A-Z Steps
*Disclaimer: Please be advise that these are the steps I took to do my food truck and it differ from person to person. There are also different laws and requirements for your food truck build base on your state of resident. It is your responsibility to check what they are before starting. I also advise you to seek professional help with any of step below when in doubt.
Step 1: Outline
The first and most important when starting out a new food truck is to determine what you want. Determine how much space you’ll need. What equipment is required for you to fully run your food truck. Write down everything you need. That includes: equipment, shelves, sinks, window type, propane, etc…
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Step 2: Find a Truck
Once you figure the right size truck that you need, go out and buy one. Remember, a cheap truck doesn’t always equal the best quality. I recommend you pay a little bit more money to get a decent truck that doesn’t require too much maintenance.
Step 3: Clean out the Truck
It’s time to WORK. First thing we need to do is Clean out the Truck. If you find a empty truck, lucky for you. I spent, over a week (part time) grinding and removing shelves from my truck. It’s tougher than it looks.
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Step 4: Flooring
Every step on this page is important but I will say that this is probably one that I would spend more time and money on. The floor is probably the most used, stepped on, and damaged area of the truck, therefore, spend some time to decide what you really want. I like garage floor epoxy because of its durability and cleanability. (Multiple options of flooring type is included in my package)
Step 5: Window
Once the floor is done, let’s decide where our window is going to go. This is a choice you have to make yourself. Serving window always go on the passenger side of the truck. Don’t ask why, that’s just how it is and is how 99.9% of the food trucks I’ve seen are design. Creating a window really depends on your budget, you can custom make your window or buy one ready to go. I truly believe that windows is the key to customer’s attraction, therefore it should look professional and elegant. My opinion buy a pre-framed window. (buying information will be included in my package)
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Ceilings are not required, but if you have an exhaust hood in your plans, I recommend you get a ceiling window. Exhaust fan draws so much air from inside truck that it needs an opening somewhere. A ceiling window works well in creating that balance.
The Window is finish. Let’s reinforce the walls with plywood, food truck grade wall panels, and stainless steel sheets (where necessary). Insulate the wall before putting the plywood up. Insulation is not required, I recommend it because it does help with heating or cooling your work space. (Steps describe in detail in the package)
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Okay, by now you should have a clear idea of where all your cooking equipment will be going. Get yourself 100 lb propane tanks. You’ll thank me later. Smaller propane tanks runs out quicker which equals more visit to your local propane shop. Secure propane tank with propane tank brackets (you can find them on google). This next part, is a bit risker, but if you got this far, you can do it.
Piping the propane line to your equipment can be done in two ways. You can run it under the truck's exterior and up to where the equipment are or drill a hole in the rear and run the line internally to the equipment. Connect the lines and it’s done. Most RV shop or craiglist contractor will run this gas line for you for safety purpose.
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9: Hood (Click HERE to see the instruction files that came with my purchase)
If your build requires an exhaust hood, now is the time to put it in place. The hood will be a bit heavy, so you might need two friends. Ask your buddies to help. This step should be easy. Your exhaust hood should come with instructions on how to install it. (I have included a few link option in the package)
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10: General Equipment
Stainless tables, Shelves, or door can be move in at this time. Do not secure anything yet. Just place the equipment where you want them to be.
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11: Electrical
When in doubt hire a professional. Electrical is crucial to running your food truck. I recommend you learn how to do it on your own time or hire a professional. Or you can watch how I did it in the package)
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12: Major Equipment
Refrigerator, freezer, kitchen sinks, and other large equipment may be put in place at this time.
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Plumbing can be tricky if you’re new to this but it’s easy to learn if you can dedicate some time to learn the craft . If you have gotten this far by yourself, you’ll save soooo much money in the long haul. Now, you can fix almost anything when it breaks.
14: Generator
You need to invest in a quality generator that is quiet. If you buy a $400 generator that is loud and annoying, you’ll find yourself not getting call back for gigs or getting kick out for disturbing the neighborhood. In the long run, your cheap generator will lose you money.
15: Complete
Turn on your generator, power up your new baby and test out all the equipment before going out for the first time. From here, you can contact a local or online shop to print your wraps for you. Or you can paint it yourself. If you have the budget to wrap it, I recommend you do so, because in the food industry, first impression matters. Now it’s time to dress up, look good, and make some money.