Short answer: Pick the vehicle around your stops, your staff and your licences. Not the other way around. A truck with a built-in store suits weekly routes with many stops. A van or trailer suits small or seasonal programs.
Compare the options
Market truck (walk-in or service window). Best for: Weekly routes, several stops a day, year-round. Watch out for: Licence class for heavier trucks, parking footprint.
Cargo van with coolers. Best for: Small programs, pop-ups, delivery. Watch out for: Limited display, shopping happens outside.
Trailer. Best for: Seasonal markets, events, groups that already own a tow vehicle. Watch out for: Needs a tow vehicle and a trained driver, slower setup.
Converted bus. Best for: Programs that want shoppers inside, out of the weather. Watch out for: Size, fuel use, harder to park and service.
Questions to answer first
Where will you park? Measure each stop. Check for slope, overhead wires and space for a line.
Who will drive? Check the licence your drivers need for the vehicle weight in your state or province.
What will you sell? Fresh produce needs refrigeration. Frozen or dairy needs more.
How will you power it? Shore power, generator, or batteries and solar. Each changes noise, fuel and upkeep.
Where will it be serviced? Find a local shop that can work on the chassis and the refrigeration.
Inside or outside shopping? Inside is better in bad weather. Outside is faster and works with a smaller vehicle.
