# Need a safe,cheap vehicle for heavy equipment **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [October 29, 2012, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233 "2012-10-29T21:36:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Henrythedj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/bb73d2/32.png) [@Henrythedj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Henrythedj)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2012, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/1 "2012-10-29T21:36:19Z")
I recently totaled my Chevy suburban (200k+ miles, '97) that I used for my mobile DJ business. I have about 800lbs of equipment that I take with me to most gigs, including fragile lighting equipment (so extra ‘under’/protected storage helps as well). I need a vehicle with the same amount of storage space that is fitted with a steel net or something of equal or greater resistance protecting the driver from being crushed by the equipment in case of a roll or wreck. What type of vehicle should I be looking at? A van, SUV or truck? And I want it to be classy/sexy if possible. Thanks to anyone who has good advice! ---
**Author:** ![Henrythedj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/bb73d2/32.png) [@Henrythedj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Henrythedj)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2012, 9:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/2 "2012-10-29T21:37:23Z")
Will look at more expensive solutions as well! ---
**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/3 "2012-10-29T22:19:22Z")
Just a good ol’ van is best if you don’t want a trailer. Vans have a lower floor height for easier loading. I can’t imagine using my 08 Expedition every weekend with its high floor…I prefer my trailer. ( I have hauled an amp or three in it but it’s pretty high for this old man ) I have hauled country/rock band sound gear every weekend since1972 ( Stopped actively playing in 02 ) Started with a 68 Dodge van. Other band mambers had pickups but again the high floor height made us keep looking for better means. – A used u-haul trailer suits us best. Low floor height. any available band member can tow it. ( don’t have to wait for the guy with the truck ) We can leave the gear inside between gigs and not need to tote all that weight for six days, nor unload and reload between gigs. The trailer can be pre-parked at the gig a day before then zip over after work. The trailer kept its crappy paint job – no band names or logos – so people would not know what’s inside to steal. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/4 "2012-10-30T01:11:10Z")
A 2008 or later Chrysler Town and Country ha fold flat seating and can haul up to 1200 pounds. You probably want the 6-cyl, though. You might be able to haul your gear and leave the middle row upright. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 1:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/5 "2012-10-30T01:35:19Z")
Another Suburban? Should be fairly cheap, LOTS of area for interesting decals/wraps. ---
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/6 "2012-10-30T18:28:22Z")
Any van has more useable space than a Suburban and most get considerably better gas mileage. And those wraps can make a sow’s ear look like a silk purse. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/7 "2012-10-30T18:52:51Z")
You can make extra money with wraps if you drive in the right areas. ---
**Author:** ![dagosa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/dagosa/32/9837_2.png) [@dagosa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dagosa)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/8 "2012-11-01T02:38:20Z")
I would look for a used GMC Savana, Chevy G series or Ford Econoline contractor’s van…the DJ and band members I know like these the best. Another popular option with some groups are SUVs with an enlosed trailer with a ramp. One I know tows his with a big old Caddy. All work well. I don’t like minivans. They are made more for people then gear and loaded, will not hold up over time as well as a truck based vehicle, especially if you include people with 800 lbs of gear. Minivans are nearly overloaded at just that weight. ---
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/9 "2012-11-01T04:16:31Z")
Let me correct myself. Dagosa is correct and I should have been more specific and said a ‘conventional’ van with rear wheel drive would work well. The Astro might be up to it. ---
**Author:** ![LetsPlayArmis](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/letsplayarmis/32/3177_2.png) [@LetsPlayArmis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LetsPlayArmis)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233/10 "2012-11-01T15:14:10Z")
texases @ “Another Suburban? + wraps” A great wrap really helps promote a business.