If you’ve ever thought about starting your own food truck, you’ve probably had a lot of questions, and some of them might not be so easy to answer. Perhaps you already know you want a pizza truck (great idea!), but how do you get it going? What’s the best truck for food trucks? Or van? There are so many decisions to be made. Here are some of the best vans and trucks for food trucks.

What vans are best for food trucks?

One of the most popular options is the Ford Stepvan. You may more commonly know it as a UPS truck. According to Street Food Central, the Ford Stepvan is about 18 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and a little more than nine and a half feet tall. That’s pretty spacious.

Ford makes another of the best food trucks, in the form of the Ford Transit Van. The Ford Transit Van comes in three different sizes, making it easy to choose exactly which van is right for you. Its layout and versatility also make it a great option. 

The Airstream is one of the best vans for mobile restaurants. It’s got a retro vibe to it. They were formerly used for travel, but they are gaining popularity as food trucks. 

What should you consider when buying a food truck

When you’re choosing the best truck for a food truck, you’ll want to consider a few factors. How much space do you need for your food and equipment? How many people will work in your van or truck at the same time? And of course, what kind of vibe do you want your business to have? These are all questions you should ask yourself before you set out to shop for your new vehicle.

You’ll also need to decide if you want a new or used van or truck. A new truck will be more expensive but are easy to customize to make exactly how you want them. You also don’t need to worry about what your new truck has been through before you bought it. 

On the other hand, used vehicles are cheaper. If you buy a used van that has already been customized as a food truck, you’ll save yourself the trouble of having to do that. However, it can be more difficult to customize a used vehicle if it hasn’t already been made into a mobile restaurant. 

How much do food trucks cost?

Typically a food truck will cost between $50,000 and $250,000 when all is said and done. Prices may vary depending on whether you buy a new or used truck. The Ford Stepvan prices may start at about $12,500 and go up to $31,000 or more. This price is without modifications, which will of course cost you more. Something like an airstream could cost you quite a bit more, even up to $93,000. You could also opt for something brand new, like the 2021 Ford Transit van. This has an MSRP of $41,695.

You have several options for the best vehicles for your mobile restaurant. Even with a wide range in budgets and needs, you should be able to find the vehicle that’s best for you. Just make sure to prioritize what you need in a food truck before you shop.