Shopping for a mobile kitchen for food trucks carts mobile kitchens means choosing between completely different purchase stages, not just different price points. At one end, there's a $175 replacement side cover for an MKT-style trailer. At the other, a $26,000 used turnkey trailer with commercial equipment already inside. In between are a new Vimar concession trailer at $13,875 and a new commercial food van at $5,028.90. To pick the right one, start with what you already own and what you still need to buy.
Quick Take
- MKT Side Cover Assembly ($175): A maintenance purchase, not a foodservice unit.
- Vimar 8x10 Concession Trailer ($13,875): New base trailer with plumbing, electrical, sinks, and A/C, but no vent hood or appliances.
- Turnkey Mobile Food Trailer ($26,000): Used, fully equipped, includes griddle, prep tables, refrigeration, ice maker, exhaust hood, fire suppression.
- Commercial Food Van ($5,028.90): New compact van with sinks, water tanks, lights, and counter; recommended add-ons sold separately.
Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKT Side Cover Assembly | USD 175.00 | Replacing a side cover on an MKT mobile kitchen trailer | |
| Vimar 8x10 Concession Trailer | USD 13,875.00 | Buyers who want a new concession trailer with base equipment and will add cooking appliances | |
| Turnkey Mobile Food Trailer | USD 26,000.00 | Operators who want equipment included and a faster path to opening | |
| Commercial Food Van | USD 5,028.90 | Shoppers who want a new, towable food van and plan to add recommended gear |
Decision Matrix
- Budget: The $175 MKT cover is the lowest-cost item; the $5,028.90 food van is the least expensive complete trailer; the $13,875 Vimar is the mid-price new trailer; the $26,000 turnkey trailer sits at the top.
- New vs Used: The MKT cover, Vimar trailer, and food van are new. The turnkey kitchen is used but was reportedly only used for about six months.
- Equipment included: The turnkey trailer includes the most commercial equipment. The Vimar includes sinks, water heater, pump, A/C, and a concession window. The food van includes sinks, water tanks, lights, and a work counter. The MKT cover is only a side cover assembly.
- Business readiness: The turnkey trailer is the most complete package. The food van needs extra recommended equipment. The Vimar needs a vent hood and appliances. The MKT cover is not a foodservice trailer.
Product Notes
MKT Mobile Kitchen Trailer Side Cover Assembly
At $175, this tan side cover assembly is the cheapest way to replace a cover on an MKT-style mobile kitchen trailer. It is new in the box and the listing references compatibility with MKT-75 through MKT-99 models. If you maintain one of these trailers and the side cover needs swapping, this is a direct replacement part rather than a full kitchen purchase. The limitation is scope: this is only a side cover assembly, not a foodservice unit, and the militaria-themed part number means you should confirm it matches your exact MKT model before ordering. Treat it as maintenance, not as a way to start or expand a food business.
8x10 New Concession Food/Kitchen Trailer
This Vimar trailer is a new, custom-built concession unit priced at $13,875. The VT810FTE model comes with a triple sink, handwashing sink, 6-gallon electric water heater, water pump, 30-amp electrical package, four breakers, interior and exterior lighting, a 12,000 BTU A/C heater unit, a 6x4 concession window with pass-out window, and an exterior stainless steel counter. The listing maker also offers 8x12, 8x14, and 8x16 sizes. The catch is that the vent hood and appliances shown in pictures are sold separately, so you'll need to add cooking equipment before opening. If you want a new trailer with the plumbing and electrical foundation handled, this is the flexible middle-ground pick.
Mobile Food Trailer - Fully Equipped Turnkey Kitchen - Ready For Business
At $26,000, this used turnkey trailer is the highest-priced option, but it arrives with commercial equipment already installed. Sold by YM-A37_sQae, it includes a 36-inch Dukers flat-top griddle, refrigerated chef base, 36-inch refrigerated prep table, two-well steam table, 5-foot commercial refrigerator, commercial ice maker, tankless water heater, commercial exhaust hood, and fire suppression system, plus stainless work surfaces and shelving. The listing says it was used for about six months and is ready for health department permitting, with you handling local requirements. The trade-off is straightforward: you're paying for the equipment bundle and turnkey condition, making it the most complete package in this comparison.
Commercial Food Van Concession Street Mobile Food Truck Cart Fast Food Trailer
This new food van from travwlcat is priced at $5,028.90 and is the least expensive complete trailer here. It includes an electric hot water faucet, fresh and wastewater tanks, double sink, automatic water supply and drainage, tube lighting, clearance lights, tail lights, external power input, power outlets, distribution box, stainless steel work counter, cash drawer, scissor jack, towing system, and two tires. The exterior dimensions are listed as 3 x 2 x 2.35 meters, making it a compact towable unit. The listing also recommends optional gear like a range hood, fridge, freezer, LED strip light, and signage. Budget for those extras if you need a full cooking setup, but as a new starting point, this is the practical budget pick.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Need a replacement cover? Choose the $175 MKT side cover assembly.
- Want a new trailer and will equip it yourself? Choose the $13,875 Vimar concession trailer.
- Want to open quickly with equipment included? Choose the $26,000 turnkey mobile food trailer.
- Want a new, affordable towable van and can add gear? Choose the $5,028.90 commercial food van.
