Travel woes: Large SUV or conversion van

[djcarter1966]

Depends how many kids we are talking about Mom, Dad and three kids work easily for almost any option, truck with big cab, van or SUV. I never even thought of it we had a minivan and we just made it work, the third row was always down so area back there was pretty big.

 

[Northball]

Bought a Corolla when DD started travel ball. With every practice and game being at least 90 miles away, I didn't want my entire paycheck going to the gas stations.

Conversion vans are great for long trips because of the open floor space so passengers can lay down and stretch out to take a nap while travelling. Of course this was back before we were so conscious of keeping everyone belted in their seats.

 

[Westwind]

LOVED my Suburban drove it til it died. Couldn't justify another one since my 2 oldest moved out - leaving only DD and her younger (non sports playing) brother.
We have to have a 4 wheel drive being in Colorado.
I have a Honda Pilot now - with the 3rd row down I have plenty of room for gear - I just don't like how it skates on ice.
We are thinking of purchasing a new Subaru Ascent. Lots of cargo room with the 3rd row down again - and more passenger room than my Pilot.

My wife bought a new Forester last June. It has 27,000 miles on it already. I love it, but wish we would have got the Ascent.

I really like Subaru's. Older DD has a 2016 Legacy that has been a really nice car. We live where it snows, out in the sticks, and the AWD is very good for us.

 

[Sweet Lou]

We had a Toyota Siena for about 16 years. The fold down seats made for a ton of storage space.

 

[Lemond]

Get a big crew cab pick up of your personal preference. Plenty of people space up front, versatile for lots of gear in the back! Benefit, stinky cleats get separated from the people!!!! Worth every penny! Topper for the bed will protect the gear.

 

[grmerrill]

Bought a Corolla when DD started travel ball. With every practice and game being at least 90 miles away, I didn't want my entire paycheck going to the gas stations.

Conversion vans are great for long trips because of the open floor space so passengers can lay down and stretch out to take a nap while travelling. Of course this was back before we were so conscious of keeping everyone belted in their seats.

Ditto, just drove 7 hours home last night, DW, two DDs and gear. Prior it was 3 DDs and DW in a Honda Accord Coupe. Longest trip with the Corolla has been 14 hours. DD that played this weekend takes her Boombah bag and a roller bag, I take a leather clothes bag, DW and youngest DD share a roller bag. We have a swimming suit bag and a toiletries bag that is prepacked and ready to go. I also take a camera bag and a laptop and we have lots of room in the trunk. In the back on the floor goes a soft sided cooler bag for drinks and food and a insulated bag for food on top of that. Anyone that grew up on tetris finds this to be an easy task.

I can fit the youngests catchers bag if they are both playing, but in that case no one loads the trunk but me.

 

[Gambler Bob]

Ford Transit passenger vehicles are about 20-30k less than a Ford Expedition. Might be something worth considering.

 

[KPower]

My wife bought a new Forester last June. It has 27,000 miles on it already. I love it, but wish we would have got the Ascent.

I really like Subaru's. Older DD has a 2016 Legacy that has been a really nice car. We live where it snows, out in the sticks, and the AWD is very good for us.

We have had 4 different Subarus. Love the way they handle in the snow! I really like the look of the Forester but I want a 3rd row seat (for what I'm not sure...but you know - just in case!) so that's why we're looking at the Ascent. My husband drives an older Legacy Sedan and I feel like I could go anywhere in it - just not enough room for stuff...we will probably hand it down to DD.

 

[mmeece]

I don't know who they are, but there is a family that brings a sprinter van to some of the tournaments we play. I've walked by when they were getting out and it looks so comfortable. I've seen them load up during breaks just to cool off and rest. Not that I was jealous though .

 

[BT3100]

We bought a 2008 Toyota Sequoia Platinum in 2010 with 25K miles. That truck runs like a champ! It has taken us from PA to Florida 5 or 6 times, Myrtle beach countless times, Colorado, indiana and many more places chasing a yellow ball. Now she has 260K miles and wife is looking to get a brand new one. During it's service we replaced the starter and alternator (I replaced at 240K miles for under $500). Aside from that it had been a joy to drive with no issues.