It’s no secret that a custom, Australian-made food truck is going to cost more than its counterparts that are manufactured overseas or imported as ready-to-build kits. In this blog, we break down the components that make up the cost, to understand the investment fully.
There are a number of key elements to a custom build from Bella Manufacturing and they are:
- Vehicle – Depending on the brand chosen and size needed, the cost of the cab chassis will be around 20-40% of the total cost. Due to volume, the Bella team are able to offer fleet discounts from most major brands, and the kind of vehicle purchased will depend on the type of fit out needed for the business, so it’s a good idea to plan the fit out requirements before purchasing the vehicle. Also read the quote carefully – a fit out cost is in addition to a vehicle purchase.
- Rear pod – this is the custom-built element and, like anything being built, if it is bigger, it will need more materials and therefore cost more. With every build, Bella Manufacturing focus on quality, robustness, and safety. A commercial kitchen requires materials that are designed to withstand regular, sustained use. These are of a higher quality and durability than domestic kitchens and, as with most things, quality costs more. Too often we are contacted to assist with repairs on food trucks that have been built with inferior quality materials and have broken down, so a solid, quality foundation is worth the investment if budget allows.
- The equipment required to produce the food being served will also impact the total cost. Just like materials, safety is paramount, as is durability in a commercial kitchen environment. A vast menu requiring a range of equipment will impact cost – the more equipment needed, the higher the cost total. Buying the best equipment the budget allows is wise – cheaper equipment doesn’t last as long, and in this business when a food truck is not cooking, it’s not earning! Bella Manufacturing can recommend quality equipment in every custom fit out.
- Safety – As mentioned in an earlier blog, safety and adherence to Australian standards is paramount. The internal lining of every food truck we build is made from the maximum safety rated, highly fire resistant XFLAM panels. This minimises the risk of a fire burning out of control once it has started. The interior of a food truck is not a big space, and a fire spreading quickly could have devastating consequences. In addition, fit outs are built adhering to Australian food safety standards, ensuring they comply with codes and guidelines that are designed to protect the consumer. This ensures vehicles are compliant and pass inspections to receive permits to trade.
- Customisation – As a custom builder, we see plenty of creative design ideas. Whilst almost anything can be built, there is always cost – both in terms of price and other factors. For example, streamliner vehicles with curved sides look amazing, yet those curved edges do take out storage space internally, as well as take extra time to manufacture. We encourage creative design and share the knowledge that often it will contribute more to the overall price.
- Man hours – At Bella Manufacturing, food trucks and other mobile catering vehicles are built from the tyres up, and this takes time. When receiving a quote for a food truck build, expect the cost of anywhere between 430-600 man hours to be included, depending on the requirements of the build. All Bella trucks are designed and built in Australia by qualified tradespeople, so labour costs are typically higher than overseas manufacturers.
- Gas and electrical – this a key safety element when fitting out a food truck and one the Bella team take very seriously. We always use commercial (not domestic) gas and electrical fitters as they are knowledgeable on the safety standards food trucks must meet to legally trade. At the last hurdle of building a food truck, permits being withheld pending additional compliance work is best avoided.
| Cost Component | Typical Share of Total Cost | What Pushes It Higher | What Keeps It Manageable |
| Vehicle | Moderate-High | Brand, size, and condition of the base vehicle chosen | Right-sizing the vehicle to the menu instead of over-buying |
| Rear Pod | Moderate–High | Larger builds, more complex layouts, premium materials | Standardised pod dimensions where the fit-out allows |
| Equipment | Moderate–High | Complex menus needing specialised commercial equipment | Streamlining the menu to match a leaner equipment list |
| Safety | Moderate | XFLAM fire-resistant panelling and full Australian standards compliance | Built in from the start rather than retrofitted |
| Customisation | Moderate–High | Design features like streamliner curved sides, bespoke finishes | Sticking to proven layouts and finish options |
| Man Hours | High | Project complexity — typically 430–600 hours per build | Clear scope and specs agreed upfront, minimising rework |
| Gas & Electrical | Moderate | Commercial-grade installation by certified tradespeople | Non-negotiable for compliance, but scoped tightly to the fit-out |
At Bella Manufacturing, our goal is to do it right the first time, every time and we use quality materials, equipment, tradespeople, and services. Our team’s knowledge and experience are second to none and the finished product will be a reliable, sturdy and high-quality vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for your mobile food service business.
Custom Build Food Trucks vs Second Hand or Imported Food Trucks
If you’re considering the pros and cons of a custom build versus a second hand or imported unit, the table below breaks down some of the factors that may influence the decision.
| Factor | Custom-Built (Australian-made) | Second-Hand or Imported |
| Upfront Cost | Higher upfront investment | Often cheaper upfront |
| Compliance with Australian Standards | Built to comply from the ground up (e.g. XFLAM panelling, certified gas/electrical) | Compliance not guaranteed — may need costly retrofitting to pass inspection |
| Lead Time | Longer, as it’s built to spec (typically 430–600 man hours) | Often faster — ready to operate sooner |
| Customisation | Fully tailored to your menu, brand, and workflow | Limited to what the previous owner built it for |
| Quality of Materials & Trades | Built by qualified Australian tradespeople, from the tyres up | Variable — depends on the original build quality and history |
| Long-Term Durability & Resale | Higher-quality build tends to hold value and last longer | Condition and remaining lifespan can be uncertain |
| Warranty & Support | Local manufacturer support and accountability | Limited or no warranty, especially on imported units |
For more information or to talk to our sales team, contact us.