Trailer park

Long before bands get a nice comfortable tour bus to travel around in, they will almost always start out in a van and if they have any common sense they will also take along a trailer, usually some sort of cargo trailer from a hire company like U-Haul. Even the smaller 4′ x 8′ trailer should be enough to transport, amplifiers, guitar cabinets, instrument cases and evens drums, unless of course your drummer has a prog rock fascination and thinks any kit smaller than Neil Pearts is just not enough. If that is the case you might want to look into getting something as large as a 6′ x 12′ trailer. If anything I will look slightly more impressive. Although the locks on most trailers are fairly secure its still a good idea to take some extra precautions.

1. If possible take all of your bands equipment inside the venue as soon as you arrive there. This isn’t always possible if the venue is a smaller place and there are several bands on the bill. But if at all possible its a good idea to have your gear where you can keep an eye on it.
2. Try and park your van and trailer somewhere that is well lit. This is another not always possible tip. Especially if the place you are playing is in the middle of a busy city. You might find your only option is to part down an alley or worse still an alley that’s not right outside the venue. If this is the case I would recommend if it will be awhile before you load in the gear, to park the trailer against something so that the door cannot be opened. Its a bit inconvenient but, less so than having thousands of dollars worth of equipment stolen.
3. If all else fails have someone watch over the van and trailer until load in. Preferably a very large man who looks more like a troll than a human being. Also if its cold out, be a friend and bring them a warm drink while they are guarding the items that allow you to be a rock god.

Picture source: Here

Trailers come in many different shapes and sizes. They are classified depending on the purpose they are intended for. Here we shall give you a brief overview of some common trailer types.

Travel trailers:

These are small trailers used to carry personal effects. They are connected to the rear of a car or truck, allowing for the easy transport of items that are too large to fit in the family car.

Semi-trailer trucks:

Mainly used for commercial purposes, they are larger than travel trailers and their carrying capacity is greater. Trailers of this nature cannot be towed into place by a person, and therefore require a car or truck to maneuver into place to connect to the trailer.

Open trailers:

Open trailers are generally used for disposing of waste or unwanted items. Often used for hauling farming equipment and merchandise. Open Trailers are not the most suitable for carrying materials that can be easily broken. Care must be taken when transporting goods using an open trailer to prevent damage.

Enclosed trailers:

General purpose trailers, considered to be the best for hauling goods. Used for transporting small machines and other equipment. Enclosed trailers provide much greater protection than open trailers as they are not exposed to the elements when transporting. They are more secure than other trailers, since they usually have more sturdy locks, but they are not inaccessible and care should always be taken.

Tanker trailer:

Tankers are used in the transportation of liquids, most often highly flammable liquids such as petroleum, or in some cases hazardous waste. Great care is required when transporting these goods as a spill can be both dangerous and difficult to clean up.
Flatbed trailers:
Flatbeds are used to transport extremely heavy machinery and materials. A crane is usually employed in the loading of these trailers. Highly skilled drivers are required when transporting this kind of cargo.

Sources:

http://www.articlealley.com/article_915977_15.html
Picture Sources:

http://www.trailerdiscounters.com/images/collage03.jpg

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