Food trucks are one of the best investments right now as they open fantastic market opportunities. Vendors would sell ice creams, burgers, tacos, and other delectable foods on wheels around towns. However, it’s not as simple as you think. Regardless of this venture being highly satisfying and lucrative, it requires time and dedication.
Have you ever asked yourself where a food truck gets its power? Or, more specifically, how does it power up cooking appliances and lights? Unlike restaurants and cafes, food trailers don’t have a fixed link to a power system. The food truck industry requires a few key components, including consistent and adequate fuel.
What Is A Food Truck Generator?
Food trailers make use of a portable food truck generator to power appliances and equipment as they travel. These machines are believed to regenerate mechanical or chemical energy into electricity, which causes the truck to power up throughout the ride.
Generators aren’t cheap. As the business owner, you have to be meticulous with your decisions, including which brand of generator to buy and where to buy it. Before you make a purchase, get to know your truck first and the type of generator you’ll be needing. Continue reading below for more information and tips.
How To Find The Ideal Generator For Your Food Truck
Buying a generator can be a daunting task, even under the best possible circumstances. When purchasing a generator for a food truck, the requirements vary depending on its use—either for home backup, a road trip in an RV, camping, or other purposes.
Here are some critical considerations that might help you make an informed decision.
Know How Much Power You Will Need
Generators are built to generate a certain amount of electricity. As a result, it’s critical to choose a model that satisfies the power needs of your food truck. Purchasing a generator can be simple once you know the amount of electricity you’ll need.
Determine the appliances you want to connect to the generator. Examine the wattage of each piece of equipment since it may either be reactive or resistive. Reactive equipment has a higher starting wattage but uses less when used continuously. On the other hand, a resistive piece of equipment requires consistent wattage to start and work. Microwave ovens, toasters, and coffee makers are examples of this.
Decide What Type Of Generator To Buy
There are several different types of generators available to food truck vendors. However, they’re mainly classified into two categories—traditional generators and inverter generators.
- Conventional Generator
To generate AC, conventional generators use an engine connected to an alternator. They’re believed to generate up to 50,000 watts of electricity. This type of generator can run for an extended period. They are less costly than inverter generators, but they’re heavier and larger.
- Inverter Generator
Inverter generators use specialized circuitry in generating multi-phase alternating current, direct current, and cleaner alternating current. They could be more costly, but they use lesser fuel compared to a conventional generator. They’re also compact, and they generate less noise and vibrations, which is why most vendors prefer them. Its only drawback is that it’s believed to only have a limited power output of up to 4,000 watts.
All generators produce energy by burning fossil fuels (typically, coal, petrol, or propane). The wattage needed by your appliances helps determine the best kind of generator for your food truck. It must generate adequate power during your food truck’s operating hours.
Assess Your Fuel’s Efficiency
Typically, generators use less fuel. This means that they might be less expensive to operate, provided they have the same amount of power as other alternatives. Every penny matters when managing a business. That’s why if you want to keep expenses to a minimum, consider the efficiency of your choice of fuel.
Consider The Noise Level
The noise and vibration generated by a food truck generator may harm your business. It could either create hearing issues for your food truck operators who have to deal with it daily, or your customers can become annoyed due to the noise, resulting in lower sales.
When purchasing a generator, consider the noise it produces. Put yourself in the shoes of your buyers. Does it drive you away or annoy you? It’s preferable to purchase a generator with a noise level of fewer than 70 decibels. The less noise produced, the better. For your food truck, always go for a silent generator.
Ensure That The Generator Offers A Long Run Time
A long run time is essential in allowing you to operate and serve customers without constantly refilling the generator. You should choose one that can hold at least 10 hours for a half load. This is for you not to lose power while on the road. A scenario like this could lead to spoiled food. Furthermore, the longer the run time, the less often you would need to refuel the tank.
Final Thoughts
Assembling your food trailer necessitates plenty of decision-making on your part. That being said, selecting a reliable generator is crucial if you want to keep it running efficiently during your operating hours. You can start by following the list enumerated above and making an informed choice for your business. Once you’ve found the perfect generator for your business, approach an expert in the industry and allow them to install it securely.
