Pricing

What’s the cost of a catering trailer or conversion?

The answer: it depends—on size, layout, equipment, and how your business is going to use it. But we’re not going to make you guess. Below, we outline what goes into pricing, what affects it up or down, and what kind of budget you’ll need to get started.

If you're just here for ballpark numbers, scroll down. But if you're the kind of person who wants to understand where your money’s going (smart move), we’ve broken it all down.

What Affects the Price of Your Build?

Factors that drive cost up:

  • Premium materials (e.g. stainless finishes, vinyl wraps)
  • Built-in equipment (griddles, fridges, high-spec boilers)
  • Advanced electrical and plumbing systems
  • LED lighting, signwriting, illuminated signs
  • Sound installation
  • Large trailer or container sizes
  • Bespoke layout/design requirements
  • Complex menu or multi-purpose fit-outs

Factors that keep costs down:

  • Supplying your own appliances
  • Simplified internal layouts
  • Smaller units (e.g., 10ft roadside setups)
  • Fewer fittings or basic electrical only
  • Standard white finish (no custom paint or wrap)

Included As Standard in All Builds:

  • 24-month back-to-base warranty
  • VCA Certificate of Conformity
  • Gas certification
  • Full electrical setup with RCDs and external hookup
  • Two sink setup with pumped water system
  • Chrome mixer taps & basic boiler
  • Heavy-duty non-slip flooring
  • Worktops and storage built to your layout

    All equipment supplied by A & R Willis comes with 12-month manufacturer warranty.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For mobile food businesses, a well-built trailer isn’t just a purchase—it’s your workspace, storefront, kitchen, and brand wrapped into one. A smart layout, easy service access, and reliable systems directly affect how much you can earn and how hard you have to work.

We know. We ran catering businesses ourselves before we ever picked up a rivet gun.

Why a better build pays off long-term
Investing more upfront in quality materials and energy-efficient equipment isn’t just an expense—it’s a smart business move:

  • Lower running costs: Efficient appliances, better insulation, and LED lighting reduce fuel, electricity, and maintenance bills.
  • Less downtime: Reliable components mean less breakdowns and less time off the road.
  • Stronger resale: A well-built trailer with service history holds value if you decide to upgrade.
  • Warranty protection: Our 24‑month back‑to‑base and 12-month equipment warranties mean fewer surprise expenses.

Example estimate:
A premium-fit Professional trailer may cost 15% more initially but could save thousands over two years in running costs and repairs—converting higher quality into higher profits.

Financing & Payment Options

While we don’t offer in-house financing, most customers fund their builds by:

  • Using quotes for business loans or leasing
  • Working with finance brokers specialising in equipment funding
  • We bill for most work via staged payments (e.g., deposit, mid-build, final payment)

You can ask us for documentation to support loan applications or staged payment plans. Just ask!

Common Pricing Questions

Can I supply my own appliances?
Yes. We can fit customer-supplied equipment as long as it meets relevant safety standards.

Are there hidden costs?
Nope. We’re transparent. Add-ons like transport, wrapping, custom signage, and appliances are quoted separately so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Do you offer payment plans?
We don’t finance in-house, but we’re happy to work with your lender and provide detailed quotes for funding applications.

What Does a Catering Trailer Cost?

Short answer: it depends. Build costs vary depending on size, layout, materials, equipment, and finish. There’s no flat rate—but we can offer a clear guide to help you understand where your needs might land.

At A&R Willis, we typically break our builds into three budget tiers:

Essentials Range — From £20,000 + VAT

Ideal for first-time traders or lower-volume operations. Basic 10–12ft trailers or compact van conversions with essential fit-out: certified gas/electrics, worktops, sinks, and space for your equipment.

Suited to: coffee setups, snack vans, fixed pitches, budget-conscious starts.

Professional Range — From £45,000 + VAT

Our most popular builds. Designed for serious mobile traders—custom layouts, high-output kit, stainless steel interiors, branded fascia, and efficient flow.

Suited to: festival traders, busy street food vendors, growing food businesses.

Specialist Range — from £65,000 + VAT

Fully custom units like branded trailers, cocktail bars, or container kitchens. Includes structural fabrication, integrated AV, premium appliances, and event-ready setups.

Suited to: high-volume trading, brand activations, complex business models.

Choosing the right range ensures your trailer supports your goals—not just your launch day. And if you’re unsure where you fit, we’ll help you find the best starting point.