help me decide.

smokelahoma · BBQ Fan Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 314

i have been researching mobile vending for quite a while now. I have been reading everything i can, and i have talked ( and will continue to talk ) with the local health dept.

I am about ready to take the plunge and have one question i'm trying to work out. do i buy a stepvan/short bus or do i buy a small trailer that has to be pulled by a truck?

i can see advantages to both, i have been leaning towards the drivable kind and not the towable kind but i would like to hear other opinions.

with a stepvan

you don't have to back a trailer anywhere

you can just drive off with little "unhooking"
or just drive up with little "hooking up"

but

it is hard to find one already retrofitted

if the truck breaks down your kitchen is stuck

Louie3 · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 1407

Thats a hard question for me, too. I have debated a van or a trailer for awhile and I opted for the trailer eventually. The van is convenient but limited. The trailer is more adaptable to various situations.

You're right to, if the van breaks down what then? Wink

BBQMAN · Posted: Sep 21 2009 Post subject:

It's also an advantage to not be tied to a vending truck.

There are occasions that we leave the trailer (usually at a vending event) then go out later to re-supply.

Stilsmokinit has a vending truck, maybe he will chime in here..................

Most everything is self contained on my trailer including the cookers.

I cater withing a 100 mile radius of my home town, so having everything on one rig is a big plus.

The trailer is also nice for over-night stays at a hotel. We unhitch and can go do other things.

Insurance for a motorized heavy step-van will also cost you more.

If my tow vehicle breaks down, I can rent a truck w/hitch and still get the job done. If your step van breaks down you are SOL.

Good luck with your decision, the are advantages/disadvantages to both.
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

Frosty · Posted: Sep 21 2009 Post subject:

I tossed that around ,too.
I figured a trailer is better.
Truck = licenses, insurance, inspections, tires, parts & maintenance.
_________________
This stuff ain't rocket science,,,Great Gramma cooked on a horizontal-partitioned wood smoker every day!

smokelahoma · BBQ Fan Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 314

Frosty · Posted: Sep 22 2009 Post subject:

yah, but, why buy it twice ?

registration for a truck that size would be $200+, ...trailer is $6.
_________________
This stuff ain't rocket science,,,Great Gramma cooked on a horizontal-partitioned wood smoker every day!

Frosty · Posted: Sep 22 2009 Post subject:

Maybe if you get lucky & become an overnight hit/ success & need to cook 4-5 days a week, that would be a different story. I don't think 2-3 gigs a month warrants big $ investments.

Ya gotta creep before you learn to walk.
_________________
This stuff ain't rocket science,,,Great Gramma cooked on a horizontal-partitioned wood smoker every day!

Bluegrass BBQ · Posted: Sep 22 2009 Post subject:

I started out using a pop up and chaffing dishes. I looked at a van vs a trailer. I liked the flexablity of the trailer. Then to keep from cluttering up the trailer. I got me a box van for a supply truck. My smoker is on a trailer and I pull the smoker with the box truck and the trailer with my pick up.
_________________
Bluegrass BBQ
"Smoked to perfection"
http://www.smokedtoperfection.com/