3 Ways to Light Your Hot Dog Cart for Night Gigs
Hi Steve,
I have really enjoyed my hotdog cart. More fun, and more money than I could ever inagine. I have been invited to some evening events in October that will be profitable. My question is what are some ways to light the cart? Note sure what direciton to go or how to install. I do not want to miss this oppurtunity. Hopefully some experienced slingers can shed some light on the subject… thanks in advance.
Andrew @ Sonny’s Hot Dogs
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Hi Andrew,
You have a ton of choices when it comes to lighting styles, but only three options when it comes to power sources:
1. You can use 120 volt lighting if you have access to an outlet, or a power inverter hooked to your 12V cart battery. This simple clamp light will provide plenty of working light.
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Deluxe-Listed-Aluminum-Reflector/dp/B01E9IY6US/
However, it doesn’t do much to draw attention to your hot dog cart because it only lights up the work surface. Consider adding more lighting to grab people by the eyeballs.
2. Use 12 volt lighting hooked directly to your battery. I like to weave rope lights through my umbrella stays.
They not only draw attention, they light up the work surface fairly well too.
http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Lighting-Waterproof-Changing-Controller/dp/B00D2OHWVG/
These rope lights change color which is a great attention getter.
3. Use lighting with self contained batteries like this umbrella pole light at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Imports-Umbrella-Pole-Light/dp/B000F26SNG
I have two of these. I mount one pointing up at my umbrella. It lights it up from the inside which looks really cool from a distance.
I mount the second one facing down do I can see what I’m doing.
How about you slingers? What creative ways have you come up with to light up your hot dog cart for night events?
Let us know in the comments below!
-Steve
Hi Steve, This might seem like a silly question, but I am not very mechanically inclined, and easily intimidated on little things like this, lol. . How do you hook up the rope lights directly to a 12v battery? Also, is there an invertor you reccomend? Thanks, Teri
12V lighting can be hooked directly to the battery terminals with alligator clips.
If you are using 120 volt lights, here is a nice inverter with all the power you’ll need. It hooks up to your 12V cart battery with alligator clips. Turn it on and plug in your 120V lights. Easy peasy:
http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK%C2%AE-Outlets-Inverter-Notebook-Cigarette/dp/B007SLDDHQ/
You can get an 800 watt inverter for $25.99 @ Harbor Freight Tool online.
I have found great prices on inverters at Harbor Freight Tools. They have multiple sizes that will work anywhere. I saw one that was waterproof
Awesome. Thanks Jack! As all E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart builders know, we are big fans of HFT.
The umbrella light is really cool matey !!
You can also get LED string/rope lights that you can program.
They will flash fast or slow,run back & forth, change color ect.
They are a little pricey but they will last a really long time.
Would be a great effect for your cart matey !!!
Arrrrrgggggg !!
1St Mate Jim.
Check out LED strip lights RGB color changing lights on youtube they will make you cart stand out! will be installing some soon on a trailer (stand in) that I’am building now. Getting ready for winter on the Oregon Coast
Wow! I was just wondering about that. You guys are awesome. Now I know
use flourensent spot lamps or bulbs hooked up to youre battery. The battery will last longer.
Inverters are great.my advice:bring fully charged 2nd battery
LED lights use practically no electricity, so no worry about running down the battery.
I’ve had awesome success with those cool looking inexpensive camping lanterns that can be dimmed or brightened. I put two on my condiment table , one on my menu and one near my work area. Lots of light and catches the customers’ attention from afar!
Great tips Papa. Thanks!
Thanks for the awesome ideas, I ordered the umbrella light and some rope lights…. It’s gonna be awesome next weekend.
Cool!
I love this sight! I have my first show next friday…little nervous…going over check list in my mind, have I forgotten something? I check e mail, read your posting and am reminded that I am indeed missing something… Oh frick!… I forgot the blasted lighting!!! Thanks once again for this sight I have made use of it on many occaisons…cool tips..you are awsome !!Marcel StPierre-St. Pierre’s Super Dogs (where Sonoran Flavors Meet Chicago Style!)
Glad to help Marcel!
what type and or brand of 12 volt battery do you recommend to power the lights, etc. ? Thanks!
Any deep cycle marine battery will work fine for lights.
How about using charged Solar Lights, used for land scaping or flag pole lighting. Most LED’s are very bright and last for at least 8-10 hrs?
Great idea Bobby!
Take your cristmas tree lights out of storage and use
Yep.
I have my first hot dog event this Friday. In the past, selling a different product, I used 3 solar lanterns, worked great for lighting the work space. Another vendor used blinking lights and that’s an eye catcher. Getting nervous and excited! Thanks for this way to share information, Steve, very helpful and *fun*!
You’ll do great Mary!
You can purchase the honda 2000l generator and have your own source of electric plus. It is very quiet and runs for about 8 hours on a tank of gas.
Nice generator.