Truck and trailer builders

Ordering a truck or trailer is a large purchase with a long wait and a lot of room for misunderstanding. The goal of this page is to give you questions to ask before you sign, not to steer you to a particular shop. We do not currently have a builder partner.

What to ask before you order

Ask which health, fire, and vehicle standards they build to, and for which states. A truck that passed in one county is not automatically legal in another. Clarify who is responsible for NSF or equivalent equipment, the hood and fire-suppression system, propane, electrical load, weight and axle ratings, and the first inspection. Get the build specification in writing, including finishes, tank sizes, and power.

Timeline and money deserve the same scrutiny. Ask for a realistic delivery date, what happens if it slips, the payment schedule, and how change orders are priced. Do not pay the full amount up front. Ask for references from operators who have been on the road for at least a year, and, if you can, go see a finished truck, not only a rendering. Warranty terms should say what is covered, for how long, and who does the work if you are hundreds of miles from the shop.

Used trucks, title, and registration

A used truck can be a good way in if you inspect it thoroughly: cooking line, power, refrigeration, rust, records, and whether it will pass the health department you actually have to satisfy. Title, VIN, and whether the unit is registered as a vehicle or a trailer affect insurance and plates. If a deal looks rushed, or the seller cannot produce a clean title and a clear list of what is included, wait.