Durable Trailers for the Entertainment Industry: A Customer success story

The entertainment world moves fast, especially when you’re hauling equipment for back-to-back arena shows. Just ask Ray Stewart from Outlaw Truckers and David Blanton with Blade Trucking. The two friends work for various artists but are currently hauling equipment for MercyMe’s 2025 tour.

We spent some time with Ray and David and learned why they chose Great Dane trailers to transport their customers’ valuable cargo.

Ray Stewart: In the entertainment industry, it’s all about quality. I noticed my friends in the industry all had Great Danes, and I wanted to go with the best.

David Blanton: I chose Great Dane for quality and durability, too. Great Dane is the Cadillac of trailers, hands down.

For optimal durability and safety, Ray had his Great Dane trailer fitted with a few customizations. Our PunctureGuard lining was one of his first priorities after learning a lesson the hard way.

Ray Stewart: When I hauled general freight several years ago, a forklift operator punched two holes in the roof of my trailer, and it cost thousands of dollars. So, when I began driving for the entertainment industry and bought my Great Dane, I had a PunctureGuard lining put into the ceiling. I don’t know why everyone doesn’t put these in. We have 16’ trusses with bars across that go more than halfway up the inside of the trailer. Before I had PunctureGuard, you could see dents that happened when heavy boxes hit the ceiling during loading and unloading. I’m not worried about that now. Nothing’s going through PunctureGuard. It took all my stress away because now I don’t have to worry about something going through my roof.

David Blanton: And the logistics posts will not give in. Great Dane knows what they’re doing when it comes to durability.

Ray Stewart: We also added nine lights on top of the trailer and nine on the bottom. People call them “chicken lights” because they stand out, especially at night. Some people like it because it’s flashy for our industry, but most importantly, extra lights illuminate the side of the trailer making it easier to see other vehicles as we travel through the night.

David Blanton: Great Dane is a leading force in our industry. We have ten Great Dane trailers now and we just placed an order for another five.

When artists perform, Ray and David often load out after one concert, drive through the night, and roll into the next venue just hours later. They’ve developed a strong bond.

David Blanton: Ray is like a brother; he’s new to the industry and he’s adapted well to it.

At the end of the day, or well into the night, Ray and David agree their Great Dane trailers perfectly fit their profession.

Ray Stewart: Great Dane is the entertainment industry standard. If you’re going into the entertainment industry, buy a Great Dane.

Interested in a trailer built for dependability? Check out our models here or take a look at our new and pre-owned stock options that are ready to go when you are.