The food truck industry is a culinary adventure on wheels! The liberty of a flexible schedule is a dream realized for aspiring food entrepreneurs. However, the critical question arises: which vehicle will be your dependable partner? Enter the stepvan, the unrivaled favorite among food truck owners. Its spacious interior, robust engine, and remarkable adaptability make it ideal for conversion into a mobile kitchen. Today, we are exploring five stepvan models that make the best food trucks and will enable you to serve delicious food with style and efficiency. Get ready, food enthusiasts!
1. Grumman/Morgan Olson
Specifications
- Dimensions: Length 20 ft, Width 7 ft, Height 8 ft
- Engine Type: 6.0L V8, 300 hp, 360 lb-ft torque
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 10-12 MPG
Grumman/Morgan Olson is the classic stepvan. This vehicle offers around 500 cubic feet of cargo space for kitchen equipment and storage. Grumman Olson models are known for their rugged construction, making them a reliable choice for food truck entrepreneurs. They come with a dependable V8 engine that provides good fuel efficiency for urban driving and food service operations.
Special Features
The easily adaptable model allows food truck owners to customize layouts according to their menu needs.
Market Availability
You can find these stepvans in used markets at prices ranging from $15,000 to $25,000.
Reviews
Many food truck owners praise the Grumman Olson’s durability and performance, highlighting its ability to withstand frequent city use.
2. Utilimaster
Specifications
- Dimensions: Length 22 ft, Width 7.5 ft, Height 8.5 ft
- Engine Type: 4.8L V8, 280 hp, 295 lb-ft torque
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 12-14 MPG
Utilimaster stepvans are versatile and durable, making them popular for use as a food truck. With a generous interior space of 500 cubic feet or more, these vehicles offer enough room for kitchen equipment and storage. The 4.8L V8 engine is powerful and reasonably fuel-efficient.
Special Features
Often, Utilimaster models come with low floor height, making loading and unloading supplies easier.
Market Availability
Prices for this vehicle model range from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the year and condition.
Reviews
Current Utilimaster users appreciate its reliability and ease of use, especially in busy urban environments.
3. Workhorse W62
Specifications
- Dimensions: Length 22 ft, Width 7.5 ft, Height 8.5 ft
- Engine Type: 6.0L V8, 300 hp, 360 lb-ft torque
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 10-12 MPG
The Workhorse W62 stands out for its high payload capacity, which is perfect for food truck operations requiring heavy equipment. Its spacious interior allows for creative kitchen layouts, with ample room for freezers, grills, and prep areas.
Special Features
Known for its excellent maneuverability, the W62 is ideal for navigating tight urban spaces.
Market Availability
Prices generally range from $25,000 to $35,000 based on the condition and mileage.
Reviews
Food truck owners frequently commend the W62 for its robust build and excellent handling.
4. Supreme Truck Body
Specifications
- Dimensions: Length 18-24 ft, Width 8 ft, Height 9 ft
- Engine Type: Varies depending on the chassis, commonly to Ford or Chevrolet powertrains.
- Fuel Efficiency: Dependent on chassis, averaging around 10-14 MPG
Supreme Truck Body models are an excellent choice for food trucks. Their customizable body designs allow for maximum versatility in kitchen layouts.
The spacious and durable aluminum construction provides food entrepreneurs with a mobile kitchen that can withstand the rigors of daily use. With sizes ranging from 18 to 24 feet in length, this stepvan model can accommodate various kitchen equipment setups, making it an ideal canvas for culinary creativity.
Special Features
Supreme Truck Body vehicles often come with pre-configured panels and mounting points, simplifying the installation of kitchen equipment and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, their aluminum bodies reduce overall weight, improving fuel efficiency and load capacity.
Market Availability
Prices for Supreme Truck Body vehicles vary widely, typically ranging between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on the chassis, mileage, and condition.
Reviews
Buyers love Supreme Truck Body stepvans for their durability, easy customization, and ability to handle a mobile kitchen’s daily demands, making them a favorite among seasoned food truck operators.
5. Union City Truck Body
Specifications
- Dimensions: Length 18-22 ft, Width 7.5 ft, Height 8.5 ft
- Engine Type: Often paired with Ford, GMC, or Chevrolet chassis options
- Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 10-12 MPG
Union City Truck Body stepvans are a dependable and cost-effective option for food truck conversions. These stepvans have robust, lightweight fiberglass bodies and offer ample interior space without adding unnecessary weight. The durable design ensures longevity and easy maintenance, making them well-suited for food truck businesses that need a reliable workhorse.
Special Features
The fiberglass body provides enhanced insulation, maintaining consistent temperatures inside the truck—a vital feature for keeping ingredients fresh and food prep areas functional. Union City stepvans also offer easy-to-configure shelving and equipment mounting points for an efficient kitchen setup.
Market Availability
You can find used models of Union City Truck Body stepvans in the market for around $18,000 to $28,000, depending on the year and condition.
Reviews
Food truck owners appreciate the Union City models for their low-maintenance bodies and cost-effectiveness. Many report that the insulation properties help reduce energy costs related to refrigeration, which is a big plus for food truck operations.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Stepvan Model
Consider the following criteria when selecting a stepvan for your food truck operation:
Adequate Interior Space
Ensure there is space to accommodate all kitchen equipment, storage, prep areas, and room for staff to move comfortably. Having adequate interior space enhances the truck’s efficiency during busy periods and keeps everything organized.
Reliable Engine
Look for engines known for reliability and good fuel efficiency to handle daily operations. A dependable engine minimizes downtime and reduces operational costs, ensuring your food truck can serve customers consistently.
Maneuverability
Choose a model that can easily navigate city roads and fit in tight parking spaces. Good maneuverability is crucial when setting up a truck in a popular area, including events with limited space.
Compliance
Ensure the model meets food industry health and safety regulations. Meeting compliance in a stepvan means having proper ventilation and food-safe materials and not breaking local health codes. These compliance details are essential for obtaining necessary permits and avoiding fines.
Support Services
Research the availability of technical support and maintenance services. Access to reliable support ensures that there is immediate action for mechanical problems, keeping your food truck operational and your revenue steady.
Positive User Feedback
Look for testimonials from current food truck operators regarding usability and performance. Reading customer feedback provides a better perspective on the practical aspects of each model so you can make an informed decision.
Your Culinary Dream on Wheels
Pave the way for a successful culinary venture by choosing one of these five stepvan models that make the best food trucks. The perfect stepvan is out there, waiting for you to seize it and launch your culinary dreams, whether you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, or customization options.
Take the Next Step With Mill Supply
Once you’ve chosen the perfect stepvan for your food truck venture, transforming it into a fully functional mobile kitchen is the next crucial step. Mill Supply offers an extensive range of walk-in van parts designed to help you customize and optimize your stepvan. We have everything you need to transition your vehicle into a ready-to-serve food truck, from sliding windows to seat drop sets.
Visit Mill Supply today and explore our comprehensive selection of high-quality parts and accessories. It’s time to go on a culinary joyride; your food truck is ready to serve!
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