Have you just received your new food truck? Or maybe you are in the process of having a food truck built right now? If so, this video and post will help you get all the information you need to feel confident when operating your new food truck.
How to Start Your Generator
This is generally the first thing you will want to do upon receiving your food truck.
- Locate the generator breaker
- Flip the generator breaker to on
- If you do not have an interior generator switch, open the access door on the exterior where your generator is stored.
- Press the auto button, which will allow you to turn the generator on and off from the remote switch inside your truck.
- Locate the remote switch inside your truck.
- Press and hold the start switch for a few seconds until you hear the generator kick on.
- Release the start switch.
Turn on Your Breakers
After starting your generator, flip your breaker switches to “on” one at a time.
- Locate your breaker panel (usually toward the rear of your food truck)
- Open the panel door(s)
- Turn on each breaker switch one at a time, waiting a few seconds between each switch to allow the generator to catch up
- Do this until all breaker switches are in the “on” position
Inside the breaker box, each breaker switch should be labeled according to what it controls on your food truck. By turning the switches on, you will be turning on everything in your food truck that is connected to the generator, like your hood, appliances, air conditioning, outlets, lights, etc.
It is crucial to make sure that everything is turned off when you are done operating for the day.
Familiarize Yourself with the Layout of your Food Truck
Fire Suppression System
Knowing the location of your fire suppression system is very important, as it will help you in case you experience a fire emergency on your truck. Your fire suppression system should be next to your exhaust hood. Be sure to read over the manual and make sure you know how to operate it. For safety purposes, fire suppression systems are required on all food trucks that have a cooking line.
Water Heater
Water heaters will differ from truck to truck. Yours may be electric or propane.
Receptacles
All outlets/receptacles in your food truck that correspond to a specific appliance will be labeled, so that you can easily identify them.
Sink Systems
Your food truck should be equipped with a hand wash sink, plus a 3-bay sanitation sink. Underneath your sink are your water lines, fresh water tank, and water pump. Your grey water tank is located underneath your truck.
Kitchen Equipment
Familiarize yourself with the particular equipment on your food truck by reading the owner’s manual for each respective piece. We will provide you with all owners manuals, along with all warranty information.
Driving Your Food Truck
If you are new to driving a large vehicle such as a food truck, we suggest taking your truck to a large, empty parking lot and practicing driving it around so you can familiarize yourself in a safe environment. Practice utilizing the back up camera, if you chose to add one to your food truck package.
Fuel
It is very important to purge your propane tanks before using them for the first time. You should read the owner’s manual before attempting to light your various appliance from the propane tank.
- Ensure that all burners are set to the “off” position.
- Turn the propane valve counterclockwise to open it.
- Start the ignition source and turn the burner knob to “high” to light the first burner.
- Hold the flame close to the pilot with the gas flow.
- Once the first burner is lit, light the pilot next to it.
- Continue until all burners are lit.
Storage
Familiarize yourself with all storage options on your food truck so you can begin strategizing where and how you are going to store all of your peripheral equipment.
Powered Awning
Using your awning is very easy. Simply hold the “extend” button down until your awning is fully extended.
Changing Refrigerator or Freezer Temperature
This should be very simple. Locate the temperature panel on the upper front section of your refrigerator or freezer, and use the buttons to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Using the A/C Unit
You will definitely want to know how to operate your A/C, as it can get very hot cooking inside your truck!
- Locate your air conditioning unit on the ceiling of your food truck.
- Control the temperature with the corresponding knobs.
Exhaust System
Knowing how to operate your exhaust fans is very important. Your fans may be electric or manual. In the case of electric fans, they will be operated from a fan panel somewhere on the wall inside your truck. Manual fans are controlled by twisting the knob on the fan box on the ceiling. Even if your fans are electric, you will still be able to use the manual knob in case of an emergency.
Serving Windows
Once you slide your window up, you can twist the small knobs to secure it in place.
Interior & Exterior Lights
- Flip the appropriately labeled breaker switch
- Find the wall switch and switch on.
Sound System
Your exterior speakers are controlled by the sound system inside your truck. This is usually located on an upper shelf.
Exterior Compartments
Familiarize yourself with the locations of the various exterior compartments on your truck, including access to:
- Propane tanks
- Generator
- Fresh water
- Gas tank
- Exterior storage compartments
Most exterior access panels and doors are locked and require a key to access as a safety precaution, including your serving windows and optional TV shadow box.