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How do you transport your sound rig?

#2
We used to transport everything round in 2 small cars and a people carrier, But now due to the large amount of gear we have and things being to large to fit in cars like the 8x10, 2x 4x12 and a very big road case, we have a 7 seat, Ex Royal Mail van.
 
#3
ohh jeeeez, for the longest time we used to take 4 seperate cars because usually we would all be out of town, school/work/etc, now we really just take 2 cars, one being my jeep, which we can fit all the drums (with cases) my full bass stack, 1 guitar setup (head and 2x12 cab) and all the instruments, the other guitar amp goes in the other car, 2 dudes per car! except gas in my v8 jeep is not the cheapest and most efficient :(
 
#5
We actually have 2 "band vehicles". For our more local gigs,we have what was a former bread delivery truck (don't laugh,it actually has nice rims/tires,stereo and pretty nice paint). When that's used for a gig,our light/soundman also doubles as the driver. We follow behind in personal vehicles.
For the bigger,more far away gigs we have a 10-year old Bluebird school bus (Yes,it's painted,also). Now granted,it's no full-blown tour bus. But,it's still a bad-ass band vehicle. The back half of the bus is partitioned off,for the P.A. (complete with a loading ramp). The front half? Now that,friends,is where the fun is. We've mounted 3 (removable) restaurant-style booths for all to sit/play cards/shoot-the-**** while traveling. Excellent stereo system,too. It kicks too,just like our P.A. This upcoming spring,we're talking about installing a T.V./DVD player. We also have an old mattress (w/clean sheets!),that we keep against the back partition.(Gee,can you guess what that's for?)

Also,there's a rule with this band: "All that play together,ride together." This band has been together for over 15 years. We stay booked SOLID. These guys that I play music with,are also my best friends. There ain't nothin' better than playing in a stress-free/drama-free band.
 
#6
millsbass5 said:
For the bigger,more far away gigs we have a 10-year old Bluebird school bus (Yes,it's painted,also). Now granted,it's no full-blown tour bus. But,it's still a bad-ass band vehicle. The back half of the bus is partitioned off,for the P.A. (complete with a loading ramp). The front half? Now that,friends,is where the fun is. We've mounted 3 (removable) restaurant-style booths for all to sit/play cards/shoot-the-**** while traveling. Excellent stereo system,too. It kicks too,just like our P.A. This upcoming spring,we're talking about installing a T.V./DVD player. We also have an old mattress (w/clean sheets!),that we keep against the back partition.(Gee,can you guess what that's for?)
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Wow, i mean seriously WOW, i am jealous.
 
#7
In the late 60s, we had a small van until venues were more distant when we acquired a 3 ton Box Van almost double- deck high. The guitar & bass rigs, drums and P.A. went underneath the primitive sleeping quarters. This sort of vehicle took us around U.K. and Germany and was often found amusing by the G.I.s - if only for being r/h drive.
The bigger Festival venues became then Rock Bands hired P.A.s etc. but did not need them for the big events. If you have weighty cabinets, get a sack-barrow for between wagon and stage door.
 
#9
We're just a weekend cover band so we don't have a band bus or van or anything fancy like that. My bass cabinet lives in the band trailer pretty much full time, along with the rest of the band's amps, our P.A. and lights. The head OTOH never goes into the band trailer. It always rides with me and is one of the last things to go on stage during setup and one of the first things to come off after the gig.
 
#12
troy mcclure said:
Weekend cover band, the singer owns the PA and a van..the rest use our own vehicles.
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Yeah, that's what I was trying to get at earlier too. Only diff is, instead of of a van our singer owns a trailer and the pickup to pull it with. Then the rest of us drive ourselves... or if it's a farther away gig we carpool so that we're only using two vehicles.

Now obviously if you're going to be a full time touring band you don't want to be feeding more than one engine if you can help it... so then you're getting more into a bus or van + trailer situation to get all the people and gear where they need to go.
 
#14
We've been looking to upgrade our trailer as well... not a lot of good used ones on the market, and new ones are way too expensive for us to consider.

If you can find a van that will hold all your gear, you're probably ahead. Backing trailers into tight loading zones can be a real PITA, also with a trailer you have to buy extra tires, licensing, insurance, etc. And if you're in icy/snowy climates towing those things can be a real adventure on slick roads.
 
#16
jaywa said:
We've been looking to upgrade our trailer as well... not a lot of good used ones on the market, and new ones are way too expensive for us to consider.

If you can find a van that will hold all your gear, you're probably ahead. Backing trailers into tight loading zones can be a real PITA, also with a trailer you have to buy extra tires, licensing, insurance, etc. And if you're in icy/snowy climates towing those things can be a real adventure on slick roads.
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The used trailer market is horrible! Everything is overpriced and the ones I have looked at are completely beat to crap, abused, total garbage.

Old vans are abundant and the price of gas makes them pretty unappealing for most people. Hopefully I can snag a good deal.

I'll be sure to post pics of the Van-Halen if I get one! :bassist:

Derek
 
#17
SUV. Not great on mileage, but the plusses:
-Waist-level load-in/load-out.
-Very tinted (but legal) windows, and luggage area covers for privacy.
-Heated/air-conditioned for stable transport temperatures.
-Lower than a traditional van and will fit in parking garages with height restrictions.
-Carpeted cargo area.
-Tailgate hatch that doubles as awning and rain protection unlike traditional vans.
-Millions of my particular SUV sold, and engine architecture dating back to 1967 means if this thing should be able to be serviced and fixable by any decent mechanic anywhere.
-Will easily also carry my upright along with the rest of my gear, when I need the upright.
-Has four wheel drive and full, truck-based frame to deal with snow, and potholes too.
-Is paid for.***
 
#19
For my own rig I get around with a 2007 Nissan Xterra. When the band gigs everything goes in a 5'WX8'LX5T' box trailer that's just about the perfect size for everything (sans PA). That gets pulled behind either my Xterra or the drummers Tahoe.
 

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