Many people are inspired by food every day, and more people than ever are starting their own food trucks and taking their passion for food to the people and the streets.
However, a lot of people don’t realize just how difficult it is to set up a food truck, and we’re not just talking about building a menu or finding the right spot to set up.
Everything from finding staff to sourcing ingredients is a challenge, and there are other forgotten elements of this process that people often overlook too.
One of these is how the food truck is actually organized and set up, as well as how food trucks get essentials such as water, which is used a lot in cooking as well as for sanitation.
Indeed, quality and consistent water supply are key for setting up a food truck, and without it, your dream will likely come skidding to a halt.
In this guide, we’re going to look into how food trucks get their water supply, as well as how it’s set up, and other key information to ensure that you can keep the water flowing no matter how busy the grill gets.
How To Get Water To Your Food Truck
The first thing to consider is where the water comes from. There are many different options available to food trucks, including water tanks, rainwater collection systems, and even reverse osmosis systems.
Rainwater collection systems are probably the most common option for food trucks, but they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
Water tanks on the other hand are great because they are easy to install and maintain, but they do have some drawbacks.
For example, if your tank is empty when you most need it, then you’ll either have to fill it yourself as quickly as you can, which takes time away from the actual cooking and running of the food truck, or pay someone else to do it for you, which costs money and eats into your profits.
Another important consideration is whether you want to use tap water or bottled water. Tap water is usually free, but it’s also not as good quality and may not always be safe for use in cooking depending on where the tap water comes from.
Bottled water is usually much cleaner and higher quality, but it does cost a lot more money and is awkward to store, as well as being not very eco-friendly.
Regardless of what type of water system you decide to go with, make sure that you know how to operate it properly so that you can avoid any issues down the line.
If you’re using a tank, make sure you check it regularly and clean out any debris that has accumulated inside. If you’re using a pump, make sure that you replace the filters regularly and that the pressure gauge is working correctly.
If you’re using a rainwater collection system, make sure that you have an adequate roof overhang and that it doesn’t leak or spill into the truck itself. You should also take care to prevent leaks from dripping onto the floor or damaging the equipment inside.
You should also make sure that you have access to a hosepipe to connect the tank to the kitchen sink, as well as a connection point for the tank to drain into.
Finally, make sure that you have a capacity that is not only suitable for your needs when cooking, but that doesn’t add too much weight to the truck or make the track unsafe for driving!
Before Designing Your Food Truck
The first thing you should consider before designing your food truck is what you actually need depending on the type of food you plan to make.
Some foods require a large grilling area, while others need fryers or ovens, and these can all drastically change the shape of your kitchen layout and thus where your water apparatus can fit.
It’s also important to account for the weight limits and size of the truck as well as ensuring it’s safe to drive and easy to park, to avoid issues with setting up your truck later.
Finding The Best Water Tank For Your Food Truck
The first thing you’ll want to think about when choosing a water tank is what size it needs to be. If you plan on selling ice cream and desserts, then you likely only need a relatively small water tank. However, if you’re planning on serving hot drinks or soups, you’ll need a lot more water and will need to take this into account.
You’ll also need to consider how eco-friendly you want to be and if reclaiming water is possible, as well as how to take advantage of tap water and rainwater.
Getting A Water Pump For Your Food Truck
There are many different types of pumps available for food trucks, but most of them will require some kind of electricity source. This could be solar power, an electric generator, or even gas-powered depending on your needs and capabilities.
There are many good generators you can use to support the use of a water pump, and you may even be able to find a way for your truck to provide all the power you need, depending on your setup.
Getting Hot Water For Your Food Truck
The first thing you want to know is where you’re getting your hot water from. If it’s not coming from a municipal source, then you’ll need to find a way to heat it yourself.
This could mean using a propane tank, solar panels, or some other method, so it’s worth considering where this equipment will fit as well as how much it costs and working this into your budget plans.
Cleaning Your Water Tank
Cleanliness is the number one most important thing when running a food truck, and this goes for the water supply as well as it does for the surfaces you’re preparing your food on.
A tainted or unclean water supply could contaminate your food and drink which will put the reputation of your food truck in jeopardy and potentially risk losing you, customers.
What Kind Of Sinks Will You Need?
Food trucks typically require at least two sinks, one for washing dishes and utensils and another for food preparation. If you want to wash dishes using hot water, you’ll need a sink with a faucet that allows you to control the temperature of the water.
A standard kitchen sink will not be sufficient, because it won’t allow you to regulate the temperature of the water, which is important if you plan to cook with it.
If you don’t have access to a commercial dishwasher, then you’ll need a separate sink for washing dishes. Some food trucks have built-in dishwashers, but they usually aren’t very big and can’t accommodate large amounts of dirty dishes so it’s important to stay organized and also be aware of the amount of water this would use.
Final Thoughts
When buying a water tank for your food truck, make sure you understand exactly what you’re looking for, and also consider how to maintain it properly.
Water tanks come in many shapes and sizes, and each type has its pros and cons. It’s best to do research before purchasing a tank and to talk to someone who knows what they’re doing if you’re unsure about how to set it up or get it working properly.
