Transporting jib in van advice?

F

firehawk

Veteran
Hi all.
Since you are production guys I was wondering how you would recommend transporting a jib in a van.
I am trying to leave as much of it assembled as I can so when we arrive on location we can just unload, mount to the base dolly, attach the head, camera, weights and get to work. Save time.
So, the main arm will fit in a van running the entire distance of the floor down the middle between the seats all the way to the where the floor meets the console.

What about suspending it from the ceiling? Any ideas on a secure way to hang it?
The concern there is weight shift during an emergency hard stop. Don't want it slinging forward into the windshield.
Here is an example pic of the jib for reference:
http://ezfx.com/product/extension-kit/
 
I wouldn't suspend it from the ceiling. I'm sorry to say this, but it sounds like a bad idea to have it between the seats. I'd rather disassemble it every time, even though it's boring and time consuming.
 
You can modify anything to make it secure...if you have strong tie offs you can tie the jib off in such a way that there is no forward or backward motion...developing a way of getting it up there and then down again may take some thinking...all this depends on how good a rigger you are...the next time you're on set, a conversation with a grip may be useful.
 
PS....David Jones posted an excellent thread on transporting gear a while ago....there are some good ideas and internal shots of how vans are organized...I'd give that a look too. As an ex commercial diver and a sailor, I would have no problem securing something like a boom in a ceiling of a van though...any gear I carry in my Landcruiser, gets secured in such a way, that it could withstand an accident, including the vehicle rolling over....what you don't want, is the boom becoming a projectile flying around in case of an accident.
 
A cage between driver and cargo is always a good idea, but I bet it won't work for your van.

What about a solid roof rack and very large PVC pipe with caps to keep the weather out?
 
Honestly, I agree with the previously stated opinion that you should break it down and rebuild it on set. I understand the desire to want to be ready to go right as you pull it out, but you are going to spend a decent amount of time trying to jerry-rig it to your van's ceiling, then you are going to spend more time undoing all of that once you get there. I'd ask yourself if you are really saving a lot of time by doing that. Additionally, you could rent a grip truck which is made for carrying lighting and grip gear. Not only is it safer but you'd be able to load it how you desire.

This link is to RJ Film School's "How to load a grip truck" and might provide some insight/help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HTBOhXswC4

Good luck, be safe!
 
Thank you all.
All good input.
You are right, Sly9. I want to be able to pull up and be ready quick, but I need to weigh the time/effort it takes to unload the partially assembled jib versus assembling it on location.
That is where a good hauling solution could make the difference.

I'm looking at David Jones posts.
The Film School video about loading a grip truck was very helpful, even though that is much larger scale than I am. Concepts are the same.
 
I know this jib well. Get the cases for it and pack it up for transport. Once you've done it a couple times you'll find it very quick to assemble & then break down. It's by far the most efficient way to go.

BTW, if you have not already purchased, you may want to look into the options from Porta-Jib and Kessler Crane. There's also Intel-Jib if you want to go really long. These are all popular options. I was always partial to the Porta-Jib designs, but they are all good offerings. Worth exploring before you choose.
 
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