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Food Truck Trailer for Sale UK: Your Ultimate Buying Guide for 2025 GuideMechanic.Com Looking for a food truck trailer for sale in the UK? Whether you’re an ambitious chef, a street food enthusiast, or an entrepreneur looking to break into the mobile catering world, the UK offers an excellent market for food trailers.
From London to Manchester, Bristol to Birmingham, food trucks and trailers have become a staple of the British food scene.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding, buying, and operating a food trailer in the United Kingdom—from price expectations and legal requirements to popular trailer types and seller locations.
Food Truck Trailer for Sale UK
See Also: Used Food Trailer Truck for Sale
Why Start a Food Trailer Business in the UK?
Street food is booming in the UK. Food trailers offer a low-cost, flexible way to bring exciting cuisine directly to customers—whether in city centres, markets, events, or festivals. Compared to opening a fixed restaurant, trailers require lower investment and offer greater mobility.
Benefits of food trailers in the UK:
- Lower startup cost than traditional restaurants
- Operate at events, festivals, business districts, and private functions
- Flexible hours and working locations
- Popular with customers looking for authentic, artisanal food
- Strong support through markets, councils, and pop-up schemes
Types of Food Truck Trailers Available in the UK
There are many types of trailers to suit different food businesses. Common options include:
- Classic Concession Trailers: Versatile, ideal for burgers, wraps, or fish & chips
- Vintage-Style Trailers: Often refurbished horseboxes or retro caravans, great for coffee or cake
- Compact Street Food Trailers: Lightweight and easy to tow, perfect for solo traders
- Pizza Oven Trailers: Feature wood-fired or gas-fired ovens
- Dessert or Coffee Trailers: Designed for ice cream, waffles, crepes, or hot drinks
- Custom-Built Catering Trailers: Fully equipped units with cooking lines, sinks, storage, and power
Average Food Trailer Prices in the UK (2025)
| Trailer Type | Price Range (£ GBP) |
|---|---|
| Used Compact Trailer (basic setup) | £4,000 – £8,000 |
| Mid-Size Used Catering Trailer | £10,000 – £18,000 |
| New Fully Equipped Trailer | £20,000 – £35,000+ |
| Converted Horsebox or Vintage Van | £12,000 – £25,000+ |
| Custom Pizza or BBQ Trailer | £25,000 – £45,000+ |
Prices vary based on trailer size, condition, included equipment, brand, and whether the trailer has passed council inspections.
Where to Find Food Truck Trailers for Sale in the UK
Here are the most popular and trusted places to shop for trailers across the UK:
1. Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree
Thousands of private sellers and small businesses list used trailers. Check for sellers in your region, and always inspect in person.
2. eBay UK
A good option for both new and used trailers, especially in categories like “Business & Industrial” or “Mobile Catering Units.”
3. Specialist UK Trailer Builders
Many UK-based manufacturers build and sell catering trailers, including custom units for specific cuisines.
4. Used Catering Equipment Suppliers
Some food equipment dealers also sell refurbished or consignment trailers.
5. Food Festivals or Markets
Attending events lets you meet traders who may be upgrading or exiting the business and looking to sell their unit.
Food Truck Trailer for Sale UK
What to Look for When Buying a Food Trailer
Before making a purchase, carefully check these features:
Equipment
- Griddle, fryer, hot plate, or pizza oven (depending on your food type)
- Fridge/freezer units (12v, 230v, or gas)
- Hot and cold water sinks (hand wash + washing up)
- Worktops and storage areas
- Generator, gas bottles, and gas lines if off-grid
Condition
- No rust, structural damage, or water leaks
- Electrical wiring in good order
- Tyres and tow bar in roadworthy condition
- Serving hatch works properly
- Full gas and electrical safety certificates (CP42, PAT test)
Legal and Compliance
- CE-marked equipment (required in the UK)
- Trailer weight within towing limits of your vehicle
- Up-to-date GasSafe and Electric Safe certifications
- MOT if on wheels and used on public roads
Legal Requirements for Food Trailers in the UK
Running a food trailer involves legal responsibilities. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1. Register Your Food Business
You must register with your local council at least 28 days before trading. Registration is free.
- 2. Food Hygiene Rating
Your trailer will be inspected and rated under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).
- 3. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
At least one person handling food must have this qualification.
- 4. Gas & Electrical Safety Certificates
CP42: For gas appliances
PAT Test: For electrical equipment
Fire extinguisher and fire blanket required
- 5. Public Liability Insurance
Covers you if someone is injured or property is damaged. Often required to trade at events.
- 6. Street Trading License (if applicable)
Needed if trading on public streets in certain boroughs or councils.
- 7. Compliant Waste Disposal
You must have a plan to handle waste water, food waste, and rubbish responsibly.
Food Truck Trailer for Sale UK
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Trailer
- Does the trailer include working catering equipment?
- When was it last inspected or certified?
- What power source does it use (gas, electric, generator)?
- Is it compliant with my local council’s food trailer regulations?
- Can I tow it with my vehicle?
- Are any repairs or replacements needed?
- Does it come with safety and hygiene certificates?
Popular Food Trailer Concepts in the UK
The most successful food trailers often tap into these crowd-favorite themes:
- Gourmet Burgers or Butties
- Loaded Fries & Street Snacks
- Coffee & Pastry Trailers
- Pizza Trailers with Wood-Fired Ovens
- Vegan & Plant-Based Street Food
- Dessert Trailers: Crepes, Brownies, Donuts
- Global Cuisines: Indian street food, Thai, Mexican, Caribbean
Tips for New Buyers in the UK
- Inspect Before You Buy: Always view the trailer in person, test equipment, and check paperwork.
- Start Simple: You can always upgrade later. Start with a focused menu and low overheads.
- Think Local: Get familiar with your council’s regulations—each one may have different requirements.
- Secure a Pitch Early: Consider weekly markets, school events, business parks, and private bookings.
- Brand Visually: Invest in a clean design and signage—first impressions matter in the mobile food game.
- Track Your Costs: Budget for ongoing expenses: fuel, power, food stock, maintenance, and insurance.
Final Thoughts
Buying a food truck trailer in the UK can be your first step toward launching a rewarding, flexible, and profitable business.
Whether you’re serving up homemade pies, artisan coffee, or global street food, there’s strong demand and a supportive community for mobile caterers across the country.
With the right trailer, certifications, and food concept, you can join the growing wave of UK street food traders who are redefining what British dining looks like—one bite at a time.
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