Touring Vans & Trailers for Musicians: Recommendations from a Pro

[@ChristonBirge]

Thanks for taking the time to show us this kind of stuff man. Very cool of you. It's an accumulation of the small things like this that can make or break a band if not remedied right. So thanks again for all the reviews and tips!

[@TribeMan.]

Thank you I've been looking lately into getting a van for local touring and camping I now live in Parker Colorado and we have national parks in my area and it's very rural this video helped me decide on what to get God bless ya

[@trela47.]

I like that he explained what a shank is.

[@angelmelendr3z]

I enjoy this kind of videos, you should do more of this, a lot of us have no idea how to tour, and all the process that requires. Thanks, men

[@angelicarockne]

RAD video! So helpful. I've been so overwhelmed by which option to go with - Sprinter, RV, Van - that I haven't been able to start working toward getting a touring vehicle. Love the cargo trailer idea.

[@knoptop]

I'm a van fan! Thanks for sharing!

[@TrevorMarty69]

It's funny you brought the van thing up, because I've been doing a bunch of construction on my own van. I have a 2001 Chevy Express 1500 that I gutted and have been building into my own little camper/touring vehicle. I've never considered getting a trailer before, but then I mainly do a solo show.

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

+Trevor Marty you should post some pictures of your van on the Facebook page! I would love to see it!

[@TrevorMarty69]

I do have some photo's and thanks for letting me post them. Just so you know I also have some videos of this project happening too. You should know though that I am just learning so it's not super hi end. I'm proud of it thought.

[@francescopratesitv]

i love that van...! and i can confirm all Lewin said about it! i lived for about a month inside it, driving, eating, sleeping and playng, a great tour friend!

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

+Francesco Pratesi we miss you Fra!!

[@TheBandFLEDGELING]

you are a generous soul! Thank you for sharing your battle scars with us...

[@downhill240]

I see a new future for you in the Van business!

[@vdelrio999]

Thank you! There's the quarterly social media post about bands getting burglarized on the road. Is there a follow-up to keeping your equipment (from being stolen) while on tour?

[@esotericlafamilia2644]

vdelrio999 yea, ride wit that stick on you and know you’re a target when trying to raise your profile.

[@samwheelock9743]

It's a complicated topic. Start with the vehicle. The most popular automobile on the planet is probably the Ford F150 truck. Behind that is likely the Chevy 1500. If they fail, Ford and Chevy take a bath. Therefore, they are generally built well. Not all years and not all drive trains are well designed and well made in either of these platforms. As a result of large sales volumes, parts are reasonable and it's not hard to find folks that know how to repair the basics. RVs... whole other matter. SUVs... depends. Some old school SUVs were built on truck platforms. Therefore, the positive notes about half ton trucks carry over. That's no longer true for newer models. Mechanics usually agree that a 25 year old automobile is no longer reliable as a touring vehicle. Trailers... Wells Cargo builds a good product. There are many inexpensive trailers with poor construction and lame quality control. Simple, you get what you... well you know the saying. The notion of a tow vehicle and trailer require thought. Knowledge and skill are required to control a trailer and safely drive a tow vehicle. I see by the flat pin connector that the Wells Cargo probably does not have brakes... unless they are controlled by the tongue/surge. Surge brakes are a pain in reverse/backing. Same for backing down hill wherein the tow vehicle has to handle all braking. Cargo placement and load balance in trailers is critical for safety. Many drivers are not qualified to tow a trailer. Trailer brakes can help in various situations. Then there's parking. Gigs in metro areas are a pain for loading/unloading trailers. Yup, find three or four open parking spaces in a series in NYC or Cleveland or any city of size. There's also the matter of living quarters. Does the act pay for motels or have living quarters in a vehicle or trailer? Living quarters can save a bunch, if you don't mind sleeping in a parking lot. Here's the take away. The more we drive, the higher the chances for an accident. Interstate speeds lessen the chance of survival. I suggest it's critical for the safety of all involved, others as well, that the driver(s) have the ability to handle the touring rig properly. I suggest there's info to be gathered concerning a primary vehicle from reliable sources like a qualified mechanic. The question is simple. What's the most reliable automobile for my needs... what years, what VIN numbers. Consumer Reports is credible as well. How many vans and trailers and SUVs for me? Sixty years since the first gig.

[@jasonricci]

60,000 mile and 13 years? Yall touring all of a Rhode Island?

[@RaqueldeSouza]

Great Video! Can this van handle 8 people + tow instruments & sound?

[@michaelpate6700]

Great video dude!

[@GiacomoTongiani]

great video

[@phonebox13]

ouhh ..an outside vlog... more of these!!