Can You Install an Awning on a Food Truck?

Can you install an awning on a food truck or concession trailer? Of course you can! Awnings are a functional way to differentiate your concession unit by providing some much needed shade to customers that are waiting for food on a hot day. Awnings can also be used to create a makeshift dining area for customers as well. Best of all, when it’s time to move to the next vending location these awnings can be retracted automatically by request making break down faster and easier.
At M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks, we can install any type of custom awning you have in mind for a concession trailer. Here are some popular examples of use cases for this important piece of equipment:

Dining Area

You can make a nice makeshift dining area with addition of an awning. The example below is installed onto a shipping container, but the same functionality applies to a concession trailer as well. If you don’t want to haul around chairs and tables while you moving from location to location you can easily position a picnic table underneath or attractive folding chairs.

If you do want to pull this off keep in mind that you’ll need an awning large enough to offer shade to at least one set of a least one table an chairs. About 42 inches wide and 82 inches extended is the smallest awning size you would want with this goal in mind.
You’ll also want to install a shade cover that is designed to withstand the rain or direct sunshine. A material made from PVC lined polyester is a good option for this. We also recommend you only install an awning that is both waterproof to ensure a longer-lasting product and offers UV protection.

Improved Customer Experience / Marketing

On hot summer days, a short break from the heat can be just what you need to get yourself energized. This ice cream truck from Ben and Jerry’s does just that offering shade to customers looking for a cool down. Not only is this awning functional, but it serves some important marketing purposes as well.

The ribbon flair at the end of the shade cover reminds you of a classic old-school ice cream shop. This helps promote the truck as well by letting people know there are “free scoops” of ice cream to be had. That’s a pretty strong call-to-action!

Considerations

Before you go out an get an awning installed on your own concession trailer, here are a couple of important considerations to keep in mind:

• Marketing: What colors, images, or logo would make this awning match the rest of your vehicle? The goal is to make the awning look and operate like a natural part of your unit, not an after thought. In addition to coloring and logos consider adding text that let’s prospective customers know what to expect.
• Size Options: As mentioned earlier, if you plan to install a dining cover area you’ll need a larger awning at least 42 inches wide and 82 inches extended. You may discover that a custom size is needed to fit your specific food truck or trailer and that is something we can help you determine for your vehicle.