Favorite Gig Vehicle

[Dominick C.]

I just picked up a Honda Element. Really working out super well. The fold up seats are a huge plus. This is my weekend warrior.

I also have an older VW Bus, if you really wanna turn some heads. The bus gets as much attention as the band. Great advertisement.

 

[Real Soon]

Surprising how much gear you can fit into a Honda Prelude.

Actually...not that surprising, because it's not a lot. Heh.

 

[wizerd]

'71 Chrysler Imperial. All yer gear. and a place to live too.

 

[7dollarbologna]

We used to have a 1966 Pontiac ambulance, got it for $200 and installed a motor mount and we were on our way! One of my friends neighbors has a 1970 Cadillac ambulance in their yard - It's got me thinkin'!

 

[bassestkkm]

I have a 2005 Toyota Camry. I can fit my 2x12 guitar cab, combo amp, 4x10 bass cab, head, two guitars, two basses, pedalboard, flat cart for gear, and a passenger.

If I was doing the whole band I'd just borrow the Suburban. 4 passengers drums guitars Amps and all.

 

[Argassab]

Suzuki Sidekick Softtop, carried a 410 & etc but had to sell both.

 

[bigfatbass]

Best small gig ride is the Honda Element. See my thread on it from a few weeks ago, lol. The love for these ugly little toasters runs as deep as their utility.

 

[lakefx]

I love our Subaru Forester. Perfect dog mobile and swallows all of my gear with ease. The most recent models with the CVT get pretty good gas mileage and the all wheel drive is nice for the mountains around here.

 

[BAG]

If you've also got kids Invalid Link Removed We can fit a PA with two top boxes, 18"powered sub, powered wedge, two acoustic guitars, Cajon box, bass amp, bass, a couple of ukes, lights, cable bags etc etc etc and still have 5 comfortable seats and enough power to overtake uphill.

 

[Mosfed]

VW Tiguan - smallish suv, fits an 810, great gas mileage if you don't floor it all the time.

 

[el murdoque]

now don't laugh, but i'm riding a Mercedes Benz A class to most of my gigs. Because of my very large dog, i removed one of the backseats. The floor of that tiny Benz is very even and with one seat removed, i can load it through the rear passenger door instead of the boot. That gives me a very low loading height, well below knee level. if i take out all the backseats, i can fit both my bass cabs, a 4x12 guitar cab, the 12/1 PA cabs and the 19" PA rig. The Wife has a small truck that can fit all that plus the drums but i prefer my small Benz when there is another car to fit the rest.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Ford Transit Connect. Two huge cargo doors on the back, and sliding doors on each side.

Riis

 

[Bodeanly]

...I currently have a Ford focus wagon...

I had one of these a few years back and it worked great. Have a Ford Escape now, which works equally as well.

 

[Slevage]

I've got a huge Dodge 3500 Ram van that can pull a trailer---- don't use it much these days because the big PA is only necessary for "Big Gigs" and outdoor gigs where we provide FOH.

My weekend warrior vehicle is a Toyota Matrix. Can fit a small PA and Markbass 112 (extension 112 when I don't bring a PA) and 2 basses if necessary (one of them being and Azola Bug EUB).

 

[Kmay]

I commute about 60 miles a day to work and back (30 each way).
So gas mileage is a big thing, so I doubt ill be rolling with a 3500 model truck/van. Lol!

I like the element. And honestly, call me crazy, but I don't think they are THAT ugly! Haha

I'll look into them. I was also already looking at the Subaru, but gas mileage sucks!

Kind of was leaning towards a Mazda "something"...hatchback (obviously).

Anyone know if it will hold a 4x10 cab in just the hatch area? Without laying down the seats? Not sure how tall they are on the inside.
Width of the car is sort of a big deal too, at least I think.
Seems it would be nice to lay my basses across the back seat and shut the doors...but there are other loading options. Just be convenient.

 

[el basso]

+1 Subaru Forester / Outback vote

As I've said in other threads, my Subaru Outback is a terrific gig car. It gets me through the worst snowstorms and easily holds my bass rig and PA gear. I plan on driving it into the ground and then replacing it with another Outback.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Hatchbacks or small SUVs, depending on how much gear you have, are the best, depending on your daily driving, weather, and band needs.

Don't be afraid to try loading the car when you shop - obviously call ahead and agree on a slow time to as not to #$%& off the dealer. I can fit my bass, 2x12 cab, head, 5 piece drum kit with hardware, and drummer with me in my Hyundai Elantra hatchback. Sharing rides saves on gas, and makes the drive to the gig more enjoyable.

 

[el basso]

What?? 24/32 MPG is the highest rating of any AWD SUV.

.. I was also already looking at the Subaru, but gas mileage sucks!...

 

[SteveHeissner]

'12 Subaru Outback. Can haul an 810 with the back seat folded down, gets 29 miles per gallon on the highway, runs great in the snow with all wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. And dogs love it.

 

[Kmay]

They get that good?
Wow! I thought I read since it was AWD it got low 20's.