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There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic sound of an ice cream truck on a hot summer day. Hear the sound of that clanging bell or recorded tune, and you’re compelled to stop what we’re doing and run to the street for a frozen treat.
For vendors bringing that happiness to kids of all ages, it isn’t a job. It’s a serious mission that requires just the right vehicle. Ready to live the dream of running your own mobile ice cream business?
Shop now for ice cream trucksClassic Ice Cream Trucks
If you want to do this right, go for a vehicle that’s extra special. But that doesn’t mean exotic. Good Humor built its ice cream trucks, and its legend, using conventional pickup trucks. In the 1950s, Good Humor used the Chevrolet 3100. By the 1960s, the company switched to the Ford F-100.
Finding a well-restored, old-school ice cream truck these days is not an easy task, but an original Good Humor truck shows up on eBay on occasion. If a high-performance hot rod ice cream truck sounds cool, you’ll love this beauty.
The ice cream truck business has lots of ins and outs. Above all, you need to live within the letter of the law. It all starts with food safety and the proper permits. The Chamber of Commerce lays out the basics on how to start an ice cream business. So take the time to read, absorb, dream, and decide. Whether you choose to buy a turnkey ice cream truck or build one from scratch, you’re about to embark on one sweet ride.
How Much Do Ice Cream Trucks Cost?
This turnkey ice cream boat is offered on eBay at $215,000. But most ice cream trucks range between $30,000 and $60,000.
The cost of entry in the ice cream truck business depends on the type of product. But most conventional trucks range between $30,000 and $60,000. Four-wheeled ice cream trucks can be priced as low as $10,000. Entrepreneurs can start with even more affordable three-wheelers and pushcarts.
This Tiny Cushman Truckster delivers the frozen goodies with a fire department theme.
Selling pre-packaged frozen confections is the least expensive route. A relatively small vehicle equipped with a single freezer can kickstart an ice cream truck business. Selling Chipwiches, Drumsticks, Choco Tacos, and Strawberry Shortcake bars is relatively easy.
If you like the idea of a bike but don’t want to peddle, check out Bike and a Box’s eBay store for electric ice cream trikes. Bikes and trikes are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. Meanwhile, a van is a considerable step up from a pushcart or tricycle.
12-Volt Freezers vs. Cold Plate Freezers
A purpose-built freezer is essential to keep those tasty ice cream pops frozen solid. Cold plate freezers are the tool of choice.
Cold plate freezers use a tank of liquid that’s frozen solid overnight and wrapped with a high level of insulation. The special liquid solution typically contains saltwater with some alcohol. Saltwater freezes at approximately 28.4º. Alcohol lowers the freezing point even further. So, you can hit the road mid-morning and count on up to 12 hours of cold. Once the freezer plates have melted, you and your inventory are done for the day.
Unfortunately, 12-volt freezers are not appropriate for heavy-duty commercial work.
Italian Ice and Hard Ice Cream
Outfitting a truck to sell Italian ice or hard ice cream is a step up from selling pre-packaged pops. These treats require more freezer space, along with a sink and water for cleanup. This approach also calls for a truck with ample headroom. You’ll likely dish out the goods from inside the truck rather than from the street.
The gallery below shows an example of a big, gorgeous Italian ice vehicle.
Soft-serve ice cream machines take up space, but can draw crowds.
Selling soft-serve ice cream requires a higher level of investment and a beefy electric generator. As a result, these trucks are best suited for stationary operations like fairs, corporate events, and sports tournaments rather than cruising through neighborhoods.
What Trucks are Popular for Conversion?
An eBay seller based in Argentina offers custom vendor trailers in Miami.
Any van with enough headroom is a candidate for conversion to an ice cream truck. The older and more unique the design, the more it will stand out. Traditional step vans from Chevrolet, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, Grumman Olson, and Workhorse are plentiful. They all offer oodles of space. Shortie school buses and shuttle vans may be inexpensive and roomy, but they don’t have the right, friendly vibe.
Food vending trailers come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. This VW-bus inspired trailer is sure to attract a crowd.
High-roof versions of modern large vans are a hot ticket these days. They’re more dependable, fuel-efficient, and offer more versatility overall. Most importantly, they’re reliable. You’ll find plenty of Ford Transits, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Nissan NV 2500s, and Ram Promasters to convert. The finishing touch is the car audio sound system to let the neighborhood know that treats are on the way.
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