Ultimate Guide to Choose the Right Food Trailer Size

Mobile food trailers have become a hot option for many entrepreneurs looking to start their own food businesses. These mobile kitchens offer the flexibility to operate in a wide range of locations, while also being more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. However, one important factor to consider when starting a food trailer business is the size of the food trailer itself.

In this article, we will explore the different food trailer sizes, and how to choose the right size for your food business.

 

What are the Average Food Trailer Sizes?

When it comes to food trailer size, there is no standard. Food trailers come in a variety of sizes, from 7ft small food trailers to 26ft concession trailers. The width of the trailer typically ranges from 5ft to 8ft, while the average height is 6.6ft or higher. However, it is important to note that the exact dimensions of a food trailer depend on the model. So, inquire about the dimension before the purchase of any mobile food trailer.

 

 

What is the Common Food Trailer Size?

Have no idea how much room you need in the food trailer? Here are common trailer sizes for some hot food trailer businesses:

• 7ft: These are the smallest food trailers available and are perfect for entrepreneurs with limited space or a tight budget. They are typically used for selling drinks and packaged food, like coffee, smoothies, and snacks.
• 12ft: These mid-sized food trailers offer a bit more space than the 7ft models and can accommodate more kitchen equipment and staff. They are great for selling food that requires some cooking or prep work, such as burgers, sandwiches, and tacos.
• 16ft: These trailers offer even more space and are suitable for a wider variety of food businesses. They can be used for selling food items that require more equipment, like pizza, BBQ, or seafood.
• 19ft: These larger concession trailers are perfect for mobile catering businesses or those with a high volume of sales. They offer plenty of storage space for supplies and equipment, making it easier to deal with busy periods.
• 26ft: These are the largest food trailers available and are typically used by established businesses that need a lot of space. With a full-sized commercial kitchen, they can be used for a wide variety of food businesses, including setting up a new restaurant on the wheel in a new location.

 

 

Which Food Trailer Size is Right for Your Business?

The best food trailer size depends on the type of food business you are starting. For example, if you are starting a mobile coffee trailer, you can get away with a small 7ft concession trailer. Small food trailers can be easily set up on the street or in a parking lot without strict parking restrictions and can be used to sell coffee, tea, smoothies, and other drinks. Given there isn't much space available in the interior, they have a small and simple kitchen that is equipped with worktables, water sinks, fridges, cabinets, and shelves. There is plenty of countertop for cooking appliances, such as espresso machines, ice cream machines, waffle makers, and hot dog grills.

On the other hand, if you are starting a professional catering business, you will need a large catering trailer with a commercial kitchen. A 16-20ft food trailer will give you plenty of space to store your supplies, equipment, and food. This will make it easier to deal with busy periods and ensure that you always have enough inventory on hand.

It is also important to consider the location where you will be operating your food trailer. If you plan to operate in a tight space, such as a small parking lot, a small food trailer may be a better fit. However, if you have more space to work with, a larger trailer may be more suitable.

 

Food Trailer Size & Price

The food trailer size is a vital factor you should consider before buying any food trailer, and so is the trailer price.

Commonly, large concession trailers cost more the small ones on the premise that they are the same model due to the increased materials and labor required to build them. Therefore, if you are pressed for money when starting a food business, a small food trailer may be a better option.

However, it is also important to consider the long-term needs of your food trailer business. If you plan to expand your business in the future or offer a wider variety of menu items, a 15ft food trailer or large is a better investment.

 

 

Looking for a fully equipped food trailer to start your career? At Glory, we have a professional food trailer design team that has the ability to create a functional food trailer to your specific requirements and health codes. There are over 10 hot food trailer models that come in many sizes and dimensions, and they can be the basis of your build and customized based on your food trailer design ideas and concept. Our expert will work with you throughout each process of manufacturing and give useful suggestions to help you build a perfect food trailer, from choosing the kitchen equipment and appliances to optimizing the mobile kitchen layout.

Now, contact us to get a custom solution today! Everything we can offer you, the food trailers or the price, is the best you can find!