Car rental types - help!!!!!!!

Hi,
Can anyone point me in the right direction please re Car Rental types. There are 6 of us (all adults) coming over from England in September next year, and we intend to drive from San Francisco, through Yosemite, Death Valley, and on to Las Vegas.

In order of preference we rather fancy:-

1. An SUV
2. A Minivan
3. A Ford E350 type (I think)?

The problem is that lots of them seem to seat 6 comfortably, but the difficulty is the luggage. Knowing the wives as I do I'm sure we'll end up with 6 suitcases loaded with all manner of stuff.

Does anyone know of a rental vehicle that will comfortably sit 6 adults and take 6 suitcases plus odd bits of hand luggage ?

Your help as always, is much appreciated.

Charlie

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Originally Posted by CharlieB

There are 6 of us (all adults) coming over from England in September next year, and we intend to drive from San Francisco, through Yosemite, Death Valley, and on to Las Vegas.

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Personally I would get two vehicles so that you can mix and match the occupants. There are SUVs that will fit six adults -- but storage is going to be a problem. Some of the minivan options will work -- so I would suggest going to a site like National Car Rental and look at the options -- they are pretty clear about how many adults and how much luggage can be carried in each type of vehicle. You don't have to book a rental to see the various types and what carries what.

Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the reply, we'd actually prefer all being in the one vehicle, although the luggage issue might prevent this. I'll take a look at National & see what's on offer.

The way the Pound against the Dollar is currenty going the cost isn't going to be to much of an issue so we may well just book the biggest lump we can find, and upgrade at pickup to an even bigger lump if we need to !

Charlie

I used a Chevy Uplander (sort of mini-van) to pickup five adults and ten people's worth of luggage (well, I am sorta of kidding about that) in Denver a couple of month's ago. It was a bit jammed -- but it worked. Six is still going to be an problem in my view. The GMC Envoy is a little bit bigger -- Some of the SUV Crossover models are supposed to fit 8 adults -- but I can't see how....

Mark

Hello Charlie-
Being a longtime owner/operator of fullsize trucks and SUVs, I can heartily recommend the E-350 van for your trip. Here's why:

Plenty of room for 6 adults and luggage: The E-350, or the Chevy equivalent, is often referred to as a "15 passenger van". Mind you, it helps a lot if most of the 15 are small children. Seriously, though, this vehicle will likely have two seats up front (with the insulated "hump" cover over the engine between them), and 3 or 4 rows of bench style seats behind that. The remaining 4 travellers will have plenty of space to spread out and still not be cramped for luggage space.

Visibility: The big van sits up high off the road surface and affords a view over top of all autos and many light trucks, minivans, and SUVs. It can be difficult to enjoy the mountain scenery from a smaller vehicle, especially when your travelling companions are jammed into the vehicle shoulder to shoulder, with some in the middle of a bench rear seat.

Weight carrying capacity: 6 passengers and luggage is a light load for a 15 passenger van. I much prefer to drive or travel in a vehicle with a light load than in one pressed to it's maximum.

There are downsides, of course, and they are:

Rental expense: I imagine a 15 passenger van rental rate is steep.

Drivability: This is a top-heavy vehicle. Wide, too, with mirrors which you'll be sure will be lost to other trucks or mailboxes along the way. If the drivers in your group are not attuned to the challenge of driving a truck such as this, steer clear. This is a handful of vehicle, as we say over here.

Fuel cost: Expect fuel mileage in the 10-12mpg range, at best. You could see < 10 mpg in mountainous terrain.

Good luck with your plans!

Foy

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Originally Posted by Foy

Hello Charlie-
Being a longtime owner/operator of fullsize trucks and SUVs, I can heartily recommend the E-350 van for your trip.

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Excellent post -- the only caveat might be, it can be tough to find a full-size van from a car rental firm.

Mark

It's been close to 25 years since I was involved in renting a 15 passenger. My now-deceased father used to gather his brood and their spouses and his grandchildren each January in Denver, CO, and travel to Aspen, Vail, Copper Mountain, or Steamboat for a ski week. We used to call it our annual "The Clampetts Go Sking" trip. We'd rent a caravan of 2 or 3 big vans from mainstream rental companies. This was early enough that after several years, these new-fangled contraptions called mini-vans were introduced while we were still doing those trips. The front-wheel-drive was a great selling point for snowy travel capability, so we started renting as many mini-vans as we needed by about 1984 or 85 or so.

As you are aware, however, a 15 passenger van is a heckuva handful of steering wheel. Very definitely a truck, not a car. Dad would only trust himself, yours truly, and one of his 3 sons-in-law to operate the big vans with precious cargo aboard.

Foy

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Originally Posted by Foy

As you are aware, however, a 15 passenger van is a heckuva handful of steering wheel.

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It has been about six years since I last drove one -- Mostly I remember the fatigue after driving one for six hours --

Mark

No doubt. The NASCAR term used around here is that you've got to stay "up on the wheel" in those things.

Best,

Foy

I do have to note, that I work with a local Boy Scout Group. I have a larger SUV (Toyota Sequoia) and I've hauled myself plus 6 Scouts plus gear for a weekend backpacking trip in my vehicle (with 2 packs on the roof rack). We have scouts up to 6'5 in size, so these are not little kids. The seating is notionally 2+3+3, but most comfortable with 2+3+2. Since the back seat folds in half, for 6 people I'd do 2+3+1, and devote another half of the rear seat to luggage. I'm sure I could get 6 suitcases inside, plus personal gear (a briefcase, small duffel, or day pack each) without a problem. Mileage is about 20 mpg on the highway at 70 mph.

So, a larger SUV would work for this trip. Something like a Sequoia, Chevy Suburban/ Tahoe, Ford Excursion (Explorer?), etc. There are several classes of SUVs, and you'd want the larger ones.

The vehicles are still typically more top heavy than a standard sedan, so you still have to be careful about quick high speed maneuvers, but probably get better mileage than a big van, and might be a bit more comfortable (depends on how outfitted the van is...). Mileage will probably be better or equivalent. Cost might be a bit less per day, though, since the rental companies will have more on hand and a better resale market.

Lawdluvaduck !!! (and other quaint London expressions as used by that well known Cockney, Dick Van Dyke, in Mary Poppins).

Many thanks for your input, it's always handy to get the view of someone who's been there, seen it, done, worn the T-shirt, etc.

After much searching on the internet, I was thinking the E350 would be our best bet, but after your comments as Fagin (from Oliver)would say, "I'm reviewing the situation"

My mates hired the Ford Explorer this year in Florida for 6 of them, but they ended up with some luggage on the seats. As they were only fully loaded between the airport and their lodgings this wasnt too much of an issue. However, as we're travelling from site to site we'll be loaded a lot more and the last thing I want is to sit in discomfort. The daft (or crazy as you would proabably say) thing is that there's conflicting descriptions of the various SUV's and Minivans which have left me a tad confused. I'm tending towards trying an 8 seater minivan and seeing how we go when we load it. Failing that, I'll bring along an old red Double Decker London bus, pick up people en route, charge them a fare and subsidise our travel that way !

Lastly, how much is a Gallon of Petrol (Gas) now. Here in the UK we're paying around £1.02 per litre, which equates to approximately £4.64 per gallon, or over $9 in real money.

Charlie

Charlie-
The only addition I'd make is really just a reaffirmation of what's already been written:

An 8 passenger minivan is still a minivan. Limited visibility for the passengers due to being so low, and especially any passenger stuck in the middle. Plus, she'll handle like a Porsche with 4 flat tires with a big load aboard. And that's largely personal preference by yours truly--I just don't like to drive a vehicle which is loaded to at or near its capacity. Any minivan will be V-6 powered, at around 3.5 to 4.0 liters displacement, and will likely provide consumption in the 15-17 mpg range when heavily laden, if that.

The E-350 is a big truck. It drives like a big truck. It parks like a big truck, which is to say at the far edge of where everybody else parks. If that's not a problem for the drivers in your group, it's a great way to gain some visibility and keep from sitting in one another's lap, so to speak, for an extended trip.

When I left CA 8 days ago, I paid $3.45/gallon in Los Angeles. I feel sure it's a few cents more now, and the local news outlets were predicting nearly $4.00/ gallon by early December on through Christmas.

Best of luck,

Foy

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Originally Posted by CharlieB

Lastly, how much is a Gallon of Petrol (Gas) now. Here in the UK we're paying around £1.02 per litre, which equates to approximately £4.64 per gallon, or over $9 in real money.

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"Real money" ha! I doubt it. But you can always find current fuel prices in just about every state in the United States and province on this page (or linked from it).

Mark

Hi everybody, some time ago I posed a query about the type of vehicle we would need for 6 adults, going from San Fran to Las Vegas. The sticking point is the luggage as I assume we'll all have a suitcase each, (we're from England by the way). I asked about a Ford E350, but was put off as it was described as a truck with seats.

I've seen a Dodge Ram 12 Seater and now a Chevrolet Express, the question is...... any good or are they much the same? If so has anyone got any suggestions (other than 2 cars!) ?

Charlie

Hello again Charlie,

A quick google of Chevrolet Express shows me that's simply their name for their full size (read: truck chassis) vans. They come in 3/4 ton and 1 ton ratings, which translates to E250 and E350 in the Ford nomenclature and 2500and 3500 in the Dodge nomenclature. And there's little difference between the 3 manufacturers in terms of what their 12-15 passenger fullsize truck chassis vans are. They're all of similar height, width, seating layout, powertrain, and overall design. Oh, and all I could find quickly under "Dodge 12 passenger" suggests a routine fullsize van as described above.

But, Dodge also has the Sprinter, and I saw one reference to the Sprinter passenger van. This is still a truck chassis platform, but is different than the standard Dodge truck chassis platform fullsize van. The Sprinter is essentiallly a European platform (owing to Daimler-Chrysler's now divorced union) and I believe most have a Mercedes diesel, a nice electronic shift auto transmission, much better (and luxurious) seating, and far better visibility (due to higher roofline and taller side and front windows. All of that said, it's still the length, width, and height (only moreso) of a light truck, and it is a light truck. If you don't want to deal with parking, maneouvering, etc, a light truck, it's not for you. I think such a vehicle as a fullsize Chevy, Dodge, Ford, or Sprinter is generally called a "white van" on your side of the pond, at least that's what I recall seeing on a recent episode of Top Gear.

Again, I hope this helps.

Foy

Sprinters are also manufactured under I believe Freightliner out here as well, who commonly only make Tractors/Semi's.

It really should be noted that in any case, if you decide to go with a 12 seat van that you really will be driving a large truck. It will have a much different feel than even an SUV like an explorer. Going this route means you will need to be much more careful on the road with how you handle the vehicle and what you can expect in response.

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After much searching on the internet, I was thinking the E350 would be our best bet, but after your comments as Fagin (from Oliver)would say, "I'm reviewing the situation"

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personally,i agree with foy, i think it may be a good bet.if you have people who are comfortable with driving and competent it should'nt cause any problems,we drove a 30ft r.v. on our first ever trip to the states with no dramas. a smaller vehicle fully laden will probably feel more unsettled than a big one thats nowhere near it's carrying capacity and will feel less crowded

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I asked about a Ford E350, but was put off as it was described as a truck with seats.

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i'm not sure if that's comparable to what we define as a truck here in the u.k.with large capacity engines,auto boxes and softer suspension they are far,far better than a transit or bedford,lol! by comparision these would be considered luxurious in the u.k. the main issue i would think is the seats for the passengers [although i'm not sure on specs] would be more "bus" like than a car/suv. although personally speaking i would prefer the extra space.
sorry if thats put you back to square one but that's my tuppence worth,lol!
have a great trip!

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Originally Posted by CharlieB

After much searching on the internet, I was thinking the E350 would be our best bet,

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Last summer I rented a six passenger SUV (it was a Dodge, but I don't remember the model) for a four hour trip with five adult passengers. (Two of the passengers had sufficient luggage for an additional 3 people...). It worked pretty well -- there as some luggage stowage issues, but for my money I would suggest you get the largest SUV they have on the lot and forget the E350 Van.

Mark

Dear all, thanks for the replies, I guess I'll just bring along a Red Double Decker London Bus, pick up hikers on the way and charge them a fare. That way we'll recoup some of the petrol money !

Seriously though, we'll probably end up turning up at the airport & seeing what they've got that suits.

Charlie

Like CharlieB, we're doing San Fran to Vegas later this year (August). I've been trying to find something that will comfortably fit 6 people in a 2+2+2 configuration (so everyone gets a window seat) AND has enough room to accommodate 6 suitcases behind the 3rd row of seats. The only vehicles I've found that meet these requirements (other than large vans) are the "Premium SUVs", such as the GMC Yukon XL or Chevy Suburban. The problem is that no one is prepared to rent me one of these for a one way rental. I've tried every website I can find, and I've phoned all 8 car rental offices at San Francisco airport, and the biggest SUV anyone will rent me is the Ford Expedition (the standard version, not the longer "EL" model). The problem is that the luggage capacity on a Yukon is 45.8 cu.ft. whereas the Expedition is only 18.6 cu.ft. The only other option is a Toyota Sienna minivan, which allegedly has a luggage capacity (behind the 3rd row) of 43.6 cu.ft. but, having seen photos of the vehicle, I find that hard to believe (though I'd be happy to be proved wrong). In the meantime, I'm stuck! The flights are booked; all the hotels along the way are booked, but I don't have a car. I must admit that I wasn't expecting it to be so hard to get a suitable vehicle for the trip. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Originally Posted by CharlieB

Seriously though, we'll probably end up turning up at the airport & seeing what they've got that suits.

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If you do this, you may have a few problems. First, if this is a one-way rental with a drop-off in another location, I'm under the strong impression they usually want these set-up ahead of time as they only have a limited portion of their vehicles available for this type of thing. Second, your changes of getting a bigger rig are really going to be catch-as-catch-can as they don't have these bigger rigs as readily available. Third, foreign visitors always get better rates than we US citizens do, and I'm unsure if you're going to get the same good deal if you just walk up to the counter so you might want to check on that first.

Just some things to be aware of.

Well, if it's of any use to anyone, I've decided to bite the bullet and reserve a car. I gave up on the GMC Yukon XL/Chevy Suburban idea, as no one will rent me one for a one-way hire. The choice then came down to a Full Size SUV (Ford Expedition) or an 8-seater Minivan (Toyota Sienna). By sheer chance, the only 2008 Ford Expedition currently on sale in the UK is only 8 miles from where I work, so I went along to see how big it is. Well, from the outside, it's huge, BUT there's less space inside it than my own Toyota Previa (especially when it comes to luggage carrying capacity). So, as the Sienna is as big as (or slightly bigger than) my Previa, I've booked an 8-seater version through Alamo. Note that if you need luggage carrying capacity you'll need the 8-seater, as the 7-seater only has 2 seats in the middle row. With the 8-seater, but with only 6 passengers, we'll be sat 2,3,1, which is a bit of a compromise but the kids can take turns to sit in the single seat next to the luggage. With 2 of the 3 third row seats folded down, you get a large L-shaped load space. Hiring the Sienna has other advantages too; it will drive more like a car than a top-heavy truck, it'll be easier on fuel, and it's about 2/3 the price of an Expedition.

It looks like you found the best option for your trip, congrats and good luck!

Thanks for posting back with this information -- I am sure your planning experiences will be helpful here for hundreds of travelers over the summer.

Mark

I am putting the final touches to a family roadtrip next month. 3 1/2 weeks from Houston to SF via all the "usual" places and staying with friends at each end. The biggest problem (other than finding time to plan and book everything) was the bl**dy car. We're really 5 adults (youngest is 16) and we'll probably have 6 bags, so we have a similar problem to the one discussed here.

In the end I had a stroke of luck. I had booked, after much web research and a long time on the phone to various hire companies, the largest SUV available for one way hire.

So, where was the luck? A couple of weeks ago I took a business trip to the US that included a spell in Houston. So when I picked up my car I spent over 2 hours walking the garage and trying out various vehicles. It was very obvious that only one of the class I had booked *might* work, but even that would be a squeeze, but then I found the Sienna and Sedona minivans.

The two are quite different, but each will work. The Sienna is 2-3-2. The Sedona is 2-2-3 (the 3 being a 60/40 bench). The Sienna is the better fit for us and is pretty much the same size as our recently departed Ford Galaxy. The Sedona has the advantage of a window for all, but in a decidely second rate back seat. The big advantage over my old choice is that we will fit in the car!

Now I know that the Sienna comes in different seat arrangements, but in that garage (Hertz, IAH) at that time, there were something like 6 Siennas and maybe 4 Sedonnas and all had the seat arrangements I mentioned. I also checked with Hertz, both at the Gold Counter (it was nearest) and over the phone and they woudl not let me specify a particular make let alone model and they move around quite quickly. I'll have to hope I get one that works well.

I have checked since and this seems to be standard policy with all the rental companies (including Alamo according to the lady that I spoke to) so I wish you the best of luck in gettign the car you want. At leats by choosing this class you have maximised your chances.

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Originally Posted by ianmsmith

but then I found the Sienna and Sedona minivans.

The two are quite different, but each will work. The Sienna is 2-3-2. The Sedona is 2-2-3 (the 3 being a 60/40 bench). The Sienna is the better fit for us and is pretty much the same size as our recently departed Ford Galaxy. The Sedona has the advantage of a window for all, but in a decidely second rate back seat. The big advantage over my old choice is that we will fit in the car!

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This is very helpful information -- thanks for posting it!

Mark

Although I had decided to go for the Sienna, I was still a bit sceptical that it would be big enough. I need not have worried, as it was perfect for the job. Note that I had limited everyone to one medium size suitcase, which proved to be perfectly adequate for 2 weeks away.

The Sienna has a large well in the luggage space into which the rear seats fold when not in use. We found that we could stand 4 cases in a row across the car, with the bottom third of each case in the well. This enabled us to lay the remaining two cases across the top of the other four without obstructing rearward vision. This meant that we could sit 2-2-2, with only hand luggage in the passenger compartment.

The car had dual zone air-con, trip computer, plenty of storage bins, MP3 socket, and all the other gadgets you could need. It was very smooth and quiet, and also had a very good range considering the load the the 3.5 liter V6 engine was pulling. And finally, being a Toyota, I was confident that I could take it up steep hills, on bumpy off-road tracks (don't tell Alamo), through the hottest place on earth, etc. without fear of needing a tow-truck. We did 1967 miles in our 2 week trip from San Francisco to Vegas via the Grand Canyon, and the car didn't miss a beat. If only Toyota sold them in the UK, I'd seriously consider buying one to replace our ageing Previa.

The only slight car-related annoyances were actually due to the rental company, not the car.

Firstly, I thought I'd better check the fluid levels myself before leaving Bishop for the trip through Death Valley (just for peace of mind). I was surprised to see the engine oil barely registering on the dipstick, and it took a quart to get it back up to the correct level. I guess the lesson here is that if you're going through Death Valley, don't assume that your rental car fluid levels are correct; check them yourself - it's your life at risk if you suffer a breakdown.

Secondly, though Alamo knew where I was going (and therefore how many miles I was likely to do), I was given a car that, unbeknown to me, was due a service within the next 1500 miles or so. Consequently I was driving around for the last few days with the "Maintenance Required" warning light on. Luckily, I know enough about cars to know that this does not mean that the engine is about to explode, and just continued driving it.

I've had this light come on during a rental too. All it is on a Toyota is a oddly worded Oil Change reminder light, and its programmed to come on every 5000 miles no matter what conditions you've driven in.

Certainly, its a bit alarming when you see it come on and you aren't expecting it.

Hi all

What a find this forum is! I'm planning a three-month sojourn around various parts of the US, but it all starts with the mother of all tours of California - something I've wanted to do for over 20 years, but finally have the time and money to actually do it.

Travelling solo (but meeting friends, both Brit and American at various points along the way), 'Leg One' starts in San Francisco on Sept 25th and, after a week or so 'doing' SF, I intend to hire a car and do a large, clockwise circuit, taking in Sonara/Napa, Lake Tahoe, then south through the Sierra Nevada mountain passes, Yosemite, Sierra Nat Forest, Kings Canyon Nat Park, Sequoia Nat Forest, then back north past Mt Whitney and the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevadas to Mono Lake and back down south again through Death Valley and finally to Vegas.

('Leg Two' takes me from Vegas out through Mojave, Joshua Tree, Salton Sea, Palm Springs, San Diego, LA and then up the Pac Coast Highway back to SF, but that's for another post!)

My big outstanding question is around long-term car rental. Because 'Leg One' includes mountains, forests and desert (is Death Valley classified as a desert?), I was looking at a mid-size SUV (I'll exchange it for a convertible at Vegas!!). Then I reckon the SF to Vegas leg will take me at least a month.

So are there companies that specialise in longer-term rentals?

If the price is right I'd consider the same car for both legs - perhaps a two-month booking - although as I intend to stop for a few days in each of Vegas and San Diego, if changing cars saves me cash I'd do that (I know I'll need a car in LA).

Any advice on cost-savings on long-term car rental would be most gratefully received.

Dave

Welcome to the RTA forum!

Most every rental agency will give discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals, but there really is not one that stands out as better or worse. You'll just have to shop around - prices can vary pretty wildly.

Actually the biggest potential expense would probably be with your two car plan. One way rentals almost always have drop off fees, so if you switched cars in Vegas, I suspect you'll end up paying significantly more money because you'd be paying that drop fee twice. If you stay with one car, you'll likely save yourself a few hundred dollars.

Thank you for your welcome!

My intention was to shop around during my week in SF - so it looks like I'll stick to that plan.

So do you reckon the savings on a long-term rental starting and ending at SF with the same vehicle will outweight the costs of parking the thing during my "rest-weeks" in Vegas and San Diego?

There's no way of knowing at this point which option will be most economical, without specifics of how long you'll be resting, and what you find for rates and drop fees. Its something you'll just have to shop around for and then do the math.

I would not recommend waiting until you get to SF to "shop around." Every major rental agency is online, and its highly unlikely that you'd be able to get a better deal by waiting until the last minute. Do your research now, when you find a price you like book it, and then enjoy your week by the bay.

As Michael says, don't wait until you get there. When I handed over the booking confirmation at the Alamo desk at San Francisco airport, the guy couldn't believe the price. He asked if I'd booked online (I had), and said that if I hadn't booked in advance, and had just tried to rent the car on arrival, I would have been quoted around twice the price.

Generally, you can save money if book early -- but in these times of tougher economic conditions, many local offices of the national rental car companies are making on-the-moment discounted deals -- so sometimes you can get a much better deal to negotiate when you arrive... It's a lot riskier though...

Mark

The one really nice thing about car rental reservations is that you are rarely required to put down a deposit to lock in the rate. While occationally I'll find a rate that has a cancellation fee attached, much of the time you can reserve a car, and if you later find a better deal, cancel the reservation without it costing a dime.

Guys, this is gold dust - thank you so much!

This site just keeps opening me up to new surprises - from spending the last couple of days trawling through this forum I've already revised my itinerary twice!!

I'll be posting a draft itinerary soon and asking for advice on schedules - don't say I didn't warn you :)

Meanwhile, looks like tonight's task is trawling the car rental sites ;)

Hi All,

I have done EXTENSIVE research on car rental companies for my upcoming trip to the USA. If you live in either Australia or New Zealand, I found the following company provides the best rates for rental cars in the USA (including insurance): driveaway-AU They have wholesale relationships with many of the major car rental companies in the USA.

RP

From my experience of renting vehicles in the USA, that strikes me as expensive. I paid less than $250 per week, all inclusive... and that was with Budget. Just walk into the office where you want to rent, and ask what the best price is they can offer. If they have cars sitting there, they are only too keen to get them on the road.

I have never 'booked' a vehicle, and doubt prices have gone up that much in two years. Or have they??

Lifey who will be buying a vehicle for this year's trip

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

I have never 'booked' a vehicle, and doubt prices have gone up that much in two years.

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Our experience is that many international resellers can offer rates that are cheaper than any you can find here in the USA. On the other hand, business is down here in the USA and so you might get a cheaper rate by following Lifey's advice and winging it, but .... it would be a risk.

Mark