The number of gallons or size of the water tank on your ice cream truck will indeed vary; however, industry reports put it at around 10 to 20 gallons to ensure that you align with health and sanitation requirements.
When looking to start an ice cream truck business in the United States, one of the most vital things you need to know is the size and type of water tanks you need to install.
Aside from the fact that you need fresh and gray water tanks to operate efficiently, keep in mind that you need to meet the permitting requirements of the city and state you plan to operate.
Factors That Determine the Capacity of Water Tank on an Ice Cream Truck
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Health and Sanitation Regulations
Note that the tank will need to be large enough to comply with sanitation standards stipulated by health departments to guarantee the cleanliness of utensils, serving equipment, and hands.
Keep in mind that health codes within your city will more or less outline the minimum water storage capacity required to maintain proper hygiene standards during food preparation and serving.
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Operational Requirements
This is another valid factor you will want to consider before deciding on the size and capacity of the water tank you need on your ice cream truck. For instance, if the truck will be serving a high volume of customers in a day, then you need a larger water tank.
Aside from that, note that the frequency of restocking water as well as the truck’s schedule for returning to a central location for refilling should also be considered.
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Local Ordinances
You have to understand that there are specific rules and regulations in the United States that are meant to govern ice cream trucks and other mobile businesses. These local ordinances and regulations tend to vary from one location to another.
You will find that a good number of municipalities possess specific requirements that have to do with water tank capacity for mobile food establishments, including ice cream trucks.
It is recommended that you find out all you can, and comply with local regulations to obtain necessary permits and licenses.
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Cleaning and Maintenance Practices
You need to ensure that the water tank is large enough to support appropriate cleaning and maintenance practices. In this line of business, this will more or less include washing utensils, equipment, as well as hands to prevent cross-contamination.
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Type of Ice Cream Offered
Another very valid factor that will determine the size and capacity of the water tank you need is the type of ice cream you intend to serve to patrons.
For example, if the plan is for your truck to sell soft-serve ice cream that necessitates specialized equipment as well as more extensive cleaning processes, then you need a larger water tank.
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Weather Conditions
This is another factor to consider extensively because it has a way of impacting your truck’s water consumption. Keep in mind that in hotter climates, where ice cream sales tend to be quite higher, the need for water will indeed increase, and this will further propel you to get a larger tank.
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Business Considerations
You have to understand that your overall business strategy as well as the model of the ice cream truck will have a role to play in this decision.
Keep in mind that a good number of operators prefer to prioritize mobility and work with a smaller tank to ensure they have less weight to deal with while also increasing fuel efficiency. While others will prefer larger trucks so that they can cater to high-traffic events.