Build a food truck that fits your menu, then let builders compete for it
Choose the chassis and box length, place every appliance, and check weight against the chassis rating as you go. Your finished design goes to up to 4 builders who build trucks in your region.
Illustrative AI-generated image- Typical price
- $100,000 to $350,000
- Build time
- 4 to 6 months, chassis availability included
- Sizes
- 12 to 26 ft box
- Design in 3D
- Yes, with live pricing
New chassis plus a custom box and kitchen. Refits on a used step van can come in well under $100,000. Ranges are what builders commonly quote in the US, not offers.
Short answer
A custom food truck on a new chassis typically costs $100,000 to $350,000 in the US; refitting a used truck you already own can cost far less. The chassis, box length and cook line drive most of the difference, and builds usually take 4 to 6 months including chassis lead time.
Last reviewed by the Trailer3D editorial team · How we source prices
Popular food truck builds
Step-van conversions
Ford F-59 or similar, walk-in height, the classic food truck.
Cutaway box trucks
Ford E-450 or Isuzu NPR, a shorter box and lower cost.
Used truck refits
New kitchen, systems and wrap on a truck you already own.
Specialty kitchens
Pizza ovens, smokers, coffee bars and dessert trucks.
What moves the price of a food truck
| Factor | Lower end | Higher end |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis | Used step van or cutaway | New F-59 or diesel chassis |
| Box length | 12 to 16 ft | 22 to 26 ft |
| Cooking | No grease | Full hot line, hood, suppression |
| Power | Portable generator | Built-in generator, inverter, solar |
| Weight margin | Light equipment, small tanks | Heavy equipment near the chassis GVWR |
How getting quotes works
Design the build in 3D, or skip straight to the questions. We share your request with up to 4 verified builders who build food trucks and serve your ZIP code. They contact you with quotes; you choose, with no obligation.
- 01
Design or describe
A full 3D layout with an itemised estimate, or a 2-minute questionnaire.
- 02
Matched, not broadcast
Only builders for this vehicle type in your area, never more than 4.
- 03
Compare like for like
Everyone quotes the same plan, so price and timeline are comparable.
Food truck questions
How much does a custom food truck cost?
A new chassis with a custom box and full kitchen is commonly quoted between about $100,000 and $350,000. Refitting a used truck you already own can cost far less. Chassis choice, box length and the cook line drive most of the difference.
Food truck or food trailer?
A trailer gives you more kitchen per dollar and you can unhitch your tow vehicle. A truck is one vehicle to park, insure and drive, and is faster to set up. You can design both in the studio and compare the estimates side by side.
How do I keep the truck under its weight rating?
Water, propane and heavy equipment add up fast. The studio adds them up against the chassis GVWR on every change and warns you before you reach the limit.
Is it free to get quotes?
Yes, for buyers. Builders pay to receive matched requests, and yours goes to no more than 4 of them.
Plan the food truck before you get quotes
Food truck generator size calculator
Pick your food truck or trailer equipment and get the generator size in kW, running and starting watts, and whether 30 A or 50 A shore power is enough.
Food truck propane calculator
How much propane a food truck uses per day and how many hours a 20, 30, 40 or 100 lb tank lasts, from your actual griddle, fryer and range BTU ratings.
Food trailer weight & towing calculator
Estimate a food trailer's loaded weight from length, equipment, water and propane, check the axle rating, and see the tongue weight and tow rating you need.
Food truck water tank size
How big your food truck grey (waste) water tank must be for your fresh water tank: 15%, 25% or 50% larger, with typical tank sizes and weights.
Food truck hood size & CFM calculator
Size a food truck hood from your cook line: length with 6 in overhang, exhaust CFM by duty (IMC 507), make-up air, and hood and suppression cost.
Food trailer cost by size
Coffee, taco and BBQ builds priced line by line at 12 to 24 ft.
Design in 3D
