Buying a generator for a food truck: what to look for
A buying guide for food-truck generators: sizing, fuel, noise, brand and reliability considerations for mobile food.
Your generator is the piece of kit that quietly makes or breaks your day. Here's how to buy one that lasts.
Size it for peak load, not average
A fridge, coffee machine and lights aren't your peak. Peak is when they all start together. Add up peak amps and add 25% headroom.
Inverter, not conventional
Sensitive kit (POS, coffee machines, LED lights) needs clean sine-wave power. Inverter generators deliver it; conventional don't.
Noise matters at markets
Under 60dB from 7m is the norm. Louder and organisers may complain — or refuse you.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel cost adds up across a season. Newer inverter models with eco modes drop fuel use by 30-40%.
Service intervals
Log every service. CartFlow tracks generator hours and service due dates as an asset.
Redundancy plan
Bring a second generator to big events. One failure per season is normal.