But with so many options on the market, buyers often ask: Which food trailers deliver the best value for the investment?
In this article, we'll highlight the Top 10 food trailers for sale in 2025, covering a range of sizes, layouts, and budgets. We'll also introduce ZZKNOWN, a professional Chinese manufacturer offering factory-direct pricing, full customization, and international certifications. Whether you're a startup on a tight budget or an established caterer expanding your fleet, this guide will help you find the right trailer.
Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant can cost upwards of $100,000–$300,000, with high risks if the location underperforms. ZZKNOWN Food trailers, in contrast, typically cost between $3,000–$20,000 depending on size and equipment.
Advantages of food trailers include:
Low startup cost – Get rolling for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
Flexibility – Move your trailer to festivals, parks, or high-foot-traffic zones.
Scalability – Start small, expand later with more trailers or a restaurant.
Customization – Tailor your kitchen layout to your menu, unlike fixed restaurants.
For entrepreneurs who want to minimize risk while maximizing opportunity, food trailers offer unbeatable value.
Before diving into the top 10 picks, let's review how to size your trailer. ZZKNOWN provides multiple models to match your staff and menu needs:
Model | Length Size | Capacity (workers) |
---|---|---|
KN-FR250/300 | 8ft–10ft (2.5–3m) | 2–3 workers |
KN-FR350/400 | 12ft–14ft (3.5–4m) | 3–5 workers |
KN-FS500/600 | 16ft–18ft (5–6m) | 5–7 workers |
KN-FS700/800 | 20ft–22ft (7–8m) | 7–10 workers |
KN-FS900/Up | 23ft+ (9m+) | 10+ workers |
Small trailers: $3,000 – $6,000
Medium trailers: $6,000 – $10,000
Large, fully equipped trailers: $10,000 – $20,000+
This flexible pricing structure ensures that every budget level has a professional option.
Size: 8ft–10ft
Best for: Coffee, ice cream, juice bars
Price: $3,000–$6,000
Value: Affordable entry-level option for solo entrepreneurs. Easy to tow, quick to set up, and perfect for testing business concepts.
Size: 12ft–14ft
Best for: Burgers, tacos, crepes, sandwiches
Price: $6,000–$8,000
Value: The sweet spot for versatility—room for multiple appliances and 3–5 staff. A strong balance between affordability and functionality.
Size: 16ft–18ft
Best for: Multi-dish menus, fried foods, and busy locations
Price: $8,000–$12,000
Value: Professional-grade, allowing 5–7 staff to serve high volumes. Ideal for entrepreneurs scaling up from smaller units.
Size: 20ft–22ft
Best for: Festivals, weddings, catering companies
Price: $12,000–$18,000
Value: Spacious layout with dedicated cooking, prep, and serving zones. Handles high-volume demand at large events.
Size: 23ft+
Best for: Established brands and high-volume catering
Price: $18,000–$25,000+
Value: Designed for more than 10 workers, this trailer is effectively a restaurant on wheels. Perfect for global franchises and government contracts.
Size: 10ft–12ft
Best for: Coffee, boba tea, ice cream, and pastries
Price: $4,000–$8,000
Value: Small but fully equipped for beverages and light snacks. Compact design keeps overhead low while delivering high margins.
Size: 16ft–20ft
Best for: BBQ, grilled meats, skewers
Price: $10,000–$15,000
Value: Outfitted with grill, smoker, or BBQ pit options. A top seller in North America where BBQ remains a customer favorite.
Size: 14ft–18ft
Best for: Pizza ovens, croissants, pastries, bread
Price: $9,000–$14,000
Value: Designed for baking efficiency. Built-in ventilation ensures safety while allowing customization for stone ovens.
Size: 12ft–16ft
Best for: Fish & chips, shrimp, fried snacks
Price: $8,000–$12,000
Value: Equipped with double fryers, ventilation, and refrigeration. Great for coastal areas or events with high snack demand.
Size: Fully customizable (10ft–26ft)
Best for: Entrepreneurs with unique menus or brand visions
Price: $6,000–$20,000+ depending on design
Value: The ultimate value option—designed entirely around your menu and branding. Whether you need special fryers, coffee machines, or even a mini bakery, ZZKNOWN can build it to spec.
Zhengzhou Known Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. (ZZKNOWN) is one of China's leading food trailer manufacturers, established in 2011. With over 15 years of export experience, ZZKNOWN has delivered food trailers to the USA, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Factory-direct pricing: Save thousands compared to local suppliers.
Customization: Sizes, layouts, colors, branding, and equipment tailored to your needs.
Certifications: CE-certified, DOT-compliant, VIN numbers provided for European & American road standards.
Fast turnaround: From empty box to full kitchen in 3–5 weeks.
Global service: OEM/ODM orders welcome, with experienced staff offering 2D/3D design support.
Food trailers are not just affordable—they're profitable. Many operators report earning $500–$1,000 per day at events. That means even a $12,000 investment could pay for itself in less than 6 months.
Compared to restaurant leases and overhead, food trailers offer:
Faster ROI
Lower monthly costs
Flexible locations for better sales opportunities
The best food trailer for you depends on your budget, menu, and growth plans:
Budget startups → KN-FR250/300 or coffee/dessert trailers
Growing businesses → KN-FR350/400 or KN-FS500/600
Event caterers → KN-FS700/800 or BBQ/Pizza trailers
High-volume operations → KN-FS900/Up or full custom builds
No matter your choice, working with ZZKNOWN ensures you get the best value: affordable prices, professional quality, and full customization.
Contact ZZKNOWN today to request your custom design and quotation. Start your mobile food business with confidence, backed by a trusted global manufacturer.