How to pick a Truck for a Mobile Coffee Truck
I wanted to get some info out there so you folks can make a good decision on how to pick a truck or trailer for a coffee truck. Lets start off with some basic definitions: Trailer vs Truck.
Trailer
Towed behind you by another vehicle.
Truck
Think large panel van. The same ones that UPS drives around.
There are pro’s and con’s to both.
Trailers
Small travel trailers range between 13-18 feet long. They range in weight from 1,800 lbs to 3,000 pounds. These are your Airstreams, Vintage Campers, Cargo Trailers, Teardrops, Scamps and Casitas.
Small Trailers
I would call a small trailer anything on one axle. This means that they have a #3,500 pound capacity, but you can’t load them that heavy because the trailer itself has weight. Usually manufactures will only warranty them at 75% weight capacity as well. So, you can’t overload and maintain warranty.
Pros:
Small, which means better gas mileage.
Light, you can tow these bad boys with a car.
Easier to set up.
Easier to heat/cool.
Parking is easier.
In my opinion, these are great for things like coffee, cupcakes and pastry trucks.
Cons:
Small, which means it limits your equipment. You can’t stock these things to much, especially if you only have on axle. Last thing you want is your axle to break en route to a job…
Small, which means crampy if you and another person have to work in there. I can tell you from experience, if one of you ate a bad burrito, it’s hell to the other person.
Mid Sized Trailers
Mid sized travel trailers are between 14-18 feet. They usually are above 3,000 pounds and go up to 6-7,000 pounds. You’re going to find double axles on these and they usually have to get pulled with V-8.
Pros:
More room, more equipment, larger menu.
More weight can be added.
Great for festivals.
Cons:
Larger means lower gas mileage when towing.
Harder to park.
Large Trailers
Larger sized travel trailers are above 25 feet and can get up to 40 feet long. These things are made to live in. They can get over 10,000 pounds.
Pros:
Room. Room. Aaaand More Room.
Cons:
These things can be humongous!!!
Towing is going to be difficult on these things.
Trucks
These things have few different names. I’m going to rattle a few off, so when you’re doing your research, you’ll know your keywords: Bread Trucks, Bakery Trucks, Panel Vans, Step Vans, Value Vans, Route Vans, J Type Van, Delivery Vans.
Step Vans are going to be pretty common. You’ll find these on Ebay and your local Craigslist.
Here’s some goods and bads:
Pros:
Super easy to get going. Jump into the cab and drive. This allows you to get break down and set up pretty easy.
Roomy! These things can stretch out and allow for a lot of equipment. They can range from 13 feet to 20 feet. The larger panel van will allow for a fryers and grills.
These things are made for weight. Strong axles, they can handle some equipment.
Cons:
Your engine. If it fails, your truck fails. Most of these used engines have been beat up from years of stop and go.
Gas milage. These things can get heavy.
Maintenance. Another engine means more maintenance.
Cost. Because you’re buying space plus and engine, it’s going to cost you.
