When it comes to food trucks, size does matter. In order to be street legal, your food truck must conform to certain dimensions and weight regulations. This article will outline the specifications you need to know in order to build your food truck. We’ll also discuss some of the additional factors you’ll need to take into account when making your decision. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the food truck business for a while, read on for all the information you need about food truck size dimensions and weight.
Food Truck Types
There are three general types of food trucks:
– Custom food trucks: these are food trucks that are built to the owner’s specifications. They can be any size, but they must conform to the height and weight regulations outlined below.
– Prefabricated food trucks: these food trucks are built in a factory and come in a variety of standard sizes. They must also conform to the height and weight regulations, but they may be a little bigger or heavier than custom food trucks.
– Trailers: these food trailers attach to a vehicle, such as a truck or RV, and are pulled by the vehicle. They do not have to conform to the height and weight regulations of food trucks, but size regulations for trailers apply and they must be registered as a food truck.
Custom Food Truck: Average Dimensions
The average custom food truck dimensions are:
14′ Foot – smallest food truck size; great for those new to the food truck industry.
16′ Foot – the most common food truck size that offers versatility.
18′ Foot – great for food trucks that will house two vendors instead of one.
20′ Foot – best for established food truck vendors who sell a high volume of food or if you plan to grow your operations quickly.
Food Truck Dimensions: Regulations
As you choose your food truck size, keep in mind the following regulations that impact size, dimensions, and weight.
Height Clearance
In order to be street legal, your food truck must be under the height clearance of 14 feet. This means that the top of your truck cannot exceed 14 feet. If it does, you will need to apply for a special permit from your local government. There may be other restrictions on the height of your food truck depending on your location. For example, in New York City, food trucks are not allowed to exceed 13.5 feet in height. Check with your local government to see if there are any restrictions on the height of food trucks in your area.
Weight Considerations
Your food truck must also be within the weight limit set by your state or province. In general, food trucks cannot weigh more than approximately 20,000 pounds (9,071kg). If your food truck does weigh more than this, you will need to get a special permit from your local government. Some states have different weight limits for different types of vehicles. For example, in California, the maximum weight for a food truck is 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg). Check with your local government to find out the weight limit for food trucks in your area.
Length
The length of your food truck must be less than 40 feet (12 meters). If it is longer than this, you will need to get a special permit from your local government. Some states have different length limits for different types of vehicles. For example, in New York, the maximum length for a food truck is 20 feet (6 meters). Check with your local government to find out the length limit for food trucks in your area.
Additional Factors to Consider
When choosing the size of your food truck, there are a few other factors you’ll need to take into account.
Food Truck Layout
The layout of your food truck will affect how much space you have for food preparation, storage, and service. Think about how you want to use your food truck and what kind of layout will best suit your needs.
Business Size
The size of your food truck should be proportional to the size of your business. If you’re just starting out, you may not need a large food truck. However, if you’re expecting to do a lot of business, you’ll need a food truck that can accommodate your needs.
Mobility
If you plan on taking your food truck to different events or locations, you’ll need to make sure it’s easy to move around. A smaller food truck may be easier to maneuver than a larger one.
Branding
The size of your food truck will also affect your branding. A larger food truck will offer more space for your logo and other branding elements. However, a smaller food truck may be more appealing to customers who are looking for a more intimate dining experience.
Conclusion
When choosing the size of your food truck, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account, including the layout of your food truck, the size of your business, and the mobility of your food truck. You’ll also need to make sure that your food truck conforms to the height, weight, and length restrictions set by your local government. Keep these factors in mind when choosing the size of your food truck so that you can choose the best option for your business.