What are /r/foodtrucks' favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Invest in a good generator. I'd recommend the Honda EU6500is. Its expensive but the quietness and reliability will have you thanking yourself later.

https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Home-Brew-Keg-Stainless/dp/B01HKZUQIS

These are great. Look around though may find them cheaper elsewhere

These are what I have Retekess T119 Pagers for Restaurants,Check Calling Records,Max 999 Beepers,2 Way Charge,10 Food Pagers for Church,Hospital,Food Truck,Clinic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S8CP9XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_G7J6K4EZH0M9YZZQ9EXT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com.au/Retekess-Beepers-Wireless-Restaurants-Hospital/dp/B07GFD4XKK/ref=asc_df_B07GFD4XKK/?tag=googleshopmob-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341743220142&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5950711166412705060&hvpone=&hvpt...

Our website is at Trcked.com You can download a demo app for Android at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trcked.franksdogs.prod . The ios just published last night and we still have not updated our website with the link but you can install the ios version from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/franks-dog-truck/id1021977714?ls=1&mt=8

Just keep in mind that Trcked isn't just an app. It's an integrated POS (with an app) and it also manages your social media. It makes sure you stay engaged and your customer always know where your truck is.

Let me kniw if you have any other questions.

Something like this right? shorturl.at/aqrD7

I think it could work for a food truck nicely, but not a lot of room for any menu pics of the briskets or ribs. Would be nice if there was some sort of a banner that could be hung at start of the day and taken down at the end. Right now, we are using those bistro style chalkboards with men and price of brisket burgers and sausages...etc but you kind of have to be very close to the truck to spot those.

What a lot of restaurants or convenience stores usually have are LCDs or monitors with the menu, but since this is for mobile application, can't really stick electronics there. You know/ But the feather flags are a decent idea. I have seen them but never knew what they were called. Thanks leo.

I would have the electric system come out and run power to the property, but I need advice on what the trucks would plug into. I imagine a pole with different sockets where they just come plug in, and each pole would have breakers. I didn't know if there was a pre-made box that I could just attach to a pole that has the right sockets and breakers.

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If I were to provide something like this, would it be enough? It would provide a 240/50, 120/30, and some 120/20 outlets. Or is there a better option with for my application?

My friend has a 120v 5000w unit for his bus. It’s high volume for fairs and concerts etc. He offered it to me for free, but my dual generators only make 3600 watts.

The best unit you can buy is the one with the most wattage. It will be the most consistent, and they are usually larger capacity.

I have my induction cooktops set to 325 degrees. The actual temp won’t go lower than 317 with a fresh drop of fries, about 2 pounds. 6 quart Dutch ovens. I fried in smoked beef talo and canola. It recovers quick with the 1800 watt induction stove. Unlike propane stoves it stays at the set temp, the cast iron helps. I also have a cook top to warm beans, and other sides if my warmer isn’t up to temp yet.

I also have multiple of my machines at events. Just in case one goes down I can still work. Wouldn’t you know it, 2 instapots broke on me this past Saturday. Keep that in mind too. 5000 watt portable fryer

keep track of your sales as you sell?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPD1YK3

14$ for SIX, lay once next to your soda fridge and fountain for each pricepoint?
)these are pretty good, I've purchased them(

I bought this, and I print 16x20 posters of my menu at Walgreens.

Ghent 24"x18" 1-Door indoor Enclosed Bulletin Board, Shatter Resistant, with Lock, Satin Aluminum Frame - Natural Cork (PA12418K) Made in the USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z59LHS/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_yFQZwaTuySE1U

1- I drive with my generator running. It's in a compartment on the side of the truck with an access door on the side as well as a small hatch in the back. The hatch can remain open while driving to allow any heat to easily escape. The floor of the compartment is basically a rack, so drawing in cool, fresh air is not a problem.

2- We have a routine that gets everything secured and ready to go in about 10 minutes. In our permit to operate, it specifically states that because of the size of our water heater and sinks, we are only allowed to to minimal washing of small handwares, veg, and small dishes. As far as adequately securing everything, it won't take you many trips hearing shit hitting the floor on the drive back to home base to figure out what works and what doesn't work. Slow way down crossing railroad tracks. Trust me on that.

We drain our hot oil into one of these and it remains securely closed. We used to drain about 3 gallons into a big lidded stock pot and secure the lid with plastic wrap, but that didn't work out so well. On the way to service one night, some dumb bitch ran a red light and pulled out in front of me while she was braking. I had to hit my brakes so hard, my oil pot tipped over. While the plastic wrap will hold the lid on while it's vertical, preventing splashing, it won't do much to keep the oil in a pot that is horizontal. I could have just thrown a couple broken down boxes on the floor to eliminate the ice rink-slick floor, but there wasn't enough oil left in the pot to fill the fryer up anywhere near the minimum fill line.

You can find transport/storage oil containers online. I use this one

What do you mean by test runs? If you are talking about doing a soft opening, I just did one in my neighborhood. It was a chance for us to iron out our procedures. Other than having to call the fire department because of fire, it went well.

I got a set of 24 pagers from Amazon for about $200. They have really good range and I haven't had any problems with them in the 7 months that I have had them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0816DTFXF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My county requires 50% larger greywater tank so I ended up going with these two: 30 gallons & 46 gallons: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085FT3CLS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been happy with this. It's destroyed if it freezes though so beware of that. I think water gets trapped in some part of the piping so even if your faucets are open it will freeze and break sometimes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881DBKFZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

what's the layout of the truck? you got water tanks inside or outside? You not used to a cold climate? i live in wisconsin so i feel like I could help.
electric heating is not efficient and will cost you a shitload of money. avoid it at all costs. where are you storing it?

Basically you want to keep the interior at about 40 degrees and you'll be good to go. 35 would work but shoot for 40 to be safe. there are RV heater devices that use diesel fuel that i recommend. get a thermostat for it, and just run it whenever you're parked and stored.

https://www.amazon.com/Tseipoaoi-Thermostat-Silencer-Campervans-Motorhomes/dp/B07VT24CLK

We use Manchester tanks, good quality tanks, and the OPD valve won't restrict you like some cheaper tanks will. The tanks we use are usually 12" x 50" and hold 76# at full (80% capacity). You should be able to get one from a propane shop or order through .

I looked on amazon quickly and they had this one: https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-14-40-ASME-Tank/dp/B00HTN3GSY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=manchester+propane+tank&qid=1551715030&s=gateway&sr=8-1 but it doesn't look like the size you would need.

Switching to a larger tank will help if you're running into pressure problems, but it is a big job pulling the old tank off, cutting new supports (the old ones won't fit your new tank) and then repiping to your new system.

The pro's of saddle-mount are convenience, you drive up and fill. It's considered auto gas, so it's sold at a cheaper price (it's easier for their staff to fill you up, so they pass some of the savings on to you). You don't have to carry 100# tanks around (175# when full). Saddle-mount tanks are also far away from your generator in case of a leak (see lots of food trucks with propane tanks and a generator right beside it. If it leaks, you have that leak going straight into your generator, areas are beginning to enforce a tanks must be a minimum of 10' away from generators).

The cons are: if you're at a large event and you're not allowed to leave until the event is over, you may run out of propane. You only have 76# of propane on board, so at events you need to ration propane depending on how many gas appliances you have.I have guys running grills, griddles, ovens, and a fryer, and he can do a weekend event, but he only uses the propane he needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Food-Truck-Handbook-Succeed-Business/dp/1118208811/ref=sm_n_au_dka_US_pr_con_1_2?adId=1118208811&creativeASIN=1118208811&linkId=0f26097b264f1a894d24653f3a9c5871&tag=cityweekly-20&linkCode=w41&ref-refURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cityweekly.net%2Futah%2Fbrewstillery-2018%2FContent&slotNum=0&imprToken=2J16hg8ku2HydYMTBdENXA&adType=smart&adMode=auto&adFormat=grid&impressionTimestamp=1542261089786

Just make a cord for it. I have a 14-50r male end on one end of a 25' 8awg cable with a watertight 50amp 4wire twist lock on the other that connects to the truck, and half a dozen different adapter cords I've made up to hook the 14-50r into various other receptacles.

Leisure RV 125/250V 50 AMP Power Plug Twist Lock Inlet with 3 Stainless Steel Pins, White or Black (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZCNHG7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BPxbBbW7MGJM3

See the frequently bought together

That's a small size, it'll cool down in the time it takes you to clean and tear down if you leave it for last.

For being mobile with a lot of oil, these are your friend:

https://www.amazon.com/Miroil-02040-Grease-Bucket-Filter/dp/B008X67DP8/ref=pd_sim_328_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008X67DP8&pd_rd_r=K2FCVNXF0JNR8CER8N9H&pd_rd_w=dBuiB&pd_rd_wg=3tE0D&psc=1&refRID=K2FCVNXF0JNR8CER8N9H

I use the larger size one on my truck, but I also have a 40lb fryer. If I absolutely have to drain while hot I can do it directly into this safely while filtering it as well.

Do you think a tin drum like this will be able to hold warm oil? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tinplate-Container-Chemicals-Decorating-Industry/dp/B01FMIOI0W/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1485603820&sr=8-8&keywords=oil+drum Also, how do you pour it in the container? Thanks!

Don't bother, too much power.

I use this. http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Spot-Portable-GPS-Tracker/dp/B008GT8C7K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1464500449&sr=8-5&keywords=micro+gps+tracker

Great thing is that you can also track mileage for the truck/trailer/van and expense the depreciation. If the thing moves, it can alert you and give location to the cops... If your city has enough small problems to make this a priority, they may be helpful. LOL... That's why I carry 2 Million Insurance though. Big City, Bigger problems though. I can't blame them.

Probably. I should actually clarify that Trcked.com isn't really an 'app'. It's actually "Square", "HootSuite" and mobile ordering all rolled into one. Every truck gets their own branded app. So trucks can fully customize the app. They aren't sharing...So the "app" is just a part of a larger solution.

Anyway our primary focus is to let trucks build a relationship directly with their customers. We don't get in the middle like most of the other "apps" out there.

We just launched our first "demo" app which is based on a fictitious truck called Franks Dog truck. You can see it in the Google Play store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trcked.franksdogs.prod

Feel free to download and have a play. I'd love to hear your feedback!