Mobile gastronomy is becoming an increasingly popular business segment. If you are considering entering this industry, one of the key questions is whether to invest in a motorized food truck or food trailer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but making the right choice can make a big difference to the cost, flexibility and success of your business.
This article will help you better understand the differences between the two solutions and show you which option makes more sense in terms of cost, maintenance, flexibility and long-term return on investment.
1. Initial cost and investment
One of the most important factors in the decision is the cost of acquisition.
Food trucks are significantly more expensive, as they include both the vehicle and kitchen equipment in one.
The production of a quality food truck can cost tens of thousands of euros, and the larger and more equipped the vehicle, the higher the price.
With food trailers, the initial cost is lower because you are only buying the trailer and not the entire drive system.
Most entrepreneurs try to minimize their investment when starting up so that they have more money for marketing, buying raw materials or employees.
2. Maintenance and repair costs
Food trucks and trailers differ significantly in long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Food trucks have an engine and transmission that require regular servicing and can bring the whole business to a halt if it breaks down.
Repairs to the engine, gearbox or other mechanical parts can be time-consuming and costly.
The trailers have no engine or gearbox, which means less maintenance hassle and lower service costs.
If the towing vehicle breaks down, you can attach the trailer to another car and continue your business without a long break.
3. Flexibility and mobility
Mobility is one of the main reasons why entrepreneurs choose food trucks or trailers.
Food trucks are self-contained vehicles that can be moved quickly to different locations without the need for another vehicle.
Trailers require a towing vehicle, which can limit the speed of movement.
Once the trailer is detached, you can use the car for other purposes, which increases its usability.
Although food trucks are a bit more mobile, it can be more convenient to have a separate truck and trailer when delivering larger quantities of goods or raw materials.
4. Customisability and expansion options
The possibility of customising the interior and exterior to suit the needs of the business also plays a big part in the decision.
Food trucks have limited space, which is fixed by the size of the vehicle.
If you want a bigger food truck, you have to buy a new vehicle, which is expensive and impractical.
Food trailers offer multiple size options, from compact models to large full-size kitchens.
If the business grows, the trailer can be more easily replaced with a larger one or expanded with an additional module.
For long-term growth, it is therefore important to choose a solution that offers more variability and customisation options.
5. Regulatory requirements and approval
Every mobile catering facility must meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
Food trucks are motor vehicles and are therefore subject to stricter technical inspections, emission standards and registrations.
Trailers have less complicated regulatory requirements and their approval tends to be easier.
In the European Union, food trucks have to be registered as commercial vehicles, which can pose additional administrative challenges.
Gastron’s trailers are 100% homologated for the EU, which simplifies their registration and commissioning.
For start-ups, simpler legislation is a great advantage because it speeds up the start of the business.
6. Operating costs and fuel consumption
Food trucks have higher operating costs because:
They consume more fuel as you have to run both the engine and the electrical appliances.
Food truck insurance is more expensive because it includes the value of the vehicle and kitchen equipment.
In the event of a mechanical failure, you have to deal with the repair of the entire vehicle, not just the kitchen.
Trailers have lower operating costs because they do not contain an engine and can be towed by different types of vehicles, which can be more economical.
Conclusion – why is a food trailer a better choice?
When deciding between a food truck and a food trailer, it is important to consider cost, flexibility, maintenance and legal requirements. Based on all of the factors compared, food trailers prove to be a more advantageous investment for most businesses.
✔ Lower initial cost – food trailer is more affordable than food truck
✔ Cheaper maintenance and less service worries
✔ The flexibility to replace or expand the business without having to buy a new vehicle
✔ Simpler legislation and fewer administrative hurdles
✔ Lower operating costs and more efficient fuel consumption
📩 Want to get a quote for a food trailer? Contact us and let us help you choose the perfect model!
