What trailers sell for in Texas
Asking prices from Texas listings we reviewed in October 2026:
| Trailer | Listed price |
|---|---|
| New 8.5 x 16 ft concession trailer, basic (no cooking equipment), Houston dealers | $19,900 – $24,900 |
| New 16 ft trailer, fully equipped, Houston dealer | $38,000 – $48,000 |
| 16 ft concession trailer with griddle, fryer, refrigerator and A/C (2020), Houston | $40,000 |
| 8 x 16 ft kitchen trailer with fire system (2024), Texas | $41,800 |
| New 12 ft coffee trailer | $21,000 |
| 12 ft beverage trailer, Texas builder | $24,000 |
| New 8 x 14 ft beverage trailer, Texas | $33,000 |
Listings change quickly; use them as a range, not a quote.
What changes the price
- Equipment: a griddle, fryer, charbroiler, refrigeration, hood and fire suppression can add many thousands of dollars.
- Materials: 304 or 316 stainless costs more than painted or galvanized steel, and lasts longer.
- Size: 16 ft kitchens cost more than 12 ft beverage trailers.
- Electrical and water: 50 amp service, dedicated 240V circuits, larger tanks and hot water.
- Axles and brakes: tandem axles and electric brakes for heavier trailers.
- Paperwork: VIN, FMVSS label and MCO from a registered manufacturer.
Fees to add on top
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DSHS license, Type II (coffee, snow cones) | $618 + $400 pre-licensing inspection | Texas DSHS |
| DSHS license, Type III (cooking) | $876 + $500 pre-licensing inspection | Texas DSHS |
| Texas title fee | About $33 (county-set) | Travis County Tax Office |
| Sales tax (food trailers are taxed as mobile offices) | 6.25% state + up to 2% local (8.25% in Houston) | Texas Comptroller |
| Registration | Depends on weight | County tax office |
| Houston LP-Gas permit (propane cooking) | Set by the Fire Marshal | City of Houston |
Also budget for a generator or site power, propane, insurance, signage and your first inventory.
How to compare quotes
- Ask for a written list of every piece of equipment with model numbers.
- Check that the price includes the hood, fire suppression and propane work if you will cook.
- Ask who installs and tags the fire suppression system, and where.
- Ask for the VIN before delivery and decode it on NHTSA's website.
- Pay only a business, never gift cards, crypto or a personal account.
Every TX Food Trailers model page lists what is included, and your price comes on a written build sheet.
Questions
What is the cheapest way to start?
A smaller beverage trailer with no grease cooking usually costs less to buy and permit, because it needs no hood or fire suppression system.
Do fees differ for coffee and BBQ?
Yes. DSHS charges $618 plus a $400 inspection for Type II (coffee, snow cones) and $876 plus a $500 inspection for Type III (cooking).
Sources
- Texas DSHS: Mobile Food Vendors
- Travis County Tax Office: Trailer titles
- Texas Comptroller: Motor Vehicle Tax Guide glossary (mobile office)
- Texas Comptroller: Sales and use tax
- Mobile Food Alliance: Houston listings
- UsedFoodTrucks: Houston
- Texas Built Food Trailers
- Cedar Trailer Co.
- UsedVending: Texas coffee trailers
Rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the agency before you apply.
