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Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale: Turnkey Options for Fast Startups GuideMechanic.Com Starting a food truck business can be both exciting and challenging.
One of the smartest decisions you can make as a food entrepreneur is to invest in a food truck with equipment already installed.
These “turnkey” trucks come with commercial-grade kitchen gear, saving you time, money, and the hassle of sourcing everything from scratch.
If you’re searching for food trucks with equipment for sale, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from what’s included to how much you can expect to spend.
See Also: Small Food Trucks for Sale
Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
Why Choose a Fully Equipped Food Truck?
Ready to Operate
Purchasing a fully equipped truck allows you to start cooking and selling almost immediately after securing permits. It significantly reduces setup time and gets you on the road faster.
Saves Money on Installations
Buying appliances individually and hiring specialists to install them can add up quickly. Trucks with built-in equipment reduce these costs and complexities.
Compliance Advantages
Many turnkey food trucks are already built to meet health code standards. That includes vent hoods, fire suppression systems, and NSF-certified equipment.
Peace of Mind
Reputable builds are designed by professionals who know the ins and outs of food truck layout, safety, and workflow—things first-time owners may overlook.
Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
Common Equipment Found in Food Trucks
Here are the most common appliances and systems you can expect in fully equipped food trucks:
- Griddle / Flat Top Grill – Ideal for burgers, breakfast, and tacos
- Deep Fryer – For fries, wings, and fried treats
- Charbroiler or Stove – For grilled meats or boiling/frying
- Refrigerated Prep Table – Keeps ingredients fresh and close by
- Reach-In Freezer – For longer food storage
- 3-Compartment Sink + Hand Wash Sink – Required for compliance
- Vent Hood with Fire Suppression – Keeps the air clean and fire-safe
- Water Tanks (Fresh & Gray) – Typically 30–50 gallons each
- Onboard Generator or Electrical System – Powers appliances
- Serving Window – Often with LED lighting and counters
- Storage Cabinets – For utensils, packaging, and dry goods
Price Table: Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to pay based on the size, equipment level, and condition of the truck:
| Truck Type & Size | Kitchen Equipment Included | Condition | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-ft Step Van | Griddle, fridge, sink, basic vent | Used | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| 16-ft Food Truck | Fryer, griddle, hood, triple sink, generator | Used or Refurb | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| 18-ft Food Truck | Fryer, stove, oven, fridge, freezer, suppression system | Fully Equipped | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| 20-ft Diesel Truck | Commercial kitchen, full-size equipment, AC, generator | Like New | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| 22-ft High-End Truck | Custom build, full kitchen line, new appliances | New | $115,000 – $140,000+ |
Prices vary depending on brand, condition, mileage, and location.
Types of Cuisine and Equipment Needed
Your cuisine determines what kind of equipment your truck needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Cuisine Type | Essential Equipment |
|---|---|
| Taco Truck | Flat top grill, cold table, salsa fridge |
| Burger Truck | Griddle, fryer, refrigerated prep table |
| BBQ Truck | Smoker, hot holding cabinets, prep counters |
| Pizza Truck | Pizza oven, prep fridge, fire suppression, dough roller |
| Coffee Truck | Espresso machine, undercounter fridge, water heater |
| Dessert Truck | Freezer, soft-serve machine, pastry fridge |
Before buying, make sure the truck’s layout matches your cooking workflow.
Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
What to Check Before Buying
- Vehicle Condition
Engine and transmission status
Mileage and maintenance records
Tire condition and brakes
- Kitchen Setup
Does it have what you need for your menu?
Are all appliances commercial-grade and functioning?
- Compliance and Safety
Ventilation and fire suppression systems in place?
Certified sinks and plumbing installed?
Electrical load supports all appliances?
- Paperwork
Is there a clean title?
Are permits, inspection certificates, and build receipts included?
Pros and Cons of Buying a Fully Equipped Truck
Pros
- Quick launch timeline
- Lower stress setup
- Less renovation required
- May come with warranties or past inspection history
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than empty trucks
- Layout might not perfectly suit your business
- Older appliances may need upgrading sooner
Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
New vs Used Trucks
| Feature | New Food Truck | Used Food Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Pristine, no wear | Varies—may need light repair |
| Price | More expensive upfront | More affordable, even with minor fixes |
| Warranty | Often comes with kitchen warranties | Rarely includes warranty |
| Customization | Built to your exact specs | May require retrofitting |
| Launch Timeline | May take 6–12 weeks to build | Ready to go, sometimes same week |
Where to Find Food Trucks with Equipment for Sale
Although this article doesn’t include direct links, you can often find great options in these places:
- Local truck builders and fabricators
- Nationwide used truck dealers
- Classifieds for food businesses
- Auctions and municipal surplus events
- Food truck Facebook groups or owner forums
- Word of mouth within local vendor communities
Always do a physical inspection when possible and bring a technician to evaluate equipment condition.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a food truck with built-in equipment is a smart way to hit the ground running in the mobile food industry. It not only cuts down on startup time but also simplifies the process of complying with health and fire codes.
Whether you’re launching a taco truck, BBQ unit, or dessert bus, choosing a truck with the right appliances already installed can save thousands in the long run.
As long as you inspect the vehicle, verify the equipment, and confirm compliance, buying a fully equipped truck is one of the best ways to enter the competitive food truck market with confidence.
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