options, it’s essential that you consider your space requirements. First, determine how much storage space you need for food, equipment, and supplies. Then, decide how much workspace you require for food preparation and serving. When you’ve considered these two things, you’ll have a fairly accurate idea of how much space you require. If you require fairly little space, you can easily opt for a smaller food trailer. However, food trucks are generally considered better for larger space requirements. That said, the sheer number of different trailer options, as well as their extreme customization requirements, mean that food trailers often give you more value within the same amount of space. Larger trailers are often also comparable to the size of food trucks.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when trying to decide between a food truck vs. a trailer. However, by considering the needs of your business along with the food truck vs food trailer pros and cons, you can easily determine which option is better for you. In this article, we’ve discussed all the pros and cons in detail, so you should be able to find the right fit for your business with ease. Feel free to contact us if you’d like more information about food trailers and what they can do for you. We offer fully customizable trailers and would be happy to help you build the trailer your dream deserves. From the kitchen to the serving area, we can build it to your specifications. You can also browse our inventory for a full range of ready-to-go trailers.

Bibliography

The rise of the food truck phenomenon: an integrated model of consumers’ intentions to visit food trucks
A Brief History of Food Trucks