So your band is in the process of touring around the country and you want to ensure they have the proper transportation to get from one gig to another. A tour bus or a tour van is a luxury expense, but if your band has already made it into the big music scene chances are you are receiving free transportation decked out with spacious quality. However, many bands that are starting out or have made some headway into the larger music scene usually self-fund their own mode of transportation. Choosing the right vehicle for you band is not only important from an appearance standpoint but from a comfort angle, as well.
Let’s say you are tired of driving that old beat up car that has seen its better days from a mileage and maintenance standpoint. You are ready to purchase a new roadie vehicle, but you don’t have any ideas of what you should be searching for. One of the things to keep in mind when you are looking for a vehicle for your band is the amount of space the vehicle provides. Cars are usually not a good option unless that is the only means of transportation you can afford. Many cars do not offer the necessary space requirements to fit more than four people comfortably along with your equipment. If you are thinking about purchasing a new or used car for touring purposes then be sure that the vehicle has a lot of space to hold both passengers and equipment otherwise you will not be happy with the results.
Upgrading to a van or an RV is a better option. There is nothing cheap about purchasing this type of vehicle, but the rewards of having one far outweigh being inconvenienced in the long run. Vans usually have a spacious back area that is perfect for hauling equipment and fitting some extra people in as well. You can buy a used van and fix it up a bit to turn it into your own sacred musical highway “go” vehicle. The spacious interior of many vans allows you to put your own personal touch inside. You can throw a couch in the back and even a carpet, and redo the metal interior with an eye-catching wood or paint job. All of this depends on how much money you want to spend to redo the interior.
An RV is even a more lucrative option if you can afford a good one. Many RVs are not only spacious, but they come with kitchens, bathrooms, and ample sleeping space. You can think of it as your “home on the road”, and these vehicles offer the luxury and accommodations all within the vehicle itself. That means no more costly hotel stops or eating out at expensive places since you can run to the grocery store and stock up. You can purchase a new RV or a used RV at one of your local dealers or try checking out the Internet for better deals. These vehicles come in a variety of sizes, and pricing is usually based on the concept of “the more you pay, the more you get”. These vehicles are also available for rental, but you may not want to spend the money unless you are raking in the income to not only afford one, but to ensure that not all of your spending money is going to business expenses alone.
Tour buses are another great option when it comes to space and comfort. Some bands have their own personal tour bus provided to them by their record agent. These are the bands that have made it into the big music picture. Most well known bands however usually travel by plane or limousine and leave their roadies to travel on the tour buses. However, less well-known bands usually rely on what is called a “sleeper bus”. These spacious busses are very accommodating and can usually fit between 9 and 18 people. Sleeper busses have a bunk area on top of the bus and a downstairs area where individuals can eat, drink, and mingle. This is the way to go if you want to hit the road in style and comfort! Again, there are rental places all over the Internet where you can find a good deal on these vehicles, and you will also find sellers if you are interested in purchasing one.
Updated: February 18, 2008
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