If your music career is ramping up and you think it’s time to take your show on the road, you may need a new vehicle. However, you shouldn’t just purchase the first thing you find. Instead, consider your budget and your specific scenario. You’ll also need to factor in maintenance costs and other concerns. Take buying your tour vehicle one step at a time. These tips can help.
Considerations For Buying A Vehicle
It’s true that many bands make their money by touring and doing shows, and you should want to reach that point. However, before you spend your life savings on a vehicle, you and your bandmates need to make the best decision for your scenario. If your band is still young and unrepresented, you need to ask yourself how seriously each of you is taking the music. If you’re going to buy a van only to have a member quit to follow another passion, then you could find yourself in a pickle. You should hold a band meeting and try to understand where you see yourselves to make a financially smart decision.
You also need to consider the type of vehicle you’ll require, which must be large enough so you can all drive together. A car might suffice if you’re a solo act with a few instruments. Going for a van or a small bus may be necessary if you have a ska band or another large group with many members. When storage space is the concern, consider a cargo van that will fit everything nicely.
Then, you need to consider how often you’ll be on the road because renting or borrowing a vehicle may be the best choice if you only plan to do a one-off show here and there. Renting a U-haul may be wise during a single tour because they come in many sizes, and you can return them afterward. If you decide to buy, then save money by looking on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find deals. Before making the purchase, ask questions about the car’s mileage, how it does with gas and its maintenance history. You need to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Maintaining Your Ride
Whether you buy a new or used tour vehicle, you’ll want to learn how to properly maintain it. This will ensure it lasts as long as possible, and you’ll save money by not having to repair it as often. For starters, make sure to complete the basic maintenance before any big trip and during each stop. Check the oil and fluids, the tire pressure, and make sure your windshield wipers are connected and working. Being proactive with vehicle maintenance can save you a lot in the long run, and many of these tasks will also improve your gas mileage.
Another way to save money and your sanity over time is to get the vehicle fixed whenever there’s an issue. Don’t put it off, or the problem will only get worse. When a light on your dashboard starts flashing, take notice. Every light on the console has a specific purpose and means something important. The battery light tells you when you’re running out of juice, the tire pressure indicator tells you that a tire is running flat, and the brake symbol can mean that your brakes are failing. When you see a light turn on, bring it in for maintenance and get it fixed because it will be much more affordable than if you wait.
You should also be proactive in the case of an accident or the theft of your vehicle by having it insured immediately upon purchase. Vehicle insurance is necessary because you’ll be able to fix your van if it’s caught in an accident, and it will help to pay for the other vehicle if you’re at fault. Plus, if your instruments are ever stolen while you’re away, insurance can help with that as well. While on the topic of documentation, don’t forget to get the title, registration, and any other paperwork showing that you own the van. You don’t want to get pulled over and be late for a gig.
Save Money After Your Purchase
Whether you buy new, used, or rented, you’ll be making a significant investment when you purchase your tour vehicle, so it’s wise to try and save money and minimize costs for everything else.
Unless you get a hybrid vehicle, there’s no getting around the cost of gas, but you can make filling your tank less painful by being smart about travel. Take the most direct route to the gig so you aren’t driving longer than necessary, and turn off the van whenever you aren’t driving. Also, confirming your bookings before you hit the road doesn’t hurt, so you don’t drive all the way there just to find it’s canceled.
There are various other ways to travel on a budget, including eating out at fewer restaurants during the drive. Instead, go to the grocery store and pack lunches for a fraction of the cost. Also, if you can hold yourself accountable, consider buying everything on a credit card. Then pay it off in full when the bill arrives. Many cards offer cash back and rewards for future travel.
You should also be smart about where you spend your nights. Hotels can be nice, but the costs will get out of hand if you stay at one every night. Instead, try to get creative with your lodgings. Stay at a campground or a fan’s house. You could also make friends with the other bands on the tour, and you could all pitch in for an Airbnb for a fraction of the price.
A tour vehicle will likely become necessary after reaching a certain point in your band’s lifetime, but don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment. Shop around, make good decisions, and save money along the way, and you’ll be in good shape when you hit the road again.
By Indiana Lee
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