GENERATOR FAQs

1. I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO POWER A FOOD TRUCK, DO I NEED A GENERATOR?

Many festivals and locations will furnish you with power but many will not. So if you want to be 100% fully self contained the answer is yes. Just a thought, if power is lost at an event or festival, the price of a generator would pay for itself in about 3 hours. Food truck generators are certainly a good choice for those trying to find out how to power a food truck conveniently.

2. WHAT TYPE OF OIL SHOULD I PUT IN?

Type of oil to use when learning how to power a food truck:

• SAE 30 40°F and higher (5°C and higher) is good for all purpose use above 40°F, use below 40°F will cause hard starting for food truck generators.
• 10W-30 0 to 100 °F (-18 to 38 °C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80°F(27°C) or higher.
• Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120 °F (-30 to 40 °C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
• 5W-30 40 °F and below (5 °C and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions.
• Oil Recommendation: ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR PRODUCT OPERATION MANUAL
• Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher.
  Do not use special additives.
• Choose a viscosity according to the table above.

3. HOW MUCH OIL SHOULD I PUT IN?

Some food truck generators contain either an extended oil fill tube or a standard fill hole with a dipstick for inspection. Others require you to remove the fill cap to check that the oil is at the fill line or the top of the fill hole. Avoid overfilling your crankcase. Too much oil can cause the same type of engine damage as not having enough. Air bubbles form in the oil, reducing overall lubrication. The resulting friction and metal-to-metal contact can cause premature part failure. Excess oil can also burn in the cylinder, producing smoke and leaving carbon deposits. Learn the proper amount of oil to use when learning how to power food trucks.

4. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE OIL LEVEL IS LOW?

Make it a habit to check the oil level and appearance each time you’re about to start a small engine. Checking the oil while the engine is cold and most of the oil is in the crankcase yields the most accurate reading. You won’t need to change or add oil every time, but you’ll ensure a better-running engine and avoid problems down the road if you keep the crankcase full and change the oil on schedule and any time the oil loses its amber hue.

5. IS MY GENERATOR WEATHER PROOF?

Generators are not weatherproof and can withstand water and elements for only a short time. In certain cases when a unit is not in use covers such as tarps have been used. Such items such as small tents can be used to block inclement weather from reaching an operating generator but keeping in mind that a generator requires proper ventilation should be considered.

6. IS MY GENERATOR SAFE ON THE TONGUE?

It is fine to secure the generator to the tongue. Tongue and food trailer weight consideration must be made with the contents of the trailer, generator weight and any gas/propane tanks that may be located in the same area. A more heavy duty jack may be required as well as stabilizers added to the front of the trailer.

7. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY GENERATOR DOES NOT START?

The unit not starting could be due to a series of issues. Spark Plug wire not connected, no gas, no oil, unit switched to off and not switched on, etc. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual and follow the steps outlined before seeking assistance from your authorized service center.

8. WHERE CAN I GET MY GENERATOR FIXED?

An authorized service center should be the only place you take any food truck generators for service or repair. A unit taken to a repair facility not authorized could cause your warranty to be nullified. See your Owner’s Manual for more information.

9. IS IT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY?

Brand new units are covered under a manufacturer limited warranty for one year. *Limited because necessary maintenance must be performed on food truck generators or else they will be damaged and expenses for unwarranted repairs can be very high.

10. CAN I UPGRADE TO A BETTER AND QUIETER ONE?

Upgrades to food truck generators may be necessary depending on the location where the service is provided or the need for extra equipment to be powered that may not have been originally specified. Learn about how to power a food truck and then decide on the generator before production begins because a transition could become even more costly than originally planning for it. Decibel levels are usually stated in the product description and should be considered beforehand.

11. CAN I PUT A BOX OVER IT?

Generators that are not enclosed by the manufacturer are not meant to be fully enclosed. Operating a generator in this manner can cause damage such as overheating thus prompting it to shut itself down. A tent or a cage can be placed around and over the unit but completely enclosing it will only cause damage and void your warranty.