Are you dreaming of launching your own food truck business? The first step is choosing the right van, and that’s where our guide to the best vans to convert to a food truck comes in.
The vehicle you start with is the foundation of your mobile kitchen, so getting it right is as important as picking the perfect ingredients for your menu. To make things easier, we’ve researched the market and pulled together the top choices for the best food truck vans.
Jump to:
- What are the benefits of using vans for food trucks?
- What are the best vans for food truck conversions?
- Find the best van for food truck conversions with First Step Vehicle Solutions
What are the benefits of using vans for food trucks?
Food trucks are one of the most exciting ways to combine great food with flexible business opportunities, and the type of van you choose makes all the difference. Starting with the best vans for food trucks gives you the space, reliability and adaptability you need to serve customers anywhere.
Affordable way to start a food business
- Lower upfront costs compared to opening a restaurant
- A cheaper entry point into the food industry
- Lets you test concepts without heavy financial risk
Flexibility to take your food anywhere
- Bring your kitchen to where the crowds are: festivals, parks, etc.
- Change locations to match demand or seasonal events
- Adapt your menu easily to suit different customer preferences
Opportunity to stand out
- Freedom to showcase your skills without the limits of a traditional kitchen
- Unique branding and design make your truck a mobile advertisement
- Create memorable experiences that help you build a loyal following
Potential for rapid growth
- Attract both locals and tourists in high-footfall areas
- Scale by adding more trucks or expanding into new cities
- Use it as a stepping stone to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant
Did you know? The UK street food and food truck market is worth about £1.2 billion, and is growing about 20% year-on-year!
What are the best vans for food truck conversions?
Your dream of serving up delicious dinners needs to start with a strong foundation – you’ll need a vehicle that balances practicality, reliability, and a pinch of style while still keeping things versatile. Here are the best vans for food trucks:
Citroen H: Best vintage classic for food truck character
The Citroën is a timeless French classic that brings vintage charm to your food truck. At 4.2m long, 2.0m wide, and 2.3m high, it offers enough space for a mobile kitchen while keeping its retro appeal. Its low chassis makes it easy for customers to see your dishes, while its unique look naturally draws a crowd. If you want a food truck that turns heads as much as it serves, the Citroën H is one of the best vans for food truck conversions.
Ford Transit: Best versatile van for food truck conversions
The Ford Transit is a modern, reliable van for food truck conversions. With multiple roof heights and load lengths, it adapts easily to your setup, whether you need a compact mobile bistro or a full-scale kitchen.
Built for durability, the Ford Transit easily handles heavy daily use. Its spacious interior provides plenty of room for food prep and serving, while wide rear doors make loading and unloading simple. You can even add extras like an awning for customer comfort.
With generous exterior space for branding, the Transit also doubles as a rolling advertisement. For versatility, reliability, and size, it’s one of the best vans for the food truck businesses.
Discover flexible12-month van lease deals with First Step Vehicle Solutions and get on the road faster.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter: Most spacious interior for food truck
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a leading choice for food truck conversions, thanks to its powerful engine and spacious interior. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, it gives you the flexibility to design a mobile kitchen, coffee shop, or street food setup that fits your exact needs.
With plenty of room for equipment, storage, and food prep, the Sprinter makes it easy to run a professional operation on wheels. Its reliable engine guarantees smooth performance, keeping downtime to a minimum and your business moving. If you’re looking for space, power, and dependable performance, the Sprinter stands out as one of the best vans for food truck businesses.
Nissan NV2500 Cargo
Imagine steering your culinary dreams with the robust Nissan NV2500 Cargo, a canvas that effortlessly transforms into your bespoke mobile kitchen.
Thanks to a sturdy V8 engine and substantial towing capacity, this van doesn’t just carry your supplies but propels your food business with vigour across myriad locations. Relish in the luxury of space, with extensive floor room ensuring every pot, pan, and plate has its place.
The innovative fold-down front passenger seat cleverly doubles as a desk, seamlessly integrating order management into your mobile space. Seeking something a tad more compact? Meet its adept little sibling, the NV200, offering ample space in a more city-friendly size.
Either way, with their reliability and clever designs, both Nissan models establish a solid foundation for your vibrant food truck journey.
Mercedes Vito: Best compact van for food trucks
The Mercedes Vito is a practical choice for food truck owners who need space, durability, and everyday reliability. Despite its compact size, it offers generous room for essential kitchen equipment like coffee machines, blenders, and refrigerators.
Its sturdy build and impressive payload capacity make it well-suited for the demands of a mobile business. You can transport ingredients, equipment, and supplies without worrying about weight limits, while still benefiting from a more agile van that handles city streets with ease. If you’re looking for a smaller but capable vehicle, the Vito is one of the best compact vans for food truck conversions.
Find the best van for food truck conversions with First Step Vehicle Solutions
First Step Vehicle Solutions offers a wide range of flexible lease deals, including 12-month options, so you can get started without long-term commitments. With over 30 years of experience, our team is here to guide you to the best van for your food truck needs. Call us today on 01204 567 580 and we’ll help get your business on the road.