Disaster!!!

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Saturday night i was booked for a night of karaoke and disco in a pub about 20miles from us. I've done this venue a few times before and know how everything works and know the landlord and managers etc.

Left mine on time (about 5:30pm for a 7pm start). Everything was going fine and to plan until about 10 miles into my journey i noticed my van's temperature gauge was on very hot which started to get me worried. after a while i noticed it but then it started cooling off again which has never happened before. then the unthinkable thing happened as we came to a roundabout the engine cut out and the van died on us. it would not restart and was smoking really badly. So we got out and pushed the beast over (as were in the middle lane of a busy roundabout!) and let the engine cool down. we added more water into the engine and tried again....Nothing!
At this point we thought it was only fair to update the venue on what had happened and we asked another local DJ to take my place for the night as we waited for recovery.
So when the well know road side recovery firm arrived and looked at the engine they told us the only thing they can do is take us back home as the engine was totally bust. so once again we updated the venue and explained about our arranged replacement.

So now I'm left with a van ready for the scrap heap (will cost more to repair than its worth.) and a busy weekend coming up so am in the process of getting a new van as soon as i can.

Bit gutted as i've been using the van for about 2 years now and has just been M.O.Ted.

Just wondering if this kind of thing has ever happened to anyone before? did i do the correct thing? What would have you done in my shoes?

And did i have a good bank holiday weekend: NO!!!

[Excalibur]

Tempting fate- No not as far as I can remember, but the throttle cable did snap on mine recently, and I had to get to and from the gig with a piece of string through the dash to rev it up! :eek:

[Boogie Boy]

Not a great thing to happen. The only time I had a similar situation was after I'd done my work and my van was losing water out of the radiator at an alarming rate. In manging to just get home, I probably 'cooked' the engine too, so by leaving the van for recovery you probably did the right thing, even though it ended in tears.

Just one question really and I think this applies to lotsa people on the site.

Why do (many) DJs have ropey old vans (or cars)? Don't they give out the wrong first impression and isn't a certain amount of peace of mind (i.e. a relatively new van/car which isn't beaten up) worth the investment too, along with good quality gear? They both lose money and are both tax deductable.

[rob1963]

Saturday night i was booked for a night of karaoke and disco in a pub about 20miles from us. I've done this venue a few times before and know how everything works and know the landlord and managers etc.

Left mine on time (about 5:30pm for a 7pm start). Everything was going fine and to plan until about 10 miles into my journey i noticed my van's temperature gauge was on very hot which started to get me worried. after a while i noticed it but then it started cooling off again which has never happened before. then the unthinkable thing happened as we came to a roundabout the engine cut out and the van died on us. it would not restart and was smoking really badly. So we got out and pushed the beast over (as were in the middle lane of a busy roundabout!) and let the engine cool down. we added more water into the engine and tried again....Nothing!
At this point we thought it was only fair to update the venue on what had happened and we asked another local DJ to take my place for the night as we waited for recovery.
So when the well know road side recovery firm arrived and looked at the engine they told us the only thing they can do is take us back home as the engine was totally bust. so once again we updated the venue and explained about our arranged replacement.

So now I'm left with a van ready for the scrap heap (will cost more to repair than its worth.) and a busy weekend coming up so am in the process of getting a new van as soon as i can.

Bit gutted as i've been using the van for about 2 years now and has just been M.O.Ted.

Just wondering if this kind of thing has ever happened to anyone before? did i do the correct thing? What would have you done in my shoes?

And did i have a good bank holiday weekend: NO!!!

I'm really sorry to hear your bad news, Spud.

Out of interest, how old is the van & what exactly is wrong?

Had you considered getting a reconditioned engine? Just an idea.

I've never broken down on the way to a gig, although I once had a breakdown the day BEFORE a gig. I had to hire a van, which cost about the same as I was getting paid for the gig!

Apart from that, I was driving home from a quiz night a couple of weeks ago when the battery light came on & the steering got extremely heavy. I managed to get home ok, and my mobile mechanic came out the next day. It turned out the fan belt tensioner had snapped in half, resulting in the battery not charging & the power steering not working. Luckily it was only 10 miles & I got home safely.


Not a great thing to happen. The only time I had a similar situation was after I'd done my work and my van was losing water out of the radiator at an alarming rate. In manging to just get home, I probably 'cooked' the engine too, so by leaving the van for recovery you probably did the right thing, even though it ended in tears.

Just one question really and I think this applies to lotsa people on the site.

Why do (many) DJs have ropey old vans (or cars)? Don't they give out the wrong first impression and isn't a certain amount of peace of mind (i.e. a relatively new van/car which isn't beaten up) worth the investment too, along with good quality gear? They both lose money and are both tax deductable.

My van is 9 years old now, although I wouldn't call it ropey. It's in good condition & I get it serviced regularly.

Maybe the reason all DJs aren't going around in brand new vans is either because they can't afford one, or (like me) they think it's a waste of money to buy a brand new van which will be worth £1,000 less the minute they leave the garage to drive it home.

[Boogie Boy]

My van is 9 years old now, although I wouldn't call it ropey. It's in good condition & I get it serviced regularly.

Maybe the reason all DJs aren't going around in brand new vans is either because they can't afford one, or (like me) they think it's a waste of money to buy a brand new van which will be worth £1,000 less the minute they leave the garage to drive it home.

No one mentioned NEW vans...and by the way it could be worth £2000 less, the very next day:) . New vans are something plumbers, electricians and the like manage to afford.

[sleah]

Why do (many) DJs have ropey old vans (or cars)? Don't they give out the wrong first impression and isn't a certain amount of peace of mind (i.e. a relatively new van/car which isn't beaten up) worth the investment too, along with good quality gear? They both lose money and are both tax deductable.

Certainly 20 years ago it was the ONLY option.
If you said reliable and clean then I'd say absolutely, but old means nothing. A new(ish) van is just as likely to break down as a well maintained 10yr old van.
You have a valid point, but I think you worded it wrong.....


My van is 9 years old now, although I wouldn't call it ropey. It's in good condition & I get it serviced regularly.

Maybe the reason all DJs aren't going around in brand new vans is either because they can't afford one, or (like me) they think it's a waste of money to buy a brand new van which will be worth £1,000 less the minute they leave the garage to drive it home.

Exactly.
Rob, please stop posting sensible answers that we ALL can agree with:D

[sleah]

Sorry for the double post...


New vans are something plumbers, electricians and the like manage to afford.

LOL:D How true!
Could it be because they earn realistic wages from their jobs, unlike DJ's who people don't seem to think are worth it:( referring to another thread....

[rob1963]

Rob, please stop posting sensible answers that we ALL can agree with:D

:sorry:


I better be careful...or I might even have DARREN agreeing with me next!

:eek: :rolleyes:

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Why do (many) DJs have ropey old vans (or cars)? Don't they give out the wrong first impression and isn't a certain amount of peace of mind (i.e. a relatively new van/car which isn't beaten up) worth the investment too, along with good quality gear?

I agree with you as the van is usually the first impression the customer gets but at the time of buying the van it was the best i could afford with the budget i had. The van is in good shape for it's age. Great body work as it got resprayed when i bought it, very little rust and no dents. And before the weekend it had a very good engine which I've never had any problems with.
I think the van is abit like buying new gear. you start with old, cheap second hand equipment and as you make money you upgrade your gear for new, better and professional stuff. Just the van packed up before i had chance to upgrade:(.



Out of interest, how old is the van & what exactly is wrong?

The van is very old. H reg but in good condition.

The exact word the breakdown bloke used was "Cooked" as Boogie Boy commented on and a local mechanic told me i would need to replace the whole engine but without stripping it down they wouldn't know the whole problem.


Had you considered getting a reconditioned engine? Just an idea.


Yea i have looked into it but it would still cost more than the van is worth.

[sleah]

The van is very old. H reg.

Oi! Very old indeed, it's only 1990/1.
Up till last July my last van was 1991 H, would have still been running it if I hadn't had an offer I couldn't refuse on a V reg.
I gave the H to me milkman for spares:D

[Boogie Boy]

The van is very old. H reg but in good condition.

Yea i have looked into it but it would still cost more than the van is worth.

Let's see....and H reg van must be worth all of £300.00. Even the tax man would have almost completely written it off by now.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogie Boy
New vans are something plumbers, electricians and the like manage to afford.

LOL How true!
Could it be because they earn realistic wages from their jobs, unlike DJ's who people don't seem to think are worth it referring to another thread....

And at £160-£350 a night, DJs don't!!!

[rob1963]

And at £160-£350 a night, DJs don't!!!

The problem is that DJs can only normally work two nights a week (Friday & Saturday), whereas plumbers. electricians & the like can be working & earning 7 hours a day or more, and 6 days a week if they choose.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

:sorry:


I better be careful...or I might even have DARREN agreeing with me next!

:eek: :rolleyes:

Wait for it.....


The problem is that DJs can only normally work two nights a week (Friday & Saturday), whereas plumbers. electricians & the like can be working & earning 7 hours a day or more, and 6 days a week if they choose.

I agree.

Also, you'll probably find that 95% of DJs in this country are part time and therefore either use their own car to transport gear about or if they do buy a van aren't going to pay out £10K for something they use on a part time basis.

[rob1963]

Wait for it.....

I agree.

:jawdrop:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've quite often agreed with you Rob. I disagreed with you on one point and you seemed to think that I was insulting you by having my own opinion on that particular thread.

[rob1963]

I've quite often agreed with you Rob. I disagreed with you on one point and you seemed to think that I was insulting you by having my own opinion on that particular thread.

I wouldn't be surprised if we agree more than we disagree...

...although I'm not sure either of us would want to admit that!

:rolleyes:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I wouldn't be surprised if we agree more than we disagree...

...although I'm not sure either of us would want to admit that!

:rolleyes:

I disagree. :p

[JAMdisco]

Back on topic, I found this (http://www.apexrental.co.uk/long_term_rental/vans/vans/)

[rob1963]

Back on topic, I found this (http://www.apexrental.co.uk/long_term_rental/vans/vans/)

I'm sure I once paid about £100 to hire a small van for a weekend, so those prices appear very good on the face of it.

[sleah]

Let's see....and H reg van must be worth all of £300.00. Even the tax man would have almost completely written it off by now.
And at £160-£350 a night, DJs don't!!!

LOL! My H reg was an ex-school minibus that they had been using as a van for 3 years, then they GAVE it to me!!!!!:D
Been well maintained though:)
No point in spending money on a van just so you can claim tax relief - you may as well not spend the money in the first place.
Buying a new or nearly new van will cost you a lot more than buying an old one and not getting tax benifits:confused:


Back on topic, I found this (http://www.apexrental.co.uk/long_term_rental/vans/vans/)

You could argue that if you can budget that amount each month, you could buy a van and stop paying after so many years, rather than paying it forever.
Down to personal choice really.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Back on topic, I found this

Thanks for the link, but the closest hire shop they have to Bristol is in London (140miles):eek:

I may have got myself a new van through a friend of mine. Ford Transit:)

[rob1963]

You could argue that if you can budget that amount each month, you could buy a van and stop paying after so many years, rather than paying it forever.

I must admit that's also the way I think.

I've never rented anything.

Why pay every month to rent something which will never be yours?

A bit like putting money down the drain in my opinion.

[JAMdisco]

Yes I know what you mean, but by renting you won't have to pay out extra for insurance (I think that's usually in with the price - might be wrong), tax, MOT, servicing etc... All you pay out for is fuel. You usually get some form of breakdown cover and replacement van should anything go wrong.

And after a few years you get a new one. I'm not saying it's for everybody (certainly not me as I don't get enough work to warrant it) but just an idea.

[CRAZY K]

Tempting fate- No not as far as I can remember, but the throttle cable did snap on mine recently, and I had to get to and from the gig with a piece of string through the dash to rev it up! :eek:

Surely thats not possible on a Rolls Royce;)

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

the throttle cable did snap on mine recently, and I had to get to and from the gig with a piece of string through the dash to rev it up! :eek:

Was it a SHOE string?

I've heard that's what you run your business on.

:sofa:

[Boogie Boy]

The problem is that DJs can only normally work two nights a week (Friday & Saturday).

Even fully pro DJs?????? Surely not?

Probably one reason why I liked working clubs, although 6 hours a night, 7 days a week was hard work

[Vectis]

My worst nightmare!

I've not yet had a vehicle break down on me on the way to a gig, but I was involved in an accident once which meant I couldn't fulfil - this was about 15 years ago and at the time I had an estate car and a box trailer. Luckily I managed to get hold of a local agency to get the gig covered before I was bundled into an ambulance :p

As well as having full breakdown cover on the van, at a push we could get to the gig in Mrs VV's car with the seats down over two trips; failing this the FiL has an X-Trail and he lives about 10 minutes drive away. I also live about 2 minutes drive (in the car, not the busted van) from a commercial vehicle hire place.

My van is an 'S' reg but only does about 1200 miles a year inbetween MOTs and services.

[Excalibur]

My worst nightmare!

I've not yet had a vehicle break down on me on the way to a gig, but I was involved in an accident once which meant I couldn't fulfil - this was about 15 years ago and at the time I had an estate car and a box trailer. Luckily I managed to get hold of a local agency to get the gig covered before I was bundled into an ambulance :p

As well as having full breakdown cover on the van, at a push we could get to the gig in Mrs VV's car with the seats down over two trips; failing this the FiL has an X-Trail and he lives about 10 minutes drive away. I also live about 2 minutes drive (in the car, not the busted van) from a commercial vehicle hire place.

My van is an 'S' reg but only does about 1200 miles a year inbetween MOTs and services.

I reckon you could manage with a Sainsbury's trolley!:p

[sleah]

Was it a SHOE string?

I've heard that's what you run your business on.

:sofa:

Bloomin' eck Rob, you really do ask for it sometimes:D

Reminds me of a couple of 'ropey old van' moments.

Once had one actually catch fire on the way hope. Jumped out, popped the bonnet. It was an electrical cable. Realised I had to disconnect the power, no tools (no time to look anyway) so I grabbed one battery terminal cable and waggled it till it finally broke loose, then called the AA for a lift home;)

1st van was a MK2 transit, bits used to fall off as I drove along. Got pulled on way home one night - routine check to make sure I wasn't robbing - copper found it highly amusing the van didn't simply collapse in to a pile at the roadside, he was quite impressed with the hole in one side:D

[rob1963]

The problem is that DJs can only normally work two nights a week (Friday & Saturday)


Even fully pro DJs?????? Surely not?

My comment stands.

I wonder how many DJs on this forum work 6 or 7 nights a week, or even 4 or 5 nights a week come to that.

Anyone?

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I wonder how many DJs on this forum work 6 or 7 nights a week, or even 4 or 5 nights a week come to that.

Anyone?

Wish i did:(. 4 nights a week would be plenty for me:).

[Vectis]

Usually just 2 nights for me, occasionally 3. However about 50% of Fridays I have two gigs as the first finishes at about 6 or 6:30pm.

[One Vision]

Saturday night i was booked for a night of karaoke and disco in a pub about 20miles from us. I've done this venue a few times before and know how everything works and know the landlord and managers etc.

Left mine on time (about 5:30pm for a 7pm start). Everything was going fine and to plan until about 10 miles into my journey i noticed my van's temperature gauge was on very hot which started to get me worried. after a while i noticed it but then it started cooling off again which has never happened before. then the unthinkable thing happened as we came to a roundabout the engine cut out and the van died on us. it would not restart and was smoking really badly. So we got out and pushed the beast over (as were in the middle lane of a busy roundabout!) and let the engine cool down. we added more water into the engine and tried again....Nothing!
At this point we thought it was only fair to update the venue on what had happened and we asked another local DJ to take my place for the night as we waited for recovery.
So when the well know road side recovery firm arrived and looked at the engine they told us the only thing they can do is take us back home as the engine was totally bust. so once again we updated the venue and explained about our arranged replacement.

So now I'm left with a van ready for the scrap heap (will cost more to repair than its worth.) and a busy weekend coming up so am in the process of getting a new van as soon as i can.

Bit gutted as i've been using the van for about 2 years now and has just been M.O.Ted.

Just wondering if this kind of thing has ever happened to anyone before? did i do the correct thing? What would have you done in my shoes?

And did i have a good bank holiday weekend: NO!!!

Hya mate sounds like the head gasket to me which isn't a huge problem to sort.
May have been caused by a busted thermostat or water pump.
I would get some quotes first as it may not be as bad as expected.
Out of interest what type of van do ya have?

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Hya mate sounds like the head gasket to me which isn't a huge problem to sort.
May have been caused by a busted thermostat or water pump.
I would get some quotes first as it may not be as bad as expected.
Out of interest what type of van do ya have?

The van is a Vauxhall Midi.

I've had 2 people look at it for me both had agreed that it could be patched up but it will need major repairs to put it right. You are correct in saying the head gasket has blown but apparently there is a deeper reason for this (which they won't find until they take the engine apart).
As we've been less than impressed with the van we've decided it's time to sell it and get another but this time a smaller van as the Midi is too long and hard to park at many venues with limited parking.

Just hope we can get a van by friday:eek:

[Shaun]

Just hope we can get a van by friday:eek:

Hire one?



In the event of breakdown my roadside recovery will take me onwards to the venue if they can't repair it. Then I just have to think of a way to get it home at the end of the shift. At least the gig will go ahead.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Hire one?


Already looked into it but would rather get our own van so we won't be wasting money (see earlier in thread.)


In the event of breakdown my roadside recovery will take me onwards to the venue if they can't repair it. Then I just have to think of a way to get it home at the end of the shift. At least the gig will go ahead.

I could have told the driver that the venue was my home but then i would have had no way of getting myself, the van and all my equipment home!

So how do you manage that then? they would tow you all the way to the venue, drop you off, then come back later to tow you home again?
That would be cool. you would never have to refill you're petrol tank on your van again just get them to taxi you around for every gig:rolleyes:

[theoloyla]

First off as to why it happened - you should have stopped and investigated when the first warning showed. The temp guage is that of the water in the cooling system. It becomes hot when there isnt enough. When there is so little that the sensor isnt immersed the temp guage drops and then your engine overheats and dies.
Like Elite I have the full RAC cover so that if I break down (which I did about 12 years ago) they will take me on to my destination, home or garage - whichever I choose. On that occasion they took me to the gig. I was late but had rung my agent to contact them to explain why. Once at the gig I arranged for a friend with a big 4x4 to come out at midnight and tow me home.

[Jaggiebunnett]

I wrecked 2 of the 3 vans I drove when I roaddied for a Karaoke/DJ mob in Glasgow, the boss didn't have a problem as it was expected with all the nutters like me on the road, he was raking it in anyway with me setting up an average of 5 per night for 4 nights a week!! He did the Mon-Wed by himself!.
Worked for them for 2 years.
1 van a year not too bad eh..lol

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

When there is so little that the sensor isn't immersed the temp gauge drops and then your engine overheats and dies

I can honestly say i didn't know that. there was me just thinking that it was cooling down:o


Like Elite I have the full RAC cover

So do i but wasn't given a choice as the van was in such bad condition.

[Andy Westcott]

'Ere.
You say getting a reconditioned engine would cost more than the van is worth, but is that important?

I mean, if the bodywork is pretty good, a replacement engine would give the old girl several years more life, surely? A lot cheaper than buying a newer van with unknown track record.

[Shaun]

I could have told the driver that the venue was my home but then i would have had no way of getting myself, the van and all my equipment home!

So how do you manage that then? they would tow you all the way to the venue, drop you off, then come back later to tow you home again?
That would be cool. you would never have to refill you're petrol tank on your van again just get them to taxi you around for every gig:rolleyes:

I'd worry about getting home later. It may involve leaving the equipment overnight at the venue, or being towed home by a friend....but the most important thing to me would be going ahead with the gig. I'd deal with what comes later....later.

The client always comes first, everything else takes second priority.

[blitz]

you could join both the RAC and the AA, when you break down get one to rescue you and drop you at the gig, when the gigs finished phone the other and get towed home.

[Shaun]

Now there's an idea. :d

[Corabar Entertainment]

We did something like that once (but not for a gig). We were on our way to Glastonbury in a friends camper van and broke down 2 miles from home.

AA man called and came out. He knew the score, but told his base that we had a 10 year old little girl in the van and he had to take her to her Grandmother's which was down in.... (can't remember where, but it was a town near Glastonbury). He towed us all the way down there; we spent the weekend there, and then used a different AA membership card to get towed home! (They don't cross reference registration plates - only members names! A tip given to us by our friendly AA man)

With gigs - Steve broke down on a way to a gig once and, as Shaun says, breakdown assistance called and he was towed to the venue, and he worried about getting back again later (and getting home was another story in itself)

[Corabar Steve]

(and getting home was another story in itself)

Which lasted the best part of 3 months!

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

You say getting a reconditioned engine would cost more than the van is worth, but is that important?


Yes it's important especially on a low budget. a new engine would cost almost twice what the vans worth. It wasn't it that much of a good condition.


I mean, if the bodywork is pretty good, a replacement engine would give the old girl several years more life, surely? A lot cheaper than buying a newer van with unknown track record.

Not really. The overall working of the van was slowly braking down like the clutch was near the end of its life and the gears had seen better days and the side door would just about open (the back doors didn't open at all:o)


you could join both the RAC and the AA, when you break down get one to rescue you and drop you at the gig, when the gigs finished phone the other and get towed home.

That's a very good idea. Costly tho.


They don't cross reference registration plates - only members names! A tip given to us by our friendly AA man)


Now that's interesting. I'll remember that:)

Quick update: I've sold the old van back to who i originally bought it from and he's sold me a newer ford transit that seems perfect for what we need. Nice shape and size. and the new transit has been checked over by a mechanic who has given it the all clear.

[theoloyla]

Pleased to hear it.