If you're starting a mobile food business, one of your first major decisions is choosing between a food trailer and a food truck.
Both can put a commercial kitchen on the road, but a concession or food trailer offers some significant advantages—especially for entrepreneurs who want flexibility and room to grow.
At A&A Center Trailers, we've been in the trailer business since 1973 and help customers find food trailers for a wide range of concepts.
Food Trailer vs. Food Truck: What's the Difference?
A food truck combines the kitchen and vehicle into a single unit. A food trailer is a separate commercial kitchen that is pulled by an appropriately rated tow vehicle.
That difference may seem simple, but it can have a major impact on how you operate your business.
Your Kitchen Isn't Tied to an Engine
One of the biggest advantages of a food trailer is separation between the kitchen and tow vehicle.
With a food truck, a serious engine, transmission or drivetrain problem can potentially take your kitchen off the road too.
With a food trailer, your kitchen is a separate asset. If you eventually replace your tow vehicle, you can continue using the same trailer.
More Flexibility in Size and Layout
Food trailers are available in many sizes and configurations.
Depending on the trailer, available equipment and configuration can include items such as:
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Hood ventilation
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Fire suppression
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Fryers
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Griddles
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Ranges
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Refrigeration
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Freezers
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Prep areas
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Sink packages
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Water systems
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Air conditioning
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Serving windows
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Porches
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Storage
This allows entrepreneurs to choose a trailer around their menu and workflow instead of trying to fit the business into a predetermined vehicle.
Park the Kitchen and Use Your Vehicle
A food trailer can be disconnected from the tow vehicle.
For businesses that operate at festivals, breweries, events or semi-permanent locations, this can be a major advantage. Your tow vehicle doesn't necessarily have to remain attached to your business all day.
What Size Food Trailer Do You Need?
Start with your menu.
A simple concept may need considerably less equipment than a business operating multiple fryers, a griddle, range, refrigeration and other cooking equipment.
Consider your expected customer volume, number of employees, cooking equipment, refrigeration, prep space and storage before choosing the trailer.
Buying based solely on trailer length can be a mistake. The layout of the kitchen is just as important as its size.
Food Trailers for Sale in Georgia
If you're comparing a food trailer vs. food truck or searching for a food trailer for sale in Georgia, A&A Center Trailers in Jonesboro offers concession and food trailer options for new and established businesses.
We can help you explore different sizes, layouts and available equipment to find a trailer that makes sense for your concept.
A&A Center Trailers — family owned and operated since 1973.