Converting a Horse Trailer Into a Mobile Bar Start To Finish + TOUR

We converted an old 1970s horse trailer into a mobile bar trailer. The trailer was originally designed for a coffee company was spec’d to be health department approved. We ended up going in another direction for the coffee company and finished the conversion for a distillery in northern Michigan.
Products I used in this project: (affiliate links)
Electrical
- Recessed 12v LED Lights: amzn.to/3rvUdmw
- BlueSea Systems 12v distribution block: amzn.to/2P6NfYf
- 50 AMP Exterior Hookup: amzn.to/2PiT6JM
- 10 Gauge Wire pack: amzn.to/2O25OMB
- 120v AC to 12v DC Charge Controller: amzn.to/3rwQS6S
Water
- Main 12v Water Pump: amzn.to/3u5MZHs
- Small Water Pump for drinking water: amzn.to/3cugaOt
- Stainless Steel Dinking water spout: amzn.to/3cxSol0
- SHURFLO Extreior Water Hookup: amzn.to/3rwx2sf
- Gravity Water Fed inlet: amzn.to/3wic4kG
- HEPVO Water Trap for RVs and Concession Trailers: amzn.to/39qqncS
Other
- Countertop Expoxy: amzn.to/3syGBIu
Timeline
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Why did I end up converting a horse trailer?
01:08 - How to convert a horse trailer into a bar
01:48 - Original Trailer
02:02 - Fabrication / Framing
03:53 - Gathering materials and appliances
04:39 - Water System
07:05 - Electrical
08:56 - Finishing touches
11:52 - MOBILE BAR TOUR
17:45 - Future Projects
ScottMixer.co/projects/mobile...

[@MixerProjects]

Let me know if you have any questions about the project below!

[@jacobchalmers789]

Where'd you get the fridges

[@lossanchez6397]

May I ask why the coffee business failed?

[@gageporter7304]

Would u ever sell it ?

[@scottmixer471]

@@gageporter7304 We sold it to a company in Northern Michigan :)

[@shannonshearing9874]

Did you put a glass washer in?

[@catherinedean3796]

My best friend and I just turned 30 and we decided to open a coffee trailer in a few years. We're both working and busting our butts to save money so we can make it a reality very soon so I'm excited to learn a lot!

[@Jsatransp]

This is beautiful. We have a small one that looks bad but the one my grandaughter has for her horses are like yours. I knew those top doors comes off. Thanks for showing yours.

[@findingdori6219]

I Heart this 💜 I have a vintage 1972 Horse Trailer mobile Bar/photo booth but it has no electricity or water yet. You’re an inspiration.

[@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck]

Such a wonderful job. I really like the electrical/plumbing nook you put in the subflooring. Not many will know how genius that was. The window looked great. I wouldn't feel too bad about the chain though: I just build a horse trailer coffee truck and we tried multiple gas struts from Amazon, which all failed miserably. We ended up with a kickstand to hold the door open. I like the cedar plank look. Super clean. And the walnut handles are supercool! 5/5 Stars guys! Really stellar work!

[@MixerProjects]

Thanks Joe, I actually bought your ebook awhile back. Really enjoyed it! I'm just getting started with KZbin. If you think anyone in your network would enjoy this video, I'd appreciate the share 🤠

[@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck]

Absolutely! Happy to share. Again, really solid work.

[@kansascowboy5721]

This is a great idea!! I have an old trailer just like this. Thanks for posting this video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@wallleur5579]

your dog wanting to play during your video was TOO CUTE omg lol

[@pedroluisvelazquez4166]

This is an awesome coffee bar conversion! Thank you for sharing.

[@MixerProjects]

Thank you!

[@haileyhowe6135]

Just bought a small camper to flip into a Mobile Bar! Also located in Michigan, this video has been GREAT.

[@anastaciacruz7880]

How is it going? Are you running yet??

[@jackiesmithflanders4597]

Hey guys! I was wondering how the conversion went. My horse trailer looks amazing, and I'm so glad it has a 2nd (or 3rd) life! Great job!

[@MixerProjects]

Hey Jackie! I am glad you came across the video. You sold us a great trailer!

[@flgirl250]

Great job. The electrical & water system was impressive.

[@MixerProjects]

Thanks!

[@patystour8847]

Great video!!! Loved the idea for the coffee trailer 👏

[@jimmysanchez3444]

WOW. What a Great Build !!! Nice Work !! 😁

[@tamaradavidson8650]

Fantastic job gentlemen. Very cool and impressive👍

[@zaewhite2254]

You guys did a fantastic job with that! Hey if you do anymore I would buy one

[@bear4locos]

Very nice. My brother is a contractor so I’m gonna video tape my project as well. I just bought a horse trailer. I’m starting out with the walls to set the electrical to be ready and doing wood flooring as well. We are setting white flushed lights in the ceiling. After that we want to set a piece of wood and epoxy it as well like you guys did. We are doing bakery not a coffee shop. Most of the bakery will be made already and ready to sell. I don’t think my wife wants to bake in the trailer but maybe it would be a great idea. We will only have 2 sinks. To wash hands.

[@brittanys2378]

wow- smart guys ! very thorough

[@kolishasullivan272]

I am a bartender in Louisiana this is amazing I actually purchased a trailer to start this similar project it has been a bit rocky but still pushing watching this video has giving me so much motivation thanks for that !! My question is do you guys travel ?? Customize other trailers??( Interior setup) if so I would love to get a quote

[@stevenmckechnie4380]

Great job lads. Next time please leave a small space under the fresh water tank so your toes can be under there when serving and your back is straight .

[@ali2art1]

The 12volt set-up would be good if the solar design was separate frame mounted outside the portable kitchen. Your build is giving me new ideas for my first build . Thanks. Alicia

[@LS-wg1vp]

Smart yong man, cool and talented 😎 Goed job 👍

[@stevenduyck5204]

I converted a van to a camper. But this is also a nice project. I have a 'dream/plan' to convert a van to a foodtruck + camper if possible. Regulations are difficult. great job!!!

[@MixerProjects]

You could always pull a food trailer behind a van!

[@veliagarcia3606]

Omg. What a great job you did. 3 cheers for you..... Covina ca

[@MixerProjects]

Thank you!

[@keekoization]

I want more CONTENT!! Hahaha looking at doing a coffee pod/trailer in the UK 🇬🇧

[@malaysiarock9528]

This is exactly what I was looking for!! This is how I want my lemonade trailer!! Can I just pay yall to renovate mine like this? 🥴

[@veronicaramos9438]

❤❤ thats so dope 🎉

[@kylecaraher6000]

Nice job dad

[@alvinmartinez8679]

It’s funny how your dog just looking out the window 😂

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

I like it im looking at a stock trailer 18 ft in side 6 ft

[@stephaniestewart9762]

I'm just now on my paint and finishing wood but would looove to know details on how to set up a d needed supplies for the water set up! I've not done much plumbing but would love for mine to be up to code side note I am making a mobile bar

[@deajar-davidlazer8678]

Water pours through top hinge hatches unless you fit door seal or a flexible storm guard across the top. I’ve just finished refurbing the inside of a horse box van conversion that had rotted through completely only to find it full of water by the hatch which is probably what caused the problem in the first place. I’m planning on taking the entire top and bottom hatch off to create a door seal all around to prevent this from happening again.

[@scottymixer]

Yeah that's a good idea. We added some rubber seals.

[@Snailmail8]

Awesome video, thanks! I have a question. How wide are your bar tops? The larger one on the back wall, the one on the opposite wall where you serve from and the outside one? I’m doing a father/daughter project on a vintage horse trailer from the 70’s too and need all the help I can get. 😊

[@mydestinylosbarriles7941]

nice

[@SB-fc6jy]

Yessss so do you guys fix these and sell out???? Very interested

[@mamamesen]

Do you have a video on how you did the concession window?

[@tt__gurl2823]

This is awesome… you guys did a great job. What’s the outside dimensions of this trailer?

[@The_mare_stare]

Have y’all seen The Pour Horse, Mobile Bar Co trailers? They are really really good. We had ours done by them.

[@MixerProjects]

I just looked them up. It seems like they do really good work

[@countryliving2885]

Great job guys. I was thinking of modifying a horse trailer for coffee trailer but since I have on experience with electric and pluming I decided to for custom fabrication in China. I was looking for the Airstream look. Any way, in the design stage I was concerned about the rain because I live in Ohio and I'll be outside always. I noticed you didn't have any way to direct the rain away from the service window, or will it be inside? Good luck with your next project.

[@brittanyrussell5859]

Where did you purchase the bar refrigerators? I’m struggling to find something affordable but sustainable for my build. I have the same size and style of trailer

[@yulisasaldana9255]

Hey ! Nice job !! I would love to know what permits or safety guidelines you guys were following ? Turned out amazing btw !!

[@MixerProjects]

Thank you! I generally try to follow standard building practices when I'm doing electrical, plumbing etc.. on trailers. Trailers are kind of a grey area. If you're building a food truck, The local health department will probably have a few requirements about how the drains work, check valves for city water etc.. Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions

[@hannahmccormick1464]

how long is the trailer? looks great :)

[@tales_of_the_crypto1583]

Great jobs Guy. The small window over the counter was it custom built? I just got my trailer and brain storming ideas right... thanks for the great information and tips 👍...

[@scottmixer471]

Hey Sorry I just saw this comment. Yes, that window was there. We just worked around it in our plans.

[@deangelobush7209]

How did you add the recessed lights and outlets in the trailer ?

[@silasandrade2503]

what would be his internal dimensions? beautiful design

[@stevenduyck5204]

You could have used gassprings to open the window. :)

[@breyoncrawford8898]

Would you be open to being paid to redo another trailer? I want to convert a trailer into a bar but I’m not that handy.

[@picturesque63]

We are in Texas and thinking about doing the same thing. Do we need a title for the trailer to do so. Farm trailers under 4000 pounds doesn’t require a title to register it. But was wondering if making into coffee bar how does that change it if at all

[@shannonsns011]

Hi ! Do you need a liquor license for this type of mobile bar? If not , what permits or licensing would be needed ? Thanks !

[@glorialynah933]

Hello, that was awesome how you guys converted the horse trailer into a mobile bar trailer!! I don't know how I came across this video... My daughter is a Bartender/Mixologist. She & I were "brain storming" ways for her to put her talents to use! We live in S.C. How much was this project??

[@acham3258]

Easily 12k

[@gulu1030]

How much did you sell this one / Can you make a custom smaller Tea/Coffee until ?

[@shadelight310]

I wish i knew someone who could do this

[@edwardsmith3992]

Hello, what program do you use to sketch out the trailer?

[@amandameredith7719]

Hi there! I'm Bunnie, owner of Bunnie's Bar. I'm looking to outfit horse trailers for my "Spiked Slushie" mobile bar concept, used for outdoor events in Atlanta and Nashville. It's quite the adventure! The machines I use for my slushies are quite substantial-- large and heavy. Do you have any insight to share on usable space inside the trailer-- in other words, can you provide dimensions? And load max for the countertops you guys have installed?

[@seger53]

what was the conversion costs?

[@allysonrio6083]

I am curious do you know what is right or what is not. Do you have previous experience building or did you have buddies help? It was very well built, Very cool!

[@christyluvpr24]

Do you build these for people on a normal basis?

[@isaiahacosta5429]

Are the walls pretty thin in the original horse trailer. Would mounting stuff with screws go right through the exterior of the trailer?

[@MixerProjects]

Some of the walls were lined with 2" lumber. In that case, you could screw right into it. The ceiling was just thin sheet metal.

[@thecraftedgrogmobiletikiba782]

Are you guys available for hire for an existing bartending service to build one of these?

[@cruiser523]

What wood did you use for rear doors? Looks nice

[@MixerProjects]

Thanks I appreciate it. To be honest with you I have no idea, it was actually the original wood that we sanded down and refinished

[@ultimategoat6267]

Hey wassup man nice job! is that a 5x8 Trailer?

[@mariaperales457]

What was the dollar amount used for a project like that? I need to know to prepared myself for mine thank you

[@shewillinheels3419]

How much did this run you to do this?

[@nicholasmiller9747]

Out of curiosity, approximately how much did it cost you to convert this into a mobile bar? We just came by a 16ft horse trailer and are thinking about doing the same!

[@emericanty7705]

are you still wondering?

[@ashv1994ify]

@@emericanty7705 I am lol

[@nicholasmiller9747]

@@emericanty7705 Yeah just a general cost. We actually didnt go through with the renovation as we learned our state requires a commercial property to be owned and operated in order to allow the business to operate a mobile bar :(

[@osmosisreacts]

@@nicholasmiller9747you can operate as a dry bar

[@Saia_xx]

I’m trying to start a movie bar business but I don’t know where to start

[@2718Checo]

hello I saw your video and I loved it I would like to know if you can get a trailer like the one I saw in the video but to sell tacos

[@khalinm]

Does your power mains have a male socket or female?

[@MirandaGonz]

How long does the 30 gallon tank last? Like a good work day? 4 hours? Including waste and drinks?

[@MixerProjects]

Yes, when you're working on limited tanks you're a little bit more conservative in your water usage. You should be able to go for a day no problem. A lot of mobile bartenders don't have any drain to dump in.

[@RealMacForte]

Notification gang

[@junkcarz4720]

How much did it cost

[@epiphanysmith7854]

what kind of insulation you use for the flooring and ceiling looking for it at lowes

[@MixerProjects]

Hey there, I used just a standard pink foam board insulation. I think it was 1" for this project. Most big box stores carry it.

[@Oralene.]

Thank you for this video. I’m opening a lemonade bar with a horse trailer similar. Do I have to license it as a food truck? Wondering if you could answer even for your state. I live in Florida.

[@Oralene.]

Lemonade Truck*

[@MixerProjects]

You likely would but it may be easier if you're just doing lemonade. I'd recommend calling your local health department. They were very helpful!

[@maoher623]

Can you give me an estimate on how much a conversion like will cost ? I want one like this too.

[@shadelight310]

Where are you guys located and about how much does something like this cost ?

[@jamielight7185]

How much did all that cost?

[@rosehendricks8283]

Hey! I’m from michigan and I just purchased my tailer to start. My question is about . Licensing. You said you had to register it as a food truck. I wanted to know a little bit more about the licensing process. Meaning where to look for mobile bar requirements or what should I look up ?

[@scottymixer]

Hi Rose, Congrats! Food truck licensing is managed on a county level. If you're not preparing food, you probably can go without getting an STFU license. Yes, it's actually called that. You can also go without all the fancy mechanical systems. I am starting another trailer this week that will be much simpler.

[@katflandes55]

How much did everything cost!

[@sandyirwin6596]

How big a car do you need to tow it?

[@prplelazr]

Hi. Very nice trailer. How do I get more information on your next coffee trailer sale in the future. I am interested to buy for my flea market business ‘Mama’s Drinks’ Thank you from New Mexico.

[@parvanehanderson492]

Hello! Hello! Would you please, please let me know if you do know someone or yourself that convert a small can ham style to a coffee shop. I would love to buy one that is already in place. Thank you

[@jakestretar4435]

What size trailer was this?

[@roxyblu8392]

Hello...what is the size of this trailer?

[@Traumadivas]

How much did this cost you to build?

[@epiphanysmith7854]

How did you get the insulation to stick on the ceiling

[@MixerProjects]

I used a glue to hold it in place, then when I fastened the wood to the square tubing that held it in a lot better

[@jaycerenee]

Can you tell me if you have to hook it up to water or how do you get water to run through the sinks? i want to buy one of these for a mobile coffee bar for weddings but cant figure out how this works for sink and espresso machine

[@jaycerenee]

you kept saying "tanks" but you also said there is a place to plug a hose into. so do you need a hose or not?

[@MixerProjects]

Yeah they can be fed with a hose or gravity fed with jugs. The tanks hole plenty of water for a wedding event so you wouldn't need to be hooked up during the event

[@cassandrastumpf7161]

Did you install both hot and cold water option?

[@MixerProjects]

Yes there's a 6-gallon hot water heater

[@cassieglasnapp3154]

@@MixerProjects Does the hot and cold water each need their own water pump?

[@KennyLauderdale]

Build me one for just beer.

[@zoraidamercado-reid9760]

Hello, came across this and I’m very interested in knowing if you would restore mine in memory of my horse that passed in a barn fire in Illinois some years ago. I bought the same trailer like this one for her and never was able to use it, due to her passing. It was devastating and I have had this trailer ever since. I’m a woman with no ability to convert it but would like to keep it and do something good with it. So if you would contact me and let me know how much it would cost I would very much be grateful… Thank you 🙏

[@mytoothbrushclub3397]

How much do you rent this out for?

[@johns5091]

Do you build these for people how much

[@dcat3510]

What does something like this cost to buy??

[@victoriaphillips2536]

Where did you get the mini fridge from?

[@MixerProjects]

Bought from a vending company on Facebook marketplace.

[@mixerinc]

🔥

[@MixerProjects]

Thanks for all your hard work ❤️

[@Copynnpaste]

Did you need to get an inspection to make it a legal food truck

[@rosalindalopez4417]

How much did u spend on it

[@aliciascott702]

Would you be willing to build another?

[@MixerProjects]

I'm planning on it but not sure when

[@LifeIsPresent2804]

How much for it brother..

[@kroland3388]

The ELE trial and water is good info, thanks. You are right you definitely aren't bartendes or baristas. Wedding bartending and coffee is different than a bar but you are still missing some huge factors!

[@thegreatphilosophers]

Anyone know what year and model this trailer is?

[@MixerProjects]

This was something from the mid 70s. That's all I know 🙂

[@parvanehanderson492]

Hello! Do you sell any cafe trailers?

[@MixerProjects]

Hey there, just saw this! I don't buy my buddy does. Feel free to email me. [e-mail]

[@hiphopwisdom5401]

This is a great video.....I am working on a trailer bar build of my own. Would you consider working as a consultant for a similar project? I sent you an email.....

[@MixerProjects]

I'd be happy to help where I can.. sent you an email back!