Can you fit a piano in a car?

Will An Upright Piano Fit In A Car? No. Please do not try to fit an upright piano in a car.

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You do not want to start the process of moving your upright piano only to find that it doesn’t fit inside the vehicle you have arranged. In this article, we will show you the cargo vans which can accommodate the average size upright piano so that you can have peace of mind when you go to move the instrument. The best rule of thumb is to go for a slightly larger van or truck. Saving a few dollars for a smaller cargo van could lead to a waste of time and money.

Will An Upright Piano Fit In A Cargo Van?

Yes, an upright piano will fit in a cargo van, however, you should pay attention to precisely which model van you intend to use. You should also know the precise measurements of the piano which you are moving. For the purposes of our research, we looked at the most common cargo vans available to rent from a number of the major haulage rental companies in the USA. We also looked at some of the common vehicles in the private and commercial sectors. We’ve outlined the specifications of the recommended vehicles which will fit an upright piano and more importantly we show you which vehicles you should avoid. We have ruled out any compact cargo vans like the Nissan NV200 Compact or the Ford Transit Connect. These types of vehicles simply don’t have the required space to transport an upright piano.

Piano Model Used For Testing Purposes

For the purposes of our research, we used the dimensions of the Steinway Model K-52 Upright.

Steinway Model K-52 Dimensions

Height 52 inches 132 cm Width 60 3/4 inches 154 cm Depth 26 3/8 inches 67 cm Net Weight 600 pounds 273 kg The Steinway Model K is slightly taller than the average upright and is therefore ideal to use as a benchmark for our tests. If the cargo van can fit a Steinway Model K then it should fit all other common piano models. Please note we did not test moving a Grand Piano and recommend that if you need to move a Grand or a Baby Grand then you should contact a professional piano moving company. We have our recommendations below. You should understand that ‘Upright’ refers to a category of piano, more appropriately termed ‘Vertical Pianos’. Within this category, there are four sub-classes. The main differences in the sub-classes are the size of the soundboard at the rear of the piano. Generally the larger the instrument the more sound can be produced. From largest to smallest the sub-classes of the vertical piano are as follows:

Upright Proper

The tallest and most typical type of vertical upright piano, this is what most people have in mind when they imagine an upright piano. This is the most common type of piano you will find across the US. Older model pianos manufactured in the US are likely to be upright pianos. The next step upwards in terms of size from an upright piano is a baby grand. This is the type of piano we used for our testing.

Studio

The studio piano is marginally shorter in height than the upright and for the purposes of our testing, it is sufficient to know that if the cargo van can fit an upright proper, then it will fit a studio upright.

Console

To the untrained eye, it is hard to differentiate between the console and the studio piano. Again we tested using the largest model of vertical piano so a console piano should fit with ease.

Spinet

The smallest of the vertical pianos, the spinet is noticeably shorter than the other models. The internal mechanisms of a spinet piano utilizes a dropped action construction, meaning the spinet has been designed with compactness in mind. The Steinway Model K is one of the largest modern uprights and if the cargo van can take the Steinway then it should take most other vertical upright pianos.

What Factors Were Taken Into Account During The Research?

There are a number of factors that we looked at during our research so that we can help you choose the best model cargo van for moving your valuable instrument.

Payload Capacity

We had to consider the maximum payload capacity of the cargo van being tested. You’ll be happy to know that all the vehicles we looked at could take a payload three times the weight of the Steinway Model K. So in the unlikely event that you have a Steinway in each room of your house then you can move all at the same time.

Interior Cargo Space Dimensions

A critical factor was interior cargo size including wheel arch placement and maximum height at the vehicle interior wall. Because most cargo vans have a tapering roof from the center we looked only at the interior height at each wall. There’s no point in placing the piano in the middle of the cargo space. Not unless you want to convert your piano into shards of wood and metal. The placement of the wheel arch is an important point of consideration when selecting the optimum cargo van for transporting a piano. The objective is to keep the back of the piano as flush to the sidewall as possible. If the wheel arch is positioned such that the piano cannot be placed flush to the side cargo wall then we noted this and our recommendation is that it is not optimum but is not critical either. We assessed this aspect by determining if the piano could fit lengthways in the space between the wheel arch and the interior cabin wall (the wall behind the driver). In those situations where the wheel arch prevented the instrument from being placed flush to the wall, we have not included this vehicle in our report. When considering the maximum height in our testing we allowed for only those vehicles which gave a clearance height of at least 2 inches from the top of the Steinway K. The reason for this was that we wanted to allow for some margin of error depending on the specific model of piano you are transporting but also because it is recommended when transporting a piano to cover the instrument in protective wrapping like old blankets or duvets. This protective wrapping can add approximately 1 to 2 inches of height so that extra little bit of clearance is desired.

Safe Load-Securing Potential

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We looked at the vehicle’s load-securing capabilities. Does the vehicle have the necessary struts and interior frame which allow us to secure the piano and prevent it from moving during transport?

Cost Comparison

Lastly, we looked at the cost of rental from the major haulage rental companies in the US. We have included the price comparisons as part of our research with the assumption that most people may not be in possession of a cargo van and renting will be the most economical option.

Best Cargo Vans For Transporting An Upright Piano

We tested quite a number of models and sought out only those models which could accommodate our Steinway. For the top cargo vans to transport an upright piano here is our list!

Ford Transit 250 Mid-Roof and High Roof

The Ford Transit 250 Mid Roof and 250 High Roof models tick all the boxes for our test. The spacious interior cargo area means that both the Mid-Roof and High-Roof models can accommodate the Steinway Model K and keep it flush against the interior wall between the wheel arch and the cabin wall. There are numerous areas to which you can secure safety straps to hold the piano in place.

RAM Promaster Mid/High Roof

Either the Mid or High roof RAM Promaster Models will comfortably take the Steinway Model K. If possible go for the slightly longer wheelbase to ensure you have some wiggle room. The wheel arch in this vehicle is well placed far back towards the rear of the truck so that you can fit the piano snug against the sidewall.

Mercedes Sprinter

The Mercedes Sprinter range had the greatest amount of height we tested with even the low roof model being higher than the equivalent model in the Ford range. Expect to pay a bit more for the comfort of the Mercedes. This shouldn’t be an issue though as all the vehicles tested were comfortable for short to medium journeys. Make/Model Cargo Area Height Rental Available Avg Rental Cost Ford Transit 250 Mid Roof 65" Budget $69.99 per day Ram ProMaster Mid Roof 63" U-Haul $65.99 per day Ram Pro Master High Roof 72" U-Haul $69.99 per day Nissan NV Cargo High Roof 72" Enterprise $73.00 per day Mercedes Sprinter Low Roof 62" Enterprise $69.99 per day Mercedes Sprinter High Roof 74" Enterprise $73.00 per day

Low Height Of Chevrolet GM’s

Unfortunately, the few Chevrolet Express cargo vans we looked at were simply too low in height to accommodate our Steinway. This is a pity because the Chevy Express is a real worker and can do almost anything else. Go with a larger Chevy truck if you want a Chevrolet.

Can You Move An Upright Piano Yourself?

With the right equipment and some help from friends, it is not impossible to undertake moving a piano yourself. However, where possible I would recommend simply hiring professional piano movers. A list of piano movers int he United States is provided below.

How Many People Are Required To Move An Upright Piano?

It can be done with 2, but 3 or more makes things much easier. It is possible to move an upright with just two people however it is always useful to have a third person at hand to assist in clearing a pathway or to act as a spotter as the instrument is being loaded in and out of the vehicle.

How Much Does An Upright Piano Weigh?

The Steinway model K which is the typical Upright vertical weighs 600 pounds (273 kg).

Other models can weigh up to 800 pounds (363 kg).

The minimum payload for all the vehicles we tested was 2,000lbs.

What Equipment Is Necessary To Move An Upright Piano?

Here we will take you through the steps required and what you will need to move an upright piano in a cargo van.

Preparing The Piano For Moving

Some people recommend removing the top lid and front fascia of the piano to reduce the weight of the instrument. Do not do this. The reduction in weight is negligible and you are simply increasing the chances of damage to the internal parts of the instrument if they are exposed. The instrument should be wrapped in blankets or duvets to protect the casing during the move. Most cargo truck rental companies will sell furniture foam and blankets at a reasonable price.

Raising The Piano For Moving

A piano dolly ‘dual-trucks‘ system is extremely helpful if you are moving an upright piano. The advantage of a dedicated piano dolly is that the instrument weight is transferred to the wheels of the dolly as opposed to moving it on wheels of the piano. In fact if possible the piano should not be moved on its own wheels until it has been set in position. The wheels of the piano should only be used if making minor adjustments to the position of the instrument. This type of dolly is used for transporting vending machines, arcade machines, and pianos. Fair warning these transport systems are designed for specific uses and can, therefore, carry a hefty price tag. If this is going to be a one-time use then I recommend looking at renting this type of system from your local machinery rental store. If you will not use this specific type of dolly then you will need a standard furniture dolly. You can pick up a decent furniture dolly here. Even with the dolly, you are faced with the challenge of raising the piano so the dolly can be slid underneath. There are specialized scissor cranks that can be used for raising heavy furniture. If you can’t source these specialized raising cranks then a set of furniture straps can be used. Please ensure you understand how to use these straps safely as improper use can cause serious back injury. Probably the most ingenious method I have seen when trying to raise a piano is to use a deflated basketball and a pump. This method involves placing the deflated basketball under one side of the piano sandwiched between some cardboard. As air is pumped into the ball it acts like an airbag and raises the piano on one side, enough so that some planks can be slid underneath. The process is repeated on the other end of the piano and finally, the dolly can be slid underneath with minimal effort.

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Moving The Piano To The Truck

With the piano easily movable on the dolly, you now have to get it to the back of the cargo van. Please, please don’t attempt to move a piano up or down a flight of stairs. It is much better to leave this to a professional piano moving team. Make sure you clear a path to the truck before you started moving. Two people should be sufficient to roll the piano and direct it on its path.

Loading The Piano Into The Cargo Van

This is one of the trickiest parts and again please be extremely careful, there is a risk of injury and it is recommended that you have understood the potential risks before attempting this. In order to get the piano into the truck, you will need a ramp. Some rental companies can provide these special ramps depending on the vehicle rental type. If you are using your own vehicle for transporting then you will have to source your own ramp. I will not advise on this part of the procedure as really each situation is different. My advice is to have a plan in place before beginning, have enough people available to assist and make sure everyone knows what everyone else is doing at all times. Communicate with each other as you move the instrument and don’t be afraid to say stop at any moment. It is recommended to load the piano into the cargo van with the keys of the right hand going first. Once in the van, maneuver the piano to the sidewall as close to the cabin wall as possible. Every effort should be made to secure the instrument to the frame of the vehicle so that there is no chance of rolling or rocking during transport. It is okay to prop some wooden planks against the face of the instrument so and wedge them against the other wall of the truck. If you are doing this then ensure you place a board between the plank and the piano so that you don’t end up with a plank shaped hole in the instrument. When all is secure, please drive slowly and with care. Having a friend follow in a vehicle behind adds an extra level of security and helps to mitigate any mishaps.

Will An Upright Piano Fit In A Car?

No. Please do not try to fit an upright piano in a car.

Can An Upright Piano Be Transported On A Flatbed Truck?

This is not recommended. The weight of a piano is not evenly distributed and there is a risk of injury to yourself or others.

Moving An Upright Piano Up Or Down Stairs

If you need to move a piano up or down a flight of stairs then it is strongly advised, rather imperative that you hire professional piano movers. The risks are too great.

Can You Transport An Upright Piano On Its Back?

No, the internal mechanisms in the piano should not leave their home position. If you can’t move the piano in this natural orientation then don’t move it at all. Furthermore trying to lay a piano flat without damaging it is almost impossible.

The Last Word On Moving A Piano In A Cargo Van

We’ve gone to great lengths to give you the information you need to help with your piano move. It must be said that we strongly advise you to go with a professional piano moving team. The potential for some sort of mishap is simply not worth the risk. If you are moving a piano as part of a house move, then we recommend going for a slightly larger vehicle. The best rental company to deal with in terms of service and extras was U-Haul. Enterprise are a bit pricey in our opinion and there is not any guarantee that the specific model vehicle you require will be available. For peace of mind get a larger vehicle with U-Haul, pay a little extra and ensure the truck is low loading with a ramp. This makes all the difference on moving day.

Professional Piano Movers USA

Professional and reliable. You complete your requirements online and let piano movers in your locality start sending you quotes. A great choice if you can afford to spend time shopping around. If an economical and solid service is high on your priority list then Sterling Van Lines is excellent. We used these guys about 10 years back and they did an excellent fuss-free job. For the pure scope of coverage that they offer, we have to give these guys a mention. Piano shipping across the USA.

minivirtuoso.com - Move A Piano In A Cargo Van | Complete Guide | miniVIRTUOSO

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