By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – The Red Moose Brewing Company has transformed a 1990 Ford fire truck into a unique mobile tap room. Previously serving with the New Hope volunteer fire department in Orange County, the fire truck underwent a comprehensive conversion process to create a portable tap room capable of serving up to 700 people. The entire fire pump, water box, and apparatus were stripped out to make way for the beer-serving infrastructure.
The mobile tap room, affectionately known as the “Fire Truck,” is equipped with beer and wine on tap and is designed for private and corporate events. It has the capacity to carry 10 half barrel kegs and 1,260 six-packs of beer. To ensure the beverages are kept at optimal temperatures, the truck features a custom walk-in cooler and a self-contained cooling system. The official launch of the mobile tap room is scheduled for the 29th of July.
I had a chance to talk with Danny Jenkins last week. He is the man at Red Moose Brewing Company who had a vision of repurposing a vintage vehicle into unique tap room. The truck has been well-maintained throughout its life and has relatively low mileage considering its previous service as a fire truck from 1990 to 2023. Red Moose picked up the truck with only 58,000 miles on the odometer.
The fire truck conversion was a labor of love and creativity, with Jenkins designing the vehicle himself. This one-of-a-kind mobile tap room is an original creation. To transform the fire truck into a mobile beer oasis, all the fire pump, water box, and firefighting apparatus were stripped out. Designing the cooler presented a significant challenge, as the team had to work with existing freezer panels to create a functional and efficient cooling system. The conversion process took four months to complete
In addition to providing a mobile bar service, the Fire Truck also offers wine, water, sodas, and a selection of yard games to keep guests entertained. It caters to various occasions such as weddings, corporate events, and more, offering a somewhat unique one-of-a-kind experience for attendees.
The Red Moose Brewing Company mobile tap room is available for rent at private and corporate events. Its versatility and capacity to cater to a large number of people make it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether it’s a wedding or a corporate function, this mobile tap room offers a memorable experience for guests. The truck’s self-contained cooling system ensures that the beverages are served at the perfect temperature, allowing attendees to enjoy a refreshing drink while celebrating.
With the Fourth of July celebrations fast approaching, the fire truck is poised to be a prominent feature at various festivities. Before finishing our conversation Danny Jenkins showed me his tattoos on his sleeve. They featuring iconic American symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, Statue of Freedom, the Preamble to the Constitution and the US flag.
While the official roll-out is scheduled for July 29, this unique tap room truck can be viewed beforehand parked at the Red Moose Brewing Company and at assorted events.