Kitchen Equipment

My son found a 1947 Chevy 2 ton flatbed truck. So we are now going about deciding on specific equipment. Can you recommend good brands and reputable vendors. From appliances to water tanks.

My son is looking to run everything off a generator. Hot water heater, water pump, refrigerator. Not written in stone yet. Though when truck is at location he plans on using extension cords from a building and when at home the same way.

When in transit/driving to the events location he plans on running the generator to keep the refrigerator cold. He plans on mounting the generator in a metal cabinet underneath the flatbed with louvers to allow air in for the engine to run and provide air to cool the generator engine. Is it feasible to operate the generator that way.

Plumbing materials:

What type of hose/pipe should be used when connecting the potable water tank to the water pump, water heater, faucets? Should we use the white rv water hose that keeps the water from tasting bad? Can that hose be used to carry hot water from the tank to the sink?

The best material to connect sink drains to the grew water tank? Rubber hose? PVC?

If we decide to go with a propane water heater can that be running/on when the truck is being driven? What is the best material to connect the propane tank to the water heater?

We are estimating that we will have to carry 20 gals of fresh water. What size propane tank would we need? How long would a 20lb tank last making hot water?

Again thanks to everyone.

Good luck with your truck. Whomever you're consulting with at the health department, try to get that person to make the inspection when you apply for a permit.

Thanks for the 220 needed for electric water heater.

Leaning to tankless system run on propane.

Link to the pizza refrig unit is nice.

We are in planning stage now and consulting with the county health department.

I strongly suggest that before you proceed any further with your plans to build this food truck, you should first consult with your local government agency that regulates food trucks and study the code requirements. Ask for a check list also of the things the inspector will be looking for. If not, you will be spending a lot of time and money building this truck only to find out that you're in violation of the health codes governing food trucks. An example of a potential problem would be whether the food handling equipment are NSF grade or not. Another is where you are going to store the vehicle and supplies. Here in California you have to have an approved commmissary. And yes, you'll need a health permit. If you bring it in for an inspection and it doesn't pass, you'll have to pay a reinspection fee each time.

The old 12 wire NHE Onan generators are not totally extinct. Can be found used
Reconnectble EASILY either 120 or 240 volt. Takes 5-minutes. You need to work on serious serious forced air ventilation as the temp in the work area can soar to 150+F with that oven. And lighting. Build a tailgate wood rack with a doggie door style pass through. Pre serving counter with infra red par 46 lamps. Shur Flo makes all kinds of water pumps. Go to their web page.

You can get up to 20 gallon 120V AC WH.....uses 2000W element

I would agree with DrewE that a small residential (propane) tankless water heater would be the way to roll.

Genset for the rest of the power requirements.

I agree with the "yesses"—this would work. There are alternatives that may or may not be better.

The water heater would be the largest consumer of electricity by far, and would pretty much determine the size of generator needed. Do be aware that all but the smallest of the small water heaters are 220V, and not all generators (particularly smaller ones) are wired for 220V output—very, very few RV generators are. Virtually all electric water heaters are too big to power from a normal 15A outlet if there's anything else also on the circuit (the smallest are generally around 1500 watts).

I would think a propane water heater may be more practical, possibly an on-demand unit.

A very low-tech approach would be to use iceboxes or coolers for the refrigeration and rig up a water heater in the wood burner. If using a hand or foot pump, no electrical system at all would be strictly required. The health inspection people may look askance at such a setup, though—I don't have any experience in that regard.

As to what sort of appliances to get, I would suggest looking for a small commercial sandwich cooler (or, even better, a pizza prep) type of fridge, something like this (sandwich) or this (pizza). While not inexpensive, such a setup would be much more convenient for pizza making than a typical fridge. Auctions may be the best bet for finding one at a reasonable price.

ScottG wrote:
Yes but he'll need the right gen to do it.

What makes a generator the right generator besides P = I x E? For I am not a generator expert.

I know that there are 3 way appliances, 12v, 110v, propane, and straight propane but I think a straight 110v would be less money to buy and more dependable and can just run a line out when it is parked at the house.

Yes but he'll need the right gen to do it.