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View Full Version : Cube van versus trailer



Midspot
02-25-2012, 09:16 PM
Hey guys!

I see we don't have this age old debate thread started yet.

I currently use a trailer but am thinking about going to a cube van / box truck.

Thoughts?

Dave Daschofsky
02-25-2012, 09:25 PM
This summer I plan on getting an ambulance, starting to outgrow my suburban.

Mike D
02-25-2012, 09:31 PM
I think it ultimately comes down to how large your stuff is. I have a 5x8 trailer, it's too small. It's great when you're first starting, but once you try to get 2 subs in it with 4 tops and lights, it's jammed full. So I'm wanting to upgrade to a 10 footer that has 6 feet clearance inside so I'm not bending over to get inside the damn thing.

However, I'll never want a box truck, they are too large and then you have to maintain an engine on top of your daily driver. I've got a half ton pickup, love it, pulls my trailer great, won't beat on it, and that's a great combo. My next one will be a diesel 3/4 ton most likely, just because I believe in buying more then you need rather then just something that will get you by.

Mike D
02-25-2012, 09:34 PM
I have a competitor who uses an ambulance, he said it's the worst business decision he ever made. 1) parts are a bitch to find and it's a PITA to maintain. 2) You need to store it outside most likely, which stinks in general. 3) If you build your reputation on it, it'll mean you can never get rid of it, which means you're stuck investing in a gimmick that loses it's appeal to you real fast.

But, again, that's just his opinion.

Midspot
02-25-2012, 09:56 PM
My trailer is a 6x10 and it's just too small. I have someone that wants to trade a 14' cube van for my trailer and I'm thinking of taking him up on the offer...

andythemusician
02-26-2012, 04:45 AM
Also depends on how you pack, and how you have things cased up. I have a 6x4 and can easily fit in my kit. The way I pack, I would be able to fit my extended kit (the one future andythemusician will own!) which is 2 subs, 4 tops, winch ups, truss, cable packers, DJ console, and lighting packers in the trailer.

Dix
02-26-2012, 07:19 AM
We are about to buy a 10 X 6 trailer within the next week or so. I don't think I want the expense of keeping up a truck with maintenance & insurance etc.

Adam B
02-26-2012, 07:34 AM
The van is not a bad idea if you don't have a lot of equipment. But give it time, if you like doing this, you will get more equipment and soon outgrow your space in the van. You could get a van and then a trailer in the future if need be. The big question is, how much you want to spend on a dj van? If your only going to spend a little, your going to get a vehicle that may need work or may have problems. Having a reliable vehicle is a must.

Me personally, I like the trailer much better. I can hook up to it an go when need be and have a nice vehicle to drive around in the meantime. I would rather drive around my suv during the week than a van. When the weekend comes around I just hook up and go. You can never have too much room. I just sold my 6x12 trailer and just bought a 7x16ft v nose trailer. I also have quite a bit of stuff, but once again, you can never have too much room.

I also think it is a lot easier loading and unloading a trailer with a ramp rear door.

Adam

sse
02-26-2012, 04:19 PM
I would, and will, always go for a trailer. When you run out of room, and buy a bigger trailer, it will be easier to sell a used trailer rather than a used cube van.

Plus a LOT less maintenance, and lower to the ground to make it easier to roll on/off equipment. Than is unless every place you play has a loading dock.

Oh yeah, insurance is probably cheaper for a trailer too.

windspeed36
02-26-2012, 04:51 PM
I'm going to upgrade from a Ford Transit to an actual truck... Made the mistake of getting a van running ULP not diesel.

DJ Donnie Lewis
02-26-2012, 05:45 PM
I have a 14' box truck for sale if your in the ny area

Dave Daschofsky
02-27-2012, 02:28 AM
I have a competitor who uses an ambulance, he said it's the worst business decision he ever made. 1) parts are a bitch to find and it's a PITA to maintain. 2) You need to store it outside most likely, which stinks in general. 3) If you build your reputation on it, it'll mean you can never get rid of it, which means you're stuck investing in a gimmick that loses it's appeal to you real fast.

But, again, that's just his opinion.

Thanks, I'm guessing that's why they tend to be pretty cheap. I may end up having to look at getting a trailer or box truck.

Windows 95
02-27-2012, 03:32 AM
1) parts are a bitch to find and it's a PITA to maintain. 2) You need to store it outside most likely, which stinks in general. 3) If you build your reputation on it, it'll mean you can never get rid of it, which means you're stuck investing in a gimmick that loses it's appeal to you real fast.In that case, I'd rather be driving around in a nice looking antique. Although that might cost as much (or more) as a new truck.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/Hi_Delivery_truck_700.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/antiquetruck.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/1939_one-ton_Dodge_DeKalb.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/1930_Hudson_1_Ton_Sedan_Delivery-oct18But.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/1925OshkoshModelA4X4Grocery-DeliveryBoxTruck.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/31fordmailtruck.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/31ford_delivery_mcnulty_lr.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/8ce0_2.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/CheapCharley/presto/8ce0_1.jpg

DJMC
02-27-2012, 10:23 AM
That harvester minivan is so cute!!! I want one!

I'm running an '03 Dodge Caravan.........was thinking about "downsizing" to the Turkish Ford "Transit" micro-van.

After passing one on a steep upgrade recently (a 3% uphill climb) -- I decided that I will keep my 3.0 L V-6 a while longer!!!

fueledbymusic
02-27-2012, 01:53 PM
That harvester minivan is so cute!!! I want one!

I'm running an '03 Dodge Caravan.........was thinking about "downsizing" to the Turkish Ford "Transit" micro-van.

After passing one on a steep upgrade recently (a 3% uphill climb) -- I decided that I will keep my 3.0 L V-6 a while longer!!! I have an Dodge Grand Caravan too. Its an 01, and has plenty of room when I remove the seats. Works good as a "cargo" van. And is great for my equipment that I currently have

DJMC
02-27-2012, 05:31 PM
Mine is the regular "Caravan SE" (shorter than the Grand version, much easier to park in tight spots!)

twok4
03-04-2012, 02:23 AM
I started out with a 72 Boyertown panel wagon... couple months later i earned enough to get a 12x7 ft trailer... (nice and tall with a beaver tail door in the back for easy load in) to tow it i got a good deal on a 2003 express 3500 passenger van... tows like a champ and has 11 ft of room from the back of the front seats to the back door. So it doubles as more room, or enough room to bring a crew. When i was small i had a chevy astro. Let's just say the express is great on gas, gets close to 16-17 on the high way and doesnt dip below 14 when towing a big heavy trailer!

Dix
03-04-2012, 05:34 AM
We are about to buy a 10 X 6 trailer within the next week or so. I don't think I want the expense of keeping up a truck with maintenance & insurance etc.

We bought our trailer yesterday... It won't fit under the carport :( but, it will haul all my stuff. With a ramp rear door it makes loading very easy. It also has a side door. Its a 2002 Hallmark in VERY good condition. We picked this up from a guy who was in a band & done some DJ work on the side. We paid $1500.