I am referring to the "aluminum lengths". For the most part they are ok, but there are a few areas with some pretty deep scratches.
Full Size Rack Cases
- Thread starter Ron
- Start date
Advantages I find with my big rack.- Easy set up. Basically plug in power, speakers, laptop......done.
Disadvantages I find with my big rack.- Weight. And when it comes to steps, forget about it. Transporting over grass or rough terrain is a real PITA. I use a cargo van so getting this monster in and out requires some effort.
I do have another one I use at one of my nightclub accounts. Since it is used every Weds, Fri, Sat., I keep it in a locked closet at the club. I roll it out and setup is less than a minute.
If I could do this system over I'd use 2 if not 3 racks. It would take a little more effort to hook up but the system would be more versatile and my back would appreciate it.
Disadvantages I find with my big rack.- Weight. And when it comes to steps, forget about it. Transporting over grass or rough terrain is a real PITA. I use a cargo van so getting this monster in and out requires some effort.
I do have another one I use at one of my nightclub accounts. Since it is used every Weds, Fri, Sat., I keep it in a locked closet at the club. I roll it out and setup is less than a minute.
If I could do this system over I'd use 2 if not 3 racks. It would take a little more effort to hook up but the system would be more versatile and my back would appreciate it.
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To Paul: I use a Ramp so its a breeze to roll in and out of the side door of my Gig Van. Most venues here in Houston have their Ballrooms on the Ground Floor or at least have elevators. If I had to do stairs there would be an immediate increase in my fee, enough to hire help or to tip someone at the venue to give me a hand! I would rather roll a 300lb rack than lift a 65lb case.
The trailer I use has a load ramp, so that is a non issue for loading. If I had stairs as an obstacle, load on the Rock n Roller (handtruck configuration) and just do the tough haul. Fortunately, most of the venues I have been at have elevators, but like Canute pointed out, if I had to I would bring someone to help me with the load. Definite decrease in setup time. I have one gig where I go on a secured facility and the pass for my trailer was not ready yet. So I strapped it to the handturck (Rock n Roller) and tilted in on it's back in the minivan. Yea lifting the bottom half up and in was heavy but doable. That being said I am thankful they had my trailer pass ready last time I went.
I've given the ramp thing some thought. The ramp would take up extra space in the van which sometimes I just don't have. Also, If the pitch of that ramp is to steep, I'm afraid I'd have those 4 crown amps might roll back over me and you guys would be reading about some DJ in Tennessee killed in a freak accident. A Tommy lift would be the way to go.
I just roll the rack up to the rear of the van, tilt it over on the bumper and with one good lift and scoot its loaded.
Ron, I would not advise transporting Racks on their sides unless it was a one time thing. It will weaken the structure of the rack and rails. If you must, because of vehicle constraints, then make sure you lay it down face side up (Back towards the floor.) Lift up the stairs, don't put on a dolly, as there is more likelihood for a tumble and injury.
To Paul, I used to do the tilt, lift and slide method (Leverage) with a previous rack I had but found that it wore out the back edges of the rack and the area of the vehicle where that was happening. If you want to continue that method, put a piece of heavy duty carpet between the rack and vehicle so it slides easier without scratching up.
This is where I got my ramp. Mine is a 5' it folds in half, locks with pins and has a carrying handle. Measure your slope and buy accordingly. Most places I go usually have a side ramp or raised pavement so the slope is gentle. Once in awhile I have to put the end directly on the ground but it is not too hard to get out the gear. I love it. http://www.discountramps.com/handicap_ramp.htm
This is where I got my ramp. Mine is a 5' it folds in half, locks with pins and has a carrying handle. Measure your slope and buy accordingly. Most places I go usually have a side ramp or raised pavement so the slope is gentle. Once in awhile I have to put the end directly on the ground but it is not too hard to get out the gear. I love it. http://www.discountramps.com/handicap_ramp.htm
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Agreed. I only had to do this one time due to a delay in their pass office; it was on it's back. The regular mode of transport for 99% of all gigs will be the trailer.
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I'll admit a ramp could make things easier. I would have to do some calculating to make sure my rack would roll under the door frame during the van/ramp transition when loading. Seems that would require a few more inchs of clearance due to the angle of entry.