Touring in an RV

[Kevin Devogel]

So just want to get people's opinion on this. I've been touring with a band for three years now and the band has 9 people and we're a crew of 6. We started out everybody in one bus (when there was less crew), now we're on two busses. The tour manager just asked me if the crew would be willing to travel in an RV while the band travels in a bus, in order to save money. Now, I don't know the difference between the two but I get the feeling there are no bunks on an RV or a separate sleeping quarter. Don't some people have to sleep in the lounge and you have to unfold your bed each day? The kickback would be that we get extra money, but would I want to give up luxury after three years in a bus. Feels kind of like a step down.
What do you people think?

[Mark Dudzik]

Considering, I've yet to have the luxury of touring on a bus, I'd say go for it, especially if you get a little more pay in return. And yes, most likely, RV means no separate sleeping quarters, your daytime seating will be converted into beds. On a side note, that is the only qualm of current position, just remember, you are working in a time when many aren't.

[Kyle Byrnes]

More money is always a nice thing, but sleep and sanity are too. I'd say you just need to decide which is more important. The money or the luxury of the bus. It sounds like the set up is nothing small considering there's 9 members in the band so being able to kick back on a bus and then go to your own bed in a dark quiet section is a light at the end of the tunnel. I personally sleep better in my bunk on a bus than I do in my own bed. The constant muffled engine noise and smooth rock of the bus and I'm out. Also, how many people would be in the RV and how well do you guys know each/get along? At least with the bus there are 3 separate sections and that space can be good. I would personally choose the bus, but wouldn't be too distraught if I ended up on an RV.

Hope this helps.

-Kyle Byrnes

[Mai]

So m band is also thinking about this. I've worked with them for 2 years. I wouldn't mind doing gigs in an RV if it meant more pay. Our tours are only 3-4 weeks lately anyway so it wouldn't be too bad.

It is sorta a step down but the economy has hit us hard it seems. Harder to get people to buy our records, harder to sell merch, harder to fill seats. soooo idunno, i guess i'll take whatever i can get!

[Robbie Cope seeks Tours & One ~]

depends on the RV... if your talking a Cruise America jobby then you will probably rather have a bus... as there is usually a double bed in back and a single over the driver compartment... so you if like to be able to sleep and lay down your gonna be flipping coins for it... they simply dont have the space.

now if your talking a luxury RV that would probably be different.. but still will most likely have limited spaces to sleep... just more living area than the standard RV and of course these are higher quality and cost more.

just my 2 cents... cheers!

[Phil Pagano]

Here's a thought who's driving the RV. Their is no way after working a 12 hours show day could you get me to drive 300-400+ miles to the next city to do it all again. That bunk, that reminds you of a coffin, will awfully be missed I can assure you.

[Kevin Devogel]

Yeah I really like my coffin:).