Towing Vehicle For Mobile Catering

by Chris
(Bedfordshire)


I'm looking to sell my current car and purchase a 4x4 with tow bar, initially to ferry our gazebo, tables, grills etc to and from events. Then in the near future purchase a food trailer and be able to tow that straight away.

I want an SUV style vehicle as I will also be using it as a daily driver.

It needs to be 4x4 with enough space for a 6ft table as well as 2 collapsible tables, Gas Griddles and other bulky equipment.

I'm looking at Land Rover Freelander 2's and Jeep Patriots currently as my budget is around £3000.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with any similar vehicles and could give some advice or point me in the right direction in regards to these things.

Pick ups and other vehicles considered however I will need to pack some equipment flat with my larger items included and be able to cover it, as we sometimes use electric equipment when doing private events

Any advice appreciated

Cheers

Chris

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starstarstarstarstar 		4x4 Vehicle That Can Frst Carry Your Tables, Griddles,
by: MobCater

If you're looking for a 4x4 vehicle that can first carry your tables, griddles, and other catering equipment, and later tow a food trailer, here’s what you need to consider:

1. What You Need in a Vehicle

✅ Strong towing capacity – Your future food trailer could weigh 1,200kg to 2,500kg when fully loaded. The vehicle must be able to handle this.
✅ Large boot space – You need to fit a 6ft table, collapsible tables, and heavy equipment like gas griddles.
✅ Weatherproof storage – Since you carry electric equipment, you need a covered space or a pickup with a secure canopy.
✅ Fuel efficiency – A diesel engine is usually better for towing and long drives.

2. Best Vehicle Options for Your Budget (£3,000)

🚙 Jeep Patriot (2007-2017)
✅ Tows 2,000kg (good for a small to medium trailer).
✅ Boxy shape = better storage for catering equipment.
✅ Generally cheaper to maintain than some other 4x4s.
❌ Some models are front-wheel drive only—make sure to get 4x4.

🚙 Nissan X-Trail (2007-2013, 2.0 DCI 4x4)
✅ Tows 2,000kg, great for small to medium trailers.
✅ Good reliability and lower running costs than a Land Rover.
✅ Decent boot space for tables and grills.
❌ Older models can have rust issues, so check underneath.

🚙 Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012, 2.2 D-4D 4x4)
✅ Extremely reliable—less likely to break down.
✅ Tows 2,000kg, so fine for a small to medium food trailer.
✅ Good cargo space for a 6ft table and collapsible tables.
❌ Can be slightly less roomy than an X-Trail.

🚙 Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero (2000-2010)
✅ Very strong (3,500kg towing capacity)—great for future trailer needs.
✅ Large boot space for all your catering gear.
✅ Built for rough conditions (ideal if working in fields or muddy areas).
❌ Higher fuel costs (bigger engine).

🚙 Ford Kuga (2008-2013, 2.0 TDCi AWD)
✅ Modern design, good for daily driving.
✅ Tows up to 2,100kg.
✅ More comfortable than a Jeep Patriot.
❌ Boot space is smaller than an X-Trail or RAV4.

3. Final Advice

If you need more cargo space → Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Shogun.
If you want something reliable for towing → Toyota RAV4.
If you need something budget-friendly → Jeep Patriot.
If you want a mix of modern & towing power → Ford Kuga.
Make sure any car you buy has a tow bar or can have one installed! 🚗💨 Let me know if you need help choosing between them!

4. Emissions & City Trading Considerations
🚨 Many UK cities, including London, Birmingham, and Bristol, have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) where older diesel vehicles face daily charges (£12.50+ in some areas).

Things to consider:
✅ Check local council rules – Some cities have Clean Air Zones (CAZ) affecting older diesel vehicles.
✅ Consider Euro 6 Diesel or Hybrid options – These meet emissions standards and avoid charges.
✅ Look at alternative vehicles – If you plan to trade in cities long-term, you might want a hybrid SUV or even an electric van in the future.
✅ Grants & funding – Some councils offer funding or discounts for upgrading to cleaner vehicles.

Alternative Vehicle Options for Longevity
🚙 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2016+) – No diesel worries, better for ULEZ cities.
🚐 Ford Transit Custom PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) – Great if considering a van setup in the future.
🔋 Electric Van (Nissan e-NV200, Ford E-Transit) – If planning a static setup in a city.

💡 Final Thought: If you’re mainly trading in city centers, it might be worth looking at a ULEZ-compliant vehicle now to avoid extra costs later. If you’re mostly working at events and markets outside major cities, a diesel 4x4 might still be the best choice. Best of luck

P.S Get the free guide on Starting a Mobile Catering Business

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