Minivan luggage capacity

[CarolMN]

Hoping those of you familar with minivans can give me an idea of how much luggage they can hold. We'll be a party of 6 - 4 adults, 1 5 yr old child and 1 infant in a car seat. Will probably have 6 small to medium sized suitcases, 3 or 4 carry ons and a stroller. What do you think? Will it all fit in the minivan without compromising someone's safety? Thanks for any comments/opinions.

 

[Pluto4President]

It depends upon the minivan. If you pack it carefully, it will fit. There are lots of nooks and crannies. Also keep in mind there will be an extra seat.

 

[maureenmac]

We have a Grand Caravan at home and they fit an amazing amount of stuff. If the suitcases are truly small to medium you should be able to make do. They adults might have to hold some carry on bags on their laps. Some vans have more space than others and I am going by the space in ours. Do you know what kind of van you will be getting?

 

[CarolMN]

We have reserved a minivan from National - Emerald Choice. I think they mostly have Chrysler/Dodge products, but am not sure.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Pluto4President]

They also have Chevy Ventures and Astro Vans.

 

[LvsTnk]

We have had 5 large duffles, 5 backpacks(stuffed), a 19 inch carryon, and my DS's special needs stroller(big) fit into their Astro and Venture. One less person though. Hope this helps.

 

[mickeyinjune]

In August we rented a dodge caravan from dollar. there were 6 of us. 3 adults and 3 kids(8-12). each adult had a 30" upright suitcase with pullout handle and wheels, and the kids had 25" ones. I had a small 22" one for my carryon and everyone else had duffle bag carryons and one camcorder and one camera bag. We put the three bigs ones in side by side and got one of the kids ones in too, then put the other 2 on top of them. Everyone else took their carryons in the van there was plenty of leg room to put them on the ground plus the extra seat in the back.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks everyone. You've made me feel much better. I'm still working to convince my brother and SIL to pack lightly. The two children belong to them. I've forgotten how much stuff babies need ( our DD is 20). We're staying in a DVC 2 bedroom so will have a washer & dryer right in the room. Can't wait! Thanks again for sharing your experience.

 

[leebee]

You'll fit, but it will be "cozy". If you have a choice of minivans, try to find one with the extended frame (Grand caravan or Grand Voyager rather than just Caravan or Voyager). We had 4 adults and 2 kids (one in a carseat), two strollers, a laptop, 4 backpacks, three "carry-on" size suitcases, one large suitcase, one large-ish duffel bag, two purses, and a child-sized suitcase in a Caravan. You'll fit OK, just think about things when you load the van. Hey- did your SIL consider a second stroller for the 5 yo? I would!

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks, leebee. We'll look for the vans with the larger frames. Hope the minivan aisle is chock full when we arrive. We plan to rent a stroller for the 5 year old.