Alamo Ford Transit Van

[Drewmama]

Has anyone rented one of these from MCO? On the Costco website it says it seats 15 and holds 2 luggage. There will be 7 of us with 7 luggage and I'm wondering if the seats can be folded down.

 

[SteveH]

It really all comes down to configuration. As I recall the rear seats (4 across) are not removable, and none of the seats fold down in the Van. I have read that some users were able to get a couple of the seats along the passenger side removed and stored at the rental location, but I'm not sure if that is an option or if there is a charge.

Though a bit awkward I would think you could get some luggage in the back seat. There is very little storage in a 15 passenger van. If you can get a 12 passenger on 15 passenger wheelbase there would be a lot of storage.

 

[Drewmama]

It really all comes down to configuration. As I recall the rear seats (4 across) are not removable, and none of the seats fold down in the Van. I have read that some users were able to get a couple of the seats along the passenger side removed and stored at the rental location, but I'm not sure if that is an option or if there is a charge.

Though a bit awkward I would think you could get some luggage in the back seat. There is very little storage in a 15 passenger van. If you can get a 12 passenger on 15 passenger wheelbase there would be a lot of storage.

Thank you! I will call Alamo to see if there is an option to have fewer seats.

 

[ktate82]

Thank you! I will call Alamo to see if there is an option to have fewer seats.

We reserved one like this last year, but ended up going with 2 full size SUV's because they didn't cost much more. I did ask at MCO about the 15 passenger and was told people either lift luggage up over the last seat to put it in the back, or put luggage in the first few rows and people sit in the back. The attendant told me they didn't remove seats, but your experience may vary. I was glad we had the two SUV's rented after hearing that.

 

[Lewisc]

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR INSURANCE. Credit card coverage typically excludes vans which seat more then 8. Personal auto policies might have similar exclusions. The rental agency will be happy to sell you coverage.

 

[Drewmama]

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR INSURANCE. Credit card coverage typically excludes vans which seat more then 8. Personal auto policies might have similar exclusions. The rental agency will be happy to sell you coverage.

Thank you. I didn't even think about this. Good to know!

 

[Lewisc]

Past threads suggest driving a 15 passenger van is driving a truck. They're generally not regarded as safe enough to transport school children. A commercial drivers license is suggested, and in some circumstances required. You can search. This was discussed in a previous thread. The conclusion: don't rent a 15 passenger van unless you already have experience driving one.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/15-passenger-vans

 

[SteveH]

@Lewisc it's good to make sure any person is comfortable behind the wheel of a larger vehicle like one of these.

I deal with the whole 15 passenger van stuff a lot, many Insurance companies will not insure them for youth related activities and in some States they were banned for use in transporting Child Care students and School Children in School. That said those were the older style Ford/Chevy/Dodge vans. This was done, primarily because of the roll over risk associated with those style vehicles, this was mostly an issue when the Van was loaded with adults, and made worse when a luggage rack was installed or a trailer in tow, sadly many groups didn't heed the warnings about those vans that was known 20 years ago. Currently several Insurance companies have said told me there is not enough safety information on the new Ford Transit or Dodge Sprinter style to make a determination about roll over risks and for youth groups insurance they are not recommended. But Ford/Dodge/MB have said the new designs were developed to address the risk. It used to be the passenger side of the old vans had the "walk way" on the passenger side, meaning there was more weight on the drivers side, this increasing roll over potential. They have have worked on the center of gravity factor too, and beefed up the suspension.

The linked NHTSA report was based on the older style vans. I have driven that style for years, property loaded with a good driver they can be safe, but to risky today for me to encourage any youth group to use one. I chose to get rid of all 15 passenger vans almost 16 years ago.

It is still fully legal for non CDL (Commercial Drivers License) to drive any Van or Bus that is 14 passenger plus 1 driver or less. However, if a person has never driven a big vehicle these seem huge. For those used to driving a pick up or larger SUV there really isn't much of a difference.

 

[Drewmama]

Past threads suggest driving a 15 passenger van is driving a truck. They're generally not regarded as safe enough to transport school children. A commercial drivers license is suggested, and in some circumstances required. You can search. This was discussed in a previous thread. The conclusion: don't rent a 15 passenger van unless you already have experience driving one.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/15-passenger-vans

Thank you. I've decided to nix the big van and go with renting a minivan and a full size car. I appreciate the information.