15 seater !

[Ron63]

comicsansMS

Hi, I'm on my way over the pond in a few weeks...(end of July) for three weeks at the Seaworld end of things...with the other 8 of the family.
We have booked through Virgin, and i think we've got a 15 seater booked from the airport (MCO) through Dollar ? and i was wondering if anyone has got any images of big people carriers.., dodge caravans etc... what should i be expecting ?They said they would take the rear row of seats out for us for more luggage space...
Feel free to E mail me if you have any images..
Many thanks in advance ...
Ron

 

[Ron63]

Surely someone can show me what i could be getting ? we don't have those sort of things over here in Scotland !

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Here is a link to Budget Rent A Car http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/cars/index.html

If you scroll down to "specialty" cars there is a picture of the van to which I think you are referring. I couldn't locate one on the dollar site.

Enjoy your holiday!

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

A 15 seater is definitely a large Ford Econoline Van or the Chevy/Dodge equivalent. It is the common method used over here to transport groups such as small school and church groups. There are two captain chairs up front with 4 bench seats thru the back. The rear seat can easily be removed and stored or you can simply pile your luggage under and on the seat. They drive like army tanks but will suit your needs for 8 very well! I have used them hundreds of times for groups.

 

[NotUrsula]

You said that you think you have a van that size; I think you had better make sure of it, and that the insurance will be honored without any special surcharges. Most of the car-hire companies have dropped 15-passenger vans from their fleets because they are often involved in serious accidents, and the rental insurers have begun to refuse to cover them.

As someone else pointed out, they drive like tanks; it can be a VERY bumpy and uncomfortable ride. These vans also tend to have "soft" brakes and steering; they are hard to stop and are prone to tipping over if you try to swerve suddenly.

As to what they look like, here's the interior of a Ford Econoline: http://www.belanger.com/trucks/econoline/interior.jpg (the one pictured is rather more plush than normal; usually the finish is not that nice on a rental. Rentals often have vinyl seats that get very hot in the sun.)
The outside looks pretty much like this: http://www.globalcar.com/img/15487001.jpg

 

[Ron63]

You said that you think you have a van that size; I think you had better make sure of it, and that the insurance will be honored without any special surcharges. Most of the car-hire companies have dropped 15-passenger vans from their fleets because they are often involved in serious accidents, and the rental insurers have begun to refuse to cover them.

As someone else pointed out, they drive like tanks; it can be a VERY bumpy and uncomfortable ride. These vans also tend to have "soft" brakes and steering; they are hard to stop and are prone to tipping over if you try to swerve suddenly.

As to what they look like, here's the interior of a Ford Econoline: http://www.belanger.com/trucks/econoline/interior.jpg (the one pictured is rather more plush than normal; usually the finish is not that nice on a rental. Rentals often have vinyl seats that get very hot in the sun.)
The outside looks pretty much like this: http://www.globalcar.com/img/15487001.jpg

Thanks for that... just what i need to tell the family before we set off on a very long awaited tripp.... ( i must add , it's costing an absolute fortune to hire this TANK...you money grabbing swines) i have written conformation on this subject, and i expect it to be honoured by such a large company.... i can always get into the " i'm gonna take you to court " attitude if i have too.... remind me to be as helpful as you have just been..... give me a call when you need me.. !!!

 

[disnutt]

They aren't taking the last row of seats out to help YOU. As mentioned previously, it is an insurance requirement. If you're driving a 15-passenger van in its un-modified state you would need a special license for insurance purposes stating that you have been trained to drive one of these behemoths. They've done it so they can keep the van in service and not get charged the astronomical insurance costs for having a 15-passenger van in their fleet.

 

[disnutt]

Here's some information that may help you drive this thing in an educated manner:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/studies/15PassVans/15PassCustomerAdvisory.htm

I can't believe that I used to drive these things in college for field trips with a rowdy bunch of classmates! If we can do it with all the distractions of youth you can, too!

 

[NotUrsula]

Sorry, didn't mean to sound condescending; just wanted to give you fair warning that a van that size can be quite a difficult proposition for just about any driver, and that in your case it is compounded by having you on the "wrong" side of the road. I'm not suggesting that you frighten your family, but I do think that as the driver, you do need to be aware of the possible problems you could run into with this particular type of vehicle hire.

The company I work for has one of these vans that they use for hauling equipment, and also for ferrying customers to and from the airport when they come for training classes. I'm permitted to drive it, but I had to have special clearance from the firm's insurer and pass an examination to prove that I know what the special hazards are, else the the insurer would not have allowed me to drive it. Since you are getting it as a hire, the fortune that you're paying for it is probably a reflection of the exhorbitant cost of insuring it, even with that back seat removed. Honestly, in your place I would hire two smaller cars if there were anyone else in your party who could drive a second vehicle; it would probably cost much less, even with insurance.

 

[Ron63]

They aren't taking the last row of seats out to help YOU. As mentioned previously, it is an insurance requirement. If you're driving a 15-passenger van in its un-modified state you would need a special license for insurance purposes stating that you have been trained to drive one of these behemoths. They've done it so they can keep the van in service and not get charged the astronomical insurance costs for having a 15-passenger van in their fleet.

only saying what they told me... they didn't mention anything about insurance !... (even though it's extortionate)

special licence ??? they never told me about that either !..

trained to drive ? been driving for 24 years... tottaly accident free...(proud of that over here on our roads) and i'm even an instructor on your SMITHS system over here for exxon ...(www.smith-system.com).. holder of every available uk licence their is ! even commercial... STGO ( wide / heavy loads upto 180 tonnes plus..etc.... so what do i need to do to drive a little tonka toy around your over sizes roads ??? why all the fuss ??? why the expence ??? you wont get this sort of treatment if you come to London on holiday.... daily / weekly rate...insurance inc... full stop... none of this extra this and that ! i still think i'm being taken for a ride !!!!

 

[Ron63]

Sorry, didn't mean to sound condescending; just wanted to give you fair warning that a van that size can be quite a difficult proposition for just about any driver, and that in your case it is compounded by having you on the "wrong" side of the road. I'm not suggesting that you frighten your family, but I do think that as the driver, you do need to be aware of the possible problems you could run into with this particular type of vehicle hire.

The company I work for has one of these vans that they use for hauling equipment, and also for ferrying customers to and from the airport when they come for training classes. I'm permitted to drive it, but I had to have special clearance from the firm's insurer and pass an examination to prove that I know what the special hazards are, else the the insurer would not have allowed me to drive it. Since you are getting it as a hire, the fortune that you're paying for it is probably a reflection of the exhorbitant cost of insuring it, even with that back seat removed. Honestly, in your place I would hire two smaller cars if there were anyone else in your party who could drive a second vehicle; it would probably cost much less, even with insurance.

the idea behind the one vehicle is because we were told that it isn't that easy , just to stop and wait for people over there... it could cause an obstruction and we could end up getting a ticket from one of those nice highway officers ! , so we wanted to keep us all together in one lump as it were ! cost of running it ? i'm putting the gas in.. what else do you need ?.. dilitheum crystals from the starship enterprise ?... where can i get those ?..

as i originally said... i only need to be able to see what i'm going to be getting , so i can prepare myself and get in the right frame of mind.And i can't seem to get anywhere on the dollar etc.. websites.

so watch out everyone from the 28th of this month.... the big tank full of britts (and Scotts) on I5 could be me ! ( i'll be the one with my headlights on and keeping a 4 second gap and aiming high in my steeing and leaving myself an out ! etc...)

I'd still like to know where the money go's ?

 

[cranbiz]

Ron63

I don't thin k that anyone here is questioning your ability, they are just trying to give you a friendly warning.

Just last week one of those vans rolled over and killed a kid on it. See this link http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...3672425.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia

It sounds like you should have no trouble with one with the experience that you have. Have a great holiday and stay safe.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

I've read a lot of these comments and while many are true, I think some are exaggerated. Yes, the vans are larger and problematic but I rent one twice a year to transport groups. My regular insurance is always adequate and I never have to have a special license with less than 15 people on board - simply check the Dept. of Transporation - CDL requirements and you will see that it is OK. Now, I know some of these good folks are going to flame me, but I think alot of these comments are based on their business uses and not simply a week rental. As I said, I rent a 15 passenger van from this company EVERY year with NONE of these concerns.

Don't worry and come on over and have fun with us Yanks.

 

[Ron63]

I've read a lot of these comments and while many are true, I think some are exaggerated. Yes, the vans are larger and problematic but I rent one twice a year to transport groups. My regular insurance is always adequate and I never have to have a special license with less than 15 people on board - simply check the Dept. of Transporation - CDL requirements and you will see that it is OK. Now, I know some of these good folks are going to flame me, but I think alot of these comments are based on their business uses and not simply a week rental. As I said, I rent a 15 passenger van from this company EVERY year with NONE of these concerns.

Don't worry and come on over and have fun with us Yanks.

thanks for the comments.... puts minds at ease ! i'm sorry if i offend anyone , but i still can't get into my head where all the dosh is going... it really is expensive !

see you all in a few weeks time....
Ron

 

[Ron63]

Ron63

I don't thin k that anyone here is questioning your ability, they are just trying to give you a friendly warning.

Just last week one of those vans rolled over and killed a kid on it. See this link http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...3672425.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia

It sounds like you should have no trouble with one with the experience that you have. Have a great holiday and stay safe.

this not what we wanted to see...!!!!!!

 

[cranbiz]

I was not trying to upset you, I was just trying to cite an example of why they are more expensive to hire. The insurance companies here are thieves and use accidents like that to jack up the rates for those type of vehicles. It also gives you an idea of how unstable they can be if not handled properly.

I have driven one in my earlier years and if you are cautious, you will be fine.

It sounds like you are a very experienced driver and you should be fine.

Just remember that it is not a Ferrari.

 

[disnutt]

My regular insurance is always adequate and I never have to have a special license with less than 15 people on board - simply check the Dept. of Transporation - CDL requirements and you will see that it is OK. Now, I know some of these good folks are going to flame me, but I think alot of these comments are based on their business uses and not simply a week rental. As I said, I rent a 15 passenger van from this company EVERY year with NONE of these concerns.

Don't worry and come on over and have fun with us Yanks.

I was referring to the insurance that the rental company must carry for the van's liability. They're paying a bunch so you're paying it to them in the cost of the rental it won't appear as a direct cost to you.

I agree that the OP should have no problems with his experience.