FAQs
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We don’t offer finance but we can put you in contact with a finance company we work with. Head to our finance page for more information.
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If you are not ready for a bespoke build please check out our rent a trailer page.
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Our dedicated team correspond via phone, email and zoom so no matter where you are in the world we can process your order.
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Once your build slot is secured there is a 3-6 months lead time, depending on the scope of your project.
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We source new modern vehicles and hold stock of well sourced Citroën HY so you do not need to supply the vehicle, however you are welcome to provide your own van if you wish. (We would have to inspect the vehicle at our workshop before committing.)
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Servicing work is basic and most garage & workshops can carry out work on these vans. Parts are readily available from specialist parts suppliers.
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What you’re currently allowed to tow in UK (as of Dec 2021)
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
You will not be affected by the changes if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997. You’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). View your driving licence information to check. You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. (MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded.)
Licences issued from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013, you can currently drive either of the following: A car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total) A trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total). You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
Licences issued from 19 January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 19 January 2013, you can currently drive either of the following: A car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total). A trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg. You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
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Our regular trailers are type approved. All custom trailers are IVA’d.
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Most SUV’s and hatchback’s are large enough to tow our replica trailers. You would need a larger SUV or pick up truck to pull one of our towable containers.
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Here at C&E we have our own tricks and way of working, so as a business we cannot share our trade secrets or give personal advice for non-clients.
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Of course you can. We would need design specs and dimensions during the design stage. We don’t have facilities to store your equipment, we will arrange a date to receive equipment when we are ready for installation.
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We accept bank transfer.
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You are welcome to book a visit to our workshop and meet the team. We are based in Maldon, Essex. Visits are by appointment only, please call the office or alternatively use the booking form.
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If you need a standalone electrical supply, we can provide lithium batteries as a greener and more compact power solution. For more information about this power source and its sustainability click here. Alternatively, we also have a variety of generator options available for hire on request.
The short wheelbase H-vans have a 16 amp electrical supply for an external hook up, whereas the long wheelbase vans have a dual 32 amp supply and two exterior hook ups.
Please note that the more power you require (i.e. for appliances with heated elements, such as ovens, griddles and kettles), the larger the generator you will need. Speak to the design team if you require alternative options.
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Our payment break down guide is 40% deposit to secure build slot, 30% due at fit out, 30% on completion.
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Most clients choose their own colour scheme and specifications, if you are unsure this can be based on our previous builds. As professional custom catering truck builders we use our expertise and experience to create your perfect working environment.
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The bulk cost of our custom vans comes from the parts and labour so the money you save will be minimal.
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If requested, we are happy to send you photos of your van’s progress.
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Your food truck must be paid for in full before we release it from our premises. All vans remain the property of Catering & Exhibition until paid for in full.
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