Mobile kitchen cost guide
Food truck hood cost
Food trucks and concession trailers use shorter hood runs than restaurants, but they still carry Type I grease capture, fan, fire suppression, fuel shutoff, electrical controls, roof or wall penetration, and inspection scope. Use this guide to pressure-test a mobile-kitchen build budget before ordering equipment or committing to a trailer shell.
Compact Type I food truck examples
| Mobile kitchen scope | Planning range | What changes the number |
|---|---|---|
| Compact 4-foot Type I cart | $14,950 - $42,500 | Short fryer or griddle line with one small exhaust route and simpler inspection coordination. |
| 6-foot food truck default | $19,800 - $53,700 | Mobile kitchen preset with Type I hood, one penetration, onboard fan, suppression, and standard permit planning. |
| 8-foot concession trailer | $30,700 - $83,900 | Longer trailer hood with makeup-air review, higher electrical coordination, and engineered documentation allowance. |
Mobile-kitchen assumptions to verify
- Mobile kitchens still need listed Type I equipment when fryers, griddles, ranges, or other grease-producing appliances are installed.
- Short duct runs help, but tight roof caps, wall penetrations, fuel shutoff, and suppression tagging can keep the scope from feeling small.
- Commissary, health department, fire marshal, propane, generator, and local vehicle rules can add review outside the hood installer bid.
Food truck hood FAQ
How much does a food truck hood cost?
The default food-truck preset prices at $19,800 - $53,700 for a 6-foot Type I system with short ductwork, one penetration, exhaust fan, fire suppression, standard permits, and national-average labor.
Does a concession trailer need a Type I hood?
A trailer with grease-producing equipment usually needs Type I hood planning, but the final requirement depends on the appliance list, local fire review, health department rules, and the AHJ.
Why can a small mobile hood still cost so much?
The hood shell may be compact, but suppression, fuel shutoff, exhaust fan, roof or wall penetration, electrical controls, balancing, inspection, and tight installation access remain separate cost lines.
Should I budget makeup air in a food truck?
Many compact trucks use different air strategies than a fixed restaurant, but larger trailers, high exhaust volumes, or enclosed builds can still require makeup-air review. Verify before ordering equipment.