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Transportation question

R

Rendog92

Jan 2, 2009
175
0
Louisiana
#1
I recently bought a Peavey combo 115, this thing weighs around 104 pounds, its 200 watts, a 15 inch eminence speaker, very good structure, obviously built to last. Well, im gonna start gigging soon, and the issue at hand is transportation. It has two handles, very good infact, however, I have upper back pain, and it was stressful moving it when I got it. Since then it hasnt moved, but I need to take it to my friends on occasion.
What could I buy or build (yes, build), that I could successfully move this. I was thinking some strong wood, drill holes, put wheels on it, then try to move it like that. Of course, I think the wood will break.
Help me out guys, what could I get for under $50 that I could move it at ease, and it wouldnt be a big thing? Thanks alot:bassist:
 
#4
Hand_Truck.jpg


One of these, A Foldable one that can handle the weight of your amp (Check the specs of them)
 
#6
You'll still be bending over if you use a dolly cart or install casters. They usualy dont roll over larger obstructions (like curbs and such) very well and end up requiring further lifting. Hand Trucks come in all sizes prices and styles, their much larger diameter wheels and higher handle height have always work out much better for me.

Here's a few diferent hand trucks you could check out: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS221US222&q=hand+truck
 
#8
Don't use screws, you'll eventually tear them out.

Use T-nuts & bolts.
21LgHWDKcLL._SL160_AA115_.jpg


Easy to find & install. You drill a hole, pound the T-nut into the back side (the prongs hold it in place) & use a regular bolt/washer to fasten the caster to your wood plate or frame.
 
#9
Find something like this. N.B., the steel rails running near each wheel allow this baby to climb and descend stairs (slowly) with a significant load. I use a similar model several times a week to move cabinets, racks, cable boxes, etc. It fits into about the same space that a bass or two takes. I drive a small Ford Escort Wagon, and can carry a 4x10, a 1x15, a rack, a backpack, a large box, 2 basses, the hand truck, a couple of mic stands, and me. There is still the problem of lifting a 92 lbs. 4x10 or a 74 lbs. rack into and out of the car, but that is what the Gym is for...LOL!

136_z.jpg
 
#12
i have put pop out casters on one cab with good effect. however, as has been noted, you still have to lift it quite a bit. The other drag is that 2" casters get caught on lots of obstacles, cracks in the sidewalk, etc. 3" casters are a lot better but can be a bit large.

I would seriously reccomend saving up and getting a folding hand truck. Much easier.
 
#14
One advantage of a handtruck over casters or a furniture dolly is this: You can use a handtruck as a ramp to slide heavy cabinets in and out of a vehicle, so that you never have to lift them. I can move speaker cabinets that weigh close to 200 pounds this way, and I'm not very strong (75 pounds is about my maximum for lifting & carrying, and even that will give me a sore back). My secret weapons are wheel chocks on the dolly and a "slippy board" - a 1/2" thick piece of plywood covered with slick fabric that goes in between the dolly and the speaker cabinet, to make sliding the cabinet in and out of the vehicle easier.
 
#15
Use a small practice amp at home. Leave the 100 pounder at the practice hall. Load it along with the rest of the gear; with help!!

Best way I found to get out of lifting heavy things was to learn how to connect up the PA, & be busy with that when the heavy junk wanted moving. The rest of the band seems happy with that, the drummer especially so ;)
 
#16
Thx for all of the input guys, specially your stuff Duke. I think I may have to invest in one of those hand trucks, I may start off with the caster stuff now though, as I will be able to get help lifting the stuff , the only issue to me was to be able to push it. The rest is easy.
The good thing about the casters are they can be attached to some hard wood, and I can take pretty much cabinets and such without smashing it against objects.
 
#18
Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and ask for a "furniture dolly." It's a rectangular wood-framed, carpet lined doohickey with four casters. I have two and they are about $20 bucks apiece +/-. I used to use these exculsively for my 4x10 cab by Ashdown.
I now use the folding and extendable Rock-n-Roller cart with the rear inflatable wheels. I still use the furniture dollys to sit my cab up off the floor. Having both has been a boon to moving furniture and stuff around the house. It's like have the right tool for the job at the right time.
I'm 45 I feel your pain btw, with a bad lower back since I was 18. I love my MarkBss 4x10 neo-cab at 56 lbs.!! And my 7 lb LMII head.
 

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