When starting a food truck or catering business, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right body material for your trailer. The two most common options are FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) food trailers and Stainless Steel food trailers.
At CNREALLY KNOWN , we manufacture both types of trailers and help entrepreneurs choose the best option based on their budget, business model, and long-term plans.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between FRP vs Stainless Steel Food Trailer, covering durability, maintenance, cost, and ideal use cases.
FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) trailers are widely used due to their lightweight design and affordability.
Lightweight and easy to tow
Affordable starting price
Resistant to mild corrosion and weather conditions
Suitable for seasonal or entry-level businesses
Service life is shorter (usually 8–10 years)
Can crack, fade, or require repainting after long-term use
Limited load capacity compared to stainless steel
Stainless steel food trailers are considered an upgraded version in the industry. They are heavier, stronger, and built for professional use.
Premium, durable material with 15–20 years service life
Reinforced chassis supports heavy equipment
Easy to clean and sanitize, meeting stricter health standards
Weather-resistant and rust-proof
Enhances your brand image with a modern, professional look
Higher upfront cost compared to FRP
Heavier weight requires stronger towing vehicles
Here’s a side-by-side look at the differences:
| Feature | FRP Food Trailer | Stainless Steel Food Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) | Stainless Steel / Sheet Metal |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier, stronger |
| Durability | 8–10 years | 15–20 years |
| Chassis Strength | Standard | Thickened, higher load capacity |
| Maintenance | Needs repainting/patching | Easy cleaning, low maintenance |
| Hygiene | Moderate | Excellent, professional-grade |
| Appearance | Basic, may fade | Premium, modern look |
| Cost | Lower upfront investment | Higher initial cost, better long-term ROI |
| Best For | Small vendors, seasonal businesses | Professional food truck & catering owners |
Choose FRP Food Trailer if:
You’re starting small or testing the market
You need a lower-cost investment
Your business is seasonal or short-term
Choose Stainless Steel Food Trailer if:
You’re running a professional, long-term catering business
You need higher durability and stronger chassis support
You want a premium look that enhances brand value
You operate in regions with strict hygiene requirements
At CNREALLY KNOWN , we are professional food trailer manufacturers with over 15 years of export experience.
FRP & Stainless Steel options available
Full customization (size, layout, equipment, color, logo)
International certifications (CE, DOT, ISO, VIN)
2D/3D design support before production
Whether you’re starting a small food truck business or planning a turnkey catering operation, we can design and build the perfect solution.
Both FRP and Stainless Steel food trailers have their place in the market. FRP is great for startups and seasonal vendors, while stainless steel is a long-term investment for serious operators.
If you’re not sure which one fits your business, our expert team at CNREALLY KNOWN will guide you through every step, from design to delivery.