Remote Vehicle Advice

[klaukholm]

I am considering picking up this trailer to convert to a small remote vehicle.
It would have to be towable by a Grand Voyager diesel automatic on a regular european B license (car).

Its dimentions are 5300x2015x2012cm
and the front end slopes down to 1750cm

I have never seen a trailer converted and would like your input on the pros and cons.

[d_fu]

My posting # 2000..

First off, I have no personal experience with remote vehicles, but what exactly are you planning? Some kind of permanent installation with a console, mixer, monitors, etc?

I would personally never consider a trailer. Ever seen TV pictures of how these things break into millions of pieces in case of an accident? The side walls and the entire structure are usually really thin and flimsy. Would you really trust expensive gear to to this thing? I don't think I would.

Also consider how easy it's likely to be to break into it. Have you got a garage where you can leave it at night?

If I were to plan a remote vehicle, I'd only ever consider a van of some sort.

Daniel

[klaukholm]

I suspect your post#2000 is one of reason.

A remote truck is in the plans, but I came across this thing for no money at all.
There is probably a reason why noone has one of these.

Keep the advice coming though, there is nothing more scientific than ruling something out as a possibility.

[gareth.h.rees]

That does look a bit flimsy.

Doubt this would be suitable either, but it looks a lot sturdier.

Ifor Williams Livestock Trailer on eBay (end time 30-Oct-09 18:30:28 GMT)

May be worth looking in to trailers of some sort if that's what you want?

[Remoteness]

First off congrats on Daniel's 2000 post.

Secondly, I'm with Daniel on this one.
These trailers can be flimsy to say the least.
The suspension can also be a bit light.

This does not mean you cannot build an excellent remote recording studio in a trailer.
I would consider a (race) car carrier trailer instead.
It's meant to handle the weight and it's a lot more sturdy.

The cool thing about the trailer idea is you can drop it off at the location and you still have a vehicle to get around when necessary.

On the downside you also have the potential of theft.
Anyone can simply tow it away in a NY minute without too much trouble.
You must consider beefing up the security of this mobile.
There are a few options to consider and some of these ideas will add a considerable amount of weight to the mobile unit.

[klaukholm]

You guys are very helpful, thanks!

I will look for another trailer, or vehicle. I am looking into a 18 wheeler trailer (in lack of a better word). The constantly changing emissions standards for cities makes it necesary to be able to change vehicle easily.

[Remoteness]

Depending on the footprint of your control cabin area, perhaps a van or shuttle buss is an option.

IMO, the trailer idea can still be a serious set up if you look into a more stable and solid design structure like a race car trailer.

[Roland]

I have to say, I like Steve's, wind-out side, remote vehicle option. Most of the remote vehicles I've seen are too too narrow for my personal liking, however, I guess if you are street parking there may not be the option.

Regards



Roland

[klaukholm]

In the long run we are looking at getting a double expandble, but the client base for this kind of work needs to be firmly established.

How do you find a double or single expandable for surround work?

[Jim vanBergen]

At the last several AES shows, there have been similar trailers designed for A/V use demonstrated on the show floor.

Tower New Tech VPTR-24 24 Foot Mobile Video and Audio Production Trailer Mobile Video at Markertek.com

It's a solid idea, and makes moving the unit easier. Build-out is the first key consideration, as is security.

Let us know what you decide to do!

JvB

[Remoteness]

I'll tell you one thing...

I wouldn't want to be the guy towing that Markertek Trailer over a bridge on a seriously windy day.

Furthermore, it may work well as a video control room, but when standing outside of that trailer I swear that I can hear people thinking from inside that box; I mean, the walls are very thin.

I've been inside that trailer at the AES this past October and in one this past summer during a production. It really was not designed to be an isolated control room by any means.