There are different types, and sizes of trucks that can be used for an ice cream truck business, and the one that will be best for an entrepreneur may not be an option for another entrepreneur.
This is so because different entrepreneurs have different preferences, and these preferences will define what is best for them. But generally, the are several trucks that are popular among ice cream truck operators.
These trucks have certain qualities that make them the preferred choices for players in the ice cream truck and food truck industry.
In case you want to start an ice cream truck business and you do not know which truck to go for, then you are reading the right article. In this article, we will look at some of the best trucks for the ice cream truck business.
Best Truck for Ice Cream Truck
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Chevrolet Step Van
Top on our list of the best trucks you can use for your ice cream truck business is the Chevrolet Step Van. The Chevrolet Step Van is powered by the GM 6.0L V8 gas engine, it has the power and cargo capacity you need.
It comes with folding lower shelves to optimize your space, and rear sonar for safety. The Chevrolet Step Van is an 8,900- or 10,000-lb-long van. It is a GVWR van with a steel body. 12′ body length and 96″ width on a 146″ wheelbase.
The standard height makes it highly suitable to accommodate all the equipment you will need for your ice cream truck business.
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Ford Transit
Ford Transit is another truck that can be used for the ice cream truck business. The Ford Transit has been a best-selling commercial van market leader in the United States and the United Kingdom for over 40 years.
Since its launch in Britain, the Ford Transit has been a breeding ground for innovation and continues to lead the way. The base engine for the Ford Transit is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that provides 275 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
There is also a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 310 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Most buyers have no issues purchasing a Transit with over 100,000 miles on the odometer.
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van available in cargo, passenger, and crew configurations, but highly suitable for ice cream trucks.
All Sprinters come in 144-inch and 170-inch wheelbase lengths, and the longer-wheelbase versions are also available in extra-long cargo and crew configurations. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are heavy-duty vans with spacious cargo areas.
Whether you are hauling goods or heavy pieces of equipment for transport, these vans often prove to be reliable. Please note that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van comes with the choice of a gas or diesel engine.
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Dodge Ram ProMaster
The Dodge Ram ProMaster is yet another suitable truck that you can use for your ice cream truck business. The Dodge RAM ProMaster is a front-wheel drive (FWD) full-size cargo van.
Mainly used for commercial purposes, the Dodge Ram ProMaster is known for its great visibility, standard features, cargo capacity, and flexible configuration options to meet various business and consumer needs including being used for an ice cream truck business.
Please note that the Dodge Ram ProMaster is available in four body styles: cargo van, chassis cab, cutaway, or window van. Two roof heights and four body lengths are available. Power comes from a 3.6-liter gas V-6 or a turbodiesel 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
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GMC Savana
Another suitable truck that can be used for the ice cream truck business is the GMC Savana. The GMC Savana comes in different types of engines.
But the standard 4.3L V6 engine with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing offers 276 horsepower and 298 lb. -ft. of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GMC Savana 3500 Cargo Van offers more payload than the 2500 and comes with a regular or extended wheelbase.
GMC Savana is indeed a reliable truck for an ice cream truck business, and if you keep up with the maintenance schedule, it can last long term. The longevity of a GMC Savana is around 20 years at its maximum life span.
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Nissan NV
The Nissan NV is no doubt, one of the best options you should consider when shopping for a truck for your ice cream truck business.
Coming in both passenger and cargo varieties, the 2021 Nissan NV full-size van—not to be confused with the front-drive NV200—can handle many different jobs including being used for the ice cream truck business.
The people-moving option offers seating for up to 12 passengers, and the available high-roof model makes loading bulky items super easy.
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Chevrolet Express
Another truck or van that can be used for an ice cream truck business is the Chevrolet Express. In this van, ice cream truck operators can expect 146.2 inches of floor length to the back of the passenger seats and up to 173.6 inches when cargo is moved all the way up to the front console for a maximum cargo capacity of 313.9 cubic feet, a full 80 cubic feet more than the standard wheelbase model.
The Chevrolet Express Cargo Van offers a wide range of available equipment packages and up-fit capability, providing a number of options to store your gear.
Express Cutaway Van is a versatile work vehicle that is tough enough for your job, thanks to three wheelbase lengths, two powertrains, and up-fit capability.
Express Cargo and Express Passenger Vans offer two models and two engine choices to provide the proper amount of power and capability for your business.
Express Cutaway offers a variety of wheelbase and powertrain combinations so you can choose what works for your business.
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Ford E-Series
The Ford E-Series is yet another suitable truck or van that you should consider if you are shopping for a truck for your ice cream truck business.
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan, or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1961 as the replacement for the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced.
The 2024 E-450 Stripped Chassis is built for delivery, with two GVWRs available in 14,000-lb. or 14,500-lb. as well as the standard Premium-rated 7.3L V8 engine. Two wheelbases: 158 inches and 176 inches. Please note that the gas engines in the E-Series have proven to be more reliable and less costly.
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Freightliner MT45
Another option you have if you are looking for a reliable van or truck to start your ice cream truck business is the Freightliner MT45. The MT45 medium-duty step van has a payload capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, which makes this a prime solution for the ice cream truck business.
Trust me, the 18′ Freightliner MT45 P1000 step-van is the truck everyone has been asking for. Powered by the GM 6.0L V8 gas engine, it has the power and the cargo capacity you need.
It comes with folding lower shelves to optimize your space, and rear sonar for safety. The MT45 is a medium-duty step van, while the MT55 is a heavy-duty step van.
The MT45 typically has a shorter wheelbase and a smaller overall size compared to the MT55. The MT55, being heavier duty, is larger and has a more robust build to accommodate heavier payloads.
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Isuzu NPR
Lastly, another best truck that you can use for your ice cream truck business is the Isuzu NPR. Isuzu NPR’s wide cab, front and rear track, and wide frame all come together to provide high vehicle stability well suited to operate on or off paved roads and with high volume rear body.
The mighty 4HG1 engine combines excellent fuel economy with high output and torque to make light work of heavy loads.
The Isuzu NPR has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 12,000 pounds, which means you can haul anything up to 6,978 pounds. With such massive utility at your command, getting the job done will be much easier.
In Conclusion,
It is important to note that despite the fact that all the trucks listed above are highly suitable for an ice cream truck business, we will usually advise that before you make your choice, you should review the:
Load capacity of the truck, the fuel economy of the truck, the space, the layout and customization options, and of course the price of the truck among other factors that might be of interest to you.