Thinking about starting a food trailer business? Maybe it’s tacos, BBQ, coffee, or something sweet like snow cones or funnel cakes. Whatever your flavor before you scroll through inventory or design your logo, there’s one step you can’t skip:
👉 If you’re selling food or drinks, your first call should be to your local health department.
🚨 Why the Health Department Comes First
Every state, county, and city has their own set of rules for food vending trailers. These rules are designed to protect public safety but they also tell you exactly how your trailer must be built and equipped before you can legally sell anything.
If you skip this step and buy a trailer that doesn’t meet the code, it could cost you thousands in changes or delays.
🧾 What the Health Department Will Help You Decide:
- Sink Requirements
- Most food trailers need the following:
- A handwashing sink
- A 3-compartment sink for washing utensils
- Most food trailers need the following:
- Water Tank Sizes
- You’ll need tanks for clean (fresh) water and gray water (waste)
- Interior Surfaces
- All surfaces must be smooth, sealed, and easy to sanitize
- Ventilation & Fire Suppression
- If you’re cooking or frying, you’ll need a hood system and fire extinguisher
- Trailer Layout Approval
- Some health departments require you to submit a floor plan before you build or buy your trailer
🍟 Types of Food Vending Trailers We Build
At Pro-Line Trailers, we build and customize trailers for every kind of food business:
- 🍔 Burger & BBQ Trailers
- 🌮 Taco Trailers
- ☕ Coffee & Espresso Trailers
- 🍧 Snow Cone & Shaved Ice Units
- 🍿 Snack & Concession Trailers
- 🍋 Lemonade & Drink Stands
- 🍰 Dessert Trailers (funnel cakes, cupcakes, churros)
✅ Steps to Take Before You Buy
- Call your local health department
- Ask for their rules on mobile food vending units
- Request their checklist or inspection guide
- This tells you what’s required (sinks, tank sizes, layout, etc.)
- Know your menu
- The food you serve affects the equipment you need
- Only shop trailers that meet those codes
- Pro-Line can build or modify trailers to match most requirements
🔍 View Prices & Food Trailer Inventory
👉 Click here to view our current Food Vending Trailer inventory and pricing
From affordable starter units to fully equipped commercial kitchens, we carry it.
👨🍳 Ready to Get Cooking?
We’ve helped hundreds of food trailer businesses launch successfully — and we’re ready to help you too.
✅ Custom layouts
✅ Health-department-ready builds
✅ Delivery available nationwide
✅ Financing options available
📞 Call us today or visit our website.
Read 4 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Vending Trailer
