Full Rear Hatch
Before we dig into our unique (and famous) hatch/serving window design, we'll start in the rear. These rear hatches, with lifting air cylinders, make for easy loading of product instead of having to carry large boxes through the side door. This 1972 Airstream Excella 500 is enjoying its new food vending life in Philadelphia, PA as the Air Grille at Dilworth Park.
Below is the rear hatch on a 2010 Airstream International we installed for Pacifico Brewery. Pacifico has came to PVT for several custom trailers plus we created a unique indoor Airstream Pacifico freestanding bar.
Airstream made rear hatches on several of their models for a few years offering space for 'toy storage.' We have now made that rear hatch a possibility on any Airstream.
Smaller Rear Hatch
Because of a body style change, pre-1970 Airstreams were a bit smaller and the rear design was straight instead of pulling in below the window. The backend surface area was not as prominent. That didn't stop us from installing a rear hatch on this 1966 Tradewind. The round red tail lights just exude that 'Chrome Twinkie' look that we love so dearly. Recessed pull latches blend in nicely with the body contour.
Side Serving Hatch
A side serving hatch for your vending trailer is where you'll greet your customers and transact business with them. Our unique hatches smoothly form to the curvature of the trailer preserving the beloved Airstream look and feel. PVT hatches have even been described as a 'work of art!'
We designed and built a fold-out stainless serving counter for this window giving customers a spot to sit their food while they add condiments.
One consideration on hatch placement is side. Which side of the trailer will you be serving your customers. Airstream entrance doors are always located on the curb side of the trailer. Some of our vendors prefer the hatch on the opposite side (street side) so they can exit the trailer on the curb side without bumping into their customers. Others see this as a non-issue. Which way will the trailer be facing when you park it at different locations? Of course, if you're in England, street side and curb side would be slightly different. :)
Serving Hatch with Window
Our hatch frames are completely made from aluminum tubing to keep them lightweight but rigid. Since our serving hatch doors are very structurally stable, we can install windows if so desired. Several customers have requested a sliding window so on cold days, the hatch could remain closed and your product could be handed out through the window.
All PVT hatches are equipped with gas cylinder lifting struts for easy opening. Handles are mounted for closing and a latch on both ends securely hold the hatch closed. Flush mounted LED puck lighting is another option we can install.
Serving Hatches on Both Sides
This vendor wanted serving hatches on both sides of the trailer. The idea is to have a sort of 'Drive-Thru' service on the back, or curb, side of the trailer.
Hatch height from ground can also be adjusted to suit the customer's needs.
Double Serving Hatches
Sometimes one hatch is not enough. This crepe making trailer sports two hatches for a wide open side area. Customers get to interact with you and have a better view when watching their favorite food being made.
Rear Hatch Grill Holder
After installing the rear hatch on this 1972 Overlander, we closed off the last several feet of the trailer with a wall. The customer installed their own Big Green Egg grill/smoker in the rear creating an outside grilling area. To keep the bugs away (and small wandering hands), we also installed a top piano-hinged screen that quickly raises out of the way when tending food on the grill.
Porthole Windows? In an Airstream?
Yes, we installed real ship porthole windows in this 22ft Airstream Argosy. Two of the windows were even installed in the hatch. This was a concept idea from our customer that we turned into a reality for him. He is now happily serving pizza and waffles in Ireland from this yellow submarine.
PVT is ready for your project!
No matter your business; food service/mobile restaurant, event trailer rental, mobile spa, hair/barber salon, brand marketing promotion or coffee/expresso bar, we are ready to create a trailer for you! Marketing firms have turned to PVT many times to help promote their customer's wares.
We keep unrestored Airstream trailers in stock in various lengths so we may have the perfect trailer ready to begin your conversion into a mobile vending unit. Contact us through our web site or give us a call at 419-402-8009.
To familiarize yourself with our process of creating your dream trailer, please visit our Start Your Project page.
