Starting a mobile food business requires careful planning and investment. The food trailer is the main component of your operation. Understanding the costs associated with food trailers is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the profitable food service industry.
At Hunt’s Custom Cargo in Douglas, GA, we build high-quality custom food trailers that combine durability, functionality, and affordability. Whether you’re starting a BBQ business, opening a coffee stand, or launching a gourmet food service, knowing what to expect in terms of pricing and features will help you make an informed investment.
What to Consider Before Buying a Food Trailer
Before buying a food trailer, you need to evaluate several important factors. These will affect your initial investment and long-term business success.
Business Model and Menu Requirements
Your menu plays a big role in deciding the trailer size and equipment you need. A simple coffee and pastry setup requires less space and fewer utilities than a full-service BBQ restaurant. Think about how you will cook, whether you need refrigeration, how many serving windows you will need, and how many customers you expect. These factors will help you choose the right trailer size and custom features.
Choose the Perfect Size Configuration
Size plays a significant role in mobile food service. Hunt’s Custom Cargo offers food trailers in various sizes. You can find compact 7×14 models that are great for specialized concepts, as well as larger 8.5×24 units that can handle full restaurant operations. The width options are 7 feet and 8.5 feet, with lengths ranging from 14 to 24 feet.
Our most popular size, the 8.5×16, strikes a great balance between workspace and movability for most food businesses. We’ll assist you in choosing dimensions that provide enough prep space, cooking area, and storage while still being easy to transport and set up at your serving locations.
Understand Essential Equipment Requirements
Professional food trailers need certain equipment and utilities to operate legally and efficiently. Hunt’s Custom Cargo trailers include electrical systems that can power commercial appliances, proper plumbing with hand washing stations, commercial-grade ventilation with hoods where necessary, and enough propane for cooking equipment. Every trailer we build meets health department standards. This way, you can focus on serving customers rather than stressing about compliance issues.
Ensure Health Department Compliance
Health regulations are not optional; they are necessary for legal operation. Hunt’s Custom Cargo builds every food trailer to meet strict health department standards. This includes using NSF-certified materials and construction, installing required handwashing stations with hot and cold water, ensuring food-grade preparation surfaces and storage areas, installing proper wastewater disposal systems, and providing adequate fire suppression equipment. We know the local regulations across the country and can customize your trailer to meet specific local requirements.
Plan for Mobility and Transportation
How often will you move your trailer? Where will you operate? These questions influence your ideal trailer configuration. Hunt’s Custom Cargo builds trailers with professional-grade axles, DOT-compliant lighting and braking systems, proper weight distribution for safe towing, and durable construction that withstands frequent transport.
Whether you’re planning daily moves to different locations or semi-permanent installation at a single site, we’ll recommend the right specifications for your operational model.
Budget and Quality: Finding the Right Balance
Budget and quality are important factors when investing in a food trailer. At Hunt’s Custom Cargo, we focus on providing great value through solid craftsmanship and clear pricing.
- Entry-Level Options ($16,500 to $22,000): These trailers, measuring 7×14 to 8.5×16, are perfect for startups and tight budgets. They come with essential equipment, standard electrical and plumbing, and are built to meet DOT standards. The 7×14 Hook & Line at $16,500 is a strong entry point. The 8.5×16 models offer more space and flexibility.
- Mid-Range Professional Trailers ($22,000 to $28,000): These 8.5×18 to 8.5×22 trailers are a popular choice for many operators. They have better electrical systems, improved ventilation, high-quality finishes, and extra serving windows. This combination offers strong performance at competitive prices.
- Premium & Fully Equipped Models ($28,000 to $45,000): Built for established or high-volume businesses, these trailers provide complete solutions with full equipment packages, advanced electrical systems, BBQ patios, extended service areas, and custom finishes.
- Built for Quality: Every Hunt’s Custom Cargo trailer has reinforced steel frames, commercial-grade aluminum exteriors, proper insulation, and heavy-duty axles. They undergo thorough quality inspections and include manufacturer warranties for long-term confidence.
Featured Food Trailers from Hunt’s Custom Cargo
Hunt’s Custom Cargo offers a wide range of food trailers from trusted manufacturers. These trailers are designed to meet various business needs and budgets.
- 8.5×24 Hook & Line | BBQ Patio | Blackout, $26,500: This is a flagship BBQ trailer with a spacious interior, a built-in BBQ patio, and a sleek blackout finish. It is ideal for high-volume BBQ and catering.
- 8.5×20 Hook & Line | Blackout – $26,000: A well-balanced trailer offering ample kitchen space, premium blackout styling, and efficient workflow for full food service operations.
- 8.5×16 Hook & Line – $19,900: A popular, budget-friendly size that’s easy to tow and versatile enough for many menu concepts.
- 8.5×18 Fast Cargo | Fully Equipped – $45,000: A turnkey option featuring complete commercial equipment, electrical, plumbing, and interior finishes.
- 7×14 Hook & Line – $16,500: A compact, entry-level trailer with essential features, perfect for startups or focused menus.
- 8.5×16 Hook & Line | Upgraded – $30,257: Includes enhanced electrical, ventilation, upgraded interiors, and a standout green exterior.
- 8.5×14 Coast 2 Coast | Blackout – $25,000: A compact yet efficient trailer with modern blackout styling and reliable construction.
Each model delivers quality construction and practical design to help launch or grow your mobile food business.
If You Have Budget Concerns
Hunt’s Custom Cargo understands that financing represents a significant consideration for many food trailer buyers. We’ve developed multiple solutions to make quality food trailers accessible to entrepreneurs at various financial stages.
Flexible Financing Solutions
We work with top financing providers to offer competitive rates and terms that suit your business’s cash flow. Our financing options include traditional loans with different down payment requirements, extended payment terms that lower monthly payments, and competitive interest rates based on your credit. The application process is simple, and many approvals are processed quickly to help keep your business plans on track.
- RATES FROM 7.99%-19.95% DEPENDING ON YOUR CREDIT
- LOAN TERMS RANGE FROM 36 TO 240 MONTHS
Rent-to-Own Programs
For buyers who prefer alternative ownership paths, our rent-to-own program provides immediate access to food trailers without traditional financing requirements. This innovative approach offers lower initial investment requirements, flexibility in payment structures, and the ability to build equity while operating your business. Many of our food trailers qualify for rent-to-own arrangements, making professional equipment accessible to more entrepreneurs.
Long-Term Value Considerations
While the initial price is important, owning a food trailer successfully means looking at the total cost of ownership. Well-built trailers cut down on maintenance costs and last longer. Energy-efficient systems reduce utility bills and monthly payments. Durable materials decrease the need for repairs and replacements. Hunt’s Custom Cargo trailers provide great long-term value with their excellent build quality and smart design.
Nationwide Delivery Options
Location shouldn’t stop you from getting quality food trailers at good prices. Hunt’s Custom Cargo offers dependable nationwide delivery services, bringing your trailer right to you. Our delivery team guarantees safe transportation and proper setup. Plus, our competitive shipping rates help keep costs reasonable. Whether you are in Georgia, Florida, Texas, or anywhere else in the country, we deliver professional food trailers to your doorstep.
Finishing Touches & Customization
The final design of your food trailer is important for attracting customers and ensuring daily efficiency. Hunt’s Custom Cargo provides professional customization and high-quality finishes to make your trailer unique.
Exterior & Branding: Choose from classic or custom colors, blackout or chrome accents, and branded graphics or vinyl wraps. The exterior space can accommodate signage, menu boards, and lighting to draw attention.
Interior Layout: Well-designed interiors improve workflow with better equipment placement, enough prep space, smart storage, and layouts that fit your menu and service style.
Equipment Integration: We support equipment provided by customers and make sure it is installed properly. Also, we handle ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems that meet health department standards.
Premium Upgrades: Popular options include generators, extended serving windows, upgraded lighting, durable flooring, and increased electrical capacity for better performance and convenience.
Why Choose Hunt’s Custom Cargo?
Our reputation comes from a strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality construction. We use top-notch materials and tried-and-true building methods. We keep our prices competitive without lowering standards, and we offer flexible financing and rent-to-own options. Our team gives expert advice during the selection and customization process. Additionally, our nationwide delivery makes ownership accessible no matter where you are.
Start Your Food Business Journey
Your mobile food business dream deserves a foundation built on quality, reliability, and value. Hunt’s Custom Cargo has established itself as a trusted partner for food entrepreneurs across the nation, combining superior craftsmanship with competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.
Get Started Today
Request a free quote by calling our team or browsing our website to check out our available inventory. You can also plan a visit to our location in Douglas, GA, or talk to our specialists about custom builds and financing options.
Whether you’re starting a new business or growing an existing one, Hunt’s Custom Cargo provides quality food trailers, professional service, and great value to help you succeed. We have options for every budget and concept, and we assist in turning your culinary passion into a successful mobile business. Contact us today and succeed with the right equipment partner.
