Last Updated: May 1, 2024
If you’re thinking about starting a food truck business, you’ve probably spent some time looking at vehicles. But with so many different makes and models on the market today, it can be challenging to know which model will work best for your mobile food business.
Here are our top picks of the best vehicles for food trucks by category:
4 Best Food Truck Models for 2024
To help you purchase the perfect one for our business, we’re ranking the top four food truck models and breaking down the pros and cons of each option. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Pick for Best Food Truck Vehicle Overall: Chevrolet P30
When you picture a food truck in your mind, you’re probably imagining the Chevrolet P30. This classic step van food truck is affordable, has enough space for all your kitchen equipment and storage needs, and suits both smaller and larger operations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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✓ Budget friendly |
✗ Not as fuel-efficient as some other types of food trucks |
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✓ Readily available on the resale market
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✗ Discontinued model; have to purchase pre-owned |
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✓ Easy to convert and customize |
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✓ Replacement parts readily available |
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✓ Roomy enough to allow for your business to grow |
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Despite being discontinued by Chevrolet, these trucks are so popular across the food truck industry that pre-owned models are easy to find and purchase replacement parts for.
Perhaps more importantly, their spacious interiors make them easy to convert.
Chevrolet P30 Step Vans come in 14-, 16-, and 18-foot interiors and have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) between 10,000–16,000 pounds.
If your food truck requires a little more strength, Chevrolet also created a larger, heavier step van called the P60 with lengths between 18 and 24 feet and a GVW of 23,000 pounds.
Cost: $5,000–$15,000 pre-owned*
*Note: The Chevrolet P30 is a discontinued model but still readily available on the resale market. If you would prefer to purchase a new step van model, we recommend the Ford F-59 XL, which retails for around $70,000.
Best Sprinter Van for Food Trucks: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof
When it comes to Sprinter vans, you can’t beat the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof.
Like the name suggests, this version of the classic Sprinter van offers a little more vertical space than other models at just over 9 feet, giving you more space for equipment and storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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✓ Ample interior space with enough room for most people to stand upright
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✗ More expensive than other van options |
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✓ Customizable |
✗ Size limitations may be restrictive for larger food truck operations |
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✓ High-quality and reliable for frequent use and travel
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✗ Maintenance costs may be higher due to finding parts and specialized services
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✓ Modern features including advanced safety systems |
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This model might be larger than others, but it doesn’t lose the maneuverability that makes a Sprinter van so desirable. If you’re running a smaller food truck operation and don’t need to outfit your truck with a full kitchen, this is going to be one of your best options.
Cost:
- $40,000–$50,000 new
- $25,000–$40,000 pre-owned
Best Food Trailer Option: Airstream Flying Cloud
Beyond being classically stylish and visually appealing, the Airstream Flying Cloud is spacious yet relatively easy to tow compared to other trailer models.
There are multiple sizes to choose from, ranging from 23–31 feet in length, so they’re a good pick for both smaller and larger operations.
Plus, its aluminum exterior is rust-resistant, so it can stand up to rain and snow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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✓ Durability and rust-resistant exterior |
✗ High initial cost compared to other trailers
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✓ Good resale value due to quality build and iconic status
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✗ Space constraints due to a curved design and interior wheel wells
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✓ Customizable interior |
✗ Requires a powerful towing vehicle |
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✓ Distinctive, retro style |
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Cost:
- $80,000–$115,000 new
- $40,000–$80,000 pre-owned
Best Mini Food Truck Model: Ford Transit Connect
Technically a van, the Ford Transit Connect is a highly compact vehicle perfect for small food truck businesses.
It comes in different lengths, including short wheelbase (14.49 ft) and long wheelbase (15.8 ft). It’s also pretty fuel-efficient as far as food trucks go, coming in at an estimated 25 mpg.
Because it’s so compact, it’s ideal for food businesses that plan on parking in urban or crowded areas.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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✓ Highly compact and easy to maneuver |
✗ Limited storage, working, food prep, and cooking equipment space |
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✓ More fuel-efficient than larger vans or trucks |
✗ Smaller size means less commanding presence in a setting with multiple other food trucks |
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✓ Customizable for small-scale food operations |
✗ Not ideal for medium to large operations |
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✓ Lower initial cost compared to larger vans |
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Cost:
- $24,000–$27,000 new
- $5,000–$30,000 pre-owned
Where Do You Buy a Food Truck?
There are many places where you can purchase a food truck both new and pre-owned food trucks:
- UsedFoodTrucks.com (pre-owned)
- Karpatia Trucks (new)
- SDG Trailers (new and pre-owned)
- Zion Foodtrucks (new)
- Craigslist (pre-owned)
- Facebook Marketplace (pre-owned)
How to Choose the Best Vehicle for Your Food Truck
While the Chevrolet P30 is our top overall pick for most food truck businesses, there may be a better fit for you depending on the scale of your operation, how much storage space you need, your budget, and other factors.
Let’s take a look at the top four types of food truck models and the pros and cons of each to help you choose one for your business.
Sprinter Vans
Sometimes called a Mercedes food truck after the original manufacturer or a minivan food truck, Sprinter vans have become increasingly popular in recent years for their size and durability.
The typical Sprinter cargo van food truck will be between 19–24 feet long with a roof height of 8–9 feet.
Pros
- Price: Sprinter vans tend to be comparable to step vans in terms of price, with a new van costing about $70,000 for the van itself, and totaling $120,000–$150,000 after conversions.
- Fuel efficiency: Sprinter vans generally get better mileage than other types of food truck vehicles, with diesel engines getting between 20–25 mpg and gasoline-powered engines getting 14–18 mpg.
- Maneuverability: Compact and relatively small compared to other food trucks, Sprinter vans tend to be easier to drive and park in urban settings or at crowded events.
- Style: With a modern, sleek design, Sprinter vans can be a stylish option for food truck businesses.
Cons
- Limited space: While their smaller size makes them easier to maneuver, Sprinter vans are best suited for smaller food truck operations that don’t need a lot of prep or cooking room. Unlike step vans, they can’t scale to your growing business if you plan to expand your menu or hire a bigger crew.
- Cramped working conditions: Unlike roomier step vans, there won’t be a great deal of room to work inside a Sprinter van. If you have more than a couple people working inside the van at any given time, it might be uncomfortable.
- Less efficient for larger events: Because you won’t be able to have as many people working inside a Sprinter van as you would a larger food truck, you won’t be able to serve a larger number of customers in as little time as you might be with more room for employees and food prep.
Food Trailers
While not technically a truck, food trailers are still a popular choice for food truck operators. Food trailers don’t have a driver’s cabin and are towed by another vehicle, but they can hold the same kind of cooking equipment that trucks do.
Pros
- Towing vehicle flexibility: Unlike a traditional food truck, you can detach your towing vehicle from your food trailer to use it for other purposes. If you already own a suitable towing vehicle, a trailer might be the most cost-effective option for you.
- Location versatility: You can set up your trailer in one location (like a farmers market or food festival) for an extended period of time and still use the towing vehicle separately. If you’ll be participating in a multi-day event, this can be really convenient.
- Durability: Because food trailers don’t have an engine, they tend to be more durable and depreciate less than a typical food truck. Many food trailer owners opt for an aluminum model because they’re flexible and rust-resistant.
- Space: While they come in many shapes and sizes, many business owners enjoy food trailers for their roomy interiors that allow for a great deal of equipment and personnel. Like a step van, food trailers are suitable for both smaller and larger operations.
Cons
- Setup and breakdown time: There is more time involved in parking and setting up a food trailer—you’ll have to unhitch it, stabilize it, and set up any external components. You’ll need to plan ahead when arriving or leaving events to make sure you have ample time for setup and teardown.
- Less spontaneous: If you’re frequently moving your business from one spot or event to the next, having a trailer could slow you down a bit. Unlike a typical food truck, you’ll have to hitch it to a vehicle before relocating, so you can’t up and move as easily.
- Hard to maneuver: Because it’ll be hitched to a towing vehicle, a food trailer will take up more room on the road and will make driving more difficult. You’ll also need to make sure that the trailer’s size and weight are compatible with the vehicle you’ll use to tow it.
Mini Food Trucks
The mini food truck is exactly what it sounds: it’s a much smaller version of a typical food truck at 10–26 feet in length. Because they have limited space, they tend to be a better fit for food truck businesses that serve easy-to-prepare items like coffee and sandwiches.
Pros
- Price: Compared with larger food trucks and trailers, mini food trucks are generally less expensive to purchase and outfit with kitchen equipment. In many cases, you can purchase a mini food truck for less than $10,000.
- Maneuverability: Thanks to their compact nature, mini food trucks are much easier to drive than a full-size truck or a truck and trailer combo. This also means they’re easier to park and store when not in use.
- Ideal for smaller operations: If the food you make doesn’t require a lot of prep or cooking space, a mini food truck can be an excellent fit as you won’t be overpaying for space you don’t need and won’t use.
Cons
- Limited growth potential: While mini food trucks are ideal for smaller food truck operations, they cannot grow with your business if you expand your menu, services, and/or staff.
- Reduced cooking capabilities: If you need a full-size kitchen to prepare the food you sell, a mini food truck most likely won’t be able to accommodate the equipment you’ll need.
- Less storage space: With less space for kitchen equipment comes less space for storage. Consider how much space you’ll need to store your ingredients, to-go containers, cooking equipment, and other operational necessities before purchasing a mini food truck.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Trucks
What Is the Best Vehicle for a Food Truck?
Step vans like the Chevrolet P30 are great for just about any size or kind of food truck business because they’re so customizable and are big enough to adapt to a growing business. However, Sprinter vans, trailers, and mini food trucks have their own perks and may be better suited for your particular business.
Why Are There Different Types of Food Trucks?
Not every business is the same, so the space and capacity requirements can differ a lot between food truck businesses.
A mobile coffee business may only ever need the space that a mini food truck can provide. They don’t need a lot of prep space or equipment, so a 20-foot-long step van would be overkill. If your business doesn’t need the extra space, stick with something small and save yourself some money!
Are There Specific Legal or Regulatory Considerations to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Food Truck Vehicle in Different Regions or Cities?
Yes! The exact regulations differ depending on where you live, but you will likely need to comply with the following:
- Size and vehicle restrictions
- Health and safety regulations
- Permit and licensing requirements
- Parking and zoning laws
- Emissions and environmental regulations
- Fire safety
- Accessibility (ex. Service windows may not be allowed to exceed a certain height)
- Insurance requirements
- Food inspection
- Noise and waste disposal regulations
What Are Typical Insurance Costs for Different Types of Food Truck Vehicles?
Both food trucks and trailers require commercial auto insurance to protect you in the event your truck or trailer causes an accident or gets damaged, which can cost anywhere from $1,500–$3,000.
Food trucks and trailers will also need a business liability policy that includes these coverages:
- General liability insurance
- Product liability insurance
- Tools and equipment insurance (inland marine)
- Damage to premises rented insurance.
Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) offers insurance for food trucks starting from $25.92 per month or $299 per year. Our policies are designed to protect you from the cost of bodily injury and property damage claims, equipment damages, and more.
Keep On Trucking With Food Truck Insurance From FLIP!
No matter which type of food truck or trailer you choose for your business, make sure you safeguard your finances with food truck liability insurance.
With FLIP, it’s easy to customize your policy with additional coverages, including our exclusive food trailer endorsement, which extends your general liability coverage to your food trailer when it’s unattached to your towing vehicle and parked on a rented premises.
So, what are you waiting for? Protect your food truck with the best food truck insurance today!
