1993 Chevrolet P30 Food Truck Build

Wow it looks snug and like a very professional job. Very cool.
Congratulations.
jack

Thanks.

im no little guy either... I know what you mean about a/c though. In my food trailer it's about 20degrees HOTTER inside than outside, I get goose bumps when I step out for a minute to cool off in mid summer. I like your water heater, I'm looking for one now, got a link for  yours by chance ?  Thats about the last thing I need to install and I think i'm good to go except for the bread bin and the bin over the sinks.   I'm about 6k over budget at this point LOL

THE WILD DOG


im no little guy either... I know what you mean about a/c though. In my food trailer it's about 20degrees HOTTER inside than outside, I get goose bumps when I step out for a minute to cool off in mid summer. I like your water heater, I'm looking for one now, got a link for  yours by chance ?  Thats about the last thing I need to install and I think i'm good to go except for the bread bin and the bin over the sinks.   I'm about 6k over budget at this point LOL

 
6K over, that's all....lol
 
Water heater

yeah, I'm in it for about 20k cash, that little food trailer paid for everything. LOL  I should make my $ back by the end of the year though, I hope... I'm trying to get everything in line for end of May opening at the latest... the insurance payment on it is irking me every month.
 

Hi guys. My fiancé and I have been planning and building a food truck in Kansas City, MO. We have recently obtained long overdue financing for the build.

I have been following this (and other) threads, and found everybody very helpful and informative.

I am posting in regards to tankless water heaters. My research indicates that lp with battery powered ignition is the way to go. Since the sinks are small, and our coffee unit has a built-in heating element I realize that I won't need much over 1-1.5 gpm flow.

It seems that there are 3 commonly used tankless systems for this application; ecotemp l5, marey power gas 5l LPG, and the aquah 6l.

I don't like the ecotemp due to its outdoor only nature (no vent) and as far as the other two go, I am a bit concerned with quality/durability.

Any input on these models would be greatly appreciated, As well as any alternative ideas.

I would also like to share our progress to help others. This is of course my first post, so if anybody would like to help me share photos just let me know,

Hi,

Just purchased a 1990 P30. Just a few questioned to get me started.

1) I have seen wires run behind the wall and thru conduit, is there a difference?

2) how did you run the main wire from the panel to your box on the outside?

3) is this a 220v 50a hook up, if so what make and female connectors did you use...

4) I am looking for shelving for under the windows on the outside of the vehicle, any ideas?

Most of everything else, I have gathered up...

Ryan

Hey Reese77.  I'm looking to do a similar build.  I'm not sure if you have answered this already, but how much did it cost you to put this truck together?   Not sure if you would be willing to share the details and costs of everything involved to do this.
 
thanks so much,
 
Brian Hall

HighFiveFoodTruck


I am posting in regards to tankless water heaters. My research indicates that lp with battery powered ignition is the way to go. Since the sinks are small, and our coffee unit has a built-in heating element I realize that I won't need much over 1-1.5 gpm flow.

It seems that there are 3 commonly used tankless systems for this application; ecotemp l5, marey power gas 5l LPG, and the aquah 6l.

I don't like the ecotemp due to its outdoor only nature (no vent) and as far as the other two go, I am a bit concerned with quality/durability.

 
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=680188&high=tankless+water+heaters
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=646971&high=tankless+water+heaters
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=644617&high=tankless+water+heaters
http://www.roadfood.com/F...tankless+water+heaters

kniochef


Hey Reese77.  I'm looking to do a similar build.  I'm not sure if you have answered this already, but how much did it cost you to put this truck together?   Not sure if you would be willing to share the details and costs of everything involved to do this.

thanks so much,

Brian Hall

 
Well my truck needed mechanical work and I still need electrical work but cannot find the proper resource. I did not log my cost as I really did not want to know what I spent but I would say that I am at about 6K but that is with the cost of the truck and mechanical repairs before getting into building cost. I still have to spend around 2-4K on my wrap and I have spent 2500 on logo and wrap design. Then I still need a griddle, char grill, steam table, sandwich prep and fridge. So another 3500. I should have just purchased a used food truck.

I should get an AC unit. My truck was reading 120 today, I closed at 1pm with 70 in my pocket for 2 hours. I couldn't deal with it anymore today. lol

THE WILD DOG


I should get an AC unit. My truck was reading 120 today, I closed at 1pm with 70 in my pocket for 2 hours. I couldn't deal with it anymore today. lol

 
A necessity here in GA, that is why I purchased mine before any cooking equipment. The model I purchased is compact (by definition) and it also supplies heat in the winter.

THE WILD DOG
I should get an AC unit. My truck was reading 120 today, I closed at 1pm with 70 in my pocket for 2 hours. I couldn't deal with it anymore today. lol

 
On the AC issue Glen Haege "The Handy Man" does a syndicated  radio show http://www.masterhandyman.com/
and I know this guy he is very sharp, talked about the portable air conditioners today and he was very upbeat about their ability to cool a 400 sq foot room. He said they are 110 volts and very energy efficient. Just a thought.
 
What I really wanted to know is how are the sliders selling?
Jack

I have the Marey 5L tankless propane water heater.  Am having real problems trying to figure out how to install it.  Company says I need 4" double wall stainless steel duct which is extremely hard to find and extremely expensive.  I assume the thing must be putting out pretty hot air.  Can anyone tell me how to do this?

You don't have to use stainless steel. Do you have a Home Depot near you? How long is the run?
 
http://www.homedepot.com/...duct&storeId=10051

We basically just want to go straight out to side wall.  We want to mount it on wall above sink near corner.  Then vent up and out.  The company told me they don't make a kit -- that the Bosch kit fits perfectly.  But I can't find Bosch in 4".  I can find another brand in 4".  But this stainless steel costs more than the water heater.  And what needs to "fit"?

All you need is a 4 inch 90 degree elbow then. Do a search for that.

i am also looking for an elbow to do the samething. i have to measure my outlet to see what size i need. anyway aquah sells an elbow double wall stainless steel for there heaters.
around 35.00. i e-mailed them and asked what the diameter is on there piece. if it does not fit i will go to a local pluming supply or a stove guy to get one. good luck.
hey Doc do think that all the heaters have the same size flue. seems it should be an industry standard.

here is the link
http://www.aquahstore.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=45&osCsid=q6u

I would think 4 inch is pretty standard. And at $35.00 you can't go wrong especially in stainless.

Reese is your truck finished? any end pics On your build?

No. Actually, I am just now starting back up after months of no work. My job keeps me really busy and I had to go out of town. I have been trying to get a guy to come out and install my LP lines and Ansul. He came out to do a survey and said he could come back in a week but that turned into 2 months so far and when I email him, he is busy.
 
The LP and Ansul are my main hurdle as I want that professionally installed. Other than that, I removed my old generator as I am either going to get two smaller Honda EU2000i or a inverter and battery bank and store this setup underneath the driver side of the truck. I am going to be removing my transfer switch as I realized that I will likely never get the chance to use it except at events if they have the proper outlets.
 
The truck has electrical issues and I have a mechanic working on that this week, he is removing the steering column today to have the electronics rebuilt as there is a short, then we will go from there.
 
--------------------------
 
On another note, my graphic artist has completed my truck wrap and logo but I am not sure I am totally satisfied as even though I wanted to go with a fun theme, I think there is too much going on in the wrap.
 
 

Reese,
I am new to the site and could not stop reading your thread,
I think i have read it 3 times. You have accomplished alot.
I am in NC and ready to do my own truck and was really considering doing it myself like you, but wow it seems really frustrating and a big headache. Knowing what you know now.....would you have bought a good used complete truck vs. building from the ground up??

Rollin Smoke


Reese,
I am new to the site and could not stop reading your thread,
I think i have read it 3 times. You have accomplished alot.
I am in NC and ready to do my own truck and was really considering doing it myself like you, but wow it seems really frustrating and a big headache. Knowing what you know now.....would you have bought a good used complete truck vs. building from the ground up??

 
If I knew then what I know now, I would buy if I found a really good deal on a ready to go food truck, but if not then I would buy a larger step van and still do it myself. It is cheaper in my opinion to do it yourself and you have more choice of layout. My current regret is that I did not buy a larger step van when I started. After all the trials and errors I would definitely plan the layout, wiring, equipment and placement of everything more thoroughly.
 
When all is said and done, I will have spent around 13K and this is not including the graphic design for the wrap and logo ($2500) and truck wrap ($3000).
 
A ready to go food truck at the least will cost you 30K (from what I have seen) and you will still need to add paint or a wrap, etc. This is the low end like someone selling their old truck on Craigslist or something.
 
Since you have been reading the threads and have not started yet, you have a heads up on what is required. It is not alot of work if you have the TIME. Time is key, I just do not have the time or else I would have been finished a year ago. If you plan to build your own, then buy a truck then take measurements and plan your layout. Propose your layout and equipment list to people on the forum and everyone will help you choose the right design for a smooth build.

I found a few nice used trucks for 45 and 50k. But i will have to add about 5k more for my wrap. And then a few more 1000 to change some equipment so im pretty torn

Rollin Smoke


I found a few nice used trucks for 45 and 50k. But i will have to add about 5k more for my wrap. And then a few more 1000 to change some equipment so im pretty torn

 
Whoooo, 40-50K..I personally think you will come out cheaper building but only you can decide that...

Reese,
after adding all my wattage together and adding 20% i came up with a total of 3700 watts needed.
how about putting three Honda 2000 together. can you do that? any thoughts would be helpfull.

marco226


Reese,
after adding all my wattage together and adding 20% i came up with a total of 3700 watts needed.
how about putting three Honda 2000 together. can you do that? any thoughts would be helpfull.

 
There do not sell the standard kit for connecting 3 EU200i generators but I have seen kits on Ebay that people have made. I think if you have to go with 3 then you probably just need to go with one big generator. They sell a EU6500 and in the online demo vids, the generator seems very quiet.
 
I am still researching the inverter and battery bank option. 8000 Watt inverter and batteries.

I think im going to build....i went and looked at one this morning and the asking price was 50k. But i could barely stand side ways in the truck..no way two people could be back to back in that truck. So i will be posting my lay out soon and starting my own thread.
Hope you get that inverter setup working its sounds like the way to go

Rollin Smoke


I think im going to build....i went and looked at one this morning and the asking price was 50k. But i could barely stand side ways in the truck..no way two people could be back to back in that truck. So i will be posting my lay out soon and starting my own thread.
Hope you get that inverter setup working its sounds like the way to go

 
Cool, can't wait to see your setup. One tip; determine which of your equipment will run on propane and which will run on electricity. I went through 3 water heaters before I settled on my final electric tankless. If my truck were bigger or my sink was on the driver side, I would have gone with propane and vented out the side of the truck. This was one of my many headaches during the build.