Preferred Vehicle for busy Freelance DPs

just bought a Kia Sorento...bummed when i realized my ZazaSlider attached to my tripod would only fit in the back upsidedown, pressing up against the leather. i'll figure something out.
 
I've got a 2001 Dodge Durango and that puppy will blow through any weather and hold a ton of gear. I can carry a full camera package and a decent sized grip and electric package in there. I can even pull an 8' jib assembled if I play my cards right. I've tried to downsize, but it's never worked out. part of it is the size of the rear door. If that opening is too small for 4x4 frames, etc. it doesn't matter how much you like it. Unless you want to pay for road rags...
 
My old Crystal Coachwork's limo bus was great, big rear storage area, tv's, plug ins for laptops etc. I had 4 2,500 watt power inverters in it, a killer stereo and a bar.

It held a lot of gear, big removable windows to shoot out of and best of all it could haul a lot of ladies around to the bars on the weekends. I had it for 5 years and just sold it. Damn, I already miss it. Ohh the parties we would have and it kept me out of jail.


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Anyone who wants a mobile production vehcle should look at one of these over an RV. When I wasn't using it I would rent it out for $1k a night (about twice a month). It more than paid for itself. The roof had tie downs for ladders etc. I see smaller ones that aren't the limo versions sell for $5,000-$7,500.
 
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I have a pickup with an old camper shell I bought off craigslist for $50, it has always done me well. About 2 years ago I bought it just so I could lock up my gear at a location so that a grip or PA wouldn't have to sit guard out in the Texas summer sun. I added a middle wooden deck that I use to keep everything separated for easy access. Stand and frames go on the bottom, crates and lights go on the top.

It may be ugly but it works really well.

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pmark23 said:
Why on earth would you want to sell that? You were living THE DREAM. :grin:
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I have too many toys plus it had over 100k miles, things were starting to go out, I bought it with 40k miles on it. I did have a removable stripper pole, karaoke player, and a craps table that would go over the seats where you walk in. Good times.

That was actually my 3rd personal party bus / grip truck / mobile office / strip club / casino so I'm sure I'll have another one. I made money on every one.
 
These are what limos must be: luxury buses, which you can enter and exit with dignity, not stupid elongated cars. Props!
 
Best part was you could stand up and dance, a mobile disco. I ruined the town I live in on limos, after my friends would go out in the bus no one wanted to rent a limo again.

It just had so many uses for both business and fun. Guaranteed to make your clients come back for more and pay you double.
 
I second Mikko's vote for the Honda Fit. It's the perfect production vehicle. It fits my magliner senior cart, light kit with c-stands and a camera kit with ease all while getting 40mpg. I can't think of another vehicle that will do that.

As far as the snow drifts go, I generally would just try to steer around them since they aren't too common here in Chicago. You can keep the Suburban for the three days a year that we actually get a major snowfall if it makes you feel better ; ) If you're really worried about the ground clearance then the Element would certainly be a step up and the rear fold-up seats are definitely cool.
 
I have an element and all 6 of my film buddies do too. I love the car, but hate the pick up. I have the awd ex or whatever it is (top of the line). Room is AWESOME, it's like a big kids lego set ! I'm currently looking at a Mercedes g500, anyone here own one ?



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