Eskie 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Ad's poll about the white van men is quite timely for me cos I'm currently pondering whether to buy a van! I currently use a Honda HRV with a roof box, and can just about fit my gear into it with the seats folded down, however it's a squeeze and consequently I'm constantly scratching the interior, which will lead to a decrease in value. I'm in the process of buying some additional gear for my show, meaning that my present vehicle won't be big enough, and am torn between whether to buy an estate car which would probably have enough room, or to buy a van (VW Caddy size) which would definitely have enough room, but I don't really wanna drive a van around all the time when I'm not doing gigs http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/sad.gif I know that Mikeee uses a Volvo estate and he told me that he has cut some carpet to fit the back of his car to protect the interior from the scratches. Just wondering how many others use estate cars and if anyone does have they had problems with damaging the interior from moving the dj gear in & out? Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
AJS Mobile Disco 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Hi, I use a Nissan 4x4 X-Trail. It has a very flat back so no boot lip to get over. The interior is 'utility' easy clean, as it is ment to play in muddy fields. The Desiel is very economical. I manage to get all my equipment in two speakers 6u flight box lights and stand plus trolly (to help me move the speakers and flight box), a very large black Stanley tool box on wheels with all my bit and peices in and a board 4feet square ish. I'm not a very big set up but it meets my needs I hope this helps. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif Anne AJ's Mobile Disco Ryedale North Yorkshire PLI and PAT equipment Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I think vans look more professional too .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
brianmole 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Eskie, I use an Omega estate, and like mikee it is a biggun. I can lie down flat in the back, and I am not short. I also roll out a thick carpet, and that way the car does not get damaged. Have a look on wednesday evening if you like, I will be driving into Notting Hill. Link to post Share on other sites
Mo The Motown Man 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/whistling.gif Can't beat a white van I drive a long w.b. semi-high Transit dose look the buiss. when you turn up at a gig. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/bigstar.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/headphone.gif <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'><span style='font-family:Impact'><span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>KEEP THE FAITH</span> M.U. Member THE MOBILE DISCO IN NORFOLK.SUFFOLK,CAMBRIDGSHIRE AND THE UK PLI YES £10,000,000 PAT TESTED YES 0845 46 DISCO / MOB 07703011164 www.firstchoiceentertainmentsuk.co.uk EXCELLENCE IN ENTERTAINMENT SINCE 1965 OUALITY IS NOT EXSPENSIVE IT'S PRICELESS Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I use a diesel Citroen Xantia estate. I can get most of my gear in it but can't carry spare speakers or the lightboxes. It's main advantage is the adjustable suspension. For loading and unloading I drop the suspension. I am now in the process of deciding whether to get a van or a trailor so that I can get everything in. The trailor appeals to me because I like the comfort of the car for driving and I would not have to load or unload the trailor at home as the trailor could simply be pushed into the back yard behind secure gates and underneath the security lights. The only worry I have about leaving the gear in the trailor is the speakers in winter. I was thinking of fitting a small heater on a frost stat and plug the trailor into the mains when it is in the yard. Would be good to know what everyone else does. Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I can highly recommend the VW Caddy http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif , i've owned mine for almost 2 years. It drives and handles well, and is just as comfortable as any car and I get around 45 - 55 mpg fully loaded. If you intend to use the van for social use as well, then the TDI version is pretty nippy and also surprisingly comfortable on long trips. Of course if you find yourself needing to have above one passenger in your vehicle on a regular occasion then it does become a problem and a car would obviously be better. From the outside, the Caddy looks deceptively small, but inside they are like the tardis for space and I can easily get 4 speakers, 3 large flightcases, Snow Machine, Stands and upto 5 lighting effects with room to spare. If you do decide on any van it is worth paying £150 or so to have it ply lined, although almost every 2nd hand van seems to have already been done http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . If you need a Van which drives as well as a car, then the Caddy will be ideal. However if you also need the passenger carrying capabilities of a car, but the flexibility of a Van then why not consider one of the many MPV or People Carrier type vehicles?. The higher roof height on an MPV means that you wont be taking off the lining when putting speakers in. If you do decide to stick with the Car / MPV route then I would still look at some form of removeable ply lining to protect the upholstery. It's amazing what joiners can do with a piece of lightweight plyboard. Say if you had two pieces professionally cut to size, and matched to fit any cutouts / wheel arches which protrude into the vehicle then you could simply lay the ply lining before you load the gear, and remove it afterwards. Also look at some professional grade seat covers for over the front seats, this should stop sharp edges from causing damage to the back of them. If you ever come to sell the vehicle they'll still be like new underneath http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . Link to post Share on other sites
robbiedj 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 I run a Kia Sedona 7-seater. It has a loading weight equivalent to a transit, a towing weight of 2000kg and is diesel. With back row of seats out I can load all my gear, including 2 speakers, 2 carlsboro bass speakers, 7 cases of cds, lights and goal posts and stand with no problems, and still have 4 seats. The seats are removed/ replaced in seconds and the air-con is great in summer! When not working I can carry whole family easily, too. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif You want me to play what? Secretary of NADJ, Member of SEDA Magic Moments.. making your moment magic Link to post Share on other sites
DJTREV 0 Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Eskie,have a look at the Citroen Berlingo Multispace.Its a van with windows that doubles as a 5 seater.I think the rear seats are removable and they look quite roomy. I actually use a Focus estate and it surprises me the amount of gear they will hold. As you say the trouble with estates is the damage to your interior getting the stuff in and out. This is not a rehearsal This is it - grab it while you can. Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted February 22, 2005 Report Share Posted February 22, 2005 We have just brought a Renault Megane Scenic, only 50mm longer than our old Megane (new shape) but huge inside .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
nrgize 0 Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 I think I do very well getting my gear into my Car. As I'm 21 I still get stung on Insurance so am still using my Little Suzuki Alto which I can just about afford the insurance on. I can actually get all my stuff in the car easily, stands and all! But havent got any room for a roadie. Email :: info@nrgize-disco.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
Dave80s 0 Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 (edited) Volvo estate is roomy - don't get an 850 though they aren't that big. And the tonneau cover is not removable so there is a big bar in the way! (this was remedied for the V70 model) Get a 940/960/V90 - built like a tank (drives like one though) No problem with the interior, make sure it is dark upholstry though. don't spend too much though coz it will get *&@^ered eventually Edited February 23, 2005 by 5star Link to post Share on other sites
Award Entertainment 0 Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 I have a Subaru Legacy GTB which has been my gig machine since I bought it 5 years ago. It's the right blend of discreet and upmarket for the sorts of events I do, but the interior has taken a few small knocks as a result of the gear. I guess that's to be expected as I have covered 100,000km (62,000 miles) in it. Click on the thumbnail to see the ride: http://www.disco.co.nz/heydjsubarulegacy_small.jpg Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 62,000 miles in 5 years, I though NZ was big !! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
jazzcat 0 Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 i use a 1999 mondeo estate. it is massive inside. i was so impressed how much gear i could fit in to it. i had a van but did not like driving it all the time. so i tested various estate cars. i found the later mondeo estate to be the best for my needs. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif i hope this helps. steve. www.smdentertainment.com Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 Got rid of the range rover... which was ideal for transporting my gear... now have a peugeot 406 which I believe is even better than the range... lower down so not as hard to load. WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
Cheezy 0 Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 I use a 96 Honda Shuttle MPV. For small too medium venues I get all the gear in a still have room for 4 people! With the rear seats folded and the middle ones taken out it is HUGE! Cheezy Link to post Share on other sites
Dale King 0 Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 I have tried vans, estates, trailers, the lot. I think an estate is the best option, I could never get the hang of reversing the trailers. I had a Montego, then a 405, then a Volvo 740. Now ?? - I have a Cavalier HATCHBACK! My full show goes in, just, and it's an old one so I'll probably keep it till the scrap man has it, but fuel economy is good, it's a good "car", easily seats 5 people, and who wants to carry round a huge disco in 2005?? Not me.... DJ Dale King When you see light at the end of the tunnel, beware. It's probably someone with a torch, bringing you more hassle Link to post Share on other sites
FDDJ 0 Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 QUOTE (Dale King @ Mar 11 2005, 10:20 AM)and who wants to carry round a huge disco in 2005?? Not me.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Totally agree! I have a Roadshow set up sitting in a trailer in my garage, trussing, 4 speaker cabs, 12 lighting effects and spares so I can use the kit if need be, but recently I have invested in a much smaller show with a T Bar, 4 effects and 2 active speakers. It all fits in my Ford Focus and will easily cater for up to 150! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin <a href="http://www.djassociates.org"><img src="http://www.djassociates.org/anims/compres_banner.gif" alt="Join the DJ Associates Disc Jockey Association" border="0" width="468" height="60"></a> Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/whistling.gif My show fits into my Vito van..........just .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
Digital discos 0 Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 I reckon a the new small transit would be ideal, quite spacious. Or to be honest a Merc Vito is a nice van along with the new transit lwb's. I can't comment on how they are like to drive but judging by people I know they are and plus they have a lot of space! I personally use an OMEGA estate which is huge! Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted March 12, 2005 Report Share Posted March 12, 2005 I'd done a few miles in my Vito, and can't knock it. .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
OK KARAOKE 1 Posted March 12, 2005 Report Share Posted March 12, 2005 (edited) I had a Montego Countryman for three years, then my (present) Volvo 240 Estate for four years. This is now ready for the knackers yard and I have lined up a nice VW Golf CL Estate as my next vehicle. This isn`t quite as big as the Volvo but as I`m about to jack in DJ/Karaoke this won`t really matter. For my future gigs I`ll still be carrying a PA, but no lights, and no cases of CDs, so the reduced space won`t really matter. Edited March 12, 2005 by OK KARAOKE Link to post Share on other sites
MadGutts 0 Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 Well i run a Toyota 4runner which is a 4x4 estate and ideal for discos in fields! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif I use a box trailer when i need more space... I Have a VW Transporter with 6 seats and a towbar, so i can get my full show and the band with gear in to the van and trailer (with the trussing on the roof!!) And i had a VW Touran 1.9 tdi which was a fantastic vehicle! when the seats were removed, i got what i could in the truck in where the back seats were, then got my subs, and some more lights in the boot of the touran!!! Heres something NO-ONE has mentioned... SAFTEY!!! In an estate car, the seats are not designed to take a lot of weight being put on the back of them like in an accident. Whereas a van with a steel bulkhead will take the force... Bear that in mind - also the non bulkhead vehicles could have things slide through between the seats, over the head rest etc... so be carefull how you load your vehicles... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif The only UK number 1 record to contain in its lyrics the title of the song which knocked it off number 1 was... Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (lyric: "Mamma Mia")! The Forums Computer Nutter and expert! Discos, Lighting and Sound Reinforcement in and around Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloustershire and Buckinghamshire etc... Special FX Entertainment Services Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now