Simon the decision was tough for me to step down from a 10", but there is no point having a scope if you are not using it. That being said, you need to look at the area you observer in and come up with a way to make the telescope more portable for you.
See here under "Scope/ Tripod Transport Device Designs:"
http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/pages/memberprod.html
I really like this design.
http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/Astro...ope_Stand.html
Regards