1. Truck reliability is questionable
With a used truck, it may not be as dependable as you’d prefer it to be. Fleet autos from huge transportation firms like UPS or FedEx are one of many main sources of used truck chassis for the meals truck constructing trade.
These firms sometimes drive them as a part of their fleet for about seven years earlier than reselling them, so it’s uncommon to discover a newer truck chassis with lower than 100,000 miles. Whereas they’re sometimes properly maintained, their peak efficiency is probably going behind them so reliability needs to be thought of.
2. Income misplaced as a result of a damaged truck
In case your truck gained’t begin or has upkeep issues, you would possibly miss a catering job or the prospect to promote to the lunch crowd downtown.
The repairs may not be a fast repair both. In case your meals truck is within the store for per week or unexpectedly quits, you’re shedding cash and prospects daily.
3. Present used vehicles aren’t constructed for future laws
Presently, widespread car fashions for meals vehicles embody Ford F-59 step vans, Chevy P-30 step vans, and Freightliner MT55s.
Whereas they’re stable vehicles, laws and allowing necessities are continuously altering, which suggests entrepreneurs can purchase a truck that meets the strictest of requirements to keep away from prices down the highway.
Within the meals truck mecca of Los Angeles, for instance, a regulation now requires 2009 or older diesel vehicles with a gross car weight score (GVWR) higher than 14,000 kilos (most weigh wherever from 12,000 kilos to 16,000 kilos) to both set up a $10,000+ converter package or exchange their current engine to adjust to lowered emissions requirements. This regulation might be phased in over the following six years, with the ultimate section ending in 2023.
Shopping for a truck that’s less than the strictest requirements might price you a bit of change as laws evolve in years to come back. To plan forward, contemplate staying away from diesel-fuel fashions and look to construct your kitchen on a gas saving, low emission hybrid truck chassis just like the Toyota Hino.
4. Long run truck repairs can add up
Placing a brand new kitchen on a used truck can prevent cash upfront, however you’ll nonetheless need to put cash into the truck to maintain it working. Anticipate to cope with some big-ticket issues on a used truck inside the first three to 5 years. These prices ought to weigh into your resolution to purchase a used or a brand new truck.
