The catering vehicle is the biggest single outlay for most startups. Many people begin their search on eBay or Gumtree, but it can be overwhelming and there are real pitfalls to avoid. Here is how to choose one safely, what to inspect before you pay, and how to decide between secondhand, new-build and conversion.

What a catering vehicle costs (UK, rough guide)

Prices vary hugely with size, age and fit-out, but as a rough guide:

£2k–£8ksecondhand catering trailer
£8k–£20kdecent secondhand catering van
£15k–£40k+new custom-built trailer
£10k–£30kconverting a van or trailer you already have

Typical UK market ranges, June 2026. Varies hugely with size, age and fit-out.

Secondhand, new or converted?

Secondhand

Cheapest and quickest, but you inherit someone else’s wiring, gas and wear. Fine if you inspect properly (checklist below). Best for a tight budget or testing the water.

New custom-built

Most expensive, but built to current UK standards, compliant from day one, and specced to your menu. Best if you know exactly what you want and can finance it.

Conversion

Take a van or trailer you own (or buy) and have it fitted out by a certified builder. A middle path: you control the base vehicle, the pro handles the compliant fit-out.

How to inspect a secondhand catering vehicle

The single most useful thing on this page. Before you hand over any money, check:

  • Gas Safe (LPG) certificate in date, for catering/LPG, covering the appliances fitted. No cert, no deal.
  • Electrical certificate / PAT for all electrical appliances and the install.
  • Appliances fire each one up: griddle, fryer, boiler, fridge. Do they hold temperature? Any leaks or dodgy flames?
  • Gas system bottle stowage, regulators, hoses (cracked or perished?), shut-off valves, ventilation.
  • Water fresh and waste tanks, pump, hand-wash sink, no leaks.
  • Extraction & ventilation canopy, filters and fan all working.
  • For a van valid MOT, mileage versus service history, tyres (including the spare) and their age, brakes, no excessive rust or damp, and a test drive.
  • For a trailer tow it: handling, tyres and age, brakes, chassis condition, hitch and coupling, lights and indicators, jockey wheel.
  • Bodywork & interior damp, rot, rust, secure worktops and hygienic, EHO-ready surfaces.

Get the paperwork

Insist on the V5C logbook (for a vehicle), the gas and electrical certificates, receipts and service or maintenance history, and run an HPI or finance check on a vehicle so you know it is not on finance, written off or stolen. The more history the seller can show, the safer the buy.

Red flags: walk away if…

  • There are no gas or electrical certificates
  • It is cash-only with no paperwork
  • The price looks too good to be true
  • The seller will not let you inspect or test-drive it
  • The chassis or VIN number is tampered with or unreadable
  • You get vague answers about the vehicle’s history

Buyer beware

Two MobCater reads worth your time before you buy: how to check if a catering trailer is stolen and beware of what you are getting. Tie the stolen-trailer point to the checklist above: always check the chassis and VIN, run an HPI check, and ask the police if you have any doubt.

Buying new

If you would rather buy new, a custom-built trailer or van from a specialist builder is made to current UK standards and compliant from day one, specced to your menu. It costs more, but you avoid inheriting someone else’s problems. To kit one out, you will find generators and catering equipment at our sister site mobcater.com, with Payl8r finance to spread the cost.

The big cost, planned

Cost your vehicle in the free app

The vehicle is the biggest line in your budget. Use the free MobCater app’s startup cost calculator to work out what you can afford before you start looking.

Open the free guide

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Frequently asked questions

How do I check a used catering trailer is safe and legal?

Check the in-date Gas Safe (LPG) certificate and electrical/PAT certificate, fire up every appliance, inspect the gas system, water, tyres, brakes and chassis, and get the paperwork (certificates, receipts, service history). Run an HPI check on a vehicle. No certificates means walk away.

Is it better to buy a secondhand or new catering vehicle?

Secondhand is cheapest and quickest but you inherit someone else's wiring, gas and wear, so inspect thoroughly. New custom-built costs more but is compliant from day one and specced to your menu. A conversion of a vehicle you own is a middle path.

How do I check a catering trailer is not stolen?

Check the chassis and VIN number are present and unaltered, run an HPI or finance check, insist on the V5C and receipts, and be wary of cash-only deals with no paperwork. If in doubt, ask the police. See our guide on checking if a trailer is stolen.