Balloon Flying Menu > Introduction to Ballooning > Support Equipment > Transport/Chase Vehicle

Balloon ground transportation varies. The most common vehicles are a van with the balloon carried inside, a pickup truck with the balloon carried in the bed, or a van or pickup truck with a small trailer (flatbed or covered). Some considerations in selecting a transport/chase vehicle are:

• Finances—If you are on a tight budget, a trailer hitch on the family sedan and a small flatbed trailer may work just fine.

• Convenience—For ease of handling the balloon, a small flatbed trailer that is low to the ground makes the least lifting demands on you and your crew.

• Number of Crew Members—If the number of crew members is small, handling the balloon should be made as easy as possible. If the number of crew members is large, the size of the chase vehicle and other factors may be more important.

• Storage—Some balloonists, who do not have room for inside storage, and want security on the road, choose an enclosed trailer. If you choose an enclosed trailer for the storage of your balloon, the trailer should be a light color to help reduce the heat inside.

• Fuel—A propane-powered vehicle gives the option of fueling the balloon from the vehicle.

• Vehicle Suitability—Terrain, vehicle road clearance, and number of chase crew members are factors that will determine the suitability of a transport/chase vehicle.