Step Vans, Cargo Vans & Trailers: Which Food Truck Model Is Right for You?

Starting a food truck business is exciting. It requires careful planning, especially when it comes to choosing the right vehicle. The vehicle you select influences both the efficiency of operations and the overall success of your food truck business. With more than 36,000 food trucks operating in the United States as of 2023, aspiring entrepreneurs must explore their options to stand out in a crowded market.

Step vans, cargo vans, and trailers are among the most popular choices, each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different food service needs. Understanding these models and how they fit your business goals is essential, as the right vehicle can help you build a successful food truck operation.

Step Vans: A Smart Choice for Food Truck Startups

Step vans, such as the Ford P700 and Chevy P30, have gained popularity among food truck startups for their spacious interiors and adaptability. These vehicles not only provide ample room for cooking equipment but also allow for a creative and diverse menu, which is essential for attracting customers in competitive markets.

Advantages of Step Vans

1. Spacious Interior: The generous cargo area in step vans is perfect for accommodating various kitchen equipment, food storage, and workspace, ensuring efficient operations.
2. Customization Potential: Food truck owners can tailor the interior layout according to their specific culinary requirements, enabling the installation of ovens, grills, refrigeration units, and etc.
3. Mobility: Step vans allow operators to reach a more extensive customer base, moving from one location to another, whether at festivals, markets, or catering events.
4. Durability: Built for heavy-duty use, step vans boast reliability that is crucial for daily operations.

Disadvantages of Step Vans

1. Parking and Maneuverability: Their larger size can create challenges in urban environments where parking is limited, making it difficult to access certain customer hotspots.
2. Maintenance Costs: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep these vehicles operational. Neglecting service checks can lead to increased fuel consumption and more significant repair costs over time.
3. Fuel Efficiency: Older models, especially, may have lower fuel efficiency, affecting the overall operational expenses.
4. Limited Passenger Capacity: Step vans are primarily designed for cargo, allowing minimal seating, which may hinder transportation of staff if required.

Typical Costs of Step Vans

• New Models: New step vans generally start at about $65,000, which is significantly less expensive than fully equipped food trucks, often exceeding $175,000.
• Used Models: Depending on the condition and modifications, used step vans can range from $5,000 to $50,000. For example, a used Chevy P30 may be available for $22,000, depending on its condition and equipment.

Specific Models: Ford P700 and Chevy P30

• Chevy P30: Known for its durability and spacious interior, the P30 is a prevalent choice for food truck applications, offering ample room for large setups. Prices for used models may vary significantly based on age and condition.
• Ford P700: This model offers excellent functionality and adaptability, suitable for various food truck configurations. They’re typically built on reliable Ford chasses and provide extensive customizability for startup owners.

In conclusion, step vans offer a robust foundation for food truck ventures, balancing spaciousness and customization needs against the challenges they pose, such as parking logistics and maintenance. Prospective owners should evaluate their specific needs and budget while considering the various models available in the market.

Cargo Vans: A Practical Option for Food Truck Businesses

When selecting a vehicle for a food truck business, cargo vans such as the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit offer unique advantages and some limitations that potential owners should consider.

RAM ProMaster

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Its boxy design maximizes usable space, enabling efficient kitchen layouts and installation of necessary equipment. This feature is especially beneficial for food truck operations needing significant prep and storage space.
• Affordability: Generally priced lower than competitors, the ProMaster presents a budget-friendly option for startup vendors. As of 2025, new models start around $44,405, making them accessible for aspiring food truck owners.
• Maneuverability: With a front-wheel-drive system, the ProMaster boasts a tight turning radius, which is essential for navigating urban environments and crowded events, enhancing its operational agility.

Cons:

• Ground Clearance: The ProMaster exhibits relatively low ground clearance, which can hinder performance on uneven terrains.
• Limited Engine Options: Fewer engine choices may restrict performance customization to meet specific operational requirements.
• Resale Value: Historically, the ProMaster tends to have a lower resale value compared to some rivals, which could affect long-term financial planning.

Ford Transit

Pros:

• Versatility: Available in multiple configurations with various roof heights and lengths, the Transit allows for diverse food truck setups. This versatility can cater to a wide range of culinary concepts and equipment needs.
• Reliability: Known for its robust build quality, the Transit serves as a solid foundation for demanding food truck operations, ensuring longevity and sustained performance.
• All-Wheel Drive Option: With available all-wheel drive, the Transit is better equipped to handle adverse weather conditions and varying terrains, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Cons:

• Cost: The Transit generally comes at a higher price point than the ProMaster, starting around $58,495 for new models. Adding advanced features can push the total significantly higher.
• Interior Width: Its narrower interior can complicate space maximization, especially during DIY conversions where customization is key.
• Customization Costs: While it offers multiple options, further customization can necessitate considerable investment, which may exceed budget constraints for some vendors.

Suitable Scenarios

• RAM ProMaster: Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking an affordable and maneuverable vehicle for straightforward menus or operations that prioritize agility. Its spacious interior is perfect for food trucks that require efficient kitchen layouts.
• Ford Transit: Best suited for operators needing a versatile and reliable platform capable of accommodating diverse and complex menus. The availability of all-wheel drive makes it applicable in various terrains and ambient conditions.

Pricing Overview

• RAM ProMaster: New models range between $44,405 and $62,585, while used versions start as low as $10,000.
• Ford Transit: Starting prices for new models are around $38,000, but final costs can vary based on configurations and added features.

In summary, both the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit have unique features that may appeal to different food truck business needs. Prospective owners should evaluate their operational requirements, budgetary constraints, and desired adaptability of their vehicle when making their choice. As one experienced vendor stated, “Your menu determines the equipment you’ll have to have, as well as how much space you need for food prep and storage.” This encapsulates the importance of aligning the vehicle selection with specific culinary ambitions.

Food Trailers: A Cost-Effective Alternative for Food Service

Food trailers are increasingly popular among entrepreneurs looking to enter the food truck industry. They offer various advantages, such as affordability and flexibility, making them a compelling choice for many food vendors.

Benefits of Food Trailers

1. Lower Initial Investment: Food trailers typically cost significantly less than food trucks. A new, fully equipped 20-foot concession trailer might set an entrepreneur back about $17,000 to $18,000, while new food trucks can start around $50,000 and can escalate to over $250,000 based on customization and equipment.
2. Increased Usable Space: Without the need for a driver’s cabin, food trailers generally provide more space for kitchen equipment and storage. This can enhance operational efficiency, allowing vendors to better organize their work areas for food prep and service.
3. Flexibility: Entrepreneurs can begin with a smaller trailer and upgrade as their business expands. This scalability means lower risks while starting and the potential to grow without heavy reinvestment.
4. Market Trends: The food trailer segment is experiencing growth, reflecting consumer preference. According to recent statistics, the U.S. food truck industry includes around 48,400 units, with an annual growth rate of 8% over the last five years (FoodTruckProfit.com). More than 60% of millennials report having dined at a food truck in the past year, with an average spend of $12.50 per visit.

Drawbacks of Food Trailers

1. Operational Costs: Like all mobile food businesses, food trailers require careful budgeting for monthly expenses, which can range from $7,000 to $17,000, including salaries, fuel, and maintenance. Other ongoing costs include insurance and permits, which average around $1,864 in total.
2. Mobility Limitations: While trailers can be towed by vehicles, they may limit mobility when compared to food trucks, affecting the ability to quickly relocate or respond to high-demand areas.

Costs Overview

• Initial purchase: New concession trailers typically range from $17,000 to $18,000.
• Operating Costs: Monthly expenses can reach $7,000 to $17,000, depending on various factors.
• Permits: On average, obtaining necessary permits would cost around $1,864, but this can vary widely by location.

Experiences with Diamond Cargo Trailers

Businesses utilizing Diamond Cargo Trailers have had mixed feedback:

• Positive Feedback: Customers appreciate the robust construction and customizable options. One satisfied client remarked, “I love the trailer that we purchased from Diamond-Cargo. The trailer and pickup from the plant was fast and very simple. I just referred my friend to contact Diamond-Cargo about building a food service trailer for his business!” (Diamond-Cargo.com).
• Quality Concerns: Conversely, there have been several reports about build quality issues. A dissatisfied customer noted that a brand new trailer had significant roof damage upon receiving it.
• Customer Service Issues: Some clients have reported frustrating experiences when seeking customer support, one stating, “Their customer service is 100 times worse than their trailers.” (BBB.org).

In summary, food trailers provide a cost-effective and flexible entry point into the mobile food industry. However, prospective owners should remain diligent about ongoing costs and research specific brands like Diamond Cargo Trailers to ensure they meet their needs for quality and support.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Food Truck Venture

Selecting the right vehicle for a food truck is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. As we’ve explored, each option—step vans, cargo vans, and food trailers—offers distinct advantages catering to different operational needs. Step vans provide ample space and customization potential, ideal for diverse menus but come with challenges related to size and maintenance. Cargo vans, such as the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit, present a more budget-friendly option with good maneuverability and versatility, though their space might be more limited compared to step vans. Meanwhile, food trailers offer a cost-effective entry into the industry, boasting increased usable space and lower investment, though they can restrict mobility.

As you plan your food truck launch, consider these action steps:

1. Assess Your Menu and Equipment Needs: Understand what culinary operations your vehicle must support. Your menu choices will significantly influence your space and equipment requirements.
2. Determine Your Budget: Factor in not only the purchase price but also ongoing maintenance, insurance, and operating costs to better inform your choice.
3. Research Local Regulations: Ensure compliance with health codes, zoning, and permit requirements in your area to avoid unexpected hurdles down the line.
4. Test Different Models: If possible, take the time to test drive various options. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights that online research cannot.

To illustrate the importance of choosing the right vehicle, consider the words of food truck operator Maria Rodriguez, owner of “The Taco Transit” in Austin:

“The Transit has been a game-changer for my business. It’s allowed me to create a more efficient kitchen and serve more customers.”

Similarly, David Lee, who runs a dessert truck in Portland, shared:

“I needed a truck that could handle all my equipment and still be easy to drive. The Transit has exceeded my expectations.”

Steve and Tim, who started “Dixieland Diner,” learned firsthand about the challenges of selecting a step van:

“We took a $19,000 store a week up to, I mean as high as $50,000… Initially, I was just taking off three months, and then we decided to get a food truck in January of 2012.”

Conversely, Laurie Misenheimer, a first-time entrepreneur, found success with her custom food trailer, emphasizing its ease and the support she received during the build-out process:

“We started our first food truck back in June and had no experience going in so we had to learn as we went. [The builder] was so helpful and made the whole process very easy.”

These stories attest to the multitude of paths one can take in the food truck business. With careful consideration and planning, you can choose the right vehicle that aligns with your culinary vision and operational needs, setting the foundation for a successful food truck business. Your choice of vehicle is not just a transportation solution; it is an integral part of your food truck identity.

User Adoption Trends in the Food Truck Industry

In the dynamic food truck industry, vehicle choice plays a crucial role in operations and overall success. Here are the current trends regarding the adoption of different vehicle models:

Step Vans

• Market Share: Step vans, including popular models like the Chevy P30 and Freightliner MT45, hold a substantial share of the food truck market, accounting for approximately 37% of total sales in North America as of 2024. Their spacious interiors allow for comprehensive kitchen setups, making them ideal for diverse culinary operations.
• Durability: These vehicles are praised for their durability, enabling food truck operators to withstand heavy daily use while providing ample room for cooking equipment.

Cargo Vans

• Adoption Rate: Cargo vans such as the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit are increasingly favored for new food truck operations. Their affordability, starting around $44,405, makes them an attractive option for startups looking to minimize initial costs while offering sufficient space for essential kitchen equipment.
• Maneuverability: The compact size of cargo vans enhances urban maneuverability, making them a preferred choice for vendors targeting busy city environments where space may be limited.

Food Trailers

• Growing Popularity: Food trailers have seen a rise in adoption due to their lower initial investments, typically ranging from $17,000 to $18,000. They provide a flexible solution for food vendors who can detach the cooking unit from the vehicle, allowing for versatile operation across multiple locations.
• Market Growth: The food trailer segment is expanding rapidly, reflecting a broader market trend with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2025 to 2032.

These trends underscore the significance of tailoring vehicle choices to the specific operational needs and strategies of food truck vendors. With step vans leading in capacity and versatility, cargo vans providing cost-effective maneuverability, and trailers offering flexibility, the food truck industry continues to evolve in response to the diverse preferences of its operators.

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Key Takeaways on Step Vans

• Spacious Interiors: Ideal for accommodating extensive kitchen equipment and providing a versatile cooking space.
• High Customization Potential: Owners can easily modify the interior to meet specific operational needs.
• Maneuverability Considerations: Larger size may pose parking challenges in urban settings.
• Maintenance: Regular upkeep is crucial to ensure longevity and operational efficiency.
• Cost Range: New models start around $65,000 while used options can vary significantly.
• Popular Models: Chevy P30 and Ford P700 are frequently chosen by food truck entrepreneurs for their durability and space.

Additional Aspects to Consider

• Fuel Efficiency: Might be lower in older models which can affect overall operational expenses over time.
• Limited Passenger Capacity: Primarily designed for cargo, leading to less flexibility for transporting staff if needed.
• Challenges in Urban Areas: Parking and access may be constrained due to size, especially in densely populated locations.

These bullet points aim to enhance the article’s skimmability and provide key insights to readers before they delve into the next section regarding Cargo Vans.