I considered posting in the Lounge but this isn't explicitly audio related.
My AV business is at the point where I have enough cash flow to make the equipment upgrades I need, but the only thing that prevents me from taking more gigs is the lack of another vehicle. Currently I'm doing everything with a 2002 ford e250, but I'm starting to get anxious about it.
--For most of the gigs I do, it's usually too big. The terrible gas mileage is not worth how little equipment I am usually carrying on SOS gigs.
--Loading in at hotels or anywhere with only truck-level docks is a major PITA. I end up using a DIY 8-foot ramp that is very heavy and hard to find room for in the van after it's been packed.
--Various obstacles in the van's cargo area--wheel wells, step-down gap along the side door--turn the process of loading roadcases with casters into a nightmare.
--It has E-track only on half of the van's interior.
--It is difficult to secure against the ambitions of opportunistic crackheads prowling my neighborhood at night with crowbar in hand.
In light of the above, I want to move to a solution that involves
1) For basic SOS gigs and personal use, leasing a lighter utility vehicle with better gas mileage that can be loaded by hand, and
2) purchasing a 16' box truck with liftgate for any time I'm moving subwoofers or cases on casters, and to futher anticipate the company's expansion
Are there any particular non-cargo van vehicles that you would recommend? Honda Element?
What do I need to consider with a box truck? Is cab-over style better than having a van/truck cab?
Any advice appreciated, thanks everybody!
My AV business is at the point where I have enough cash flow to make the equipment upgrades I need, but the only thing that prevents me from taking more gigs is the lack of another vehicle. Currently I'm doing everything with a 2002 ford e250, but I'm starting to get anxious about it.
--For most of the gigs I do, it's usually too big. The terrible gas mileage is not worth how little equipment I am usually carrying on SOS gigs.
--Loading in at hotels or anywhere with only truck-level docks is a major PITA. I end up using a DIY 8-foot ramp that is very heavy and hard to find room for in the van after it's been packed.
--Various obstacles in the van's cargo area--wheel wells, step-down gap along the side door--turn the process of loading roadcases with casters into a nightmare.
--It has E-track only on half of the van's interior.
--It is difficult to secure against the ambitions of opportunistic crackheads prowling my neighborhood at night with crowbar in hand.
In light of the above, I want to move to a solution that involves
1) For basic SOS gigs and personal use, leasing a lighter utility vehicle with better gas mileage that can be loaded by hand, and
2) purchasing a 16' box truck with liftgate for any time I'm moving subwoofers or cases on casters, and to futher anticipate the company's expansion
Are there any particular non-cargo van vehicles that you would recommend? Honda Element?
What do I need to consider with a box truck? Is cab-over style better than having a van/truck cab?
Any advice appreciated, thanks everybody!
