On the verge of buying a new cc-mobile

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Since 2015 I have had a transit with medium height roof (6ft tall inside) and extended back. Love that van and how much I can fit and how well it drives. In fact, all the options I offer can fit into the van, should a single party ever add them all on. I've also had a chevy express van like the ones rick mentioned, and those were reliable as well, but I quickly outgrew it after a few years. I also had a minivan as well prior to the express van and that was great too for the level I was at at the time. SO all in all, they're great options. I don't know the size of your production, so I can't say what would be most practical... but having seen those little transit connects, I have a feeling you'd outgrow those rather fast.
 
yeah...i browsed car guru for several hours and found some nice older vans with good prices... i guess i just want something that gives me atleast 3 or 4 years of reliability before i have to start worrying... this will have a 3 year warranty...so thats a plus...im no mechanic...so im not looking to tinker with a 10 year old vehicle too much...

I guess it depends on the vehicle, but my Chrysler Town & Country is 9 years old, and everything works great. I bought it in 2014, so it was 4 years old. I had it serviced and replaced a missing plastic body part for $40, but have basically spent very little since.
 
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I've been interested in something similar as well. A trailer is super impractical for my market. Getting a trailer backed up into a DC hotel alley would be a DISASTER.

I haven't been able to make myself pull the trigger, but it's definitely interesting. Let us know what you decide!

I agree - DC is tougher with a trailer.
 
I used to use a cargo van years ago for DJing. Since about 2006, I've been able to do 99% of events with a compact car. In the very rare instance we are doing a bigger event, I'll have one of my guys with another vehicle along.

But every wedding I do with lights, uplighting and back up gear is no problem.

I love not needing a separate vehicle for DJing
 
You guys that can load/unload every week and NOT forget stuff at home...........my hat is off to you. I just can't do it. Just like this past weekend, I forget some critical component and have a panic right before the gig. The ONLY way I've been able to stop this is by having a full-sized van, which is loaded with everything (and then some) and all I have to do is get in it and drive.
 
I have no place for a van or trailer inside and it would get too humid or cold outdoors. I've always used an SUV and load/unload as needed. The Explorer (17) holds anything I need. When I had the Pilot and my large system, I occasionally used my uncovered trailer for the large items.
 
... I love not needing a separate vehicle for DJing

Having a separate vehicle has it’s down sides of course, but the upside is that it can stay loaded all the time. We had a Mazda CX-9 when I first started, and It could easily be used for everything EXCEPT my large rack (too tall to fit through the tailgate). It was a good backup vehicle, but have never needed a backup vehicle. Still, the Mazda was my wife’s daily driver, so no way to keep the gear loaded. I was driving a little Altima coupe, which held not very much.[emoji1] Now I’m driving a Jeep Wrangler, which holds even less gear. My wife’s Outback is my backup vehicle now, but it holds less than the Mazda did. It would work in a pinch, but I hope it never has to.[emoji4]
 
Having a separate vehicle has it’s down sides of course, but the upside is that it can stay loaded all the time. We had a Mazda CX-9 when I first started, and It could easily be used for everything EXCEPT my large rack (too tall to fit through the tailgate). It was a good backup vehicle, but have never needed a backup vehicle. Still, the Mazda was my wife’s daily driver, so no way to keep the gear loaded. I was driving a little Altima coupe, which held not very much.[emoji1] Now I’m driving a Jeep Wrangler, which holds even less gear. My wife’s Outback is my backup vehicle now, but it holds less than the Mazda did. It would work in a pinch, but I hope it never has to.[emoji4]
One benefit of the EVOX is as long as I don't need lighting, I can fit everything in the back seat of most vehicles.
 
You guys that can load/unload every week and NOT forget stuff at home...........my hat is off to you. I just can't do it. Just like this past weekend, I forget some critical component and have a panic right before the gig. The ONLY way I've been able to stop this is by having a full-sized van, which is loaded with everything (and then some) and all I have to do is get in it and drive.
For the vast majority of events, the same stuff goes with me. 2 sound systems, computers/ iPads, Mic/ mixer case, and 2 bins that hold back up wires/ mics,

Then I have an event sheet that lists any extra Equipment: ceremony system, lights, projection, etc.

If my DJ's are picking up equipment, we just double check the sheet and we're good.
 
One benefit of the EVOX is as long as I don't need lighting, I can fit everything in the back seat of most vehicles.

Honestly, I haven’t tried to see what I could load into the back of my Wrangler (2 door) with the back seat folded down (or removed). Since I have the minivan, there hasn’t been the need. I probably could get my Small System and 2 EVOX-8’s back there with my gig bag in the passenger’s seat. Right now, my EVOX-8’s are strapped to my RnR cart, which rolls right into the side door of my minivan. I’d probably have to fold the RnR up in order to get it in the Jeep, so unloading would require loading the cart before I could roll stuff into the venue. It could work??? But with my minivan, I can get both of my systems, lights, and 3 EVOX-8’s without using the passenger’s seat, and still have a little room to spare. It still requires putting stuff in very specific places, but it’s not like it used to be (minivan Tetris) when I had speakers, subs, and backup speakers.
 
I don’t think I had to unload the van after an event since the late 80s. Most of the time I could barely get the van in the garage after an event. Besides not having to load & unload the van, those last minute events come in it’s just grab the keys & go. I actually can’t unload the van and keep it indoors as unloaded there is no room. Based on the time it takes to load & unload the second van when I have a double, I’m saving 1 to 2 hrs each event. Just taking the small system from the van the Highlander when I decide to use it, is a PIA, even though I put them back to back to transfer. But one thing I added to the full-sized van was seating for 3 person which is very beneficial. Previously we had a makeshift seat for 3 but this new layout is legal & safer. The Highlander can take a small system & 5 people so if it’s an event where the is family invited, we all go together instead of two vehicles.
 
So im getting a little tired of slowly destroying my Enclave by using it as my dj vehicle the past year....im super careful...but little nicks and dings happen anyways...

I got a wild hair and stopped by a car lot... they have a brand new 2018 that has yet to leave the lot...and the guy is gagging to sell it and get it out of there....offering me a good deal...that i hope to make a little better when i meet with him Friday...

Its a 2018 Ford Connect ....not huge...but plenty for my needs... anyone ever owned one or driven one?

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We have one at the station that serves as the promotion vehicle/summer cruiser it's been flawless for the last 2 or 3 years. I find it a little rough and uncomfortable in the seats but as a gear hauler it would be perfect

I guess it depends on the vehicle, but my Chrysler Town & Country is 9 years old, and everything works great. I bought it in 2014, so it was 4 years old. I had it serviced and replaced a missing plastic body part for $40, but have basically spent very little since.

I really wanted a Town and Country a few years back when I needed a mini van but they don't sell them here in Canada so I would up with a Caravan. I even looked and was willing to drive to the US to get one but I could never find a deal I wasn't taking a bath on
 
It's fascinating to me that some of you guys don't unload your vans. Even if I had one... I think I'd leave it empty. I don't feel like moving my gear in and out of it is the big hassle. I just don't think I have enough room to build on my current rig.
 
It's fascinating to me that some of you guys don't unload your vans. Even if I had one... I think I'd leave it empty. I don't feel like moving my gear in and out of it is the big hassle. I just don't think I have enough room to build on my current rig.
Why unload a van which is in a alarmed garage and requires you to go though 2 Locked doors, then you have to figure out how to open the garage door .Then the van is locked/alarmed. If I want to practice I used a system designed for house parties. I never bring any of my main line systems in the house. When you get older more sleep really beats moving equipment. Shoot, I still have a generator in the van from September I was supposed to take out. Still putting that off, Soon In will be time to use it again in June. But the generators are the heaviest things I own and requires some effort getting it up/down the ramps. I hate moving them.
 
Why unload a van which is in a alarmed garage and requires you to go though 2 Locked doors, then you have to figure out how to open the garage door .Then the van is locked/alarmed. If I want to practice I used a system designed for house parties. I never bring any of my main line systems in the house. When you get older more sleep really beats moving equipment. Shoot, I still have a generator in the van from September I was supposed to take out. Still putting that off, Soon In will be time to use it again in June. But the generators are the heaviest things I own and requires some effort getting it up/down the ramps. I hate moving them.
I agree with this... my van is in a pretty protected and in a visible location with 2 cameras on it, and also backed up to the point that you can't even open up the doors. Also, much of my equipment requires two people to lift and maneuver safely... so that makes unloading difficult... as well as taking. I do unload the non essentials though... such as photo booths, uneeded trussing, effects, etc. However, 2 heads, 2 trusses, sound, and wiring are always in there. Also my tv case is always in there as its impossible to move by myself at the end of the night.
 
My minivan has a very loud and obnoxious (aftermarket) alarm system. If anyone opens a door, they’ll go running just to get away from the SHRILL siren-like noise. It even sounds the alarm if a window is broken. Nothing I have in there can be pulled through a window. It’s all in large cases and much of it would be too large to carry for the typical thief who roams the neighborhood stealing stuff out of cars.


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It's fascinating to me that some of you guys don't unload your vans. Even if I had one... I think I'd leave it empty. I don't feel like moving my gear in and out of it is the big hassle. I just don't think I have enough room to build on my current rig.
Really? Why do all that physical labor multiple time for no reason and no profit
 
Wish i had a garage...i would definitely leave stuff loaded most of the time... im worried about the dampness caused by the freezing temps around here effecting my moving heads...controller....powered speakers ...etc....so i never leave them in there very long...also worried about possible warping of my dragon frontboard...so i bring it in as well...

cc
 
It's fascinating to me that some of you guys don't unload your vans. Even if I had one... I think I'd leave it empty. I don't feel like moving my gear in and out of it is the big hassle. I just don't think I have enough room to build on my current rig.

For me, the main thing is I simply cannot remember things when I have to load every time. I keep everything in my van, at all times, so it's there when I need it. The second motivator is energy. The third motivator is no place to store gear in the house (nor would the wife want it there). I used to rent a storage locker but finally realized I could just leave everything in the van so no need for the added expense each month. If I didn't live on the end of a cul de sac, in a secure neighborhood, I'd likely re-think my position. As it is, I feel it's very safe and we've never had any issues.
 
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Wish i had a garage...i would definitely leave stuff loaded most of the time... im worried about the dampness caused by the freezing temps around here effecting my moving heads...controller....powered speakers ...etc....so i never leave them in there very long...also worried about possible warping of my dragon frontboard...so i bring it in as well...

cc

I wish mine was a 3 car garage. I’d keep my minivan inside if it was. As it is, automobiles are pretty dry inside. Moisture is not an issue, and I’ve kept my gear in my minivan for years without any problems.

If I could park it in the garage, though, I’d have my Logo and contact info painted on the outside. It’s not wise to do that when it’s outside all the time. Too tempting, even if it has an alarm system.


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