7 of us driving down from Chicago. What should we rent?

[mama23babies]

We are heading down in November, me and husband, 3 kids, and my parents. We need to rent something bigger than our mini van. Thins is our first time driving. We've been way priced out of flying this year. Our plan is to leave early on a Friday, drive all day and sleep somewhere, then get up early the next morning to arrive that afternoon. I need suggestions on what type of vehicle to rent. Any route suggestions would be great too. We are in the south west suburbs of Chicago.

That's in advance!

Debbie

 

[chartle]

You may be able to fit into a Suburban but besides seating you need luggage space. It looks like they seat 7 or 8 with some space for luggage but maybe not enough.

Past that you have to start looking at Full size vans that seat 10 to 15. The issue is that these vehicles are usually not part of the standard fleet so don't expect $50 a day with unlimited mileage. They may also have limits on where you can take it.

I've seen some prices and when you include gas (9 miles per gallon), 33 cents a mile fees (x 2,400 miles), an overnight stay both ways, 4 days driving and the rental, flights are not that much more.

Some also found it cheaper to rent 2 cars.

ETA: If you go the 10+ passenger van route really look at the seats. They will probably be hard vinyl bench seats. Not too comfy on a 1,000+ trip.

 

[Capt_BJ]

an airplane!

 

[hearts8701]

12-passenger van rental with 10-13 mpg might be your best bet
we drive down a few times a year we drive from chicago o'hare area we prefer 65 to 24 to 75 to the turnpike to the 429 exit final exit at western way to disney some prefer taking 57 instead of 65 we stop on the way down just passed atlanta arriving in disney in the afternoon
here's some helpful hints from previous post
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2901783

 

[Sunnywho]

I'd price out the large van vs just using the van you have and renting a cheap second car. Depending on cost of gas for two vehicles and if you have enough willing drivers.

edited: or if you already own two vehicles or your parents have one, you wouldn't have to rent anything. Then the cost is the gas for the second vehicle and any wear and tear on the cars, but no cost for renting anything.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

After you price the vans, you should also see if there are any RV rentals available in your area. Driving down in an RV would make the trip much more enjoyable (at least for the passengers).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Drive the mini-van & rent a mid-size car. Take the rear seat out of the van (or fold it into the floor if that's an option) & use that area for cargo space. 3-4 in the car & 3-4 in the mini-van at all times.

You could go with a 12-15 passenger van if you really need everyone in one vehicle, but most of the time those are outfitted for maximum passenger space & minimum cargo space. I rented one for my wife's birthday one year and there wasn't even room for a cooler behind the rear seat.

 

[mama23babies]

Thanks for the suggestions. The problem is our van probably isn't in the best shape to drive all the way down. I'd love to rent an RV, that would make the trip fun. We'll just have to price it all out, I guess. Thanks again!

Debbie

 

[Singinglizzie]

I am going to make a suggestion that may or may not be what you had in mind. I see that the Megabus goes all the way from Chicago to Nashville, which is almost the half way pint to Orlando. All 7 of you could book cheap round trip tixs to Nashville on the Mega bus. Stay the night there, then rent and drive from Nashville to Orlando. I did see that Jetblue is having a sale. Depending on your dates tickets are $268 rt from Chicago to MCO. Best of luck to you!