15 passenger van rental -HELP?

[samefay]

I'm looking for a 15 passenger van - all the companies I called said they had a 12 passenger. When I called National (who I have a reservation with) they said they had a 12-15 passenger van. I told them I had 15 people - they kept saying it would hold between 12 and 15 people. Not sure I understand it. Will it really hold 15 people - or just somewhere in that area. LOL
They said it was similiar to a chevy express 3500 - anyone familiar with those.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also, we're p/u at MCO can we add another driver when we get to Disney at the Alamo/National Car Care center in Disney?
Thanks again!

 

[tracys2cents]

They fit 15 people if you squeeze everyone in, nobody is overweight, and you basically have very little luggage (just bags that fit under the seat). I'd say 12 was a better estimate.

Consider 2 regular vans or 3 mid-sized cars instead. You will have more freedom, and it will probably end up a lot less expensive. They have so few of those vans that they're expensive.

 

[samefay]

Actually I got an excellent rate on the van. There's only 4 of us at the airport so that's the only luggage we'll have. We just wanted it while we're at Disney because we're joining the family there and it's 11 of them. They're using DME. However, we want to use it for dinner, IOA, and SeaWorld - so luggage wouldn't be an issue. Do you think this would work?
Thanks again!

 

[tracys2cents]

As long as you're not going far and the 15 seat belts are in good working order, you should all be able to fit. HOWEVER, Visa/mastercard won't cover the insurance for the rental like they do with regular cars.........and the insurance that covers your regular home auto insurance probably won't either (call your insurance agent). So you're talking another $30 per day of rental for insurance whereas if you rented two regular vans you would probably be covered by your credit card.

 

[captchris]

A lot of fleets are not allowing 15 passenger vans anymore due to their roll over risks.

There is a 12 passenger van and a 15 passenger van. They are two distinct models. Both are 3500, or E-350, depending whether it is Chevrolet or Ford respectively. The number distinction is to tell you that they are a one ton chassis. Think 150 being half ton, 250 being 3/4 ton, etc.

The 15 passenger has an extra 3 passenger bench seat. If it is only a 12 passenger van, there is no way 15 people will fit in it safely.

I work for a non profit that uses these vans as the mainstay of our fleet. I have purchased several and know both Chevrolet and Ford models well

I currently have a Chevrolet Express 3500 passenger van. It is a 15 passenger model. Samefay, if you have any questions, just ask.

 

[boswellnakia]

We took 16 people to FL last Fall and were looking for a 15 passenger rental van as well. We were told that FL considers 15 passenger vehicles to be commercial and you must have a special license to drive them and a special registration on the vehicle and this is the reason that most rental places don't carry them.