Driving with 6 people without a hitch...ideas??

[Luvmyfam3]

Hi!

My family of 6 is driving to Disney this summer in our Ford Flex (love that car!). While we LOVE all the sun roofs, that means we can't put anything on the roof. And it doesn't have a hitch. We're not quite sure how we're going to fit all of our stuff inside that car. The cargo space, while roomy for a weekend trip, is not going to be enough for 3 teenagers, a 5 year old and 2 adults. Any ideas??

Thanks in advance!! We can't wait!

Kim

 

[SilverMickey]

My in-laws just shipped themselves a box on a trail-ways or greyhound bus. It was pretty cheap... but getting a hitch may be a cheaper route to go. We have one of those cargo carriers with a locking box on it. It works great!

 

[dblr]

A lot of people ship things with UPS or Fed Ex I think they will deliver right to your resort. Just wondering why you can't use yor roof we have a sunroof and carry our skis with a ski rack, it sits high enough that it clears the sunroof, most racks do not sit right on the roof,although not cheap check out either Thule or Yakima Racks either one both are great.

 

[skiingfast]

If you ship big heavy boxes with UPS it isn't just a few bucks, think of it being a dollar/pound. Plus then you'll need to ship it back too.

Two tips. Find suitcases that fit the best in your car and fill them, even if family members have to combine thier clothing. Also you can find roof rack systems or luggage boxes at second hand stores, especially at ones that carry sporting goods.

 

[TammyC]

My theory for car travel is that it is always easier to fit 10 small bags than 5 large. I've never seen inside a Flex, but think maybe some small bags could go between passengers or by their feet. The outside of the Flex looks huge!

T

 

[kaytieeldr]

Two tips. Find suitcases that fit the best in your car and fill them

Forget suitcases. Softsided duffels or multiple tote bags (heck, even heavy-duty trash bags - yes, seriously). Anything that can be formed, wedged, stuffed, etc. safely into available space. Not so sure it's safe to drive any distance with suitcases between people or in their foot space.

Also, even with six people, pack light. No need to pack enough clothing for the entire trip. The teens can do laundry for the family once or twice during the trip. Pack even lighter - buy toiletries when you get there, after you unload.

 

[krissyh]

Forget suitcases. Softsided duffels or multiple tote bags (heck, even heavy-duty trash bags - yes, seriously). Anything that can be formed, wedged, stuffed, etc. safely into available space. Not so sure it's safe to drive any distance with suitcases between people or in their foot space.

Also, even with six people, pack light. No need to pack enough clothing for the entire trip. The teens can do laundry for the family once or twice during the trip. Pack even lighter - buy toiletries when you get there, after you unload.

I agree!
I can fit more into my Vera Bradley Large Duffel than into my large rolling suitcase and still have room for souvenirs. And it takes up a lot less space. The teens can also use them to lean on for comfort.
Have you considered sending your toiletries to the resort or stopping at Publix/Target just before you get to the hotel? You can pick up the necessities and some snacks but only have them in your way for few minutes.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

Totally agree, with soft bags you can fit a lot more.

 

[sshudson99]

3 teenagers....and looking at your siggie it is DD's....definately get the hitch....and pull a U-haul, LOL Seriously though, I would invest in a hitch and install one of those hitch haulers...I have seen people store rubbermaid containers on them, my father has one and we gave him our diamond tool box off of our smaller truck when we traded and he has bolted it to it and has no problems. I for one, when traveling, cannot stand anything under my feet or around my head, etc. You are going to want everyone as comfortable as possible for an easier less stressful trip. We too have 6 people going with us in June and we are going in a Silverado truck, crew cab, but thankfully we are pulling a camper, so all of our stuff will be in there. My son and I had thought about flying out of Wilmington, NC, because Allegient Air offers super cheap airfare (right now $52 round trip + taxes) but they dont depart on the day I need. Either way, I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Luvmyfam3]

3 teenagers....and looking at your siggie it is DD's....definately get the hitch....and pull a U-haul, LOL Seriously though, I would invest in a hitch and install one of those hitch haulers...

Well, after much discussion this weekend we agreed we will do just that, and buy a hitch to install. I told my husband it will be a great project for him and his father to bond over!

I totally agree about the duffle bags. Even with the hitch and the carrier we plan to attach to the back, we will still need those duffle bags! After Disney, we have a 7-day cruise so although I will be doing quite a bit of laundry while at Disney, I WON'T be doing laundry on the cruise ship!

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was actually surprised at how inexpensive hitches are!

Kim