Hello again Peter.
Regarding your wheel well ruining your cargo area, at one time (a previous setup) I rigged up a horizontal cross member on the side wall that matched the wheel well. It mated up with the piano's back for verticals and the padded lid on grands mounted on skids. It locked into place with E clips mating up with the E strips on the wall.
Like Stephen I had a trailer custom made and have been very pleased with it's performance and likewise, snow and ice are factors to be considered. I'm so glad I don't have to drive on that stuff any more.
I tried the rental circuit and was totally displeased with the "setup and tear down" time as well as the image I instill on the customer as I pull up with a rented vehicle. I feel my trailer has been a very worthwhile investment that has all the advantages of being cost effective and productive.
I found an 05 Dodge pickup (that snorts when you turn the key, fuel injected HEMI) for a great price and replaced the 86 Dodge i used to have. A 3/4 ton chassis handles a piano plus a trailer far better than the lighter trucks increasing safety on the road. This combination could be used to move pianos from higher platforms like mobile homes, freight docks, truck trailers, and in one case, someone's back deck. I disconnect the trailer once on location and back only the truck up to the "point of contact". Once the piano is on the truck and secured, I drive the truck those few feet to the trailer and ramp it into the trailer. To keep the front of the trailer from going airborne during this process, I ordered stands that are found under the rear of the trailer. They pivot down into position and self adjust to a variety of levels.
My 8 foot ramp would serve as a moderate incline into the trailer.
It has interior lighting for the dark times of year and night moves and a 6 foot 6 inch ceiling. The E strips I had mounted at about 28 inches and 40 inches ..... I think. If I had it to do again I'd include a third at about 48 inches or so. No need for a spare tire as long as you only have one flat at a time.
For the generic moves we've all done every week, the back door of the trailer lowers and acts as a ramp. With the wheels outside the cargo area, there's no annoying loss of cargo space inside.
A properly cut piece of wood can be placed at the hinge to fill the gap during the move. I had the hinged flap at the closest point in the image added by the manufacturer. This back door set up can be used to eliminate some incline and I've been known to take along some concrete blocks, pavers, or wood scraps to do the final leveling at some locations.
I had the trailer equipped with double axles for more controllable backing and smoother over the road behavior in general. Additionally only one set of wheels has electric brakes. I think the ball is 2 5/16. Go with the biggest you can. The entire load is being controlled by the slimmest part of that ball. ALWAYS HOOK UP YOUR CHAINS.
I'll be keeping this trailer even after I'm done moving pianos because ... OMG you should see the pretty girls i get to help on moving day!! The last one hired out the heavy part, so all I did was help load the trailer securely and drive the beast to and fro. Hmmm and SHE bought the pizza and beer!! Works for me!!
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Larry Fisher
Owner, Chief Grunt, Head Hosehead
Vancouver WA
360-256-2999
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2015 11:18
From: Stephen Grattan
Subject: Vehicle set-up for moving pianos
Hi Peter,
For 15 years, I used a trailer with an extra high door to accommodate players and uprights. I just didn't move pianos if the roads were too bad. I would suggest that you consider having E-Track welded or bolted to the sides of whatever vehicle for tying instruments down. Consider placing one track about 18" from the floor and another 48" up. This allows a criss-cross pattern of strapping for maximum safety.
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Stephen Grattan
Port Huron MI
810-984-2757
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2015 11:09
From: Peter Stevenson
Subject: Vehicle set-up for moving pianos
The thread on skidboard clamps has transformed into a discussion about moving vehicles and their set-up, which I would like to continue.
I was seriously considering getting a trailer, but I decided against it primarily because we have severe winters where I am, and driving a trailer in two feet of snow or slick ice didn't seem like the safest option. The Sprinter is only rear-wheel drive, but with good snow tires I am hoping it will be OK.
Right now the back of the van has tie-down rings on the side walls, but the wall between the cargo area and the driver's area is too thin to tie down to. Do you think it would be a problem to strap a piano only to the side wall? In the past, I have always used vehicles that were set up so that I could put a piano in the front corner and strap it to the front and side wall.
Also, the wheel well comes into the cargo area, which would cause a problem strapping in larger grand pianos. So I intend to put in at least one extra wall anyway.
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Peter Stevenson RPT
P.S. Piano Service
Prince George BC
250-562-5358
ps@pspianoservice.com
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