Trailer and Food Truck Wraps: Costs, Design Tips and What to Know Before You Wrap

Quick answer: A full wrap on a 6x12 enclosed trailer typically costs $1,500–$3,000, a 7x14 about $2,000–$4,000 and an 8.5x20–24 foot cargo trailer about $3,000–$5,500. Food trucks and step vans run $4,500–$8,500+ at Ardor Printing, similar to box trucks, and concession trailers usually run $3,800–$7,500+ because of windows, vents and serving hatches. Partial wraps cost roughly half as much. Ardor Printing in Snohomish, WA designs, prints and installs vehicle wraps and fleet graphics, including trailer wraps in Seattle and food truck wraps, for businesses across Snohomish and King County.

Key takeaways

• A trailer is a billboard you can park. It advertises at every jobsite, event and parking lot.
• Rivets, ribs and seams need the right film and technique so the wrap doesn't lift.
• For food trucks, the serving side is your storefront. Design it around the window and the menu.
• Partial wraps and lettering are a smart way to brand a trailer on a tight budget.

How much does it cost to wrap a trailer or food truck?

Trailer or truck	Partial wrap	Full wrap
6x12 enclosed trailer	$600–$1,400	$1,500–$3,000
7x14 enclosed trailer	$900–$2,000	$2,000–$4,000
8.5x20 to 8.5x24 cargo or race trailer	$1,500–$3,000	$3,000–$5,500
Concession or food trailer	Varies	$3,800–$7,500+
Food truck or step van	Varies	$4,500–$8,500+

Trailer prices are typical industry ranges for budgeting; food truck pricing reflects Ardor Printing's box truck rates. Removing old graphics, extra surface prep and complex custom artwork can add to the price. Your quote will be based on your exact trailer or truck. See our box truck wraps and fleet vehicle wraps pages for more options and examples.

What makes trailers and food trucks different to wrap?

• Rivets: most cargo trailers have rows of rivets. We use cast wrap film and heat the vinyl around each rivet so it conforms and stays down.
• Ribs and corrugation: ribbed panels need film and install techniques built for deep channels.
• Seams, fenders and doors: ramp doors, side doors and fender wells change how the design is laid out.
• Serving windows, hatches and awnings: food truck designs have to work with the window open or closed.
• Heat and vents: we keep film away from hot exhaust and plan around kitchen vents.
• Surface material: aluminum, painted steel and fiberglass all wrap well with proper prep. Some textured panels don't hold vinyl well, so we check your trailer's skin before quoting.

Food truck wrap design tips

We plan every one of our food truck wraps in Seattle around these points, and the same tips work for food trailers and food carts.

1. Say what you serve. Your name and food type should be readable from across a parking lot.
2. Design the serving side like a storefront. Put the menu, a QR code and your hours near the window.
3. Treat the other side as a billboard. Big logo, big photo and big brand colors.
4. Use the rear for bookings. Add "Catering and events," your website and your social handles.
5. Keep key text off hatches that swing open during service.
6. Leave room for required permits and inspection decals so they don't cover your artwork.
7. Use food photography carefully. One great, appetizing photo beats five small ones.

Trailer wrap design tips

• Put your logo, service and phone number on both sides and the rear. The rear ramp door is the panel drivers read most.
• Use large, simple graphics. Trailers are seen from a distance and at highway speed.
• Match your tow vehicle for a complete fleet look. See our truck wrap cost guide and van wrap guide.
• Race and hobby trailers are a great place for full printed graphics, sponsor logos and team colors.

How long do trailer and food truck wraps last?

A quality cast-vinyl wrap typically lasts 5–7 years. To get the most out of it, hand wash with a mild soap, keep pressure washers away from the edges, use gentle cleaners near the kitchen instead of heavy solvent degreasers, and store the trailer out of direct sun when you can.

Why wrap instead of paint?

A wrap costs less than a quality custom paint job, is installed in days instead of weeks, can include any printed graphic or photo, and protects the surface underneath. When you rebrand or sell, the wrap can be removed.

Frequently asked questions about trailer and food truck wraps

Get a free trailer or food truck wrap quote

Send us your trailer or truck's make, size and a few photos. Wrapping the rest of your fleet too? See our commercial vehicle wraps in Seattle. Heading to events this season? We also print banners, pop-up tents and feather flags. Call (425) 629-0796 or request a free quote.

About the author: Dayne Remlinger founded Ardor Printing in 2012. His team has branded more than 7,000 vehicles from its shop at 12531 Old Snohomish Monroe Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290.