I think I’m seeing double…
I got an email today from one of my customers, Jim Steffen of Ohio. Jim purchased my E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans Package and proceeded to build not one but two hot dog carts to be used in his new business. Jim was kind enough to send along several great pictures for us to look at. Awesome job Jim!!!
The E-Z Built is designed to be easily customized. You can equip it any way you need to comply with local codes. As you can see in the top photo, Jim chose the four sink option as well as installing a BBQ grill.
I especially like how he designed a removable condiment table with fold up legs which he mounted to the hand washing sink. Very clever! This is also a very good idea from a safety standpoint. The trailer tongue is easy to trip over, so do something to protect your customer’s shins.
“Jim’s Hot Dogs” is ready to roll. He has two brand new carts and saved at least $6000 by choosing to build them himself. Way to go Jim!
I think it would be nice if you left a comment below telling Jim what a great job he did on his E-Z Built Carts. He deserves it! You can also ask me any questions in the comments section as well…
If you would like more information on building your own E-Z Built, go to www.BuildAHotDogCart.com
And Jim – Nice hot dog hat!
– Steve
excellent idea!very very nice carts
Very impressive job well done. Want to build one for me!
Chris
VERY CREATIVE ——- AND WITHOUT A GOVERNMENT BAILOUT !!
Vic,
LOL!!! He didn’t over-spend enough to qualify…
Curiosity has the best of me. How many hours do you have in building ONE? Do you have a mechanics garage and a pit crew back ground?
They look great-nice job Jim!
Kath,
The E-Z Built can be built in about two to three weeks of evenings and weekends in a one car garage.
No welding required, no sheet metal tools or experience, no skills beyond sawing wood, drilling, screwing, and painting.
In fact, about half of the E-Z Built Video and Plans Packages we sell go to women who want to start their own part time business.
Is that a Propane hot water heater I see attached to the front ?
Nice job!
Mark,
You have sharp eyes! Yes that’s a tankless propane water heater. It’s fully automatic and the burner only turns on when it senses water flow so propane use is next to nothing.
As you may know, most manufactured carts have a hot water system where the water flows by gravity through a copper tube over the heaters. If you’ve ever used one, you know how awful they are. One little spit of hot water, then it’s all cold. And the pressure sucks.
Health inspectors LOVE the tankless water heater because it provides real hot water for a truly sanitary cart.
The E-Z Built also utilizes an electric water pump for good consistent pressure.
Even with these features, the E-Z Built can be constructed for under $800 in parts and materials.
Where did you find the propane grills they seem to fit right where you need them. Looks like a great job, I’ve got to get started on mine.
Looks great. What make is that water heater? Where did you find it and what is the cost?
Howard,
It’s the same one listed in your E-Z Built bill of materials. Eccotemp L5, about $120. Check your bill of materials for sources. Hows your trailer coming along?
I’LL be giveing this a try verysoon , Hope it turns out half as good a job asJims did
Nice carts! 2 carts, double the income!
And B.T.W, Great job on the carts!!! Love the Yellow!! Good Luck to you.
Looks great, I am building one just like your 4 sink, How is your table hooked up? That is a nice add-on. Good luck.
Jim’s carts look great!!
I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. After seeing these photos I ordered my cart plans today.
Thanks Jim and Steve…
The carts came out awesome. Just a fantastic job. Without going into great details…Can Steve or Jim explain how the whole grill area works? I just can fathom how you can have a flame around a wooden area.
Hey Eyeball,
There is a metal firebox inside the cart body. It is easy to make and you don’t need any special tools. No welding or anything fancy. Just bending some thin sheet metal by hand, but there is a trick to doing it which you will see in the videos…
Nice looking carts! Do they have a wooden outside shell?
I have been following along with Steve’s hot dog news and would really like to start my own. The biggest problem I have, is my local health department requires a Commissary that is big enough to store my cart inside when not in use! If I could just figure out the way around that!
Bobby
where did he get that hot dog hat?
Just ordered my set of plans today and can’t wait to get started building it. My son Max is really looking forward to hepling me get the business up and going. He already has plans to build a second cart for himself. Thanks Jim for the great photos and thanks Steve for the continued inspiration.
Great carts! Steve your course and apparently the plans for the do it yourself cart are a huge help to us hot dog entrepreneurs. Thanx Steve
Terrific job, Jim!! My “hat’s off” to you (or should I say keep it “ON”)!! I have to admit that I was a little “green with envy,” however, when I saw your “tongue table” for serving!
This is the honest truth Jim–and I will swear on a stack of bibles: MY CART (to be unveiled shortly) FEATURES THE VERY SAME THING–just in a slightly different way!! You beat me to it! But it just goes to show how “great ‘weenie minds’ run along the same track”–or “alongside the same carts” as the case may be!
I still have a couple of “aces in the hole” that I haven’t seen from anybody yet! You’ll see before too long! In the meantime, congratulations once again for a job well done, and I wish you the very best in your business!
What is the main construction of the body, wood?
How the water system of the hand washing sink it works? There is a sewerage system, a tank or any discharge pipe? Or it is the water recycled? How heavy is the cart?
Hope you don’t mind these silly questions but I’m really curious to know 🙂
Congratulations Jim!
Lari
I am a newby in the research phase — I was so happy to see your great idea – thank you
Steve! My name is tony Vega from mpls. I have been reading and looking at all web site
articles in regards to purchasing or building a Hot dog Cart. To be honest with you, for
the asking price i’m not impressed with the product. I tend to lean more towards building
my own. the E-Z build Cart appeals to me. Do your building plans accommodate for the
installation of a flat griddle and fryer? I certainly require these two items. I’m and
aircraft mechanic who wants to retire next October. I have extensive sheet metal
experience and can build it during the winter months. I will wait for your reply before
placing my order. Thank you Tony Vega.
Hey Tony,
The E-Z Built cart was designed from the beginning to be super easy to
modify. That’s why you see so many versions of them on my web site.
The plans do not specifically detail griddle version, but all you need
to do is put a flat top griddle (the Griddle Q works well) on top of the
burners instead of a steam table. After you watch the videos it will be
self explanatory.
Go ahead and place your order, watch the videos and see for yourself.
Like I said, once you watch the videos it will be crystal clear.
And remember, you have a one year money back guarantee so you can buy it
check it out risk free.
I hope this was helpful, let me know if you have any more questions.
Thanks in advance for your order!
-Steve
I have a question about tire size. Is there a reason why you use an 8″ tire as opposed to a 12″ tire? I have heard from some sources that with a 12″ tire that it is better for driving on highways, the tires don’t heat up as much and that the tire lasts longer. Could I have your opinion on this? Thanks very much in advance.
You are correct Bob, 12″ tires are better for long distances/high speeds. The hubs turn slower, saves the bearings. However 8″ tires are perfectly fine unless you are traveling thousands of miles.
-Steve
Hey steve, about a griddle for our cart,. Who sells them?
Most of my customer’s use a two burner camp stove or table top gas grill with a flat top griddle. The Griddle Q is a popular one.
Sam’s club has a Sizzle Q looks good feels heavy for $47 and some cents. Stainless steel. No shipping cost. I’m getting one ASAP.
That’s a nice flat top. Works great on a two burner stove. Thanks Boo!
Sharp! I can’t wait to receive my info. and build mine. Good looking carts!
Send pics of yours when you finish it Greg!