Estate cars

[Eskie 0]

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?

[AJS Mobile Disco 0]

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

 

[YourBigEvent 0]

I think vans look more professional too

[brianmole 0]

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.

[Mo The Motown Man 0]

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

[High Fidelity 0]

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.

[ChrisPointon 0]

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 .

[robbiedj 0]

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

[DJTREV 0]

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.

 

[YourBigEvent 0]

We have just brought a Renault Megane Scenic, only 50mm longer than our old Megane (new shape) but huge inside

[nrgize 0]

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.

[Dave80s 0]

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

[Award Entertainment 0]

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

[YourBigEvent 0]

62,000 miles in 5 years, I though NZ was big !! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif

[jazzcat 0]

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.

[kazzachi 0]

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.

[Cheezy 0]

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

[Dale King 0]

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....

 

 

[FDDJ 0]

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

 

 

[YourBigEvent 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/whistling.gif My show fits into my Vito van..........just

[Digital discos 0]

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!

[YourBigEvent 0]

I'd done a few miles in my Vito, and can't knock it.

[OK KARAOKE 1]

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

[MadGutts 0]

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