Question:
I just retired and have audio gear suitable for doing sound for
revivals, political rallies, small festivals, recording and such. I
would like to be able to load the bigger pieces of gear in the back.
There should also be space for a 10kW to 12kW generator (quiet and
reliable) or two 5kW or 6kW generators (quiet, with a quick way to
switch-over just in case) plus power distro. A cargo area about the
size of a two-wheel trailer would probably do,
I also want to be able to live aboard full time.
At most I would need separate sleeping areas for two (plus whoever
might get stuck using the floor of the cargo area), a toilet, shower,
and a very small kitchen. An easy chair or two with bright reading
lights above would be nice. So would a washer and dryer. Cold AC is a
must. Room for an acoustically-isolated vocal-booth would be the icing
on the cake.
Most of the toy-haulers I've seen are trailers, but my Explorer only
has a SOHC V6. So an RV seems the way to go. The self-contained
toy-haulers on Ebay seem to be mainly newer and more money than I
hoped to spend (less than $20k). I don't crave a lot of luxury (except
good coffee and good music).
Based on my description, what lengths should I consider? Is it
practical to remodel an RV to create a cargo area in the rear without
moving the bathroom? Or how about remodeling a cargo truck? I don't
need a full-width ramp, but the side doors on most RVs are too narrow
for my needs.
Is there a 'super-towing' policy which could 'get me to the gig on
time' (apologies to Lerner and Lowe) and come back later to haul the
RV for repairs?
I apologize for the newbie nature of the questions, but, I'm a newbie
to RV'ing. The postings I've read on some RV sites seemed pretty
friendly, so I hope I don't get flamed too much
Answer:
That's almost exactly what I used to do- I did it somewhat differently,
though.Keep in mind that this was in the '80's, and there are better
options available now, but my rig (while I was carrying sound and
lighting) was a Ford cube van- 15 foot body- with either an Onan 45KW or a
Kohler 33KW diesel generator set at the very front of the body (sideways
with opposing doors)- this left 10 feet or so for equipment. I towed my 31
foot Airstream with this truck, which I found to be a very practical
method- I only *had* to get the truck to the venue, and there were times
when any larger rig would have meant schlepping equipment overland or
running *much* more cable for the distro.
I was a bit overweight- but todays E450 chassis would more than handle
the weight. Many people "on the road" today are using either International
MDT (Medium Duty Trucks) or Isuzu or the like (the flat nosed rigs)- all
of these can be had on the used market fairly cheaply, and are designed to
run a *lot* of miles.
I guess my bottom line advice- when you are being paid to be at a certain
place at a certain time, in my opinion, you need a capable truck to haul
the rig, and the living quarters are somewhat secondary (but with a used
Airstream, IMHO you cannot go wrong).
