Most bad buys happen not because someone spends too little money, but because they ask the wrong questions. ‘How many kilometres?’ is far less important when buying a food truck than ‘When was the gas system last inspected?’ or ‘How much payload do I actually have left?’.
Truck, trailer or trailer?
The first decision is the most fundamental one, and it can only be corrected later at a cost.
| Food truck | Foodtrailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Kitchen permanently installed in the vehicle | Trailer, towed |
| Procurement | higher, vehicle included | cheaper, towing vehicle included |
| Driving licence | B up to 3.5 t; C1 up to 7.5 t, and the appropriate C-class licence for weights above that | BE or B96, depending on weight |
| Duration | Vehicle is parked at | The ‘Zugfahrzeug’ remains freely usable |
| Manoeuvring | simple | Practice is needed; tight spaces are tricky |
| Space | limited by the vehicle | usually more for the same budget |
General rule: If you visit lots of different locations and want to be flexible, you’re better off with a truck. If you mainly set up at markets and festivals and need the towing vehicle for other purposes during the day, a trailer is the more cost-effective option.
Often overlooked: A trailer needs a parking space. In many towns, a trailer without a towing vehicle is not allowed to be left at the kerb for more than two weeks (Section 12(3b) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO)). Check this before you buy.
New, second-hand or build it yourself?
New from the developer
The most expensive option, but the one that offers the greatest predictability. You’ll get a vehicle tailored to your specifications, complete with a warranty, a valid gas inspection and all the necessary documentation. Depending on the supplier, delivery times range from three to nine months – so if you want to launch in the spring, you’ll need to place your order in the autumn.
For a brand-new, turnkey vehicle, expect to pay between around 60,000 and 150,000 euros, depending on the specifications. There’s little upper limit; a classic car that’s been extensively refurbished can cost twice as much.
Used
The usual way to get started. You’ll generally get a vehicle ready for use for between 25,000 and 70,000 euros. The catch: you’re taking on decisions that someone else made for their own business. A truck built for pizza is of limited use for burgers – the oven’s in the wrong place, the extractor is designed for the oven, and the refrigeration isn’t big enough.
What you need to check during the site visit is set out in detail in the Checklist for buying second-hand goods.
Expand this yourself
On paper, it’s the cheapest option; in practice, it’s the one with the most pitfalls. A panel van for 15,000 euros plus fitting-out costs sounds tempting, but:
- The liquefied gas system may only be installed by a specialist contractor and must comply with DGUV Rule 110-010 to be checked.
- Electrical installations in commercial premises must be inspected in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3.
- Conversions are usually subject to registration; in case of doubt, the operating licence will lapse without approval.
- Surfaces must be smooth, seamless and washable – the materials and workmanship must be suitable for hygienic use.
If you’re good with your hands and outsource the work mentioned, you’ll still make noticeable savings. If you want to do everything yourself, you’ll often end up paying more – at the latest when you have to carry out repairs.
The base vehicle
When it comes to second-hand trucks, most bodywork is built on the same chassis: Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily, Citroën Jumper. Three things are key to the purchasing decision.
Permitted total weight
The most important figure of all. If it says 3,500 kg and the empty vehicle weighs 3,100 kg, that leaves 400 kg for water, gas, stock, crockery and yourself. That’s not enough. Find out more at Driving licence and weight.
Engine and emissions standard
Pay attention to the emissions standard, not just the year of manufacture. Many city centres have low-emission zones; a vehicle without a green sticker will rule out locations where you can make money. When comparing Euro 5 to Euro 6, the price difference is rarely worth it if it means you’re barred from a major city.
Mileage
A food truck doesn’t travel much but spends a lot of time stationary. A mileage of 150,000 km isn’t a reason not to buy a van – but damage caused by standing still, rust and a dilapidated gas system certainly are. The generator’s operating hours often tell you more than the odometer reading.
The Kitchen
Plan backwards: start with the food and work your way up to the equipment, not the other way round. If you’re making burgers, you’ll need a grill and a deep-fat fryer. If you’re selling coffee, you’ll need electricity and a machine that won’t break down even when making 200 cups a day.
- Workspace is the most underestimated factor. Two people need more space than it ever looks like in the photos.
- Refrigeration Plan generously. Retrofitting is expensive due to a lack of electricity and space.
- Exhaust air must be suitable for the heat source. A hood that is too weak makes working in summer unbearable.
- Fresh water and waste water: As a rule of thumb, allow 100 to 120 litres for a normal day’s trading. The waste water tank must be at least as big as the fresh water tank.
- Hand basin A hot-water supply is compulsory, separate from the sink.
Documents that must be provided at the time of purchase
- Certificate of Registration, Parts I and II
- Valid MOT
- Inspection certificate for the commercial liquefied petroleum gas system, no more than two years old
- Inspection report for the electrical installation (DGUV V3)
- Proof of any registered alterations, if applicable
- Operating instructions and maintenance records for the equipment
No operation without a valid gas inspection. If the certificate is missing, expect to pay between 200 and 400 euros for the inspection – and be prepared for the possibility that rectification work may be required. Negotiate this into the price or get a guarantee that the inspection will be carried out before handover.
Where you shop
Dealers and fitters offer a warranty, but are more expensive. With private sellers, a warranty is usually excluded – but the price tends to be more reasonable. The following applies to both: inspect the vehicle in person, have the engine started from cold and check that the kitchen is in working order.
And the classic scam that still works: anyone who demands payment in advance without a viewing, suggests an ‘escrow account’ or claims the vehicle is parked abroad is after your money and has no intention of selling.
Cross-border shopping
On a marketplace covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the right vehicle is often to be found in a neighbouring country. Within the EU, this is straightforward – but at the Swiss border, it becomes a bit of a maths problem.
What to bear in mind when buying abroad
DE Germany
AT Austria
CH Switzerland
Obtaining authorisation is the real challenge. A vehicle from abroad requires an individual authorisation or a certificate of conformity in the destination country. For a standard production vehicle, this is routine; for a converted food truck, an assessment may be necessary – in Germany under Section 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), and in Switzerland via the Road Traffic Office.
Ask the seller for the paperwork before you set off: if the vehicle has been modified without supporting documentation, getting it registered in a neighbouring country may prove more complicated than the purchase itself.
What you should sort out before you set off
- If there is a Certificate of Conformity Was it built from scratch, or has it been redesigned?
- Are Gas and electrical inspections Is this recognised in the target country?
- Who is responsible for the Export and import clearance?
- Is there a Temporary number plates For the transition?
When importing into Switzerland, it’s worth using a freight forwarder with experience in customs clearance. What they cost is usually recouped in time saved and by avoiding the need for rectifications.