I thought my E350 with a V10 was a big boy. Woo Pig had to step it up with the Dually van. Didn't even know they existed. Well played. We started with a Focus Hatchback that surprisingly fits one complete system with a sub, but was frequently borrowing/renting vans for multi system setups. Eventually broke down and bought one of the vans I was borrowing from a family member. Van gets 1/2 the fuel mileage of the Focus, but hauls a lot more. We rarely travel more than 90 minutes, so gas is just another expense. So far we haven't grown into a trailer, but if needed there is a rental place near me that charges $40 for a weekend. Always good to have a plan, just in case. They also rent generators, archways, roman pillars, gazebos, furniture and anything else you need to make an outdoor wedding unique. Mr Simmons I love the videos. No fluff. When you see his trailer or van, it looks like it should. Got wood flooring in there, tie down straps laying around, probably a random Gatorade bottle thrown in the corner. This guy works.
Excellent John. Thanks for sharing. Love the dually van! I've never seen of of those before. AND a lift gate, to boot!! That's got to be handy. When I first started getting serious about building a PA system for the band I was in (30 years ago), I quickly out grew the mini van and bought a small (5x10) trailer. Moved up to a full sized van with the trailer. That worked well for several years and a few different bands. Then I went on the road with an established, touring band in 2007. When I decided it was time to quite that, I began concentrating on growing my sound and lighting production business and moved up to a box truck with a lift gate. Business is growing rapidly and we're working bigger and bigger stages every year. Of course that means more and more gear. Now it's near time to make the jump to a 26' box truck. Diesel and LOTS of GVWR!! A couple years ago I bought the buildings of the local lumberyard that was going out of business. It's working out really well, as I have TONS of room(about 15,000 sq ft), a loading dock on the back side that leads into my equipment storage area, an equipment repair shop area, a 60'x90' retail area that is being remodeled into my recording space and room for setting up lights and audio gear. Also have room to park trucks and trailers inside and I'm turning part of the lumber storage area into an automotive shop, where I can work on vehicles, etc. And the best part, ...... it's literally 3 blocks from my house!! Really, REALLY small town!! LOL Things are finally starting to look up for us here. I've only worked one show since the beginning of March. LOTS of cancellations, a few postponements and just in the last 2 weeks, I've booked another 5 shows for July and August. I'm very lucky that I also have other sources of income, so I'm at least not starving. Thanks for all the great videos you put up. Always enjoy watching.
I am a small time Side Hustle/Part-Time DJ, so I am good with my Honda CRV right now. If I had an office/Storage facility, or a house with a garage, I would upgrade to a light duty Box truck. The lift gate seems like a great idea, especially if it is a loading dock load in.
I use to have a nice little 5x8 trailer for towing behind a half-ton Silverado for my DJ gear. Joined the Army, sold the gear and trailer. Got out the Army, bought new gear and it all fits nicely in the back of my 2015 Expedition. I don't plan on growing or doing more than I do now, so it works out perfectly.
I used a couple of caravans for a number of years and then moved to Safari vans. I’ve added a Savana 3500 extended van and it’s been great as it can handle a full load no problem. Ive always thought about a cube van/box truck but not all my gigs need that much room so I’ll rent when I need to. There’s always another person or two at most of my gigs so using multiple vans works for me.
I own a Chevy express 1500. The current is my second one. I bought the first one back in 2011. No complaints from me. It fits my business style and size
We quickly outgrew our GMC Yukon and trailer and got a Mercedes Sprinter passenger van. We took out some seats and added an aftermarket Curt trailer hitch in case we need to tow. It has Diesel and tows pretty good actually and we're getting around 20 MPG but with the tall roof we haven't had to add our trailer. It is great for road trips. We saw some dually Sprinters in case anyone needs to pull one of those heavy 50kW generators.
I'm kind of surprised you haven't made the jump to Box Truck w/ liftgate yet. I think van with tow package and a roof rack is the move for sure for starting out. Rent the trailer as needed.
Van, Truck n Trailer, Box truck. That is a good question. I think it depends on every individual. If you need that vehicle to work and be a daily go for the truck and trailer. If not it will depend on how big your business is and how big you expect it to get. Small business with the van, big one with the box truck. But please, if you are getting a box truck, get a lifter or a ramp on it.
I made the switch to a trailer in 2018. Absolutely the best decision ever and by far my favorite thing I own other then my truck. That said mpg is trash with the trailer, but it's a write off so it's not that bad right? Lol
I love my Ford E-350 extended cargo van, so I have 2 front seats as well as a 3 person bench before the cargo area. For my catering it is usually overkill but it keeps miles and potential messes out of my Passat.
I’m currently rocking a Kia Soul lol. I’m 2 years into my gigging audio engineer journey - previously mostly just ran sound at churches. Had an opportunity to run sound for a buddy’s band who had his own PA, and now I’m getting more gigs and starting to purchase my PA. I’ve been able to haul rental gear in the Soul, but probably going to look into something around the size of a Metris Cargo. Like a Ford Transport Connect or something along those lines. Should be more than plenty for what I’m doing for awhile. I’m just stoked to be on this journey!
We use a 2020 Ram 1500 to tow my 16 ft cargo trailer and then bought and old ambulance on a 1998 GMC 3500 truck to use for small local events. The ambulance has a ramp to make loading and unloading easier. Also has a generator built in to do events if there is no power close by.
I have a Honda CR-V and I love it. I have also a small ice cooler trailer about 6 x 8 x 4ft approximately. I don’t use it that often any more but it is great when I need it. I am a musician as well as run sound and do some Djing. I use Bose systems so they do almost all my jobs exceptionally well. I would like to be able to afford something (vehicle) a little bigger though. 😊 I do like your van!!!
Dude! I can relate to those phone calls! I think thats part of the reason why I quit posting videos, i got tired of people calling with questions wanting to know about clamps, then having a 2 hour phone call about how they didnt want to spend the money on $12 trigger clamps or something ridiculous!
I spent the last year hauling with my Ford Flex. I don’t have a large company (yet), but this has been good for all of my dj and production setups. I recently added a 2008 Ford Expedition. But I got it right as this pandemic shit started (my last gig was the day before I got it), so I haven’t put any equipment in it yet. We also use these as daily drivers (me and my wife) and for rideshare and deliveries. So as I am growing, these two are some good versatile options, until the production grows to need something more capable.
Thank you for the video John. You've helped me make up my mind. I've been working out of my car a 2004 Ford Mondeo ST (I think it's a Fusion on your side of the pond) but the sad thing is being the ST, I'm not allowed to fit a tow bar. Like you, I started off small; and the car was fine. It seems word spreads pretty fast if people think you're good at what you do (faster if you're not of course), and in less than a year working this part time I've outgrown the car. When I started out, I had low-end everything. Things had started to grow pretty well for me until the current situation hit, so I'm taking the downtime to invest in myself and my gear. Shortly, I'll be taking delivery of 4x ELX-118s, 4xELX-115s and 4x QSC Amps (yeah, I'm a passive speakers guy)...passive speakers or active, that's not going to fit in a car...not with cable totes, a mixer board and the usual kit for what I still think is a small setup. I didn't want to part with the car anyway, but I knew I had to make a choice owing to what storage I have; get an SUV and a trailer (getting rid of the car) or get a van. Looking at your video, I think a van is going to be the most practical option, and cheaper too (over here at lest) than an SUV/Truck and a trailer.
they look clean all in White!! I already have an white econoline and I want a bigger truck!! like yours... I think i need the trailer first... Love your videos men!
I have 2 Grand Caravans but since I recently bought some Bassboss VS21 Subs I am running out of space. Still on the fence between getting a trailer vs cargo van. If I get a cargo van I would definitely want a lift as I do some setups alone. The trailer would cost less and with this Covid19 pandemic all of my gigs have been cancelled. 100k of business lost so far.
Couple weeks now been thinking about a trailer vs van. I have a Silverado and was lucky enough to fit mirror booth with speakers, subs and lights. Now I have a custom dj booth that doesn't fit.
I’ve got three trucks I got a 2019 Ford F250 Diesel with a 30 foot enclosed trailer I have a GMC full-size 2500 van and I have a 5 ton GMC C6500 Topkick with a 20 foot box my next upgrade Will have to be a tractor trailer lol
Here is a question that is not related to transportation. If doing an outdoor EDM/House event from 800 to 1000 people what would be the setup? Lights not included. Thanks
I've only yet to start in the business officially, giving sound and the knowledge. Got in mind to give services to small to medium venues, like houses of worship, weddings, conferences and such, be that as it may, inside or outside. Not only sound, live streaming services. I've been considering lately something down the line like a Ford Transit, any of it's cargo models. But not sure yet. Along that line, which would you recommend?
Hmmm i have a toyota landcruiser prado with 2.5t tow capacity. Currently looking for a trailer but not sure with the GVM what the largest dimension of trailer i can tow.
That's dope I have the same brand of trailer.
Where can I find the dimensions of the trailer you own?
His chanal most likely
I thought my E350 with a V10 was a big boy. Woo Pig had to step it up with the Dually van. Didn't even know they existed. Well played. We started with a Focus Hatchback that surprisingly fits one complete system with a sub, but was frequently borrowing/renting vans for multi system setups. Eventually broke down and bought one of the vans I was borrowing from a family member. Van gets 1/2 the fuel mileage of the Focus, but hauls a lot more. We rarely travel more than 90 minutes, so gas is just another expense. So far we haven't grown into a trailer, but if needed there is a rental place near me that charges $40 for a weekend. Always good to have a plan, just in case. They also rent generators, archways, roman pillars, gazebos, furniture and anything else you need to make an outdoor wedding unique. Mr Simmons I love the videos. No fluff. When you see his trailer or van, it looks like it should. Got wood flooring in there, tie down straps laying around, probably a random Gatorade bottle thrown in the corner. This guy works.
Excellent John. Thanks for sharing. Love the dually van! I've never seen of of those before. AND a lift gate, to boot!! That's got to be handy.
When I first started getting serious about building a PA system for the band I was in (30 years ago), I quickly out grew the mini van and bought a small (5x10) trailer. Moved up to a full sized van with the trailer. That worked well for several years and a few different bands.
Then I went on the road with an established, touring band in 2007. When I decided it was time to quite that, I began concentrating on growing my sound and lighting production business and moved up to a box truck with a lift gate. Business is growing rapidly and we're working bigger and bigger stages every year. Of course that means more and more gear. Now it's near time to make the jump to a 26' box truck. Diesel and LOTS of GVWR!!
A couple years ago I bought the buildings of the local lumberyard that was going out of business. It's working out really well, as I have TONS of room(about 15,000 sq ft), a loading dock on the back side that leads into my equipment storage area, an equipment repair shop area, a 60'x90' retail area that is being remodeled into my recording space and room for setting up lights and audio gear. Also have room to park trucks and trailers inside and I'm turning part of the lumber storage area into an automotive shop, where I can work on vehicles, etc. And the best part, ...... it's literally 3 blocks from my house!! Really, REALLY small town!! LOL
Things are finally starting to look up for us here. I've only worked one show since the beginning of March. LOTS of cancellations, a few postponements and just in the last 2 weeks, I've booked another 5 shows for July and August. I'm very lucky that I also have other sources of income, so I'm at least not starving.
Thanks for all the great videos you put up. Always enjoy watching.
I am a small time Side Hustle/Part-Time DJ, so I am good with my Honda CRV right now. If I had an office/Storage facility, or a house with a garage, I would upgrade to a light duty Box truck. The lift gate seems like a great idea, especially if it is a loading dock load in.
I use to have a nice little 5x8 trailer for towing behind a half-ton Silverado for my DJ gear. Joined the Army, sold the gear and trailer. Got out the Army, bought new gear and it all fits nicely in the back of my 2015 Expedition. I don't plan on growing or doing more than I do now, so it works out perfectly.
My tow vehicle is a '97 Volvo 850 GLT w/Turbo. I used it to tow my own house off its very foundations. It was epic.
I used a couple of caravans for a number of years and then moved to Safari vans. I’ve added a Savana 3500 extended van and it’s been great as it can handle a full load no problem. Ive always thought about a cube van/box truck but not all my gigs need that much room so I’ll rent when I need to.
There’s always another person or two at most of my gigs so using multiple vans works for me.
I own a Chevy express 1500. The current is my second one. I bought the first one back in 2011. No complaints from me. It fits my business style and size
We quickly outgrew our GMC Yukon and trailer and got a Mercedes Sprinter passenger van. We took out some seats and added an aftermarket Curt trailer hitch in case we need to tow. It has Diesel and tows pretty good actually and we're getting around 20 MPG but with the tall roof we haven't had to add our trailer. It is great for road trips. We saw some dually Sprinters in case anyone needs to pull one of those heavy 50kW generators.
I'm kind of surprised you haven't made the jump to Box Truck w/ liftgate yet. I think van with tow package and a roof rack is the move for sure for starting out. Rent the trailer as needed.
Van, Truck n Trailer, Box truck. That is a good question. I think it depends on every individual. If you need that vehicle to work and be a daily go for the truck and trailer. If not it will depend on how big your business is and how big you expect it to get. Small business with the van, big one with the box truck. But please, if you are getting a box truck, get a lifter or a ramp on it.
I made the switch to a trailer in 2018. Absolutely the best decision ever and by far my favorite thing I own other then my truck. That said mpg is trash with the trailer, but it's a write off so it's not that bad right? Lol
I love my Ford E-350 extended cargo van, so I have 2 front seats as well as a 3 person bench before the cargo area. For my catering it is usually overkill but it keeps miles and potential messes out of my Passat.
I’m currently rocking a Kia Soul lol. I’m 2 years into my gigging audio engineer journey - previously mostly just ran sound at churches. Had an opportunity to run sound for a buddy’s band who had his own PA, and now I’m getting more gigs and starting to purchase my PA. I’ve been able to haul rental gear in the Soul, but probably going to look into something around the size of a Metris Cargo. Like a Ford Transport Connect or something along those lines. Should be more than plenty for what I’m doing for awhile. I’m just stoked to be on this journey!
Nice. I've got a Ford E350 passenger van for my 8 piece band. Take two rows of seats out, you can fit 9 people plus gear, it's sweet.
We use a 2020 Ram 1500 to tow my 16 ft cargo trailer and then bought and old ambulance on a 1998 GMC 3500 truck to use for small local events. The ambulance has a ramp to make loading and unloading easier. Also has a generator built in to do events if there is no power close by.
I bet you answer some interesting questions. Maybe run a video on the most outlandish calls you get hahaaa!
I have a Honda CR-V and I love it. I have also a small ice cooler trailer about 6 x 8 x 4ft approximately. I don’t use it that often any more but it is great when I need it. I am a musician as well as run sound and do some Djing. I use Bose systems so they do almost all my jobs exceptionally well. I would like to be able to afford something (vehicle) a little bigger though. 😊 I do like your van!!!
Dude! I can relate to those phone calls! I think thats part of the reason why I quit posting videos, i got tired of people calling with questions wanting to know about clamps, then having a 2 hour phone call about how they didnt want to spend the money on $12 trigger clamps or something ridiculous!
I spent the last year hauling with my Ford Flex. I don’t have a large company (yet), but this has been good for all of my dj and production setups. I recently added a 2008 Ford Expedition. But I got it right as this pandemic shit started (my last gig was the day before I got it), so I haven’t put any equipment in it yet. We also use these as daily drivers (me and my wife) and for rideshare and deliveries. So as I am growing, these two are some good versatile options, until the production grows to need something more capable.
Thank you for the video John. You've helped me make up my mind. I've been working out of my car a 2004 Ford Mondeo ST (I think it's a Fusion on your side of the pond) but the sad thing is being the ST, I'm not allowed to fit a tow bar. Like you, I started off small; and the car was fine.
It seems word spreads pretty fast if people think you're good at what you do (faster if you're not of course), and in less than a year working this part time I've outgrown the car. When I started out, I had low-end everything. Things had started to grow pretty well for me until the current situation hit, so I'm taking the downtime to invest in myself and my gear. Shortly, I'll be taking delivery of 4x ELX-118s, 4xELX-115s and 4x QSC Amps (yeah, I'm a passive speakers guy)...passive speakers or active, that's not going to fit in a car...not with cable totes, a mixer board and the usual kit for what I still think is a small setup.
I didn't want to part with the car anyway, but I knew I had to make a choice owing to what storage I have; get an SUV and a trailer (getting rid of the car) or get a van. Looking at your video, I think a van is going to be the most practical option, and cheaper too (over here at lest) than an SUV/Truck and a trailer.
Man the wagon! The good ol days!
Great video. Since relocating my business I am now shopping for a van. I’ve also considered a trailer as well. Thanks for the details.
Cargo van time growth factor is here
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500....best van of all time.
they look clean all in White!!
I already have an white econoline and
I want a bigger truck!! like yours...
I think i need the trailer first... Love your videos men!
That’s the common mistake all make. Getting a truck is the dumbest decision you’ll make. It makes zero sense.
Dang I need that van! That's dope!
Great video as always; excellent content and explanations. Keep doing great things. Thanks for the videos.
I have 2 Grand Caravans but since I recently bought some Bassboss VS21 Subs I am running out of space. Still on the fence between getting a trailer vs cargo van. If I get a cargo van I would definitely want a lift as I do some setups alone. The trailer would cost less and with this Covid19 pandemic all of my gigs have been cancelled. 100k of business lost so far.
Nothing will replace a van.
Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Couple weeks now been thinking about a trailer vs van.
I have a Silverado and was lucky enough to fit mirror booth with speakers, subs and lights. Now I have a custom dj booth that doesn't fit.
Good video ... I’m in the market for a vehicle been debating SUV or Van and then adding a trailer
I’ve got three trucks I got a 2019 Ford F250 Diesel with a 30 foot enclosed trailer I have a GMC full-size 2500 van and I have a 5 ton GMC C6500 Topkick with a 20 foot box my next upgrade Will have to be a tractor trailer lol
I really want my CDL but can't justify it.. yet
Here is a question that is not related to transportation. If doing an outdoor EDM/House event from 800 to 1000 people what would be the setup? Lights not included. Thanks
I've only yet to start in the business officially, giving sound and the knowledge. Got in mind to give services to small to medium venues, like houses of worship, weddings, conferences and such, be that as it may, inside or outside. Not only sound, live streaming services.
I've been considering lately something down the line like a Ford Transit, any of it's cargo models. But not sure yet.
Along that line, which would you recommend?
Lol, the phone calls.
My Ford Flex works great. Semi retired
Recently got a mini van (Toyota Sienna) Lots of Room. Not towing anything just yet.
.....so do folks get price for being first comment or is that something for fun. Either way great info... caprice pimp mobile.
A. Have a ford econoline. Decent gas mileage.
I have a Ram Promaster 1500 to work for Djing and Photobooth
Hmmm i have a toyota landcruiser prado with 2.5t tow capacity. Currently looking for a trailer but not sure with the GVM what the largest dimension of trailer i can tow.
How do you roll racks/cases in the van. Is it easy? Difficult?
The van has a lift gate that makes rolling racks into it very easy.
Man I use my ford fusion like it's an 18 wheeler