Show us some pics of what you're hauling with your Element. I'm in a band here on the east coast and I can haul all of our stage gear in it. In these pics we are carting a full 5 piece drumset, 4 guitars (note they stand upright), 1 electric paino (quite large), monitor PA and speakers, 2 guitar amps, bass amp, and a piano amp:

You forgot to mention (1) Pepsi.... :grin:

strangely enough, i've been approached by a few folks who are in bands that were interested in the E... i'll send them this link!

here's me:

http://elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10214

I just posted this on drumsmith.com, where I'm a moderator. Thought I'd copy it over to EOC!

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I've had my drumset in the Element a few times now, so I thought I'd say a few words.

This vehicle is perfect for hauling drums. Not only is there plenty of room, but the rear suicide doors add an extra level of ease to both load-in and -out.

As far as space, I first tried loading with the rear seats stowed up against the sides, but that proved unnecessary. It created some unusable space between the hung seats and the floor, and with everything on the floor, there was actually too much free space, allowing some things to slide around. So, I simply fold the rear seats completely flat, making a sort of "shelf" for my electronics rack and drums. My rolling body bag slides in (suicide doors...yes!) behind the front seats. My cymbal bag and converted bass drum stand (for my electronics rack) fit perfectly under the folded rear seats.

The clamshell tailgate was causing some "reach" issues on my first try, but then I realized I can simply close the lower hatch to get more reach.

What's really nice is, unlike some American SUVs and SUV-lites I've rented, I don't have any unshapely wheelwells to deal with, which in the past have caused me to stack a couple drums, a situation that's always made me a little nervous. Everything sits very nicely (and comfortably, I'd imagine!) on the folded rear seats, and I've plenty of room for more if/when I need it.

All in all, this is a vast improvement over defying the laws of physics to cram everything into my poor ol' Integra. Not only will everything fit beautifully, but nothing impedes my visibility in the slightest. Load-in and -out go about 25% (total guesstimate) faster, and the wipe-downable seats prevent lingering club odor (a quick Febreze and wipe-down with a dry cloth, and ya'd never know people smoke in Seattle clubs!).

Though the rear-window tinting provides me some sense of security when leaving my drums in Red Square, I still plan on adding the privacy curtain for such situations. Granted, I won't be driving with it pulled up (d'oh!), but can easily put it up while parked.

Well I wanted to put a full size spare in mine but I settled for this.