Good vehicle for a touring band?

[mpg_numbers_guy]

If you just need a larger van, the generation of the '04 Sienna got low 20s around town, high 20s on the highway with no hypermiling, and over 30 on both with hypermiling. Much more storage and decent economy too.

[Shaneajanderson]

Originally Posted by me and my metro

Run away from that 6.0l Ford Diesel. You could stay at Marriott Hotels every night for what it will cost to keep that truck running. Since you have the Mazda try that for now. Theft will be the big problem, cover the load so it is not visible. Tint the windows as dark as you can legally.

They have a 7.3, which isn't as prone to issues as the 6.0

[purplegirl]

Correct. The 7.3L PowerStroke is one of the most reliable, sought after engines in the last couple of decades. It's not uncommon to see well over 500k miles on a decently maintained 7.3L engine. Some are known to hit the million mile mark without a rebuild.

The Ford 6.0L diesel isn't horrible, however the engine to avoid at all costs is the Ford 6.4L diesel.

[Shaneajanderson]

Originally Posted by purplegirl

The Ford 6.0L diesel isn't horrible, however the engine to avoid at all costs is the Ford 6.4L diesel.

They are the same motor, with a different bore (or stroke, can't remember), and all the same issues. With ARP head studs instead of the horrid torque-to-yield Ford head bolts, an aftermarket EGR cooler, and DPF Delete (as applicable), they're actually pretty good, just bad that you have to put 15K into an engine to make it serviceable.

[me and my metro]

Sorry the first post referred to a 2006 not a 2002. I agree that the 7.3 is an excellent engine.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Nothing beats a cargo trailer for easy loading, the rear door opens up and becomes a ramp, and the floor is close to the ground. Most secure option too as you can just keep adding locks until you're satisfied.

[purplegirl]

A battery powered drill and reciprocating saw would gain much quicker and easier access than fooling with picking or breaking multiple door padlocks. Or a thief might simply break the tongue lock (assuming there was one) and tow the entire trailer away. All of this could be done relatively stealthily in the dark of night. Especially if whoever was sleeping in the attached vehicle was in a very deep sleep with the windows rolled up.

Trailers are mighty convenient though.

[Natalya]

I don't think we can make mods to the Mazda van (window tint was mentioned earlier) but we might be able to install a trailer hitch on it. I like the idea of a windowless sleeper trailer, or just a regular box trailer, put the stuff in there, back the van into like an impossible corner such that someone couldn't just unhitch it and drive off with it.

I also wonder how frequent theft of this stuff is. It'd be difficult to steal everything just based on weight. But I guess all it would take is a few determined guys and a pickup truck. Maintaining a low profile is probably the most important strategy.

Because the minivan has a standard transmission if someone broke into it they could put it in neutral and turn off the parking brake and then just push it away from the trailer.

I'm also kinda worried that one of us sleeping in the van wouldn't really be a deterrent because we don't look intimidating.

[Natalya]

Or maybe the G1 Insight Fleet is the way to go...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ES6XCCmYuY0

Thanks to rmay635703 for posting this video.

[purplegirl]

I honestly hear about bands losing all of their equipment due to theft with alarming regularity. A couple of years ago the word on the street was to avoid staying overnight in the city of St. Louis due to the frequent thefts of band tour vehicles and gear. Joining local and active musician groups on FB gives greater access to this kind of info.

A previous band of mine had all of our gear stolen from our practice space in Athens. It was a brick building with a solid metal door and a massive padlock. The thieves apparently broke the padlock with ease. We did not have insurance.