What gear to leave in Van?

Regarding the tripod(s), I’d bring them in. In addition to theft, extreme heat temps can compromise seals and other non metal components over time. I’m in Phoenix where summer temps reach 117 and higher. In a vehicle, 175-200 degrees is possible. I recently had a Sachtler head serviced. I’m convinced that leaving it in my truck contributed to the necessity of having it serviced earlier than otherwise. Now, it comes indoors between shoots.

FWIW, I’m not concerned about the tripods carbon legs.
 
I was going to be cute, and say to never leave your beer in your van in freezing or stupid hot temps, but I do have a real story.

Years back I constructed a skateboard wheel dolly. Which worked great by the way. The tracks however were heavy grade PVC, which worked fine up until a shoot at an auto dealership in Oklahoma, where a huge storm rolled through then temperatures dropped the nigh before the shoot. In their infinite wisdom the agency refused to push back the shoot as temperatures continued to drop. Upon arrival at the auto dealership every vehicle on the lot looked like crap, spotted from the rain and covered with dirt blown upon them, which was now frozen. It was so cold I was forced to purchase a Chevy logo watch cap from their parts and service department to keep my ears from freezing. OK, cutting to the chase... as soon as the PVC track hit the ground it shattered! Leaving us only an 8 foot run. The wind was so fierce it blew over my Alexa hitting the pavement. Not a great day in the annals of the automotive commercial world. Luckily I don't have to deal with crap like this anymore, having retired from full-time shooting. I have accepted a cush job as a sound designer at a great company, and when I do shoot pretty much the only thing I shoot now are regional or national automotive TV commercials. Which leads me to my next statement.... For those interested, I will have a huge amount of gear for sale in the near future. It might be a great opportunity for someone to pick up a package deal to help move their career to the next level, at a great price.

All the best!

Dave
 
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