How much luggage in a convertable?

[disneynewbie2]

Me, my husband and 7yo and 5yo are going to WDW and then the beach. I would love to rent a convertable for the whole time. I even got a great quote for one. The question is how much luggage can the trunk hold? We dont mind putting a backpack or something up in the seats with us. I would really love to get this for us and the kids, but really worried about the trunk space.

Tami

 

[Beckles]

It partly depends on the convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse convertibles have tiny trunks, while a Camaro has a fair sized trunk.

The other thing to remember is that the trunk is usually more spacious with the top up because the top usually folds down into the trunk some way or other.

 

[disneynewbie2]

It was a camaro. Should we pack two big bags of a couple samll ones?

 

[Lewisc]

Go to a car dealer and look at the trunk. Measure it (or even take your luggage). Tell the salesman you're going to rent the same car in FL and if you like it you're considering buying one. The trunks don't hold much, if you have your heart set on the convertible you might have to limit your luggage (does the place you're staying have a washer/dryer available to you?) My wife and I got an Eclipse convertible (National EA) but we just put our luggage in the back seat, no way it would have fit in the trunk. I'm not sure but I don't think the trunk would fit much more than a carry on sized suitcase.

 

[disneynewbie2]

That's what I am afraid of. I will go by the dealer. I think with two adults and two kids, even with a washing machine nearby, we will have too much.

 

[travelcoupons]

2 bags (not huge) barely fit for us.

 

[Dodie]

Since the "boot" is a hard plastic thing, stored in a bag in the trunk that attaches to the back wall with velcro, that "fairly good-sized trunk" is about two feet deep, but only about 8-10 inches across. I can't even get a bag of groceries in my trunk. I cannot imagine fitting any luggage in there!

 

[CarolA]

I have to agree with Dodie, I own a Saab convertible and luggage is an issue. I can get my 22" carryon and a garment bag in there and could get two of the 22" bags. But you don't get a lot of luggage space.

 

[Ted and Holly]

From my experience, rental convertables rarely have the boot in the trunk.

I have a Sebring convertable. The top folds into a separate compartment between the back seat and the trunk so that is not an issue.

I could probably fit one of the large pieces of luggage we have (the large LL Bean bag on rollers) and several smaller ones. I am not sure if I could get two large sized ones in there and have room for much more.

The good thing about the trunk lid on the Sebring is that when open, it is held up with pneumatic tubes rather then the large hinges with the springs. This makes a difference because you do not need to leave space for the hinges to come down in the trunk.

As a side note, Holly has a Hyundai Elentra and can fit two overloaded normal sized laundry baskets in here trunk with room to spare. I could not dream of doing this.

In my opinion, if there are four of you, even if two are small, and you have luggage, skip the convertable. Go with a SUV or something.

Ted

 

[DMRick]

My adult daughter was thrilled in September, when the Isle was empty and they told us to help ourselves to anything else. She wanted a convertible. The gal looked at our luggage and said we would never fit (we each had a medium suitcase and a small carryon..grandson just had carryon. We pushed and prodded (it was a Sebring), and didn't fit..but daughter gladly had 2 large bags in the back seat with her and son..I have a picture of it. Glad we rented it..now I know I would never want one. At least with the top down, the blind spot wasn't there, but with the top up..awful! Also couldn't have the sun visors down..they blocked the view.

 

[horseshowmom]

Last year we rented a Mustang convertible at MCO, since my SIL and I were taking our 2 teenage girls to Orlando. My brother warned me about the trunk before I left.

My DD and I travel a fair amount and are accustomed to packing light (one carry on bag each). My SIL and her DD had enough luggage to last until the next month. The trunk barely held 2 small bags (we did fill in holes with jackets, purses, and things like that). We had to pull the front seats all the way up (not too pleasant with my long legs) and put some bags in the floor behind the front seats (the girls crossed their legs on top). We also put bags between the girls, and they held some in their laps too. (Please, no safety comments here! LOL) Of course, you have small children, so that's really a different situation.

On the plus side, we all loved the convertible and had a wonderful time. I do very much agree with DMRick, I would NEVER want to own one now (not enough room for real life!). But, it really was great for a vacation. The girls agreed they'd do the luggage deal again in a heartbeat (it was only just to the hotel and back, of course). We also took pictures - I told them we looked liked the Beverly Hillbillies (or maybe Ma and Pa Kettle!).

I hope everything works out for your trip, and you have a great time!

 

[CPM]

I also have a Sebring convertible. We traveled up north with two kids in the car & all our luggage! I think you'll be fine. My suggestion is to use soft luggage the hard luggage takes up way more room & has no give. We also had a small cooler that we put in the middle of the two kids. On the way home we had to drive with the top up because we had more stuff & had to use the space where the top goes while down. But take up the suggestion of the person that said just go to your local car dealer & try it! What have you got to lose? It's so much fun to drive especialy at the beach!
The Sebring is supposed to have one of the biggest convertible trunks. I'll have to look at that HElentra!

 

[Poly Pal]

on our first trip to Disney World back in 1987. Our large suitcase would not fit in the trunk. We had to put the top down to get the suitcase in the backseat! Good thing we were kidless back then! Your question made me laugh thinking about those good old days.