Transportation For Shows
Sunday December 10, 2006
A great question was posted to the forum this week about what type of car (or truck or van) to buy for going to shows. The big thing you should remember is that you will be putting lots and lots of miles on your "craft show vehicle" so you will essentially be destroying its value no matter what you buy. Too many crafters go out and buy a brand new van with a new trailer to travel to shows in. If you do this, you will be cutting the value dramatically. I would recommend getting a used vehicle with enough room in it to get all your inventory and display materials. And of course gas milage is very important as well. The bottom line: purchase the least expensive vehicle you can get to get the job done. After traveling 20,000 mile in a
year as many crafters do, you will do much better to get a used vehicle that has already depreciated in value!
Comments
For 5 years, we used an older camper. We gutted most of it and it worked perfectly until the motor gave up and we couldn’t find anyone who can work on it! However, it was a great way to start! Plus, I could sneak off to take a nap during long shows!
I have a small suv that pulls a trailer. I have an 8 foot trailer with side rails that I can leave packed and ready to go. This is so much better than when I had to take out the car seats, fold down the seats, and re-pack every show.
Two words:
Chrysler Pacifica
Lots of space, okay gas mileage, and it isn’t a van or truck.
I use a motorhome for away, multiple day shows. This eliminates the expense of lodgeing and meals plus you have your own clean bathroom.