touring - renting or fixing up the old van? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

satisfried · 08-05-2004, 09:45 PM

my band is heading out on a 16 day tour in september. we bought a 1990 ford econoline last year and took it out to the southwest for a 10 day tour last december. since this tour covers a lot more ground (and considerably more mountainous terrain) i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on this.

i'm selling some of my equipment in order to put as many new parts on the van and get it as road worthy as possible, or maybe renting a big van for the same amount of money. my thoughts are, if we spend $1,000 fixing up stuff on the old van, we could still end up getting stuck with something breaking down. or if we spend $1,000 on a rental, it will be in better condition and save the wear and tear on our van. i really haven't priced it out yet, but i do know that our van doesnt do well going uphill with all our gear and us in it (it tops out at 35mph depending on the incline).

so, if anyone has any suggestions or has rented a big van (or leased one) for just over two weeks and knows what i might be in for as far as price, it would really be helpful.

thanks in advance.

sailor · 08-06-2004, 05:40 AM

I suppose it depends on whether you plan on doing this a lot. If this is a one time thing, Id say rent. If you plan on needing to do this more than once, then you are talking about a lot more money on rentals than it would cost you to fix the van you have.

maleficent · 08-06-2004, 05:52 AM

Just did a quick google and settled on the first place that came up

Ace Rent a Car they're at the airport in Indianapolis

The cost for a mini-van rents for about 400 a week (the picture shows actual vans, but i dont see pricing for it)

O'Brien Renting and Leasing
They have a custom van with video for 550 a week -- but it's got a maximum of 1000 miles.

------------
Where renting might smack you aroudnd is how many miles you think you'll be doing... YOu might want to map out part of your trip...

Also - UHaul, might be another option, though I can't imagine they'd be cheap for 2 + Weeks.

08-05-2004, 09:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
satisfried Upright Location: Indianapolis	touring - renting or fixing up the old van? my band is heading out on a 16 day tour in september. we bought a 1990 ford econoline last year and took it out to the southwest for a 10 day tour last december. since this tour covers a lot more ground (and considerably more mountainous terrain) i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on this. i'm selling some of my equipment in order to put as many new parts on the van and get it as road worthy as possible, or maybe renting a big van for the same amount of money. my thoughts are, if we spend $1,000 fixing up stuff on the old van, we could still end up getting stuck with something breaking down. or if we spend $1,000 on a rental, it will be in better condition and save the wear and tear on our van. i really haven't priced it out yet, but i do know that our van doesnt do well going uphill with all our gear and us in it (it tops out at 35mph depending on the incline). so, if anyone has any suggestions or has rented a big van (or leased one) for just over two weeks and knows what i might be in for as far as price, it would really be helpful. thanks in advance.

08-06-2004, 05:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	I suppose it depends on whether you plan on doing this a lot. If this is a one time thing, Id say rent. If you plan on needing to do this more than once, then you are talking about a lot more money on rentals than it would cost you to fix the van you have. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato

08-06-2004, 05:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Just did a quick google and settled on the first place that came up Ace Rent a Car they're at the airport in Indianapolis The cost for a mini-van rents for about 400 a week (the picture shows actual vans, but i dont see pricing for it) O'Brien Renting and Leasing They have a custom van with video for 550 a week -- but it's got a maximum of 1000 miles. ------------ Where renting might smack you aroudnd is how many miles you think you'll be doing... YOu might want to map out part of your trip... Also - UHaul, might be another option, though I can't imagine they'd be cheap for 2 + Weeks. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.