TubeNet

Hey Guys & Gals,

What make/model of vehicle do you tuba guys/gals drive? What tuba transportation thought process (if any) led you to select that vehicle?

I am contemplating the purchase of a new vehicle, but am dismayed by the incredible shrinking trunk space in newer vehicles!
I currently drive an old 2005 Toyota Camry, which has great trunk space (although, even in that trunk, I can't fit my 20" bell tuba). I like having the ability to lock the horn in the trunk.

On the issue of security...does anyone know what kind of vehicles people were using, in the cases when horns have been stolen?

I realize wagons are nearly extinct but my 2002 VW Passat is still kicking and haulin' ***!!

I used to have a GMC Yukon XL Denali. It would hold two tubas and two euphoniums, all in cases, and the four players to use them. It was a big vehicle and due to government-enforced shrinking of parking spaces became a real problem to park.

I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I can haul two tubas in cases and two players.

Cadillac Fleetwood
The trunk fits a 5/4 in a hard case, music stand, lawn chairs for outdoor concerts, stroller for the baby, full size spare tire and a toolbox. Can also comfortably haul my family of 5.

My tuba and me poise in a Citroen C5 with hydropneumatic suspension along the road.

+1 Fleetwood. "And the bass is bumpin from the back of my Fleetwood!"

My mom still drives the Mazda 6 wagon she chose specifically because it fit two tubas in the trunk. She was going to get something else, and the lid didn't quite close. No sale!

When I don't have to leave my tuba in the car I use a Volvo V70.
For days when I have to leave it unattended I use my Ford Transit Connect van it has no windows in the cargo area and a bench seat for 3 in the front.

It's a good bet if you can get a big horn behind the seat and under a cover. Under a cover is a big deal in an urban environment. I like a smaller horn for just this reason.

Ford Flex for me, which would have to be classified as a station wagon.

I tend to catch bell edges on door jambs with sedans. Plus, it's nice to be able to transport more than just my wife when carrying the tuba.

Rick "20.5 mpg average for the last 153,000 miles" Denney

Ford Expedition. Have you seen how people drive down here?!?!?!?!?

bloke wrote:Most any tuba in a bag will fit in most any car.

I vote "best gas mileage" and "manual shift" ...

+1

A coupe is not on the list. My Honda Civic LX Coupe will hold a 19" bell in a bag in the trunk and has done so today, to say nothing of the back seat which has been known to hold a 6/4 Conn with a 22" bell.

How come station wagon is not on the list? Similar handling, performance, and economy to a comparable sedan with only a minor penalty in each, but double the space.

MartyNeilan wrote:How come station wagon is not on the list? Similar handling, performance, and economy to a comparable sedan with only a minor penalty in each, but double the space.

Agreed. My 1991 Chevy Caprice Wagon can hold three fully assembled sousaphones in the back with space to spare. Although it doesn't fare well in the gas mileage department.

I have transported myself and my tuba/Sousaphone/helicon/whatever in a wide variety of cars and small trucks - I even "test fit" my usual gig horns in the trunk or back area of any car that I buy. Right now I am using a Fiat 500L and it does pretty well, my previous Honda Fit had a huge cargo area with the rear seat folded down.
With the rise of car break-ins in my area, I am thinking a sedan with a large trunk may be the way to go when I choose my next vehicle. Station Wagons and Minivans have the problem of not being able to totally hide the instrument from view...

heh - just saw a Honda Fit ad with a guy taking a Double Bass (in a case) out of one!

I can fit two tubas - my Frankenhorn and a Yamaha 641 - two bass bones, and a euph with two people in my 2011 Kia Soul. Both bones are in hard cases, euph is in a hard case, and tubas are in gig bags. Plenty of room.

My 2016 Honda Accord can fit two tubas in the trunk (I do this with an Alex 163 and Miraphone Firebird), leaving room for up to five people or 3 additional horns in the cabin (if you sit them up like people). I suppose something like this might be true of many full-size sedans, but I was pretty surprised!

Dodge Grand Caravan. Holds my whole raft (CC BAT, F, Cimbasso, Bass Bone, euph and tuba mutes) if it needs to, plus stands and a hand cart for dragging the BAT. On long trips, if I need to take a cat nap or short overnight, it is also my little hotel. (foam mattress, sleeping bag and pillow) Very practical. Good mileage (around 30 mph) Plenty of room for other junk like the library box, suitcase and travel stuff.

Something to think about besides will your horn/case fit in the car - can you limit its movement due to sudden impact.

I drive a Toyota Venza, which is basically a tall Camry station wagon with about 6" of extra interior width. I can get my Conn Monster Eb, a big 2X10 bass combo amp, 2 basses, accessory case, a folding hand truck, a trombone, stands for the basses & trombone, and music stands with a little room left over and without having to stack anything. I still have room for a euphonium or another trombone. I could easily carry 4 tubas plus my tiny Fillmore Eb if I had that many.

It's not a huge vehicle, but it's really roomy for the size. It's a shame they were discontinued after 2015.

Rick Denney wrote:Ford Flex for me, which would have to be classified as a station wagon.

That is one nifty set of wheels!!