Lights or Van?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well folks, im just looking at sorting my budget this year but need some help. Ive narrowed my choices to a new lighting rig or a van, and cant decide! Bit of background.....

Lighting, I'm currently running (on the biggest rig), 4 Dynamo's, 4 Puma's, 2 MiracLEDs. Im looking to upgrade to 4 Martin SCX700 scanners (video http://www.martin.com/product/product.asp?product=maniascx700&Words=scx700 ), 4 Martin EFX700 moonflowers (video http://www.martin.com/product/product.asp?product=maniaefx700&Words=efx700 ) and 2 Martin SCX800 barrel scanners (video http://www.martin.com/product/product.asp?product=maniascx800&Words=scx800 ). Now theres nothing wrong with my existing rig in the eyes of the customer so i know its just me..... (probably the same as most folk on here). :)

Choice 2, a van. Im currently running a 1.8d fiesta with a covered trailer which does just fine and i dont need to pack everything carefully as its fits with a bit of space. Now the issue is the cost of running two vehicles etc etc when what ive got does perfectly fine......

Help............... :) Decisions decisions, what do you guys think i should do?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The van will have more benefits to you than the lighting.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Having said that.......mmmmmmmmmmm rotating gobos.......

[Dynamic Entertainment]

The van will have more benefits to you than the lighting.


Having said that.......mmmmmmmmmmm rotating gobos.......


You see my dilemma...thats nearly my thoughts exactly. The lights would really improve the set-up. Ive already done the sound.......

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You see my dilemma...thats nearly my thoughts exactly. The lights would really improve the set-up. Ive already done the sound.......

I was joking!

No contest, go for the van. :)

[Tom]

I would go for the van imo. :)

[[email protected]]

i'd go for the van....:)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

if you got a bigger rig would it fit in your current transport?

How many times perviously could you of "sold" a larger light show?

Customers are very rarely impressed by lighting

Cost of the van needs to include any increase in insurance, running costs etc...

[BeerFunk]

Seriously?? You'd have to be mad to go for even more lighting, over a van!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

if you got a bigger rig would it fit in your current transport?

How many times perviously could you of "sold" a larger light show?

Customers are very rarely impressed by lighting

Cost of the van needs to include any increase in insurance, running costs etc...

The rig isnt getting a huge amount bigger and there is currently space for expansion in the existing transport. Generally i can send out the largest rig in about half of my bookings, the hother 9near half) being the midsized and the smallest getting one in a blue moon.

Funny you should mention customers not being impressed by lighting. Nearly all of the feedback i get says how good the lighting was, or how it set the atmosphere, or how clubby it felt compared to other discos. I always get remarks about it off atleast one guest on the night too.

So, back to the question Decks....which one would you choose? :)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Seriously?? You'd have to be mad to go for even more lighting, over a van!

Its not "go for more lighting" its upgrade my existing "budget" set-up for some pro gear...and sell off the old stuff :) Take it your a "Van" vote too :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

The rig isnt getting a huge amount bigger and there is currently space for expansion in the existing transport. Generally i can send out the largest rig in about half of my bookings, the hother 9near half) being the midsized and the smallest getting one in a blue moon.

Funny you should mention customers not being impressed by lighting. Nearly all of the feedback i get says how good the lighting was, or how it set the atmosphere, or how clubby it felt compared to other discos. I always get remarks about it off atleast one guest on the night too.

So, back to the question Decks....which one would you choose? :)

Havent you just answered your own question?

[JDB Entertainment]

Havent you just answered your own question?

exactly what i was thinking! if you already get good comments on your lighting rig there is no question!

GO FOR THE VAN!!!! :D

[Excalibur]

Van. Cheap at the moment too. You boy racers need a Vito, or Sprinter. I'm getting slower nowadays, so the bigger the better. ;)

[OllieJames]

I'll vote for the lighting.

If the current transport is capable of taking new rig around, then get the lighting.

[Ajaysdisco]

Van. Cheap at the moment too. You boy racers need a Vito, or Sprinter. I'm getting slower nowadays, so the bigger the better. ;)

:agree:

You can get a good deal on a van at the mo.
I personally think it looks better when you turn up in a van.

Talking about the sprinter you can get a V6 180 BHP for about 30K if you have any spare cash!


*Correction its 258 BHP :D

[Excalibur]

:agree:

You can get a good deal on a van at the mo.
I personally think it looks better when you turn up in a van.

Talking about the sprinter you can get a V6 180 BHP for about 30K if you have any spare cash! :D

Not when it's my van. :o :o :o

Like the sound of that motor though. ( Goes off to see if he has 30 grand lying about:confused: )

[womble]

I reckon you should upgrade your lights and sell me one of your miracleds for £50...

:p

[Corabar Steve]

Fit wheels, an engine & a flatbed to the light & get the best of both worlds :sj:

[Excalibur]

Fit wheels, an engine & a flatbed to the light & get the best of both worlds :sj:

Been there, done that. You've surely seen the piccy of my van, resplendent with flashing lights at two corners? :confused: :D :D :D

( Goes off to replace bulb in one, which he's been meaning to do for ages. :o )

[visualdjmax]

:agree:

You can get a good deal on a van at the mo.
I personally think it looks better when you turn up in a van.

Talking about the sprinter you can get a V6 180 BHP for about 30K if you have any spare cash!


*Correction its 258 BHP :D

Van it is then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ppentertainments]

Being a member if the 'minimalist disco' club, I would of course go for a van.

[Excalibur]

Being a member if the 'minimalist disco' club, I would of course go for a van.

Being a member of the " Use as much gear as you can fit in the venue" school of thought, I have to use a big van

[Charlie Brown]

Or why not spend any of it? Do you HAVE to spend money...why not save?

If the lighting is fine and the transport is fine then why spend your money especially in this economic climate. If you have spent a lot of money on sound and feel that if you did upgrade your lighting you would be able to charge a bit more than you already do....then maybe look at the lighting for the near future. Why not get half the lighting and incorporate the dynmos?

[[email protected]]

Or why not spend any of it? Do you HAVE to spend money...why not save?

If the lighting is fine and the transport is fine then why spend your money especially in this economic climate. If you have spent a lot of money on sound and feel that if you did upgrade your lighting you would be able to charge a bit more than you already do....then maybe look at the lighting for the near future. Why not get half the lighting and incorporate the dynmos?

Far too sensible...:sarc: ;) :lol:

[Charlie Brown]

Far too sensible...:sarc: ;) :lol:

Maybe...obvious though?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Havent you just answered your own question?


exactly what i was thinking! if you already get good comments on your lighting rig there is no question!

GO FOR THE VAN!!!! :D

Probably yes, but i know that my lighting can be improved...... :)


Van. Cheap at the moment too. You boy racers need a Vito, or Sprinter. I'm getting slower nowadays, so the bigger the better. ;)

Big van or little van then.....


Or why not spend any of it? Do you HAVE to spend money...why not save?

If the lighting is fine and the transport is fine then why spend your money especially in this economic climate. If you have spent a lot of money on sound and feel that if you did upgrade your lighting you would be able to charge a bit more than you already do....then maybe look at the lighting for the near future. Why not get half the lighting and incorporate the dynmos?


Good point, but id rather spend it than let the tax man get it :D

[Charlie Brown]

Good point, but id rather spend it than let the tax man get it :D

What percent would he take?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

What percent would he take?

22% :)

[visualdjmax]

Being a member of the " Use as much gear as you can fit in the venue" school of thought, I have to use a big van

Here Here. Or why waste time buy a truck?

[Excalibur]

Big van or little van then.....



Right, sensible time. Make the most of it, cos I can't do it for long periods. :D
If your present transport copes, then it sounds like a Vito would be fine. Plenty of folk on here use Berlingo/Kangoo. Since my van has to carry loads of day job kit, I have an ancient 3.5T ex Royal Mail job. Logic suggests that something in between is sensible. Transit/Sprinter/Vivaro family are all candidates. Remember that many of them have wheelbase options. I know Darren got a Medium wheelbase, which can allow you to leave overhead bars assmebled permanently for example. I do this with mine. Good luck in your quest.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Right, sensible time. Make the most of it, cos I can't do it for long periods. :D
If your present transport copes, then it sounds like a Vito would be fine. Plenty of folk on here use Berlingo/Kangoo. Since my van has to carry loads of day job kit, I have an ancient 3.5T ex Royal Mail job. Logic suggests that something in between is sensible. Transit/Sprinter/Vivaro family are all candidates. Remember that many of them have wheelbase options. I know Darren got a Medium wheelbase, which can allow you to leave overhead bars assmebled permanently for example. I do this with mine. Good luck in your quest.


Cheers, i think a van is in order. Now to have a look around. Theres 2 van stockists round here who have thge market cornered and as such its quite expensive. May look further afield :)

[Excalibur]

Here Here. Or why waste time buy a truck?

No need. I also have a trailer bigger than most vans on here. :D


Cheers, i think a van is in order. Now to have a look around. Theres 2 van stockists round here who have thge market cornered and as such its quite expensive. May look further afield :)

This can often be your friend. ;) put your postcode and requirements into the search, and see what comes up.

www.autotrader.co.uk

[Charlie Brown]

22% :)

Would it not be better to keep 78% of it then...than none at all :D

[Jiggles]

I rather have a really good use for that 22% than give it away! :D

[Charlie Brown]

Ahh ok. I'm not going to win am I. The richest people, are tight buggers. They don't spend, they save. I could understand if the light show consisted of two sound lab vasto's but it doesn't....far from it! I could understand if your car broke down every 5 minutes and you had spent tons on repairs and the trailer breaks off every time you go faster than 34mph but it doesn't!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ahh ok. I'm not going to win am I. The richest people, are tight buggers. They don't spend, they save. I could understand if the light show consisted of two sound lab vasto's but it doesn't....far from it! I could understand if your car broke down every 5 minutes and you had spent tons on repairs and the trailer breaks off every time you go faster than 34mph but it doesn't!

Lol, good points mind :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know Darren got a Medium wheelbase, which can allow you to leave overhead bars assmebled permanently for example.

I have a LWB actually. :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

correct me if im wrong but you can claim back alot more for buying a van than lights? tax wise?

[Tom]

correct me if im wrong but you can claim back alot more for buying a van than lights? tax wise?

;):D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[JAMdisco]

correct me if im wrong but you can claim back alot more for buying a van than lights? tax wise?

Even if I buy a £500 one (that's about all I can afford - and that's gonna be tight). I need one before 2nd June as that's when my MOT runs out and it's gonna need a lot of money spending on it.

Any one know of a cheap van anywhere?

[kjdiscos]

Even if I buy a £500 one (that's about all I can afford - and that's gonna be tight). I need one before 2nd June as that's when my MOT runs out and it's gonna need a lot of money spending on it.

Any one know of a cheap van anywhere?

Try ebay, Been looking at some recently going for not bad prices

[JAMdisco]

Try ebay, Been looking at some recently going for not bad prices

I don't like ebay for vehicles, had some bad experiences a couple of years ago.
There's some decent looking ones on autotrader though, will keep my eyes peeled for a bargain.

[Excalibur]

I have a LWB actually. :)

I fervently hope I have not offended or misinformed anyone with my erroneous assertions about the length of your chassis, my esteemed friend. I cannot apologise enough for my failings in this department. At my age, the memory is the second thing to go. :( :( :o :o :o

Strewth Justin, you don't make it easy, do you? :confused: :bang: I have no trouble finding you a PA for £500, but a van with MOT, or less miles than the Starship Enterprise! :eek:

The best candidates so far are an LDV twin wheel tipper or a VW with 250,000 miles on the clock. I did find some great looking ones for a lot less than £500, but sadly it appears you have to give them that amount of money more than once. :( Often they want it every week, and often for years. :( :(
Ah well.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

not being funny but just what state of a van do you think you can find thats road worthy and reasonably presentable for that "budget".

Personally i think if you did buy one for that price you would pretty much be throwing your money away.

[JAMdisco]

not being funny but just what state of a van do you think you can find thats road worthy and reasonably presentable for that "budget".

Personally i think if you did buy one for that price you would pretty much be throwing your money away.

Bargains can be found, I bought my last car (Ford Escort Estate 1.8D) for £800. Has lasted me almost 2 years and I've done nearly 50,000 miles in it. Apart from fuel, the running cost has been minimal. Tyres and a cam belt change is all I've had done to it. :D

Unfortunately, mother nature has eroded the bodywork a little and I reckon needs about £250-£350 for it's next MOT. So 2nd June will see me down at the scrap yard shedding a tear :(

[edit] I should only need a cheap one for the next 6 months, then I should be in a better position to spend around £2k or so (hopefully)

[womble]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-COMBO-EPIC-VAN_W0QQitemZ260386714649QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Com mercial_Trucks?hash=item260386714649&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Excalibur]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-COMBO-EPIC-VAN_W0QQitemZ260386714649QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Com mercial_Trucks?hash=item260386714649&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Oh come on! I know Justin often imitates me, for as we know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but really. Justin as "White Van Man" ? :eek: :D :D :D

[JAMdisco]

Oh come on! I know Justin often imitates me, for as we know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but really. Justin as "White Van Man" ? :eek: :D :D :D

How could I possibly imitate you with only 2 channels and 1 mic input on my mixer? :p :D

Joking aside, that's exactly the kind of thing I'll be looking at towards the end of May. A 3 seater would be better but beggars can't be choosers I guess. :)

[Corabar Steve]

How much kit needs to be carried?

[JAMdisco]

How much kit needs to be carried?

Is this aimed at me or the original OP?

If me:-
2 x 15" CD15 Bins
2 x 12" JAC12's
2 x 15" CD158-1's (only occasionally)
Deckstand & shelves
4 x Stairville LED PARs
1 x ImpossibLED
4 x Quadraforce Lights (quite big & bulky)
Mixer
Ext HDD
Amp
2 x Gigbags
Laptop

Without the CD158-1's this currently fits in my Escort Estate fairly easily, with the CD158-1's it does fit in but I wouldn't want to travel very far as it's not exactly safe.

[womble]

What about one of these...

linkety link (http://thirdrail.smorgasblog.com/archives/donkey.jpg)

[JAMdisco]

What about one of these...

linkety link (http://thirdrail.smorgasblog.com/archives/donkey.jpg)

Tried that, you do actually need 3 donkeys though to counterweight. :p :D

[Corabar Steve]

Justin, either.

It's good to be able to carry all you could possibly use of what you have for a gig, plus a little extra for future expansion or setting up 2 rigs in one trip etc.

I'd never go for a Partner / Berlingo sized van again as there is really no option for this, unless your rigs are of the extreme minimalist school of thought.

The smallest I'd consider now is a LWB Transit Connect.

[JAMdisco]

Justin, either.

It's good to be able to carry all you could possibly use of what you have for a gig, plus a little extra for future expansion or setting up 2 rigs in one trip etc.

I'd never go for a Partner / Berlingo sized van again as there is really no option for this, unless your rigs are of the extreme minimalist school of thought.

The smallest I'd consider now is a LWB Transit Connect.

I'd love to have a transit sized van but the only problem is the wife thinks it'd look unsightly outside the house (we're in a cul-de-sac but the van would be on the street.

It is an option though because at some point in the future I'd love a pair of 18" bins and there's no way that would all fit in a small van. :)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

How much kit needs to be carried?

For me (for my biggest set-up),

Its going to be:

2x RCF ART 705A Bass Bins
2x RCF ART 712AS Speakers
1x Very large Road Ready case
4x Boxes of cables etc
4x Acme Dynamos (in one case)
4x Acme Pumas (split over 2 cases)
2x Acme MiracLED's (case each)
1x Deckstand
1x 3m Goalpost lighting Stand
1x UDG Gigbag
1x Equinox Laser (in case)
1x KoolLight Laser (in case)
1x LEDJ Deckskirt

Also (hopefully) going to be purchasing an extra 2 RCF ART 705AS Bass Bins for the bigger venues, but im not sure yet.

[JAMdisco]

I reckon your looking at a 7 1/2 tonner for that lot :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I reckon your looking at a 7 1/2 tonner for that lot :D

lol. Funnily enough it fits in a trailer and fiesta, but this set-up has got to go in exactly :)

[Corabar Steve]

I'd love to have a transit sized van but the only problem is the wife thinks it'd look unsightly outside the house (we're in a cul-de-sac but the van would be on the street.

It is an option though because at some point in the future I'd love a pair of 18" bins and there's no way that would all fit in a small van. :)
LWB Transit Connect isn't Transit sized, it's the baby brother.

For me (for my biggest set-up),

Its going to be:

2x RCF ART 705A Bass Bins
2x RCF ART 712AS Speakers
1x Very large Road Ready case
4x Boxes of cables etc
4x Acme Dynamos (in one case)
4x Acme Pumas (split over 2 cases)
2x Acme MiracLED's (case each)
1x Deckstand
1x 3m Goalpost lighting Stand
1x UDG Gigbag
1x Equinox Laser (in case)
1x KoolLight Laser (in case)
1x LEDJ Deckskirt

Also (hopefully) going to be purchasing an extra 2 RCF ART 705AS Bass Bins for the bigger venues, but im not sure yet.
I wouldn't go fro anything smaller than a LWB TC or an Expert/Dispatch/Scudo sized van then.

I've got an ex police Expert with mid bulkhead & 4 seats. It's easy enough to remove the rear seats, effectively doubling the load capacity. I can then fit in 2 full rigs with room to spare.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

LWB Transit Connect isn't Transit sized, it's the baby brother.

I wouldn't go fro anything smaller than a LWB TC or an Expert/Dispatch/Scudo sized van then.

I've got an ex police Expert with mid bulkhead & 4 seats. It's easy enough to remove the rear seats, effectively doubling the load capacity. I can then fit in 2 full rigs with room to spare.

Cheers Steve. I was thinking of looking at ex-police vehicles. Ateast you know theyve been looked after mechanically :)

[Excalibur]

Cheers Steve. I was thinking of looking at ex-police vehicles. Ateast you know theyve been looked after mechanically :)

May suggest this to Justin. It must be reliable, or it could never have done this many miles! :eek:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/vans/advert+search/Ne-7-8-27-64-105-133-146-236,N-28-244/advert.action?R=200914331786558&distance=27&postcode=yo43+4dd&channel=VANS&make=&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=500&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1994&vehicleRegLetter=M

[Dynamic Entertainment]

That aint half a good price. The flat deisel runs forever mind so (aslong as the body is good) it could be a good buy :)

[DJMaxG]

Choice 2, a van. Im currently running a 1.8d fiesta with a covered trailer

Help............... :) Decisions decisions, what do you guys think i should do?

I wouldn't reccomend using a flat bed trailer, if that's what it is.

I would probably invest in a van first. However, you can lease for a small fee. May be worth considering. You can get a medium wheelbase van fairly cheaply.
YouTube - Mobile DJ / Disco Transport

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I wouldn't reccomend using a flat bed trailer, if that's what it is.

No its a proper trailer (like the ones from Halfords) with a fabricated, watertight, and lockable hinged lid

[Excalibur]

No its a proper trailer (like the ones from Halfords) with a fabricated, watertight, and lockable hinged lid

Must remind you olf my experiences with a trailer lid and tailgate. :o :o :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Must remind you olf my experiences with a trailer lid and tailgate. :o :o :D :D

Did they make a connection? Mine has a gap of 2 inches when both up.

[Excalibur]

Did they make a connection? Mine has a gap of 2 inches when both up.

Misleading post by me. :( :o Two stories. ;)

1) Tailgate. I used to use a trailer with a hinged ramp/tailgate. As is normal at packup time, folk messing with it was not helpful. After one wedding, a group of guests put the bride in the trailer and shut the tailgate. Cue mooing noises and much hilarity. I was not amused. :mad: I was less than scrupulously careful when opening the tailgate to get into the trailer, and inadvertently dropped it onto some of the revellers who had messed with it! :eek: That DID amuse me. :D :D

2) Roof. Same trailer. Stormy night. Delighted to finish the gig, and find trailer still attached to car, and still in Car Park. :D Load up, go home. Still stormy. :eek: Out again next night, lower ramp, and am surprised not to have to duck as usual to avoid cracking my head on the roof. :confused: :confused: That's because the trailer no longer HAS a roof! :eek: :( :( Unload, do gig, reload, and go home. Next morning, we retrace my steps, find the roof in a field, strap it to the roof rack, and go home to reattach it to the trailer. :o :o :o :o
Those were the days. :D

[Jiggles]

Misleading post by me. :( :o Two stories. ;)

1) Tailgate. I used to use a trailer with a hinged ramp/tailgate. As is normal at packup time, folk messing with it was not helpful. After one wedding, a group of guests put the bride in the trailer and shut the tailgate. Cue mooing noises and much hilarity. I was not amused. :mad: I was less than scrupulously careful when opening the tailgate to get into the trailer, and inadvertently dropped it onto some of the revellers who had messed with it! :eek: That DID amuse me. :D :D

2) Roof. Same trailer. Stormy night. Delighted to finish the gig, and find trailer still attached to car, and still in Car Park. :D Load up, go home. Still stormy. :eek: Out again next night, lower ramp, and am surprised not to have to duck as usual to avoid cracking my head on the roof. :confused: :confused: That's because the trailer no longer HAS a roof! :eek: :( :( Unload, do gig, reload, and go home. Next morning, we retrace my steps, find the roof in a field, strap it to the roof rack, and go home to reattach it to the trailer. :o :o :o :o
Those were the days. :D

PMSL!!! Ever though of writing a book on your adventures :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Misleading post by me. :( :o Two stories. ;)

1) Tailgate. I used to use a trailer with a hinged ramp/tailgate. As is normal at packup time, folk messing with it was not helpful. After one wedding, a group of guests put the bride in the trailer and shut the tailgate. Cue mooing noises and much hilarity. I was not amused. :mad: I was less than scrupulously careful when opening the tailgate to get into the trailer, and inadvertently dropped it onto some of the revellers who had messed with it! :eek: That DID amuse me. :D :D

2) Roof. Same trailer. Stormy night. Delighted to finish the gig, and find trailer still attached to car, and still in Car Park. :D Load up, go home. Still stormy. :eek: Out again next night, lower ramp, and am surprised not to have to duck as usual to avoid cracking my head on the roof. :confused: :confused: That's because the trailer no longer HAS a roof! :eek: :( :( Unload, do gig, reload, and go home. Next morning, we retrace my steps, find the roof in a field, strap it to the roof rack, and go home to reattach it to the trailer. :o :o :o :o
Those were the days. :D


lol, definately get round to writing a book. Id buy it! :)