Comments on: 15 Passenger Vans Dangerous? Uh-Oh…

By: Taylor

Taylor — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:37:35 +0000

I’m the oldest of nine… We drive a ’94 Dodge Ram 3500 van with over 245,000 miles (and have been driving 15 passenger vans for 12 years)We bought it for $3500 dollars in 2003, and have only done basic upkeep since then. No major repairs.

I think the reports about safety are skewed because they include vans from daycares and churches that often sit for long periods of time, causing dry-rot in the tires. Also, the drives are often inexperienced and can’t handle the massive bulk of these vans well.

Besides, there is basically no other choice on the road for transportation for large families.

By: Jack Thornleigh@car insurance quotes

Jack Thornleigh@car insurance quotes — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:29:20 +0000

This is a good move due to the statistics on these 15 passenger vans. I’ve always thought that they looked top heavy and could easily tip over. Let’s hope people take heed and stop using these vehicles and especially that government bodies stop using them. Even the slightest chance that people might get hurt is grounds enough to stop usage. It’s scary to think that they are faulty in this manner and wouldn’t you think these vehicles would have been thoroughly tested for all manner of safety especially issues when fully loaded.

By: Ysabel@Jeeps For Sale

Ysabel@Jeeps For Sale — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:45:14 +0000

It's just about time they impose regulations like this one. Overloading is quite an issue in transportation and it's never been given that much importance. .-= Ysabel@Jeeps For Sale´s last blog ..Celebrate Life With The Jeep Wrangler =-.

By: Quiver Mamma

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:25:23 +0000

Hi Jammie,

That is SO hard to narrow down. There are both wealthy families and those living under the poverty line who follow a QF lifestyle. Also, the careers vary widely, though I believe many long to work from home. It’s so hard to quantify as we come from every walk of life – just like any follower of Jesus does! Sorry I can’t be more helpful .

By: jammie

jammie — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:10:36 +0000

Hi I am a mom of 4 boys and have known of Quiverfull families from quite sometime. But I’m wondering in the US culture and life style, what kind of careers and salaries do quiverfull families have?

By: David

David — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:36:27 +0000

My wife and I have a 2001 Chevrolet Express 15 passenger van with almost 150,000 miles on it (mostly trouble free). We have 8 kids, so it is very helpful. We normally keep the 4th row seat out, so there is still seating for 11 with loads of room in the back- 3 strollers would fit side by side without even folding them up. We have been driving this vehicle since 2002 and have never had a problem or felt unsafe while driving it. You just need to understand that these are not sports cars, and you’ll be just fine. I do like the Chevrolets better because the wheels are farther apart than the Ford, thus making a more stable and safe ride. Besides, the Fords look like they just had an extra 3 feet glued to the back while the CHevys look more “natural”.

With the factory tires, the van was terrible in the snow, but when we installed some BF Goodrich Commercial T/A tires and put some cinder blocks in the back of the van, it was just like having 4 wheel drive, and we’ve never been stuck since. We live in Maryland, however- 8 inches is probably the most it’s ever been in. Because it sits high off the ground, the van does better in deeper snow than some smaller vehicles we’ve had that you would expect to do well in the snow.

I have been looking at Dodge Sprinter (Mercedes built) vans for replacing our van, the fuel economy is tremendous- drivers are reporting up to 30 MPG. However, these vans are INCREDIBLY expensive both to buy and to repair. You can get a brand new, well equipped Chevy for under $30,000- but you can’t get a Sprinter similarly equipped for much under $50,000.

I know this is an old post, but hopefully this info helps.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 01:49:05 +0000

We also only have two so far but we are always dreaming of more. My husband plans to buy me a Suburban when we need more space and have the fourth row of seats put in the back so it will still seat 14. Much safer.

By: MAmaArcher

MAmaArcher — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:16:52 +0000

We drive a 15 passenger (actually only has seating for 12 which gives us some storage space). I love it but I will admit that it makes me a bit nervous when it is windy. Since it is so tall the wind seems to really push us around especially if we are distracted. I am not so sure how well it is going to work for us in the Alaskan snow! It is a rear wheel drive too! oh well, God provided it, it is in excellent condition, and paid for! So we will just pray even more for protection as we drive.

By: Quiver Mamma

Quiver Mamma — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 23:18:19 +0000

We seriously considered a Suburban when we were buying, and that was before we were saved, so we were still only planning on 2 – 3 kids! I can’t quite remember why we decided to go with a truck instead, but I think we maybe read about transmissions in Suburbans being troublesome? Hmm, not sure now, my memory is a bit….squirmy! I just wish our truck was a 4 x 4, because our road is totally undeveloped, it is very snowy in the winter and very muddy in the Spring! We had visitors yesterday and they had to park at the start of the road and walk in, but it’s only 5 minutes or so down the road to our house .

Thanks to everyone for sharing! Stephanie – my DH probablly WILL end up driving a converted schoolbus! We have a real heart for adoption, and he is enough of a hippy, he is totally into the converted schoolbus way of life, LOL!

By: luvs2bemom

luvs2bemom — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:24:43 +0000

We heve four children and are expecting Baby #5 in Nov. We currently drive a minivan that seats 7 and a Dodge truck that holds 6. I have wanted a 15 passenger van for sometime, but my hubby would rather have a Surburban. Thanks for the info.
Belinda