General Food Truck & Concession Trailer Frequently Asked Questions
I am new to Food Trucks and Trailers and I have a lot of questions, can you help me?
Yes, of course! If your answers aren’t found on this page, please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-910-8533 or send us an email at sales@customconcessions.com and we will get back to you right away.
Where is Custom Concessions located?
We operate offices in Lynchburg, VA, Elkhart, IN and Bridgewater, PA. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST.
What separates Custom Concessions from other food truck manufacturers?
Quality! We are passionate about providing our customers with the best mobile kitchens on the market. We have over 25 years of experience building mobile kitchens and it shows in the quality and craftsmanship in every build.
How do I get a quote for the concession trailer that I am looking for?
The best way is to call us directly at 1-800-910-8533 and speak with a sales consultant. Our sales team has over 25 years of restaurant and concession manufacturing experience.
Tell us about your menu, your needs, and targeted audience. We will walk you through what equipment you will need. We will help design the most efficient layout for you to maximize your profits. The more information you can provide us with, the better we can assist you.
What is (NSF)?
NSF stands for National Sanitation Foundation and is a requirement for commercial rated equipment. Custom Concessions uses only NSF approved equipment.
Can you help me with my health codes and regulations?
Yes, of course we will. You must contact your local health department as well as your Fire Marshall who will forward you the requirements that we will follow in order to build your trailer to meet all codes and regulations.
There are hundreds of different health codes throughout the United States. However there are certain standards that are consistent throughout the country. All states require: a 3-compartment sink, separate hand wash sink, fresh and gray water holding tanks, hot water heater, and smooth wipe-clean light colored interior surfaces. Cooking operations will require a commercial hood ventilation system with a stainless steel backsplash. All of the preceding requirements are standard for Custom Concessions.
A fire suppression unit is an emergency extinguishing system in which nozzles are placed under the commercial hood over each piece of cooking equipment with an open flame (steam table is exempt). If the temperature exceeds a set limit (normally 400-500 degrees), a dry liquid powered chemical will be dispersed and the gas will automatically shut off.
Even if your local health inspector tells you that you are not required to have a fire suppression unit, check with the Fire Marshall in your area. He / She has higher jurisdiction than an inspector. Please bear in mind that if you travel outside your jurisdiction or to another state for events, you will be denied access in a venue where the fire suppression system is required. This would result in loss of entrance fees as well as a loss of revenue. The cost of not having the fire suppression system may be more than anticipated.
Do I need a generator?
Some festivals and event locations will provide power access, but many do not. If you want to be 100% self-contained, the answer is yes, you will need a generator. Consider that if you were to lose power from a provided source at an event or festival, the generator would serve as a backup and prevent the loss of revenue and product.
Where do I purchase my food and supplies?
The two largest purveyors are US Foods and Sysco. You may also find that Sam’s Club, Costco, or similar stores are adequate for your needs.
Yes! We have a graphics team who can assist with design and application of your graphics. Please call for a quote.
Do you sell used mobile kitchens?
Yes. Please contact our sales team for information on used mobile kitchens.
Do you provide delivery of your mobile kitchens and how much will it cost?
You may pick up your mobile kitchen from the manufacturing facility directly or have it delivered to you. The cost is generally $1.60 per mile one way (Subject to change due to cost of fuel).
Do you export your mobile kitchens outside the United States?
Yes, we export worldwide.
What do you require to place an order?
We require a 65% down payment with the remaining balance due upon completion of your trailer.
Do you provide financing?
We do not provide in-house financing but we can provide you with the name and phone number of a finance company who will assist you.
Will I need to pay sales tax on my mobile kitchen?
Custom Concessions does not collect sales tax on your mobile kitchen. You will be responsible for paying sales tax to your home state when you register your trailer.
What size truck do I need?
A step-van that allows for 16′-18′ of kitchen space is ideal. However, if you are in DC there is a size restriction, and your food truck can only be 18’6” bumper to bumper- this allows for 10’ of kitchen space.
Will my truck be new or used?
Typically this depends on your budget. We can help find you a great used step-van or provide you with a brand new one to build out your food truck.
All the equipment in the truck will be brand new NSF approved.
Can I provide my own step-van for you to build out?
Yes. We are happy to build your food truck in a step-van that you provide.
Food Truck Frequently Asked Questions
What separates Custom Concession trailers from other trailer manufacturers?
Quality! We offer a nationwide warranty with every trailer we sell. All of our trailers also have a full walk-on roof, all steel tube construction and screw-less exterior.
What size trailer ball does the concession trailer use?
The concession trailer has a 2 and 5/16” ball mounted on a 5’ tongue with a 7 way electrical connector. This connector connects your trailer lights and electric brakes.
How much does a concession trailer weigh?
The following weights are approximate and will vary with the type of equipment you have installed in your trailer:
- 8’ X 16’ tongue weight of approximately 5500lbs= Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000lbs
- 8’ X 18’ tongue weight of approximately 6000lbs= Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000lbs
- 8’ X 20’ tongue weight of approximately 6500-7500lbs= Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000lbs
- 8’ X 22’ tongue weight of approximately 8000lbs= Actual weight of approximately 2000+ lbs
What type of vehicle will I need to pull my trailer?
Please call our sales team to discuss the type of vehicle you will need to pull your specific trailer.
The first thing you will want to do is research. Food Truck regulations can differ from state to state, so you will need to research what the restrictions are in the area where you plan to operate your food truck. Start by looking for what permits or licenses you will need, and if there are any specific guidelines to what size your step van has to be, or type of fuel it has to use. You will also need to research where you will store your truck when not in use and which food distributors you will want to partner with.
The second part of the research will involve how you plan to finance your investment. You will have to analyze your options and check if you are eligible for grants, if you will qualify for a loan, if you will need an investor, or if you will use your personal savings to fund your new business.
What equipment can be installed in a food truck?
You will have to consider the size of your step van and your local regulations when choosing your equipment. A few things to consider are the wattage the chosen equipment will pull from your generator, the size of your exhaust hood, and what size step van will be required to fit all of your equipment. If you are unsure if a piece of equipment will be a good fit for your truck, we suggest asking your food truck builder for professional advice.
When comparing food truck builders, we recommend looking at how many food trucks or trailers they have built and what is the level of quality of their work. Pay special attention to their kitchen layouts and the brand of the equipment they frequently use. Ask if they offer any warranty on their fabrication and what kind of support you can expect from them once they deliver your truck.
Lastly, research their business online and look for pictures of their past clients and their contact information, so you can reach out to them for an honest referral. Be sure to check their website and social media channels for clues on how they treat their customers and how they stand against their competitors. Also, spend some time reading online reviews and looking for any media coverage they may have had in the past.
What size truck do I need?
Typically a 16’ or 18’ Step-Van is ideal, which is the “kitchen space.” However, if you are in DC there is a size restriction and your food truck can only be 18’6” bumper to bumper- this allows for 10’ of kitchen space.
Will my truck be new or used?
Typically this depends on your budget. We can help find you a great used step-van or provide you with a brand new one to build out your food truck.
All the equipment in the truck will be brand new NSF approved.
Can I provide my own step-van for you to build out?
Yes. We are happy to build your food truck in a step-van that you provide.