After 20+ years of building coffee trucks, BBQ trailers, burger trucks, Thai food trucks, and more, I’ve learned a few things about what it takes to create a food truck that lasts. My job isn’t just to get a completed truck: it’s to set up a kitchen that works, day in and day out, in some of the toughest conditions out there. While finding a food truck builder might seem straightforward, finding the right one requires more than just choosing someone based on price or convenience.
Before you settle on a builder, there are some key questions you should be asking to make sure they’re the right fit for your needs.
Important Questions to Ask a Builder
When you start narrowing down your options, I recommend reaching out to at least three past customers of each builder. Here are some crucial questions to ask:
- How well was the job done compared to your expectations?
Did the final product live up to what the builder promised? Was the quality as good as advertised? - How has the equipment held up over time?
This is key. Food trucks go through a lot of wear and tear, and you need to know if the equipment is going to hold up under regular use. Have there been breakdowns? How long did the equipment last before needing repairs or replacement? - How was the service, both during and after the build?
A great builder doesn’t just disappear after the truck is done. Did they offer support afterward? Were they helpful with repairs or issues? - Was it all worth it for the price?
After everything was said and done, did the customer feel like they got their money’s worth? Or were there unexpected extra charges and fees along the way?
Getting answers to these questions will help you figure out if a builder is worth your time and money. And with your answers in hand, you can start making decisions, narrowing down your options to find a builder who fits your needs and budget. If you are interested in finding out what it takes to build a food truck, check out this post that explains the Reader’s Digest version of the process.
Built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks.
1. Experience Matters (And We’ve Got It)
When you’re investing tens of thousands of dollars into a food truck, you don’t want to take a chance on someone who’s still learning the ropes. Building a food truck isn’t just about fitting equipment inside a vehicle—it’s about bringing together multiple specialized skill sets to design a space that works efficiently, operates safely, and passes all required inspections.
A proper food truck build requires expertise in plumbing, electrical wiring, equipment installation, and understanding health codes. These aren’t areas where you can afford mistakes. For example, the plumbing in a food truck needs to be set up to handle constant water use, ensure proper drainage, and meet local health department regulations for sanitation. The same goes for the electrical systems—your truck needs to be wired to handle commercial kitchen equipment without overloading circuits, which is why you need someone who knows how to safely connect generators, shore power, and electrical panels.
Beyond the mechanics, there’s also the issue of equipment installation. Commercial-grade appliances like fryers, refrigerators, and grills must be securely mounted, safely ventilated, and installed in a way that makes your kitchen functional and efficient. If they’re not properly installed, you risk not only losing efficiency but also creating safety hazards.
BBQ Trailer built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks.
Lastly, and most importantly, everything inside your truck needs to be built to pass a health inspection. Local health departments have strict guidelines on things like food storage, kitchen layout, and water systems. The last thing you want to do is buy a food truck that looks great on the outside but can’t legally operate because it doesn’t meet these regulations. If your truck doesn’t pass inspection, you could be shut down before you even get started.
Over the last two decades, we’ve built a variety of trucks and trailers, each with its own specific requirements and challenges. We’ve seen it all, from BBQ trailers to coffee trucks, and we’ve mastered the art of balancing these different components to create trucks that function seamlessly. That’s why we offer free design blueprints to each prospective customer. It’s important for you to know exactly what you’re getting before we start the build process. These blueprints show every detail of the kitchen layout and equipment placement, so you can feel confident that your truck will not only look great but operate efficiently and pass all inspections.
2. Customization: Not All Builders Are Created Equal
One of the things that sets us apart is our ability to work with used trucks. Many builders out there are only comfortable working with brand-new units. But we’ve learned that there’s a lot of value in sourcing or refurbishing quality used trucks—especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget without sacrificing quality. Whether you bring us a truck you already own, or you need help finding a reliable used unit, we can make it work.
This flexibility is something you won’t find with every builder, and it’s one of the reasons our customers keep coming back. After all, having more options means you can make better decisions for your business.
3. Beware of Cheap Builders
Here’s the hard truth: you get what you pay for. I’ve seen builders quote rock-bottom prices only to use substandard materials or skip important steps in the building process. Maybe they’re using weaker steel or cheap electrical components. Or maybe they’re cutting corners by following a one-size-fits-all blueprint instead of customizing the truck to your needs. I’ve seen companies add another $10,000 – $20,000 midway through the build process. This isn’t the right way to do business.
The last thing you want is a truck that looks great on the outside but falls apart once you start using it. We’ve had customers come to us after bad experiences with cheaper builders, and unfortunately, fixing someone else’s mistakes can be more expensive than doing it right the first time.
4. Transparency and Honesty: No Hidden Costs
One of the shadiest tactics we’ve seen in the industry is builders who quote one price and then hit you with surprise costs after they’ve started the job. I’ve seen companies add another $10,000 – $20,000 in the middle of the build process. This is dishonest and it’s just bad business.
This is why we invest so much time upfront in planning and design. We want to give you an accurate quote based on your exact needs, so there aren’t any surprises down the road. When you work with us, what you see is what you get.
Find a partner for your build out.
5. Research the Builder’s Reputation
Before you make a decision, take the time to research the builder’s track record. Reach out to other food truck owners or do a quick Google search for reviews. A good builder should have a history of successful builds and satisfied customers, and if you can’t find any proof of that, it’s a red flag.
Ask the important questions: How did their trucks hold up over time? Was the equipment reliable? How was the customer service—both during and after the build? These insights can make or break your decision.
BBQ trailer build.
6. Food Truck Wraps
It’s easy to make any food truck look good on the outside. A beautiful truck wrap, shiny paint job, and eye-catching design are all part of your brand’s image—and they’re important for attracting customers. But here’s the truth: any builder can make a truck look good. That doesn’t mean it’s going to run properly or hold up in the long run.
Food truck builders often show off these sleek designs to draw in customers, but the wrap is just the surface. What really matters is what’s going on beneath the surface. You can have the best-looking truck in town, but if the plumbing, electrical, or kitchen equipment isn’t properly installed, you’ll be facing constant downtime, expensive repairs, and potential safety hazards.
In the food truck business, your truck is your livelihood. It’s a mobile restaurant that has to handle long hours of cooking, driving, and wear and tear. A great exterior wrap isn’t going to help if your fryer doesn’t work or your refrigeration fails in the middle of a lunch rush. That’s why we focus on building trucks that aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to last.
Final Thoughts: Find the Right Builder for You
At the end of the day, your food truck is an investment in your future. Don’t settle for a builder just because they’re local or offering the lowest price. Do your research, ask tough questions, and make sure the builder you choose is the right fit for your needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about what goes into building a quality food truck, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to share our blueprints, give advice on used trucks, or help you design the perfect kitchen setup. We’ve built hundreds of trucks over the years, and we’d love to help build yours next.
Extended Reading
View Our Past Builds – See examples of our past food truck builds, including cost of each specific type of vehicle.
