Ok sorry if this is a dumb questions but based on this schematic the 40″X60″ body dimension should have a 1/4″ removed from each side = 39 1/2″ X 59 1/2″ floor board? Then center the floor board on the cart…or keep the front and hang the floor board to the back? Should I brace the hangover and with what method….L brace or other reinforcements? Thank you for prompt response.
You are correct in removing 1/4 inch from each side of the floor board. This allows for the 1/4 plywood skins (which you will add later) to end up flush with the sides of the trailer frame.
Since the back of the cart body will be hanging off the rear of the trailer you don’t need to remove the 1/4 inch front and back. No additional bracing is needed. The 2×2 framework is sufficiently strong.
There are no dumb questions 🙂 All the members can learn from this, I thank you for asking it Jerome!!!
I guess the reason I am confused is because the 60″ dimension measures to the end of the sink but is this also the dimension of the base of the cart 60″? I’m assuming the sink should be boxed in and I should subtract the sinks dimension from 60″ to figure out the bases dimension.
In this version the sinks are not boxed in. They are mounted in holes cut in the top surface of the cart body. So, yes the base of the cart body is indeed 60″. Be sure to lay out what ever equipment, coolers, sinks, etc that you want to use and make sure 60″ will be enough. You can make the body a bit longer if needed, the 2×2 frame is plenty strong. The only problem you may run into by going too long is the balance of the cart. It must balance tongue down.
Not a problem. Hang some of the extra length off the back of the trailer frame. No extra support required, the body is stiff enough to handle it. Just pay attention to the balance of the cart. It must balance tongue down. Nothing would change in the side view as far as tanks, etc.
Hi Steve,
I like the side serve option and I am planning on designing that type of cart but the worry I have is that the fender and tire may make that uncomfortable to work around for any length of time. Is that usually a problem? Thanks!
No, Tom. The fender only sticks out 6″. I worked for two years from a side serve cart built on this same trailer frame and the fender never bothered me. It actually provides a nice little shelf for your personal water bottle or radio. Go for it!
Hi, I’m Jerome and I’m a new member. Am I understanding correctly that when I build my cart, it cannot hang over the sides of the trailer frame but it can hang over the front and rear? My trailer is about 4 ft wide and about 5 ft front to back.
Welcome Jerome! The cart body can extend beyond the trailer sides as well as the rear. If you go wider than the trailer be sure to either keep the fenders on or box the wheel area so road debris doesn’t get inside the cart body. Send me pics when you finish it Jerome!
Absolutely! I am going to transform my Dad’s(may he R.I.P) old dog trailer into a hotdog cart!! I like the side serve schematics….I am so hyped about my new opportunity. I looked at the Cal Code(I’m in L.A, Ca.) and got kinda confused about the wording in regards to the sinks. I think the side serve will take care of my worries. If I have any problems, I will hit you with a message. And thanks for the reply.
Greetings Steve,
I am in the process of turning in my plans to the HD. I live in CA -Stanislaus County. The HD only requires 1 hand-washing sink ,a mechanical refrigerator, 5 gal fresh water tank, 7.5 waste water tank. So, I will be adapting the HDC to accommodate the requirements.
Any ideas where to get a mechanical refrigerator. I take it that is should run on propane. Does this create a problem in keeping the food cold enough? How fast does it take to get to proper temperature. Is this were I try and convince the HD that a cooler and my commissary would be sufficient?
Thanks for your help.
Slinger Cyndi (Hotdog on Wheels)
It depends on whether your Health Department requires a commercial fridge or not. If not, you can get a used mini fridge or dorm fridge on Craigs List for under $50. If you need a commercial fridge still try Craigs – sometimes the do come up. Otherwise do a Google search on commercial mini fridge or commercial bar fridge.
Although propane fridges are available, they are expensive. A better alternative is to use a regular 120V fridge and run it off of a power inverter connected to a deep cycle marine battery.
Steve- Are there any plans with dimensions for the side serve cart? Like where the 2×2’s go for the burner stove would you run them the opposite direction now that one would go with the side serve model?
Quick question..if the trailer frame is 40×49, then how does this 40×60 fit onto it? Do i have to get a bigger trailer frame, or is this counterbalanced somehow on the tiny suggested frame. Forgive me, but I have not read everything nor watched everything yet, so this may be covered elsewhere without my knowledge. Thank you!
Hi Donna,
The extra length hangs off the back of the trailer. The cart body has enough internal bracing to support itself past the steel frame. Just make sure the cart balances slightly nose down when loaded with water, ice, and food.
Hi Duane, Measure it out and make sure that what you want to do will fit. If you need to make the cart body longer, you can do that. The cart body is strong enough to hang out past the back of the trailer frame without additional support.
Not in the videos, but once you watch this entire video series you will be able to build a side serve with ease. Just build the cart body a bit longer and let the extra length stick out past the rear of the steel trailer frame. Then just re-arrange the equipment where you want it. Easy peasy. We do show side serves in a couple of the schematic drawings.
Hi Steve, Im opting to go with a side serve. But prob gonna go with 2 full size steam Pans, keeping future expansion in mind.
My question is… Will one, 2 burner stove be enough to properly heat 2 full pans. Figuring one burner for each full pan?
Don’t worry about asking questions. It’s a benefit of the Premium package you paid for. Full size food pans are the standard in the foodservice industry, measuring approximately 20″ long by 12″ wide. All other sizes of food pans are simply a variation on those dimensions. For example a half size pan is 10″ x 12″.
I think this just might be the cart for me.
Nice choice.
Steve,
Are there any diagrams that show how the cooler slide-outs are installed?
No, I didn’t install slide outs on the prototype cart so I don’t have that info for you. I would imagine it’s not very hard to do.
Should this go on a bigger trailer than the rear serve cart diagram?
Not necessary. You can hang the back of the cart body off the rear of the trailer.
Ok sorry if this is a dumb questions but based on this schematic the 40″X60″ body dimension should have a 1/4″ removed from each side = 39 1/2″ X 59 1/2″ floor board? Then center the floor board on the cart…or keep the front and hang the floor board to the back? Should I brace the hangover and with what method….L brace or other reinforcements? Thank you for prompt response.
Great question.
You are correct in removing 1/4 inch from each side of the floor board. This allows for the 1/4 plywood skins (which you will add later) to end up flush with the sides of the trailer frame.
Since the back of the cart body will be hanging off the rear of the trailer you don’t need to remove the 1/4 inch front and back. No additional bracing is needed. The 2×2 framework is sufficiently strong.
There are no dumb questions 🙂 All the members can learn from this, I thank you for asking it Jerome!!!
I guess the reason I am confused is because the 60″ dimension measures to the end of the sink but is this also the dimension of the base of the cart 60″? I’m assuming the sink should be boxed in and I should subtract the sinks dimension from 60″ to figure out the bases dimension.
In this version the sinks are not boxed in. They are mounted in holes cut in the top surface of the cart body. So, yes the base of the cart body is indeed 60″. Be sure to lay out what ever equipment, coolers, sinks, etc that you want to use and make sure 60″ will be enough. You can make the body a bit longer if needed, the 2×2 frame is plenty strong. The only problem you may run into by going too long is the balance of the cart. It must balance tongue down.
How about extending the body to 72″ – hanging a foot off the end of the cart?
Any side view diagrams, with the water tower?
Thanks, Mark
Not a problem. Hang some of the extra length off the back of the trailer frame. No extra support required, the body is stiff enough to handle it. Just pay attention to the balance of the cart. It must balance tongue down. Nothing would change in the side view as far as tanks, etc.
Hi Steve,
I like the side serve option and I am planning on designing that type of cart but the worry I have is that the fender and tire may make that uncomfortable to work around for any length of time. Is that usually a problem? Thanks!
No, Tom. The fender only sticks out 6″. I worked for two years from a side serve cart built on this same trailer frame and the fender never bothered me. It actually provides a nice little shelf for your personal water bottle or radio. Go for it!
Hi, I’m Jerome and I’m a new member. Am I understanding correctly that when I build my cart, it cannot hang over the sides of the trailer frame but it can hang over the front and rear? My trailer is about 4 ft wide and about 5 ft front to back.
Welcome Jerome! The cart body can extend beyond the trailer sides as well as the rear. If you go wider than the trailer be sure to either keep the fenders on or box the wheel area so road debris doesn’t get inside the cart body. Send me pics when you finish it Jerome!
Absolutely! I am going to transform my Dad’s(may he R.I.P) old dog trailer into a hotdog cart!! I like the side serve schematics….I am so hyped about my new opportunity. I looked at the Cal Code(I’m in L.A, Ca.) and got kinda confused about the wording in regards to the sinks. I think the side serve will take care of my worries. If I have any problems, I will hit you with a message. And thanks for the reply.
Send pics when you finish it!
Greetings Steve,
I am in the process of turning in my plans to the HD. I live in CA -Stanislaus County. The HD only requires 1 hand-washing sink ,a mechanical refrigerator, 5 gal fresh water tank, 7.5 waste water tank. So, I will be adapting the HDC to accommodate the requirements.
Any ideas where to get a mechanical refrigerator. I take it that is should run on propane. Does this create a problem in keeping the food cold enough? How fast does it take to get to proper temperature. Is this were I try and convince the HD that a cooler and my commissary would be sufficient?
Thanks for your help.
Slinger Cyndi (Hotdog on Wheels)
Hi Cyndi,
It depends on whether your Health Department requires a commercial fridge or not. If not, you can get a used mini fridge or dorm fridge on Craigs List for under $50. If you need a commercial fridge still try Craigs – sometimes the do come up. Otherwise do a Google search on commercial mini fridge or commercial bar fridge.
Although propane fridges are available, they are expensive. A better alternative is to use a regular 120V fridge and run it off of a power inverter connected to a deep cycle marine battery.
Best of luck!
How long would a mini fridge run on a marine battery?
Hard to say, depends on a lot of variables like outside temp, amp draw of the fridge, size of the battery. Sorry I can’t be of more help on this one!
Steve- Are there any plans with dimensions for the side serve cart? Like where the 2×2’s go for the burner stove would you run them the opposite direction now that one would go with the side serve model?
Hi Bill,
You are correct – use the same framing layout and dimensions for the firebox, just turn it sideways. You can put it where ever you want.
Quick question..if the trailer frame is 40×49, then how does this 40×60 fit onto it? Do i have to get a bigger trailer frame, or is this counterbalanced somehow on the tiny suggested frame. Forgive me, but I have not read everything nor watched everything yet, so this may be covered elsewhere without my knowledge. Thank you!
Hi Donna,
The extra length hangs off the back of the trailer. The cart body has enough internal bracing to support itself past the steel frame. Just make sure the cart balances slightly nose down when loaded with water, ice, and food.
Okay, thank you!
Hey Steve, can I make the side serve into a 3 burner with the space between the slide out cooler and the 2 burner set up?
Thanks, Duane
Hi Duane, Measure it out and make sure that what you want to do will fit. If you need to make the cart body longer, you can do that. The cart body is strong enough to hang out past the back of the trailer frame without additional support.
Steve,
Do you cover the side cart in your videos?
Not in the videos, but once you watch this entire video series you will be able to build a side serve with ease. Just build the cart body a bit longer and let the extra length stick out past the rear of the steel trailer frame. Then just re-arrange the equipment where you want it. Easy peasy. We do show side serves in a couple of the schematic drawings.
Hi Steve, Im opting to go with a side serve. But prob gonna go with 2 full size steam Pans, keeping future expansion in mind.
My question is… Will one, 2 burner stove be enough to properly heat 2 full pans. Figuring one burner for each full pan?
Yes. The burners are so hot that after you get your water up to temperature you will only need to run them on low heat.
Hi Steve,
sorry for al these questions. I’m about to draw modified plans for the heath dept, so i can start building. I don’t have steam pans yet.
what are the approximate dimensions (length and width) of a full size steam pan, and approximate dimensions of a half size pan?
Thanks,
Joe
PS. My 25 year old son, is now wanting to have a cart as well, so if 1st one goes well, we are gonna have two going. Nothing like being your own boss
Don’t worry about asking questions. It’s a benefit of the Premium package you paid for. Full size food pans are the standard in the foodservice industry, measuring approximately 20″ long by 12″ wide. All other sizes of food pans are simply a variation on those dimensions. For example a half size pan is 10″ x 12″.