Food Trailer For Sale in NC
Top Food Trailer Dealers and Manufacturers in NC
Established Dealer Networks
NC Trailers operates dual locations in Thomasville and Winston-Salem, maintaining an extensive inventory of concession trailers with configurable equipment packages. Their offerings include electrical systems, water/sink packages, ventilation systems, and fire-suppression systems integrated into standard builds. The dealer provides financing programs ranging from secured loans to rent-to-own arrangements, addressing diverse credit profiles.
Prime Food Trailers positions itself as a premium manufacturer specializing in climate-optimized builds for North Carolina’s humid subtropical conditions. Their constructions feature enhanced cooling systems, research triangle integration capabilities, and NSF-approved equipment packages designed for year-round profitability averaging $255,000 annually. The company emphasizes turnkey solutions with comprehensive warranties and regional service support.
Custom Concessions brings 15+ years of experience building custom trailers and BBQ cookers for North Carolina markets. Their portfolio includes projects for Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington, with capabilities spanning from budget-conscious entrepreneur builds to high-end custom vehicles for established operators.
Specialized Builders
IronStein Food Truck Builder, located in Princeton near Clayton, offers economical custom builds with competitive pricing positioning. The operation provides free on-site estimates and has served the Raleigh market for over 12 years.
Big Dawg Trailers in Benson specializes in full-service custom design, equipment installation, and graphic branding. Their NSF-approved equipment installations and graphic design services create turnkey solutions for concepts ranging from BBQ to Mediterranean cuisine.
Orozco’s Designs & Building in Wendell brings eight years of specialized food truck construction experience, offering both custom builds and pre-owned units for sale.
National Dealers with NC Presence
Custom Trailer Pros operates as a national dealer with installation facilities in Columbia, TN, delivering custom-built trailers to Raleigh and surrounding markets. Their process includes gas line installation, equipment integration, fire suppression systems, and workflow optimization based on health code compliance.
Types of Concession Trailers Available in NC
BBQ & Smoker Trailers for Southern Cuisine
North Carolina’s barbecue heritage drives strong demand for specialized smoker trailers. UsedVending.com lists multiple open BBQ smoker trailers, including a 2023 14′ unit priced at $11,500. Meadow Creek manufactures heavy-duty TS500 tank smoker trailers built on 500-gallon tanks with 46 square feet of cooking capacity, capable of handling 60 racks of ribs. These units feature optional gas assist systems for temperature control and hybrid cooking capabilities.
Mobile Coffee & Beverage Carts
The coffee segment shows premium pricing due to specialized equipment requirements. UsedVending lists a 2022 8.5′ x 16′ coffee/beverage trailer at $54,945, while a vintage 1969 Shasta conversion commands $46,200. Cool Beans Wilmington demonstrates successful local operations with a renovated 1980s camper serving the Wilmington market.
Taco Trucks and General Concession Units
General concession trailers represent the largest market segment, with sizes ranging from 6′ x 12′ to 8.5′ x 20′. NC Trailers offers standardized models with configurable serving windows, ventilation, and sink packages. Facebook Marketplace activity shows active private sales, including a permitted 2024 7′ x 16′ unit in Durham listed at $45,000.
Pizza Oven Trailers and Specialty Builds
Specialty pizza trailers require reinforced flooring and enhanced ventilation systems. While fewer listings appear in standard marketplaces, Custom Trailer Pros reports designing numerous pizza-specific builds with specialized oven installations and workflow optimization.
Essential Features for NC Food Trailers
NC Health Department Requirements & NSF Equipment
North Carolina regulations mandate compliance with Rules .2670–.2672 governing mobile food units. Key requirements include:
- Commissary Partnership: All mobile units must operate in conjunction with a permitted restaurant facility, returning daily for servicing
- Certified Food Protection Manager: At least one operator must hold NC-certified food safety manager credentials
- Floor Plan Approval: Scaled top and side views must document equipment placement, storage locations, and workflow
- NSF-Approved Equipment: All cooking, refrigeration, and food contact surfaces must meet NSF standards
- Water Systems: Adequate hot water generation for handwashing, dishwashing, and operations with protected potable water servicing
Fire Suppression Systems (Class K) Compliance
Fire safety requirements reflect NFPA standards and local fire marshal enforcement:
Automatic Suppression Systems: UL300-compliant hood systems with heat-sensitive fusible links positioned above cooking equipment activate at approximately 360°F, simultaneously shutting off fuel supplies.
Class K Extinguishers: Mandatory for operations involving deep frying, these potassium acetate-based units must be mounted within 30 feet of cooking equipment and serviced annually. Surf City regulations specify minimum Class 2A, 10B, C ratings plus Class K when fryers are present.
Inspection Protocol: Systems require professional inspection every six months or after activation, with documentation maintained for health department review.
Climate Control: AC & Heating for NC Weather
North Carolina’s climate variability necessitates year-round operational capability:
- Enhanced Cooling Systems: Prime Food Trailers integrates climate-optimized designs exceeding standard requirements for humid subtropical conditions
- Roof-Mounted HVAC: Standard configurations include roof-mounted AC/fan combinations with 13,500+ BTU capacity
- Insulation Packages: Upgraded wall and ceiling insulation maintains temperature control while reducing generator load
How to Buy a Food Trailer in North Carolina
Inspecting a Used Trailer: A Checklist
Comprehensive inspection protocols should evaluate structural, mechanical, and compliance components:
Structural Integrity
- Frame condition and welds
- Floor integrity (especially under equipment)
- Roof seals and water intrusion points
- Axle and suspension condition
- Tire age and tread depth
Mechanical Systems
- Electrical system load testing
- Propane system leak detection and regulator function
- Water pump and tank integrity
- Generator hours and maintenance records
- Brake and lighting function
Compliance Verification
- Fire suppression system service tags (within 6 months)
- Class K and ABC extinguisher service dates
- NSF equipment certification labels
- Ventilation hood grease accumulation
- Handwashing station functionality
Documentation Review
- Title status and lien verification
- Health department inspection history
- Commissary agreement validity
- Equipment warranty transferability
Financing and Leasing Options in NC
NC Trailers offers a tiered financing structure:
- Secured Loans: Trailer as collateral with favorable rates and terms, often without early payoff penalties
- Rent-to-Own: No credit check required, ideal for new businesses
- Lease-to-Own: Equipment leasing with purchase option at term end
- Layaway Plans: Gradual payment with delivery upon full payment
Concession Nation provides lender matching services without requiring social security numbers or tax returns during initial application. Prime Food Trailers includes financing availability in their turnkey packages.
Typical terms require 10–20% down payment with rates varying based on credit profile and equipment age.
Registering Your Trailer with the NC DMV
- Valid North Carolina driver’s license or ID
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (new trailers) or properly assigned title (used)
- Notarized damage disclosure (for units ≤5 years old)
- Proof of commercial insurance
Process: Visit NC DMV tag office with documentation. Staff generates title application for signature. Central office processes application and mails title. Trailers must be registered regardless of motorization status.
Commercial Classification: Food trailers require commercial vehicle registration with appropriate weight class designation. Annual registration fees vary by weight and county.
Popular Locations for Mobile Food Businesses in NC
Charlotte & Mecklenburg County Opportunities
Charlotte’s regulatory environment restricts public right-of-way operations but permits activity on private property with owner permission. The city hosts major events where food trailers operate under special event permits, particularly around Bank of America Stadium and convention center districts. Prime Food Trailers optimizes builds for sports venue integration and banking district service.
Raleigh-Durham (The Triangle) Food Truck Scene
The Research Triangle presents diverse opportunities across university campuses, healthcare districts, and corporate centers. Custom Trailer Pros notes Raleigh hosts the nation’s largest food truck rodeo, spanning 11 city blocks and attracting thousands of attendees. The region’s biotechnology corridor and educational institutions create consistent demand for mobile food service.
Coastal NC: Wilmington and the Outer Banks
Coastal markets demonstrate strong seasonal tourism demand with year-round local customer bases. Cool Beans Wilmington operates successfully in this market, while Surf City and other coastal municipalities maintain specific regulatory standards accommodating tourist traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a food trailer cost in North Carolina?
New Custom Builds: $25,000–$75,000+ depending on size, equipment, and customization level
Used Trailers: $11,500–$60,000 based on age, condition, and equipment included
Financed Options: Monthly payments typically range $300–$800 depending on down payment and term length
What permits do I need to operate a food trailer in NC?
- Mobile Food Unit permit from county health department
- NC Food Safety Manager Certification
- Business registration with NC Secretary of State
- Sales tax certificate from NC Department of Revenue
- Commercial vehicle registration
- Municipal business license ($50–$300 annually)
- Commissary kitchen agreement
- Fire safety inspection certificate
- Zoning compliance for storage location
Can I operate a food trailer in residential areas in NC?
Storage: Trailers must be stored in commercially zoned areas, not residential driveways or public streets
Operation: Private property operation requires written permission from property owner. Public right-of-way operation is prohibited in most jurisdictions except during permitted special events. Charlotte specifically restricts operation in Center City, South End, and West End without street closure permits.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s food trailer market offers substantial opportunities for entrepreneurs who navigate regulatory requirements and select appropriate equipment. Success depends on choosing reputable dealers, ensuring compliance with health and fire safety standards, and targeting markets with strong demand. The state’s diverse geography—from urban centers to coastal tourism corridors—creates multiple viable business models when matched with proper equipment specifications and location strategies.
Key Investment Considerations:
- Prioritize NSF-certified equipment and UL300 fire suppression systems
- Secure commissary agreements before trailer purchase
- Evaluate total cost of ownership including insurance, maintenance, and compliance
- Consider climate-specific features for year-round operation
- Verify dealer service capabilities and warranty support
The mobile food industry’s growth trajectory in North Carolina continues upward, supported by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks that accommodate innovative food service concepts while maintaining rigorous safety standards.