How should i power my catering trailer?

by mathew eaton
(stoke on trent)

I am in the process of renovating a 12ft catering trailer and my next step is deciding on a method to power things. Should I go for all gas, all electric or a combination?

Or for ease of installation electric is the easiest option for me as I have electrician friends who will do the work and sign the work off for free.

I also have a 4Kva generator which could possibly power things for me. My only concern is that having a noisy generator may alienate us from some events due to noise.

Has anyone come across this problem before? Fuelling during the day will not be a problem as the generator I have has a long tank which should last the day. Also will this generator power the following?

-Griddle
-Bain marie
-Combined fridge/freezer
-Microwave
-Lights
-Small chip fryer

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Jan 25, 2025
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Powering Your Catering Trailer
by: David-

Hi there! Great question about powering your catering trailer with lithium-ion leisure batteries—it’s a smart and eco-friendly choice. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.

Step 1: Work Out How Much Power You Need
You mentioned your equipment uses 3200 watts (W) total, but not all at the same time. Let’s look at your biggest power users:

Microwave: 900W (only runs for short bursts)
Coffee machine: 1500W (also doesn’t run continuously)
Other smaller devices, like lights or a fridge, might use power steadily, but they don’t need as much as the big items.

The total power demand depends on what you’re using at the same time. Let’s assume you might need around 2000W at one time as an average.

Step 2: Choose the Right Battery
Lithium-ion leisure batteries are great because they’re lightweight, last longer, and can discharge more power compared to old lead-acid batteries. To figure out the battery size:

Decide how long you want the batteries to last. Let’s say 8 hours for a full workday.
Multiply the power demand by the hours:
2000 watts × 8 hours = 16,000 watt-hours (Wh), or 16 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
To find out how many batteries you need:

Many lithium-ion leisure batteries are around 12V and 100Ah. One of these stores:
12V × 100Ah = 1200Wh (1.2kWh).

Divide your total power need by one battery’s capacity:
16,000Wh ÷ 1200Wh = about 14 batteries.
If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry—there are higher-capacity batteries available, like 200Ah batteries, that reduce the number you’d need.

Step 3: Pick the Right Inverter
The inverter changes the battery’s 12V power into 240V for your appliances. To power your equipment:

Look for an inverter that can handle at least 3200W continuously.
Choose a pure sine wave inverter, which is best for sensitive appliances like microwaves and coffee machines.

Step 4: Get Professional Help
Installing a battery system for a catering trailer can be tricky. It’s a good idea to talk to professionals who specialize in off-grid or campervan power systems. Search for:

Catering trailer electricians
Off-grid power system suppliers
Campervan or motorhome electricians
They’ll help you calculate your exact needs, recommend batteries, and ensure the setup is safe.

Quick Tips:

Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive up front but save money over time because they last longer.
Consider adding solar panels to recharge your batteries during the day—it can reduce the need for charging overnight.

Good luck with your catering trailer! It’s exciting to see you thinking ahead about powering it efficiently

Explore Portable Power Solutions

Sep 27, 2022
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Help with Lithium Ion batteries
by: Anonymous

I have a similar question. Just bought a catering trailer and we want to power it with Lithium Ion leisure batteries if possible. We have about 3200w worth of electrical equipment to power although the microwave (900w) and coffee machine (1500w) won't be on and require full power continuously. Where do we go to get advice as to what size leisure battery and inverter we'd need? Can't seem to get anyone to answer this question. Can anyone help or advise?

Oct 16, 2019
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Trouble with LPG
by: Anonymous

The trouble with LPG is if you have fridges etc. then you cant have gas running while in transit.
you can get LPG dual generators. or even use leisure batteries.

Most events wont allow petrol generators, but you can get silent Diesel generators.

Aug 06, 2019
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Lights
by: David-

Hi Trish,

At the time the fridge was LPG Gas and for lights, we used a 12v battery which worked fine. If your fridge is not LPG, you will then have to use a generator as a power source.

Best of luck
David

Aug 05, 2019
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Electrics?
by: Trish

Hi David, can I just ask about lights? And fridges if you used any?

Nov 21, 2014
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Question for WILL
by: Rachel

Hello Will,
Can you please give me some more info on how you connected up the system and other parts I need to buy please.
Many thanks
Rachel

Oct 25, 2014
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LPG Equipment
by: David-

Hello Adrian,

It is possible to run food heaters off LPG gas, but you are not permitted while the vehicle is in transit. It's fine, when stationary so if this is what you mean, then this will not be a problem.

Best of luck
David

Oct 25, 2014
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Gas or electric
by: Adrian

Hello! I'm i interested in this too! I am considering a mobile soup and baked potato round and wondered if it were possible to run the food heaters off LPG as the van would be constantly mobile?
Is this possible?

Feb 11, 2011
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All LPG Gas Appliances for Mobile Catering
by: David

Hi Mathew,

To be honest with you and if it’s not too late, I would choose to install everything to work of LPG and have nothing running off the electric.

It will be cheaper and you’ll only have to pay out for an LPG test as opposed to LPG and electric certificates. (not to mention in some cases a P.A.T test)

My personal preference has always been LPG which evens goes for the generator which can be converted to run of gas with an LPG conversion kit.

My whole catering trailer was gas powered, no messing around with diesel or petrol generators.

When you’re running low on a bottle of gas just – simply switch to the second LPG bottle and off you go.

Seriously! it will be a lot less hassle in the long run.

Best of luck
David

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How should i power my catering trailer?

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