Can You Fit a Drum Set in Your Car?
Transporting your drum set can be a real headache, especially when it comes to fitting everything into a standard car. But don’t worry – with some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can get your drum set safely from point A to point B.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some simple steps to assess the size of your car, break down your drum set into manageable pieces, load everything strategically, and even explore alternative transportation options. By following these tips, you’ll be able to transport your drum set like a pro, no matter where your gig takes you!
Some of the best tips for fitting and transporting your drum set:
- Check how much room you have in your car before starting and check if the bass drum is going to fit. Measure it up and consider what kind of car you have.
- Use drum cases or drum bags if you have them, otherwise, use blankets or other soft materials around the drums.
- Start loading the biggest pieces first and then squeeze the smaller ones around them. It’s like a game of Tetris!
- Make sure not to leave anything behind!
Contents
1. Important Things to Keep in Mind
First, you gotta measure the space in your car’s trunk and back seat to see if your drum set will fit. Also, the type of car you have matters too – hatchbacks and SUVs are usually better for loading big stuff than sedans. And to make more room for your drums, take out any extra stuff from your car like floor mats or car seats.
To fit your drum set in the car, break it down into smaller parts like the bass drum, snare drum, toms, cymbals, and hardware. Make sure to protect everything during transport by using special bags or cases made just for drums and cymbals.
Some cases that I highly recommend are the TAMA DSS52K Drum Bag Set for your drums and the Zildjian 24″ Rolling Cymbal Vault for your cymbals, check out our articles on drum cases and bags, and the best cymbal bags and cases to see more options and get more in-depth into some of the best products out there.
Alternatively, you can wrap each component in blankets or towels to provide cushioning and protection. Be sure to secure any loose parts, such as tension rods or wingnuts, to prevent them from getting lost or causing damage.
2. Loading the drum set into your car
- Starting with the largest components: Start by placing the bigger components like the bass drum and floor tom first. This will help you to use up the available space efficiently and ensure that these large pieces fit snugly.
- Fitting smaller components around the larger ones: Next up, place the smaller components like the snare drum, rack toms, and cymbals around the larger items. This way, you can utilize the remaining space efficiently and guarantee that all components are safely loaded.
- Placing hardware and accessories strategically: When you’re loading hardware and accessories, like stands, pedals, and the drum throne, make sure to place them in a way that fills any empty spaces and provides additional support for the drum set components. This will help keep everything secure during transport and prevent any movement.
- Ensuring proper weight distribution for safe driving: As you pack your car, keep in mind the weight distribution. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly throughout the car to maintain proper balance and ensure a safe driving experience.
- Securing the drum set components to prevent movement during transport: To keep everything in place during transport, use bungee cords, straps, or other securing devices. This will prevent your drum set components from moving around and getting damaged.
3. Alternative transportation options
- Renting a larger vehicle (van, truck, etc.): If your car is too small to accommodate your drum set, consider renting a larger vehicle, such as a van or truck. This will provide more space and make it easier to transport your drum set.
- Using a trailer or roof rack: Another option for transporting your drum set is to use a trailer or roof rack. These can provide additional space and make it easier to load and unload your drum set.
- Hiring a professional music equipment transportation service: If this is a once-off and you don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of transporting your drum set, you can always consider hiring a pro music equipment transportation service. These companies specialize in moving musical instruments and can make sure your drum set arrives safely and securely at its destination.
4. Tips for transporting a drum set
- Plan ahead and allow ample time for loading and unloading: If you want to avoid any hiccups and keep the experience as stress-free as possible, make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to load and unload your drum set. This will help you avoid rushing and decrease the chances of any damage to your precious instruments.
- Be mindful of weather conditions: Don’t forget to keep an eye on the weather conditions when transporting your drum set, especially if it’s extremely hot, cold, or humid. These conditions can potentially harm your drum set components, causing the wood to warp or the metal to rust. So, take necessary precautions to protect your equipment during transport.
- Keep a checklist of all components: Make sure you don’t forget any drum set components by keeping a checklist and marking each one off as you load and unload your car. This way, you’ll stay organized and prevent anything from getting lost or left behind.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your drum set: Keep your drum set in good condition by giving it a quick check before loading it into your car. Make sure everything is tightened up, check for any cracks or damage, and ensure that everything is in good working condition. Doing this regularly will help prevent any damage during transport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope these valuable insights and practical advice were helpful. By following the outlined steps, from assessing your car’s size to loading strategically and considering alternative transportation options, you can transport your drum set with confidence and professionalism. Additionally, don’t forget to plan thoroughly, check the weather, and do regular equipment maintenance.
