Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located? What are your business hours?
a. Custom Concessions operates offices in Chester, Virginia and Middlebury, Indiana. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST.
a. NSF stands for National Sanitation Foundation and is a requirement for commercial rated equipment. Custom Concessions uses only NSF approved equipment.
What trailer size ball does the concession trailer use?
a. The concession trailer has a 2 and 5/16” ball mounted on a 5’ tongue with a 7 way electrical connector. This connector connects your trailer lights and electric brakes.
How much does a concession trailer weigh?
The following weights are approximate and will vary with the type of equipment you have installed in your trailer:
8’ X16” tongue weight of approximately 5500 lbs = Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000 lbs
8’ X18” tongue weight of approximately 6000 lbs = Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000 lbs
8’ X20” tongue weight of approximately 6500-7000 lbs = Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000 lbs
8’ X22” tongue weight of approximately 7000 lbs = Actual weight of approximately 1500-2000 lbs
8’ X24” tongue weight of approximately 8000 lbs = Actual weight of approximately 2000 + lbs
What type of vehicle will I need to pull my trailer?
a. Please call our sales team to discuss the type of vehicle you will need to pull your specific trailer.
What separates Custom Concessions trailers from other trailer manufacturers?
a. Quality! Custom Concessions offers a nationwide warranty with every trailer we sell. All of our trailers also have a full walk-on roof, all steel tube construction and screwless exterior.
Are the concession trailers on your website the only trailers that you sell?
a. No. All Custom Concession trailers are custom built to your order. You will customize the trailer to meet your specific needs.
How do I get a quote for the trailer I am looking for?
a. The best way is to call us directly and speak with a sales consultant. Our sales team has over 25 years of restaurant and concession manufacturing experience.
How do I know what equipment I will need?
a. Tell us your menu, needs and targeted audience and we will help design and lay out your trailer to maximize your profits. The more information you can provide to us the better we can assist you.
Can you help me with my health codes and regulations?
Yes, of course we will. You must contact your local health department as well as your Fire Marshall who will forward to you the requirements that we will follow in order to build your trailer to meet all codes and regulations.
There are hundreds of different health codes throughout the United States. With that being said, there are standards that are consistent throughout the country. All states require: a 3-compartment sink with drain boards (drain boards vary by state), separate hand wash sink, fresh and gray water holding tanks (gray water tank is normally 15% larger than fresh water tank), hot water heater and smooth wipe-clean light colored interior surfaces. Cooking operations will require a commercial hood ventilation system with a stainless steel backsplash. A fire extinguisher is required. All of the preceding requirements are standard for Custom Concessions trailers.
Do I need fire suppression and what is it exactly?
a. A fire suppression unit is an emergency extinguishing system in which nozzles are placed under the commercial hood over each piece of cooking equipment with an open flame (steam table exempt). If the temperature exceeds a set limit (normally 400-500 degrees), a dry liquid powdered chemical will be dispersed and the gas will automatically shut off. This system also comes with a K class fire extinguisher. Even if your local health inspector tells you that you are not required to have a fire suppressions unit, check with the Fire Marshall in your area, he has higher jurisdiction than an inspector. Please bear in mind that if you travel outside your jurisdiction or to another state to attend events with your trailer, you will be denied access in a venue where the fire suppression system is required. This would result in loss of entrance fees as well as a loss of revenue. The cost of not having the fire suppression system may be more than anticipated.
a. Some festivals and event locations will provide power access but many do not. If you want to be 100% self contained the answer is yes, you will need a generator. Consider that if you were to lose power from a provided source at an event or festival, the generator would serve as a back up and prevent the loss of revenue and product.
How will I know if my trailer is big enough?
a. Regardless of whether your trailer is 16 feet long or a 53 feet semi, there never seems to be enough room. Consider your options to maximize space carefully and choose such items as system cabinets instead of worktop tables for extra storage of dry goods or adding shelves wherever you can. Remember, you can never have enough storage space.
a. Yes. Please contact our sales team for information on used trailers we have available.
Do you export your trailers outside the United States?
a. Yes, we export worldwide.
Will I need to pay sales tax on my trailer?
a. Custom Concessions does not collect sales tax on your trailer. You will be responsible for paying sales tax to your home state when you register your trailer.
Do you provide delivery for your trailers and how much will it cost?
a. You may pick your trailer up from the manufacturing facility directly or have the trailer delivered to you. The cost is generally $1.60 per mile one way (subject to change due to the cost of fuel).
Can you put graphics on my trailer?
a. Yes. We have a graphics team who can assist with design and application of your graphics. Please call for a quote.
Can you install my cooking equipment into a new concession trailer?
Yes, we can.
I have a budget, so can I order a basic trailer and finish it myself?
a. You may order as much or as little equipment inside your trailer as you like.
a. We do not provide in-house financing but we can provide you with the name and phone number of a finance company who will assist you.
What do you require to place an order?
a. We require a 50% down payment with the remaining balance due upon completion of your trailer.
Where do I buy my foot and supplies?
a. The two largest purveyors are US Foods and Sysco. You may also find that Sam’s Club, Costco or similar stores are adequate for your needs.
Should I winterize my trailer if it is not used in the winter?
a. Yes, if your trailer is stored in areas which reach 32 degrees or colder and a constant heat source is not kept within the trailer.