Transportation ??

[LK7]

This is my first post here, but I have been reading this thread for a while now and I really enjoy all the usefull info.
I am investing in a mobile recording rig to record band demos and small venue live shows. All equipment is rackmounted. I plan to have a total of:
3 6U ATA cases
1 10U rolling rack case
and a couple of misc. mic/cable/accessory cases

My question is what would be the best way to transport all this stuff. I have a small pickup truck and I was thinking of buying a utility camper top which could be locked. I also thought of buying a small cargo trailer with a fold down door so I could roll the gear in the trailer which would be easier, but I am worried that finding parking for a trailer at a club could be a nightmare. Another option would be to buy a decent van, but I would rather not have a car note. My budget for this would be around $1500-$2000.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I realize this is a pretty low-budget kinda post, but I couldn't think of a better place to post it.
Thanks in advance.

[smoothmoniker]

go rock star. get this.

[LK7]

god only knows whats happened in that thing

[ExistanceMusic]

that is one U-G-L-Y car.....

Get a plain white van, not a camper shell or trailer. They are too easy to steal. Many tales of jimmied camper shells. Even a finky old one is fine, less of a shiny target if you park it to go use the loo on a trip.

[Remoteness]

Thanks for spending your first post here.

Let’s see if I can be of assistance to you.

First of all, DON’T BUY THAT WRECK ON eBAY!!! I trust you already know that…

Your equipment case set-up looks like it’s going to be pretty efficient.
The best way to transport all your stuff really depends on your environment and where you plan to go with all this stuff. Do you trust your surroundings? I personally would not trust just a pickup truck even if you install a utility camper top. They’re too easy to break into. Once people know what you got you’re a sitting duck every time you park the thing. The small cargo trailer can be a cool way to go but, you still have the same problems when it comes to theft and like you said, parking could be a nightmare. Unless you’re confident of your surroundings I would go with a cargo van with plenty of security devices installed. I’m not sure you’re going to find a decent van for around $1500-$2000 USD unless your family or friend is selling it to you. How about a mini van? You could use it for work and play. Maybe the pickup truck with a more secure cargo top makes the best sense based on the budget you’re dealing with.

[rush]

Originally Posted by Lou Judson

Get a plain white van, not a camper shell or trailer. They are too easy to steal. Many tales of jimmied camper shells. Even a finky old one is fine, less of a shiny target if you park it to go use the loo on a trip.

I agree with you Lou .... You might try to pick up a flat lid for your truck < $1000 .. noone can see what's in the back so they are much less likely to try to break in to it.

[Jim vanBergen]

For the small size of your racks, don't bother with anything more than you absolutely have to until you need a small box truck with a commercial license.
It's cheaper to have a HELPER at every venue than it is to have gear stolen...someone to watch the gear while you go in and get the doors unlocked, then wait while stuff is loaded in, then move the vehicle to a garage.

If you aren't looking for a commercial vehicle with commercial plates, then do the least- the camper top (no see--thru windows) or even a tarp on your pickup might cover you, whereas a helper defers theft, lifts gear, moves the truck, and defers parking tickets as well!

My flypack stuff is 8, 12, 20, and 24 space racks that all fit in my wagon... again, security is harder than anything else.

JvB

[LK7]

Thanks for the replys, I think i'll probably get a cargo mini-van. It seems like the most convient and secure solution. I be mainly working in Atlanta so security is a bit of a concern.

[nathanvacha]

Wait, how much rack space? If your budget is 1500-2000, are you sure you're gonna fill up 28 rack spaces? It seems to me if you're going alone, a 10 space could sit in the front seat with you and a few 6 space racks could maybe go in one of those locking tool-boxes you can instal in the bed of your truck. Cheap, easy, and safe. It uses the vehicle you already have with minor expenditure for additional secure transport.

[LK7]

I mean I have $1500-$2000 in the budget for transportation. All gear is accounted for already. I could finance a vehicle(and probably will)but like I said, car notes suck especially when trying to start a company.
Also, as shallow as it may sound, I'm kinda worried about image. Like if I pull up to a clients house/venue and I've got my beat up little pickup truck with gear in the front seat. Granted, I 'm not going to be working with the most prestigious clients , but I would like to at least have a somewhat proffesional image.

[nathanvacha]

oooohhhhhhhhhh. gotcha. yeah, it looks like a decent used van is probably the way to go. Car payments suck, but think of it as an investment. You're right, though, I wouldn't want to pull up to anything more than a crap bar gig without a nice presentation.