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Buying a Used Food Truck in Texas: 6 Ways to Avoid Scams

Posted by Damian Roberti on

Buying a Used Food Truck in Texas: 6 Ways to Avoid Scams

Finding a used food truck in Texas for a bargain price is the fastest way to launch your mobile business, but it is also the easiest way to lose your startup capital. Because there are no "national standards" for food trucks, a unit that worked in one county may fail inspection in another.

Use these 6 essential rules to evaluate any used food truck before you sign the bill of sale.

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00:00:00 Alright. So you're thinking about buying one of these cheap food trucks for sale in Texas.

00:00:04 Before you jump on that too good to be a true deal,

00:00:10 Let me tell you what you end up saving up front or thinking that you're saving You end up could cost you thousands of dollars in the end.

00:00:17 Tips and pointers on what not to do and what you should do. 00:00:22 Dozens of listings for used or even cheap food trucks in Texas. 00:00:32 Hidden issues like outdated equipment, poor electrical wiring, or failure to meet Texas's health codes for food trucks.

00:00:43 Dropping ten to fifteen thousand dollars fixing things they didn't even know about.

00:00:49 Couldn't even get a permit to operate that food truck in Texas because the truck didn't even meet the city or county requirements. 00:00:57 Protect yourself. Number one, inspect everything.

00:01:05 Some cities like Houston, Austin, or even Dallas have really stringent guidelines.

00:01:14 Check the paperwork. Make sure the truck has a clear title. 00:01:33 Budget for upgrades. Set aside at least twenty percent on your budget for repairs, even customizations, or even retro fitting.

00:02:04 Compare new versus used costs.

The 6-Point Used Food Truck Inspection Guardrails

  1. Verify the DSHS Permit History: Ask for the previous owner's most recent Texas DSHS Mobile Food Unit (MFU) inspection report. If they are evasive, walk away.

  2. The "Sink Submerge" Test: Bring your largest hotel pan to the viewing. If it doesn't fully fit into the 3-compartment sink for washing and sanitizing, it will fail Texas health code requirements.

  3. Water Tank Ratio: Texas law requires your waste water tank to be at least 15% larger than your fresh water tank. Check the physical tank sizes—don’t just take the seller's word for it.

  4. Independent Power Systems: Turn on the generator and check if the refrigeration holds temp without being plugged into "shore power." If it can't run independently, you have an expensive repair bill waiting.

  5. Fire Suppression (ANSUL): Ensure the hood system is certified. If the fire suppression system is expired, it can cost $1,500+ to re-certify—use this as a bargaining chip to lower your price.

  6. Title & Lien Check: Run the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) through the Texas DMV. Ensure the title is clear and that there are no outstanding liens on the vehicle or trailer.