Food Truck Generators

Many festivals and locations will furnish you with power but many will not. So if you want to be 100% fully self contained the answer is yes. Just a thought, if power is lost at an event or festival, the price of a generator would pay for itself in about 3 hours. Food truck generators are certainly a good choice for those trying to find out how to power a food truck conveniently.

 Type of oil to use when learning how to power a food truck:

• SAE 30 40°F and higher (5°C and higher) is good for all purpose use above 40°F, use below 40°F will cause hard starting for food truck generators.
• 10W-30 0 to 100 °F (-18 to 38 °C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80°F(27°C) or higher.
• Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120 °F (-30 to 40 °C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
• 5W-30 40 °F and below (5 °C and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions.
• Oil Recommendation: ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR PRODUCT OPERATION MANUAL
• Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher.
  Do not use special additives.
• Choose a viscosity according to the table above.

Some food truck generators contain either an extended oil fill tube or a standard fill hole with a dipstick for inspection. Others require you to remove the fill cap to check that the oil is at the fill line or the top of the fill hole. Avoid overfilling your crankcase. Too much oil can cause the same type of engine damage as not having enough. Air bubbles form in the oil, reducing overall lubrication. The resulting friction and metal-to-metal contact can cause premature part failure. Excess oil can also burn in the cylinder, producing smoke and leaving carbon deposits. Learn the proper amount of oil to use when learning how to power food trucks. 

Make it a habit to check the oil level and appearance each time you’re about to start a small engine. Checking the oil while the engine is cold and most of the oil is in the crankcase yields the most accurate reading. You won’t need to change or add oil every time, but you’ll ensure a better-running engine and avoid problems down the road if you keep the crankcase full and change the oil on schedule and any time the oil loses its amber hue. 

Generators are not weatherproof and can withstand water and elements for only a short time. In certain cases when a unit is not in use covers such as tarps have been used. Such items such as small tents can be used to block inclement weather from reaching an operating generator but keeping in mind that a generator requires proper ventilation should be considered. 

The unit not starting could be due to a series of issues. Spark Plug wire not connected, no gas, no oil, unit switched to off and not switched on, etc. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual and follow the steps outlined before seeking assistance from your authorized service center. 

My Mobile Mechanic or an authorized service center should be the only place you take any food truck generators for service or repair. A unit taken to a repair facility not authorized could cause your warranty to be nullified. See your Owner’s Manual for more information. 

Upgrades to food truck generators may be necessary depending on the location where the service is provided or the need for extra equipment to be powered that may not have been originally specified. Learn about how to power a food truck and then decide on the generator before production begins because a transition could become even more costly than originally planning for it. Decibel levels are usually stated in the product description and should be considered beforehand.  

• The main purpose of a generator is to be used as a backup power
• First oil and filter change.  Your concession trailer’s generator requires preventative maintenance. Concession Nation recommends your first oil change and filter change after the first 24-hours of logged operations.
• Check oil weekly. Generators consume a lot of oil.
• Refrigerators and other cooling equipment. It is strongly recommended using external electrical sources during non-serving times for refrigerators and other cooling equipment. This will prevent overworking your equipment and generators and prevent damage and failure.
• Never cover your generator while in operation.
• Never operate the generator inside your concession trailer (This means indoors, for example running the generator inside a warehouse or moving your trailer generator inside your trailer.).
• Cover your generator when not in use. Tarp or similar cover will help prevent weather damage.