Working in a mobile kitchen is always hot work, but it can become unbearable when it comes to humid summers. If you’re feeling the heat as we head into the warmer months, take a look at these tips to manage food trucks and food trailers during summer. Most of these tips don’t require any custom food trucks repairs or special equipment. But if you do want to repair or upgrade your food truck equipment, pro food truck manufacturer Firefly can help.

1. Turn off the food truck’s hot appliances

Unnecessary heat will not only make you sweaty and grumpy, but make you lose money too. Turn off hot appliances like grills, ovens and fryers when not in use, or simply lower the heat during slow periods.

Is it possible to partially or fully cook some items in advance? If yes, try to get as much cooking done early in the morning when it’s cooler.

2. Find some shade

You can’t always choose a spot to park your truck, but keep your eye open for shady spots.

Additionally, you may want to think about buying an RV awning. Not only will it reduce sun exposure on one side of the truck, but the shade it creates may attract more customers to your truck. Just make sure to have a food truck manufacturer or RV service professionally install your awning so it doesn’t accidentally rip off your truck when driving down the road.

3. Keep your food truck fridges and freezers closed

While you may feel like sticking your head in the fridge, opening your refrigerator door on your custom food truck or food trailer will actually create more heat. Your fridges will have to work harder to maintain the fridge’s temperature. Not only is the compressor kicking on more often bad for your appliances, but it will create extra heat inside the food truck.

Try prepping food early in the morning before your fridge is in overdrive. Failing that, pull your food out of refrigerators and freezers in batches.

4. Catch a breeze

Is it possible to generate more cooling airflow in your food truck? A good quality upblast exhaust fan pulling 3/4 horsepower or more will help suck both smoke and heat out through your hood. Or you may want to invest in a roof-mounted RV air conditioning unit.

If these other upgrades aren’t in the cards (and it’s legal to do in your area), try just propping the food truck doors open to create a breeze. It will let bugs in, but it’s an option if you’re desperate.

5. Dress appropriately

Yes, sweating does keep you cool, but you don’t want too much of a good thing. It may be obvious, but investing in good fabrics that are breathable like lightweight cotton or linen will make a huge difference. Remember to tie up long hair or wear a cap if you’re often in full sunlight.

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Always stay hydrated, understand the symptoms of heat stroke, and make sure your food truck is in good condition. If you need upgrades like installing a new ventilator or food truck repairs like fixing your food truck A/C, you may need professional help. Contact pro food truck manufacturer Firefly for a free quote on your food truck repair or new custom food truck. We can help ensure your custom food truck is well-equipped to look after you and your customers.