Help is needed .. i now have no van or trailer..

[Rowleys]

Well basically my partner in the mobile entertainment don;t want to do it with me no more as he has new job longer hours and works most weekends.

But he owned the van so now i have nothing ..

it gonna cost me to much to get my own van as i have a car.

i was looking to get a tow bar fitted and get a trailer & next year look in to a van

does anyone use a trailer

or any other ideas ??

i have a fare frew gigs booked as well

I'm left right in the dump..

I'm also 23 so insurance for 2 cars is very high .

[kjdiscos]

What car have you got ?

[Shaun]

You could always hire a van for the day when you have gigs.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I use a trailer, but i'm upgrading to a van this year as its alot less hassle. What car do you have? Is it able to pull a trailer?

[discomobiledj]

Why don't you get a small loan, px your current car in and get a larger car? A Vauxhall Astra Estate is only group 4 insurance and has loads of room.

[Paul S]

Hi,

I bought myself a second-hand trailer late last year and spent the winter tidying it up. It's a great solution.

I rent space in a secure lockup with another DJ, he too uses a trailer. The only thing is security, however a decent hitchlock will stop someone stealing it, decent locks on the back will stop people getting into it. We also fitted a security post in the doorway to stop anyone getting the trailers out of the lockup.
The only thing is to get it ply lined, and fit tie-downs to secure your load.

Things to consider:- What size do you need? Is your car big enough to pull it? Where will you store it? How will it be secured?

Cheers

Paul

[BeerFunk]

You could always hire a van for the day when you have gigs.Good idea, and it may not be as expensive as you think. The last time my friend hired a van to move house, it was only £27 for the day.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

van hire does cut alot into your profit margins I have to say. Can I just ask can you just start driving with a trailer? is there no license control on it? Reason I ask is my friend has a horse and so pulls a horse box and she seems to think if your under a certain age you need something on your license? Ive never checked it out as I use a trailer.

I got a reasonable van last year R Reg Merc Vito (they go for miles dont forget) with 110k on the clock for 1700 after I got 3000 for my then car a Laguna. Its not exciting to have as my main method of transport but then again its allowed me to expand my rig, pick up extra jobs for people I know to do removals etc.. so it has its plus points.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

van hire is dependant on the deal you get. One national chain (not mentioning names (unless i can?)) wanted to charge me 2 days of hire for one saturday night gig, as they shut at lunch time on saturday, and would not take the car 2off-hire2 until monday morning. Said company also has a policy that under 25s cannot hire anything bigger than a car-derived van, such as a Ford Courier, so your on a loser if you need anything bigger than that.

[Babybob]

What car do you have and do you need it for family reasons (are you married with kids perhaps).

If your a single boy or have a girlfriend then get an escort van or similar, plenty of room for your gear and some other uses. ;) ;)

Or have any of your mates/family got a van/large estate car that you can swap your car with for the odd night (as long as your insured of course) until you can save for something suitable.

[CRAZY K]

Well basically my partner in the mobile entertainment don;t want to do it with me no more as he has new job longer hours and works most weekends.

But he owned the van so now i have nothing ..

it gonna cost me to much to get my own van as i have a car.

i was looking to get a tow bar fitted and get a trailer & next year look in to a van

does anyone use a trailer

or any other ideas ??

i have a fare frew gigs booked as well

I'm left right in the dump..

I'm also 23 so insurance for 2 cars is very high .

Yes, a roof box--I bought the largest available and its brilliant;)

Cost about £350 but one of the best investments I have made in connection with the Barn Dance/Disco business.

I can carry lighting and other stuff thats not too heavy.

Miles per litre reduces--but hey charge to cover it:D

CRAZY K

CRAZY K

[Rowleys]

well i have a Mk4 golf 1.4.

i have a family misses & 1 year old son

i think I'm gonna have to put the trailer in my garage at my moms

just think it gonna be hard packing away as trailer i got in just a open top with cover :(

[ppentertainments]

Can you not work your kit to fit your car ??
That is what I am in the process of doing (not totally by choice), and it is suprising how much you can fit into a car.

[Rowleys]

nah im not gonna be able to as my big speaker would clean my car out lol

[discomobiledj]

As I said, why don't you look at an Astra Estate? Loads of room and cheap on insurance.

[DJ James Lake]

You need to check your licence covers you to tow a trailer, dont quote me on this but i believe there was a change made some time ago and the newer licences dont allow you to tow without taking another test.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You need to check your licence covers you to tow a trailer, dont quote me on this but i believe there was a change made some time ago and the newer licences dont allow you to tow without taking another test.

Correct. (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022564)

[Rowleys]

i was told it up to a certain wight

Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Read the link.

[discomobiledj]

Car driving licence first obtained since 1 January 1997

Drivers who passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 are required to pass an additional driving test in order to gain entitlement to category B+E and all larger vehicles. In addition to the new driving tests, drivers of vehicles which fall within subcategories C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E also have to meet higher medical standards.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why do I bother posting links up....

[Rowleys]

but in the link i found it say on my cat N i can tow up to 750kgs

anything over that i need to go for the tests

I'm gonna call them tomorrow i think

if i Cart tow I'm dead

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Theres alot missing on the direct.gov website darren. This is a major gripe up here with the ADI/Police/RSU as central govenment have only officially published half a story, making people think that they have to shell out more money.

The actual legislation takes into account the weight of the vehicle, the weight of the trailer, and the total weight combined. Said weights are also altered dependant on whether the trailer is braked or not.

I cant remember the figures off the top of my head (and most Road policing Officers dont either, its that complicated). Ill dig out the legislation tomorrow if fossiblke and post you a full breakdown.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Theres alot missing on the direct.gov website darren. This is a major gripe up here with the ADI/Police/RSU as central govenment have only officially published half a story, making people think that they have to shell out more money.

The actual legislation takes into account the weight of the vehicle, the weight of the trailer, and the total weight combined. Said weights are also altered dependant on whether the trailer is braked or not.

I cant remember the figures off the top of my head (and most Road policing Officers dont either, its that complicated). Ill dig out the legislation tomorrow if fossiblke and post you a full breakdown.

So it has nothing to do with when you passed your test then?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

It has plenty, its all down to grandfather rights. If you passed before 1 Jan 97 they you have absolutly no limitations on what you can tow. After that date they slap you stupid with all sorts of extra tests/assessments, but there is a small amount of leeway for towing small trailers, in smaller vehicles. 750kg does ring a bell, but its not as straight cut as "you dont nbeed a licence to tow upto 750kgs" as the weight of the car must not exceed xKGs, the loaded weight of the car is a different figure again, and the combined weight of both vehicle (loaded) and trailer must not exceed a third (again different) figure. Its an absolute minefield and the police (in cumbria atleast), hate the fact its not clear cut and have to take people to an approved VOSA weigh bridge if they want to follow through with a prosicution.

[geoffrey]

A quick note, don’t forget to inform your insurance company you are going to tow a trailer as failing to do so may invalidate your insurance. Most insurance company’s do not charge any extra but insists you inform them.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Seriously, get a van. Its so much easier I think. Trailers arent cheap either!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Seriously, get a van. Its so much easier I think. Trailers arent cheap either!

Well, they're still cheaper than vans!

[Rowleys]

i have got a trailer but until my moms house sells I'm not gonna be getting a van for an other frew months yet

so i have to make do.

the trailer is really small and crap looking but it will get me there

so some in the car and some in the trailer lol

but you gotta do what you gotta do

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Well, they're still cheaper than vans!

True. If you can fit your kit in a trailer, strap yourself to the top and the venue is downhill from your house :D

[kjdiscos]

Mate, Im sure you can get a fair bit in a golf tbh if you packed it well, Maybe not with your bins but drop them in the trailer, You'd be surprised what you can get in some cars, Was it someone on here who uses a corsa and posted a pic

[Dynamic Entertainment]

That is true. I had the mk3 VR6 and it was massive inside. With a bit of careful planning you may just need the trailor for the bins. Just remember to make sure its water tight :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I used a corsa at the start for my rig but in all fairness it does the car no favours, will get you pulled over because you cant see out the back and no way would you fit bins and tops in there. Golf is slighty bigger but still back seats folded down and the parcel shelf out it still wouldnt come close. Golf with trailer might be however...

[Dynamic Entertainment]

You have no legal requirement to be able to see out of the back window Neil. Think Van :) - Overloading is a different story mind....

[kjdiscos]

When you've got some spare time give it a try, One thing you havent mentioned as you where partners whats happening with the gear ?

[Sapphire Disco]

Why don't you sell your Golf and go for something like the Astra estate on this link you would probably get it for £500

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-12-29-42-55-240/search.action?&sort=p_VehiclePrice&postcode=RG9+1UP&radius=1500&showMoreOptions=&page=4&googleQuery=used%20car&adtype=autotrader-uk

The other thing was why do you have to wait until your mum sells her house to get a van , you wouldn't be asking her for money would you ?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

You have no legal requirement to be able to see out of the back window Neil. Think Van :) - Overloading is a different story mind....

Ive been pulled over twice and thats something they mentioned......

[Rowleys]

I'm having to pay my partner out so i own everything

its manly my idea to start i got everything
sorted booking and my partners had the van we could use and paid half to words equipment

Well sorry its not my moms house it was my nans and she left in her will that everything is sold and split

also my car has amps and subs fitted lol

i just want a van

i manly want
RENAULT Trafic

NISSAN PRIMASTAR

VAUXHALL Vivaro

i like to look and can see my self driving everyday

and when i get i might start renting out bouncy castles

[kjdiscos]

I'm having to pay my partner out so i own everything

its manly my idea to start i got everything
sorted booking and my partners had the van we could use and paid half to words equipment

Well sorry its not my moms house it was my nans and she left in her will that everything is sold and split

also my car has amps and subs fitted lol

i just want a van

i manly want
RENAULT Trafic

NISSAN PRIMASTAR

VAUXHALL Vivaro

i like to look and can see my self driving everyday

and when i get i might start renting out bouncy castles

As a temp fix put your subs on speakons so you can take the sub box out nice and quick :), cost you all of a fiver for the chasis mount and a speakon

[JDB Entertainment]

and when i get i might start renting out bouncy castles

Now thats a whole different ball game and a seperate topic.

But insurance wise and costs its not a quick fix with profit and only a set time of year to get your main business in.

Back on to the subject of vans:

Have you considered:

Vauxhall Astra Van
Peugeot Expert

or if you want a small cheap van:

Peugeot Bipper

I used to work for Peugeot so maybe I am biased but the bipper is a great little van if you can fit all your gear in it and is still a decent van to drive around daily! :D

[Sapphire Disco]

Now thats a whole different ball game and a seperate topic.

But insurance wise and costs its not a quick fix with profit and only a set time of year to get your main business in.

Back on to the subject of vans:

Have you considered:

Vauxhall Astra Van
Peugeot Expert

or if you want a small cheap van:

Peugeot Bipper

I used to work for Peugeot so maybe I am biased but the bipper is a great little van if you can fit all your gear in it and is still a decent van to drive around daily! :D

Some good advice there but I suspect it will fall on deaf ears , I have noticed that with some younger people you give them good advice and they then put up barriers as to why they can't do it, then come up with some wild idea of what they are going to do, which is a lot harder to implement than what was suggested to them in the first place.

Nothing personal just an observation :-)

[charlie]

hey mate

I have just sold my corsa and invested in an astra van. Im a young lad so i didnt want to drive a van round all the time. It looks smart, nice and comfortable and has LOADS of room in it. It also has roof bars for truss etc.
I fit all of my kit in including Void Subs & tops, 4 scans, 3 moons, 4 LED pars and all of my sound play out. I have fully blacked out windows so you cant see any of the kit.

Also doubles up as a nice family car

Defo something to think about

[Rowleys]

yeh i am thinking about astra.

but i just gotta wait i really have no money to play with her

as its now time to renew the pat & pli :(

got a trailer for free :P

[JAMdisco]

I just bought an Escort 75 van for £600. It has a full years MOT, 6 months tax and has an alarm. Drives excellent and even if it only lasts me a year, it's still a bargain in my opinion.

Quite big too, I used to have an Escort Estate and could only just fit all my gear in (apart from my 5th & 6th speakers). In the van, with it being a bit higher in the back I can fit everything in and still have a little room left over. I don't know why I didn't get one sooner.

I once had a corsa (when I was a BSM driving instructor) and could fit all my solo singing equipment in the back. I had 2 Mackie SRM450's, a full 4 par can lighting bar & stand, keyboard stand, minidisc players, 4 channel mixer and a couple of large bags with leads and stuff. It's all about working out the best fit (like one of those Chinese puzzles) :D

[yourdj]

Get a tailer if you have safe storage. they are great.

Otherwise a cheap people carrier would do the trick. They are not fashionable anymore and go for peanuts.

If you have the work or can use it for other things (house removals etc.) think about renting a cheap van?

Or cut your equipment down and use the car. you would be amazed at what you don't need to make a good party.

[JDB Entertainment]

Just so you are aware rowley,

I'm 21 have 3 years no claims, 3 points and drive a peugeot expert which is just over £700 this year. So insurance is not that bad considering!

[jaysere03]

Hi just joined this forum and spotted your problem.
during the last 4 weeks i have traded my 03 1.4 astra for an 8 seat 03 1.9 tdi traffic van reason being i have 5 kids at home, huge amount of outdoor mdj equip and as i tow a caravan to some of my gigs i carnt tow a trailor ive made the seating as behind the front in cab seats is a row of 3 followed by a row of 2 on quick release giving me so much room i just load up, non of the "I need that first" dilemma
now the interesting bit is my insurance is CHEAPER my fuel bill is CHEAPER my loading/unloading time is quicker meaning my set up time is quicker and whats more my journey time is more comfy.
a van/minibus isnt everyones ideal solution but certainly was mine.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ive been pulled over twice and thats something they mentioned......

Just truing to worry you neil. there are absolutly no legal requirements to see out of a rear window. Thats what the wing mirror is for. Think of a van with bulkhead, you cant see out of the back. And if you take the window tinting legislation into account too, you can have total backout on the rear windows (back and sides).

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Just truing to worry you neil. there are absolutly no legal requirements to see out of a rear window. Thats what the wing mirror is for. Think of a van with bulkhead, you cant see out of the back. And if you take the window tinting legislation into account too, you can have total backout on the rear windows (back and sides).

Yeah Im aware of that with vans because my vito has a blacked out rear window and a huge metal bulkhead. I was just under the impression that with cars it was different.

Still they never charged me with anything so guess your right

[BeerFunk]

My rear view mirror fell off, can't get it to stick back on, still passed the MOT (albeit with an advisory notice about it)

[Rowleys]

At last fm sorted got my self a van today

traded my car for it but got extra 6 month warranty and 1 years tax .

here the van

my son says daddy's go a banger loll

http://rowleysmobileentertainment.co.uk/upload/upload/73IHCAIV9RQOCADJKMO1CAJD8Y6WCAKAP58UCAMLKDO1CAB9WT 2VCAIL6G72CAKJ65NPCA5MPB5GCAOF4S4WCAV421GYCAT7XQT0 CAT5F5QKCAR1XI30CAATVIWKCAK4BB0ECAAHI8MSCABDRVBSCA 19MT04.jpg

http://rowleysmobileentertainment.co.uk/upload/upload/van1.jpg

http://rowleysmobileentertainment.co.uk/upload/upload/van 2.jpg

its got 200000 very high mileage but it had a engine change 35000 miles ago and its in the service book.

got 11 month mot

not hoping to keep long as i want go the them other van

[OllieJames]

its got 200000 very high mileage

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

For a ford to still be on the road thats amazing!

Rust around the wheels arches is a common thing with fords that age just something to be aware of.

When the engine was changed was it a new one or a re con?

Its good its been lined with plywood. Just make sure you load your kit in so it doesnt bounce around. I keep stuff that breaks easily in the cab with me

[BeerFunk]

Looks in good nic, you won't really know the teething problems until you've been driving it a while!


For a ford to still be on the road thats amazing!

Rust around the wheels arches is a common thing with fords that age just something to be aware of.Everyone keeps telling me that, but I've had 3 Fords now without any excessive rusting. The worst car I had for rusting was a Renault Clio (J plate). You still see plenty of 15-20 year old Transits on the road too - although admittedly they are starting to look past their best :D

[Rowleys]

i all seam ok little rush on but it been trested and painted over

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Looks in good nic, you won't really know the teething problems until you've been driving it a while!

Everyone keeps telling me that, but I've had 3 Fords now without any excessive rusting. The worst car I had for rusting was a Renault Clio (J plate). You still see plenty of 15-20 year old Transits on the road too - although admittedly they are starting to look past their best :D

Yeah its a major proplem in most fords made in the 90's and only a fault they worked towards fixing around 2000. The newer cars are unlikely to rust any differently to other makes and models now.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

The rear windows arent blacked out?

Does it have a light for when your loading in the dark? Its nothing i thought of at the time of buying my van but its something Ive found very useful

[Rowleys]

im not looking on having it long so when i get my money i will get a newer one
it just for the time being so i can do my gigs

[Ajaysdisco]

its got 200000 very high mileage but it had a engine change 35000 miles ago and its in the service book.


Very nice and tidy
I wouldn’t worry about the mileage; I presume it’s a diesel, if so it will run for miles and miles. I used to have a 205 with 190,000 on the clock and that would still be going if my mum hadn’t smashed it into a crash barrier. :o

I would suggest you bung a bit of old carpet in the back, not only does it help protect you kit. it can also help stop things sliding around.

[Rowleys]

thanks mate will do so but

i don;t think it was worth the swop but o well lol

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would suggest you bung a bit of old carpet in the back, not only does it help protect you kit. it can also help stop things sliding around.

People said that to me when I bought my van and I didn't and nothing has ever slid around! Mine is ply lined too, but you just need to load it properly.

[Tom]

At last fm sorted got my self a van today

traded my car for it but got extra 6 month warranty and 1 years tax .

here the van

my son says daddy's go a banger loll



its got 200000 very high mileage but it had a engine change 35000 miles ago and its in the service book.

got 11 month mot

not hoping to keep long as i want go the them other van


Well done on getting your new transport sorted.

I bet is must of been gutting to see your car go. :(. I would of got a loan, even if it crippled me, but that's just me.

200,000 is a lot of miles but as said already, a diesel will just keep going and going.

I know a guy who has a petrol Ford Focus with 190,000 on the clock and all original parts as far as I know apart from the clutch. Not the same thing but it's still a Ford but it too has done lots of miles.

One idea for you. When my dad used to use a van (now has a company car), he used to nail down old carpet in the back. Really did help a lot with keeping stuff in one place. Don't know if that has been said in this thread already.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

One idea for you. When my dad used to use a van (now has a company car), he used to nail down old carpet in the back. Really did help a lot with keeping stuff in one place. Don't know if that has been said in this thread already.

Er, yes, 2 posts ago. Keep up Tom. ;)




I would suggest you bung a bit of old carpet in the back, not only does it help protect you kit. it can also help stop things sliding around.


People said that to me when I bought my van and I didn't and nothing has ever slid around! Mine is ply lined too, but you just need to load it properly.

[Rowleys]

lol

i think its a engine recon but thats only got 35000 on it and it had the cambelt done with the engine was done

[rob1963]

Rust around the wheels arches is a common thing with fords that age just something to be aware of.

I thought that was the case with ALL vans of that age...regardless of make.

:shrug:

[Shaun]

The van looks great, and in very good condition for the year. I'm sure it'll serve you well. :)

[Sapphire Disco]

Well done at least you have made a positive move and sorted yourself out :)

[flatliners]

Admin Note:

*POST REMOVED DUE TO TEXT TALK*

[Charlie Brown]

Are you going to get your name on the sides of the van?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

bear in mind that if you do insurance company will be interested to know. In fact its one of the reasons why I dont have my van signwritten, that and the fact I dont want everyone knowing what "might be inside"

[Rowleys]

no no I'm not gonna get names on the van

i have a magnet sign that stick on when i'm going to gigs

[JAMdisco]

Looks good, I considered a Transit at one point but (a) it's a bit too big for my requirements and (b) I couldn't find a decent one for the money I could afford.

That should serve you well for a while, just make sure you get the oil changed regularly (at least every 5,000 miles or 6 months - whichever is sooner). :D