Kei Food Trucks & Suspension Needs
Kei food trucks are a common sight in Japan and have been gaining popularity in America due to their affordable, compact, and customizable nature. When people plan to convert a kei truck into a mobile food vendor, they’ll likely prioritize tasks such as removing the vehicle’s original gates, installing new windows, and purchasing an inverter to power accessories. However, some may overlook the necessity of suspension upgrades for supporting this build’s added weight.
Below you’ll find key information on why stock suspension won’t cut it with kei food trucks, what can happen if you don’t upgrade, which products to concentrate on, and more.
Why Stock Kei Suspensions Fall Short for Food Truck Builds
Stock factory kei truck suspension systems are designed for light haulage, and a food vendor wouldn’t fall into this category given the kitchen loads it bears. This commercial equipment can include, but isn’t limited to, fryers, a grille, a stove, and a ventilation system. The average kei truck suspension system is designed to safely carry up to 770 lbs, but upgrades can support over 1,000 lbs. If you attempt to carry these heavier loads on stock suspension, excess compression will occur, resulting in damage or premature wear and tear, which we’ll explore more below.
Signs Your Food Truck Needs Suspension Upgrades
While some may initially overlook the importance of suspension upgrades for kei food trucks, signs of excess compression will inevitably show. These symptoms, such as excessive bouncing, rear sag, steering instability, and tire wear, can negatively impact a kei food truck’s financial stability, safety, and product quality.
Since excessive compression accelerates overall wear and tear, a vendor will likely experience higher maintenance costs, increased operational downtime, and reduced fuel efficiency — stemming from factors such as increased engine stress and tire wear. Handling reductions can manifest as sluggish steering and delayed braking, and proper payload management is a central element in maintaining a kei food truck’s product and equipment integrity.
Suspension Upgrade Options for Kei Trucks
You’ll want to prioritize a suspension kit with parts like stiffer springs for a kei food truck. Honda’s Acty is one of the most popular models for kei food truck conversions, and the Oiwa Garage inventory includes an extensive selection of Acty front, rear, and complete suspension kits. Our catalog also features steering and suspension upgrade kits so you can simultaneously optimize your vehicle’s turning and ability to support added weight. You’ll find stiffer replacement springs in many Oiwa Garage suspension kits, but you can also find springs sold separately for specific models, like the Honda Acty, in our inventory. The same goes for shock absorbers.
Why Oiwa Garage Suspension Kits Are Ideal
Oiwa Garage suspension kits are ideal with their ability to:
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Fit popular models like 1990-1999 Honda Acty trucks
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Offer customization in areas like spring rate and color
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Provide durability through enhanced contaminant protection
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Restore older models or replace previous upgrades
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Elevate performance
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Mitigate long-term maintenance costs and avoid downtime
Stay ahead of the curve with Oiwa Garage
Converting a kei truck into a mobile food vendor is an exciting prospect, but the vehicle class’s affordability, dependability, and safety can be compromised when you skip necessary suspension upgrades. If you’ve already purchased upgrades for certain areas and don’t need a full kit, Oiwa Garage fills in the blanks for ideal kei trucks such as Honda’s Acty. We can also help if you need assistance in selecting a comprehensive suspension kit or customizing specs like spring rate.
Browse our catalog of quality, specially-curated products, or contact us today to make your vision of a kei food truck a reality.
