How to Use a Generator and Gas - Mobile Catering

by melissa
(devon)

hello, i have been working in the catering industry for years now and have decided to set up my own mobile catering trailer.

I have done alot of research on what i do need to do and have found a pitch. After reading your story i am pretty confident i can succeed on the cooking side.

My only concern is that i know nothing about using gas or a generator (what types to use etc)

Also is it safe to turn the fridge off each night and put the stock in my home fridge as i do not have a garage and therefore will not be able to keep the fridge running over night.

Also when i am driving to events will i have to keep the generator running in the trailer.When a generator is full with unleaded petrol and a gas bottle is full how long averagely will it last?

Any help will be greatfully received

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Aug 04, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catering Trailer
by: Bruno

Just trying to start a food trailer business, zero experience. I read some comments where apparently people only use gas to power the trailer. How does that works?
Jul 28, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator Size
by: David-

Hi Ben,

You may find the information on this page helpful, it also contains a link to a generator calculator page: What Size Generator Size

Best of luck,
David
Jul 23, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catering trailer all electric equipment
by: Ben

Needing help please I have bought a trailer with a fridge / freezer 2x 2500 w fryers and a chicken display and also a electric tea urn the trailer had no generator with it and so far I've tried a 2.2 generator and a 5kw generator and they don't power it well everything except the fryers can some one help me find a generator for the trailer please or anything else I could do instead thanks
Jun 23, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Griddle Type
by: David

Hi Jay,

There is not really a specific or recommended type, just be sure that it has a CE mark and has an up-to date LPG certificate if buying second hand. The size will depend on the space within your vehicle, but it's recommended that you aim for at least a 2 burner if not 3 burner griddle depending on the space.

You can either buy new from a manufacturer or second-hand, but just make sure it's safe to use.

Best,
David
Jun 23, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		advise needed
by: jay

hi
i have just made the big mistake and bought all electric ..now iv been told to get a gas griddle and fryer and the rest should be ok i obviousley dont want to waste more money so you could you please give me a link to the right griddle i would need ..the cheapest 1 would be nice :) just wanna make sure im getting it right this time.

thx
jay x
Jan 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generators
by: Anonymous

Try Genplus Systems Ltd, who specialise in vehicle mounted generators. Based in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
01947829810
Jun 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Try a Gas Generator For Your Business
by: David

Hi Melissa,

Unfortunately because you have already got a trailer with equipment that is mainly electric you will need a generator. I thought that you were in the process of buying a trailer, that’s why I advised that you buy or rent an all gas trailer.

For Your Current Trailer

You will need to purchase a generator, a gas powered generator will be more economical than a petrol one, but they are more expensive. (The battery option that I suggested earlier will not power all that cooking equipment.)

The best type are button start generators, as the name suggest you would push a button to start it.
Do a search on the net for: ajc trailer and take a look at their generators to give you an idea of what you will need.

Best of luck with your business

Regards
David
Jun 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		another question
by: melissa

Thank you for your response. I would be using a kettle,panini maker, jacket potato oven and fridge which are electric. So i run these of a battery aswell? Sorry if i sound a bit stupid this sort of thing is all new to me and i want to be sure that i know what im doing before i set it up. thank you :)
Jun 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		All Gas Equipment is The Best Option For Your Business
by: Anonymous

Hi Melissa,

The best way around most of these problems is to make sure that you buy/rent a trailer that has all gas equipment. This way you will not need a generator, even for lights you can use a 12v battery like a car or something similar.


When it come to the fridge it easy to flick the safety valve (all trailers should have this it?s part of the safety test certificate) and turn off all appliances including the fridge. When you start in the morning just turn them back on again, and place the food back into the fridge, you may have to get a fridge lock to prevent the door from opening when you are towing your trailer.


Hope this helps you out-anymore questions please contact me again

Best of luck
David

p.s Quick Links Help

Free Start Up Guide

Start Mobile Catering - How! My Story

Catering Trailers for Sale

Catering Liabiliy Insurance

Grants, Finance to Get Started

Start Up -Sole Trader, Company Best You

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