You have an idea for your own food trailer—but you’re wondering what the process actually looks like, from the initial concept to the final handover. How doesthe food trailer ordering process work with a manufacturer like AVB Manufaktur? What can you expect, what do you need to prepare—and how long does it all take?
In this Magazin , we Magazin you Magazin the entire process at AVB Manufaktur step by step. No jargon, no false promises—just an honest overview so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Why the process is different at a manufacturer:
If you're looking to buy a food trailer, you basically have two options: off-the-shelf models or a custom-built vehicle from a manufacturer. The difference is significant.
With a mass-produced product, you buy what’s available. At AVB Manufaktur, your trailer is built around your concept—your kitchen, your product range, your workflow. This requires more coordination, but the result is a vehicle that truly suits you.
“A food trailer isn’t just a product you pick off the shelf. It’s a tool for your business—and it has to fit like a tailor-made suit.” – Industry insight:
This is exactly what is reflected in the ordering process at AVB: personalized, structured, and transparent.
Step 1: Initial Contact and Initial Consultation
It all starts with your inquiry—via the contact form, by phone, or by email. The initial conversation isn’t about technical details yet, but about you and your concept:
- What would you like to sell?
- Where do you plan to use your trailer—at markets, at events, or as a permanent location?
- Do you already have specific ideas about the furnishings, or are you still in the planning phase?
- What is your approximate budget?
This consultation is free and non-binding. It’s designed to help you determine whether AVB is the right partner for you—and whether your concept aligns with what the workshop can deliver.
What you should prepare:
You don’t need to have a fully developed concept. But the clearer your ideas are, the more precisely AVB can address your needs right from the initial consultation. It helps if you’ve thought about the following in advance:
- your main product (e.g., burgers, pizza, Asian food, coffee)
- The approximate size of the trailer (compact, L, XL, XXL)
- and special requirements (e.g., deep fryer, smoker, walk-in cooler, beer dispenser)
With us, you get more than just a food truck: thanks to our own experience in the food service industry, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from the initial idea to a successful launch. We take a holistic approach to your concept—from kitchen equipment and location selection to cost planning, leasing, and insurance. The result is a perfectly tailored package that makes getting started a breeze.
Why We're the Right Partner for the Food Truck Business
With us, you get more than just a food truck: thanks to our own experience in the food service industry, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from the initial idea to a successful launch. We take a holistic approach to your concept—from kitchen equipment and location selection to cost planning, leasing, and insurance. The result is a perfectly tailored package that makes getting started a breeze.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation about your food truck business!
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Step 2: Concept Development and Proposal
After the initial consultation, the actual planning phase begins. AVB will develop an initial design proposal based on the information you provide—including a floor plan, a list of fixtures and fittings, and an estimated cost.
This is where the advantage of a custom-built food trailer approach really shines: there’s no rigid configuration tool that forces you into predefined options. Instead, we work together to determine what makes technical sense, is economically feasible, and is best suited to your day-to-day operations.
What's included:
- Floor plan showing equipment locations
- Detailed list of features (appliances, materials, finishes),
- Price broken down by trim level
- Estimated delivery time
Once you receive the quote, you’ll have time to review it at your leisure and ask any questions. There’s no need to rush.
According to a survey of food truck owners (German Food Truck Association, 2024), 78% of business owners cited “a lack of transparency on the part of the manufacturer” as one of the biggest challenges they faced when purchasing their first vehicle. AVB deliberately prioritizes open communication as an alternative to this.
Step 3: Detailed Planning and Order Confirmation
If you accept the offer, we’ll move on to the detailed planning phase. During this phase, all the details will be finalized:
- Dimensions and Layout: Exact dimensions, door locations, windows, roof structures
- Technical specifications: All devices (including model and specifications),
- Design & Finishes: Paint, Vinyl Wrap, Flooring, Countertops
- Connections: Electricity (230V/400V), gas, water, drain
- Extras: Awnings, lighting, POS systems, cash register mounts.
At the end of this phase, you will receive a complete technical drawing for approval. Production will not begin until you have signed it.
Step 4: Production at the workshop
Production is now underway. All AVB trailers are manufactured in Germany—handcrafted using high-quality materials and in accordance with current technical standards (TÜV-compliant, CE-certified).
Production time depends on the scope of the project and our current workload. As a general guideline:
- Standard trailer (L/XL): approx. 8–14 weeks,
- Complex custom bodies (XXL/XXXL): approx. 14–20 weeks
Quality assurance during production
We hold regular meetings throughout the construction process. You can request photos of the construction progress, and we’ll keep you actively informed if anything changes. No unpleasant surprises at handover.
Step 5: Acceptance and Handover
Before your custom-equipped food trailer is delivered, we’ll conduct a joint inspection. You’ll check on-site (or via video call) to make sure everything meets your specifications—functionality, craftsmanship, and design.
When you pick it up in person, you'll also receive:
- Instruction on all equipment and connections
- All technical documents and certificates (TÜV, CE, gas certification),
- User manuals for the built-in appliances
- Contact person for after-sales service.
Step 6: After-sales service and support.
Our partnership doesn’t end with the handover. AVB Manufaktur will continue to be available to assist you—whether you have technical questions, need retrofits, or want to expand your trailer after a few years.
That’s a key difference from anonymous online dealers: you have a real person to talk to who knows your vehicle.
An Overview of the Food Trailer Ordering Process
In summary, the process looks like this:
- Initial Contact – A No-Obligation Initial Consultation on the Concept and Your Needs
- Concept development – floor plan, proposed finishes, initial quote
- Detailed planning – technical drawings, final approval
- Production – Manufacturing in Germany, ongoing updates
- Acceptance & Handover – Joint Inspection, Training, Documentation
- After-sales support—even after delivery
Bottom line: Planning pays off
If you want to buy a food trailer that truly fits your concept, you need a partner who listens—not one who just delivers. The ordering process at AVB Manufaktur is deliberately designed to ensure that no questions remain unanswered and there are no unpleasant surprises.
It takes a little more time than buying off the shelf. But a vehicle you use every day for your business should be exactly that: yours.
Want to know how much your concept will cost? Get in touch now with no obligation—the initial consultation is free and doesn't commit you to anything.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Food Trailer Ordering Process
How long does it take from the initial contact to delivery?
The entire project timeline—from the initial inquiry to handover—typically takes 12 to 24 weeks, depending on the complexity of the setup and current production capacity. The sooner you start planning, the better.
Can I still make changes to the trailer during production?
Minor adjustments are generally possible up to a certain stage of production. However, major changes made after the technical drawing has been approved can lead to delays and additional costs. That is why the detailed planning phase is so important.
Do I have to pick up the trailer myself, or will it be delivered?
Both options are available. Many customers pick up their trailer in person so they can receive on-site training. Delivery to a specified address is also available for an additional fee.