Not sure if this is the correct discussion group, so mods please move if not.
I'm just getting into shows, and my Subaru is clearly not going to be adequate for transporting the tent, panels, weights, & artwork. I'd prefer just getting a trailer, but am wondering how accessible most shows are for set-up when you're pulling a trailer. Do I need a van instead?
Thanks for your input!
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It's all coming together for me. We need a tow vehicle for an vacation trailer, and also something big for art shows. So, a full-size truck with a topper serves both purposes. Trading in my Subaru. (Obviously, the trailer doesn't go to the show.)
Thanks for the input, everyone. I was already leaning toward a trailer, and these comments helped. Lower expense, convenience of storing everything in it between shows, etc. FYI, for those who commented regarding this, a Subaru Outback is rated for a 3000 lb. trailer, even w/ the 4-cylinder. One reason that I drive one vs. others in the class...
One advantage of a trailer is that you can carry larger artwork. We never made big pieces because "they wouldn't fit in the van." or maybe it was because "the darkroom wasn't equipped to make things larger." We had a dedicated van. Once a year we would empty it completely and clean it, then reload. From show to show we'd bring in the boxes and replace what was sold the previous show. Loading and unloading was at a minimum. As many of those kind of tasks that you can minimize makes doing the shows more pleasant. THAT GUY at the shows is a pain to his neighbors and to show personnel trying to find parking places in crowded urban environments for artist vehicles ... but the other THAT GUY makes the plan to be there early, and pack last, so it doesn't inconvenience others thereby making his own setup and take down more pleasant for himself.
I have had vans, a truck with trailer for 7 years, and now recently a cargo van.
We switched due to moving and no longer having parking for the trailer.
We have always felt that being in an accident in our past vans would be far more dangerous than the trailer for us, due to how it was packed. With the cargo van I am able to pack it more safely.
Van is a bit easier to drive, but trailer was always fine. Not every show is tight, we do some in parks, or other grass areas with more space.
Our current gas mileage is much better with the van than the truck and trailer. I hope to be able to just leave everything in the van from show to show, like we did with the trailer. That makes it so much better, as Connie said.
I think both vans and trailers have their pros and cons.
I drive a 2011 Honda CRV (my daily driver) capable of towing 1500lbs. I decided to purchase a 4x8 Express Trailer (link) that weighs 670lbs for about $1700 new. Watching the weight of my items I add to the trailer, I am able to store a Lightdome tent, a full set of half-size Pro Panels, a large cart custom made cart that stores about 200 matted prints and three large boxes containing art work up to 40x60 (lots of extras). The total weight is below the maximum towing weight and the CRV has no problem towing it (in Florida!).
With such a small trailer I have not had any issues at shows. Even at shows where things are tight for even a van I can, in the worst case scenario, drive my vehicle and trailer next to my spot, unhitch the trailer at the spot (a simple 2 min. job) and move my vehicle out of the way before setting up or breaking down. I have only had to do this 3-4 times in the past 5 years and it was simply to not be THAT GUY who is taking up too much space.
I have never been at an art show where there wasn't a specific area for parking a trailer so I unhitch it from my car and leave it in the parking area for the weekend. The benefit is I am still able to park my car in parking areas closer to the art show if they are available for cars. I also don't have to waste countless hours loading and unloading a vehicle before and after an art show at home. My stuff is ready to go for the next weekend art show aside from restocking art work in it (super simple with my boxes). I also feel a little safer knowing if an accident was to happen I wouldn't have a bunch of tent poles, weights, etc. avalanching on top of me (although I'm sure an accident with a trailer isn't fun either).
A couple of pluses... I have also slept inside my trailer to save money on hotels when I'm away from home. Did I mention my fuel economy is about 19mpg? :)
I've tried all scenarios. Went from a SUV to SUV pulling a trailer to a Sprinter Cargo Van... and now back to a full size truck (over 10 yrs). Pros and cons to both as I'm sure you've thought through. Since you mentioned you are just starting... I would start off small. Buy/borrow a small used trailer if you need it. There are also cargo baskets and roof racks that might work for you. But keep in mind any 'big' purchase you make is going eat into your potential profit. Plus you may find you hate doing shows and then be stuck with payment you no longer need.
I understand the convenience of a van/truck. Trailer is preferable for me in that I can just park it at home & leave everything in it, and have pulled boats, etc. for years, so safety isn't a concern. Wondering more whether shows will accommodate loading/unloading with a trailer.
We used dh's F-150 with a camper shell on it till about last April. It had an engine issue that suddenly began worsening and the mechanic said get rid of it yesterday.
So we ended up trading it for a 2011 Suburban. We remove the third row completely. We fold down one side of the 2nd row if all 3 of us are in one vehicle. If only 2 of us, we fold down the whole 2nd row, just to make packing a little easier.
Everything I need --tent, pipe and drape, arts/crafts to sell, tables, everything-- can be put in the suburban. I know it has it's limitations on size. If I were selling any oversized artwork it probably would not work.
We can use this vehicle around town of course. And when we unload at a show it is still usable as our transportation while at the show.
Not sure if this will work for what you do.
For safety, a van is much more preferrable than pulling a trailor. Same with parking at shows or even at home. I recommend keeping your current vehicle and purchasing a van for shows if it's affordable and convenient.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
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