Choosing the right catering trailer is one of the biggest decisions when starting or growing a mobile food business.
The right trailer should give you enough space to work comfortably, hold the equipment you need and suit the type of events or locations you plan to trade from.
At Tudor Trailers, we build bespoke catering trailers for businesses across Somerset, Bristol, the South West and throughout the UK, with layouts and specifications designed around the way each customer wants to work.
Start With Your Menu
Your menu should be one of the first things you think about. A coffee trailer will have very different requirements from a burger trailer, pizza business or full mobile kitchen.
Before deciding on a size or layout, make a list of the equipment you are likely to need, such as:
- Fryers
- Griddles
- Ovens
- Coffee machines
- Refrigeration and freezers
- Preparation space
- Water systems and storage
Once you know what needs to go inside the trailer, it becomes much easier to work out how much space you actually need.
What Size Catering Trailer Do You Need?
It is tempting to simply choose the biggest trailer your budget allows, but bigger is not always better.
A smaller trailer can be easier to tow, position and operate, particularly if you are working alone or have a simple menu. A larger catering trailer may be more suitable if you need several members of staff, more cooking equipment or additional preparation and storage space.
The important thing is to choose a size that works for the business rather than paying for space you do not really need.
Think About How Many People Will Work Inside
A trailer that feels spacious for one person can quickly become difficult to work in once two or three members of staff are inside.
Think about how people will move around the trailer during a busy service. Where will food be prepared? Where will it be cooked? Where will orders be taken and served?
A good layout should allow staff to work without constantly getting in each other’s way.
Plan Your Catering Equipment Early
Catering equipment can take up a surprising amount of space, so it should be considered as part of the trailer design rather than added afterwards.
The position of fryers, grills, ovens, coffee machines and refrigeration can affect everything from the working layout to gas, electrical and extraction requirements.
Planning this properly at the start can make a big difference to how easy the trailer is to use once you begin trading.
Where Will You Be Trading, and What Tow Vehicle Will You Use?
Where Will You Be Trading?
The places you intend to trade can also influence the type of catering trailer you choose. If you mainly attend large festivals and shows, you may want a larger unit with plenty of equipment and storage. If you plan to trade at smaller markets or regular local pitches, a more compact trailer may be easier to manage.
You should also think about:
- Access to the site and available pitch size
- Electricity and water
- How often the trailer will move
- How much stock you need to carry
For businesses across Somerset and Bristol, this could range from local markets and weddings through to festivals and events across the South West and further afield.
Consider the Tow Vehicle
Your tow vehicle is another important part of the decision. The size and weight of the catering trailer needs to be suitable for the vehicle you intend to use, so it is worth checking this before choosing your trailer.
If you do not want to tow a separate unit, a catering van or food truck conversion may be another option.
Think About Branding and Appearance
Your trailer is more than a kitchen. It is also one of the biggest pieces of advertising your business will have.
Serving hatches, exterior finishes, menu boards, lighting and branding can all help your trailer stand out at events and busy trading locations.
It is worth thinking about the overall appearance early so these elements can be incorporated into the build. For ideas, have a look through some of the trailers and conversions we have already completed.
Gas, Electrical and Budget
Gas and Electrical Requirements
If you are using commercial catering equipment, gas and electrical requirements need to be planned properly.
Tudor Trailers has qualified Gas Safe and NICEIC engineers and can provide testing and certification for mobile catering units. This means the equipment, layout and services can all be considered together as part of the build.
What Should You Budget for a Catering Trailer?
The price of a catering trailer will depend on its size, equipment and level of customisation. You should also allow for things such as branding, stock, insurance, event fees and other business start-up costs.
If you are still working out your budget, our catering trailer cost guide goes into this in more detail.
Finance Options for a Catering Trailer
Tudor Trailers does not provide finance directly. However, we work with an independent finance broker who can help customers explore finance options for a new catering trailer or vehicle conversion.
Spreading the cost of a trailer may allow you to retain more money for stock, event fees, marketing and the other costs involved in launching or growing your mobile catering business.
Any finance is provided independently and will be subject to the lender’s terms, eligibility and approval.
Catering Trailers for Different Types of Business
There is no single trailer that is right for everyone. A compact catering trailer may work perfectly for coffee, cakes or a simple street food menu.
A larger unit may be more suitable for burgers, fish and chips, pizza or businesses serving large numbers of customers at festivals and shows.
Some businesses may also decide that a horse box, panel van or box van conversion is a better fit for the style of business they want to create.
Choosing a Bespoke Catering Trailer in Somerset and Bristol
Tudor Trailers is based in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, and works with businesses across Somerset, Bristol, the wider South West and throughout the UK.
Rather than starting with a standard trailer and trying to make it work, we can help plan a catering trailer around your menu, equipment and the way you intend to trade.
Whether you’re starting a new street food business or expanding an existing catering operation, getting the layout and specification right from the beginning can make a big difference.
If you are at the early planning stage, you may also find our guide to starting a mobile catering business useful.