We just got back from an 8 day trip to Hilton Head, SC and our choice for our rental car? A Pickup Truck! Is a Pickup Truck the best rental car for families? Let’s find out…
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry I won’t link anything I don’t believe in! If you make a purchase from a link, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Five Bags Packed!
It’s worth noting that Jamie and I both own midsize SUVs. They fit our 3 kids and car seats easily, have ample cargo space for our camera equipment, hockey equipment, and luggage etc. Also, the 4-wheel drive is a necessity in Colorado. Don’t get me wrong, we love renting mini-vans and they are super convenient when traveling but we just couldn’t commit to a mini-van full time. On the other hand, a lot of my friends have pickup trucks and love them. I’m just not much of a truck guy, nor would I need the truck bed all that often. However, I’m quickly becoming a truck guy when it comes to rental cars!
When it comes to choosing a rental car for a family trip, the options seem endless. One often overlooked choice is the pickup truck. Let’s dive in to determine if a pickup truck is the right fit for your family.
Seating Configuration
The seating configuration, depending on your preference, can be a deal breaker when it comes to rental cars. We pretty much had them all when traveling and they each come with their own pros and cons. For a full-size pickup truck it’s going to be two adult seats up front and 3 seats across in the second row. With a pickup, you won’t have the luxury of the 3rd row.
Our family count is: 2 adults, 3 children (ages 3, 5, 7). Right now, we use a toddler car seat for our 3 year old girl and two boosters for the older boys. We’ve also rented a truck when the kids were younger and had no boosters and all car seats. You will need to fit 3 car seats/ boosters across in the 2nd row. Full-size pickups are wide and usually have more than enough room for our car seats. However, we purposely own slimmer car seats to be able to fit 3 across easier.
Car Seats
Let’s quickly talk about car seats.
We highly recommend bringing your own car seats with you when you travel. It’s a lot to carry, cumbersome, and a pain to lug through the airport but it’s essential that your child is in the proper seat. Leaving this up to a rental car company and using a used car seat is not recommended.
Looking for good travel car seats or to fit 3 seats across in most vehicles? Here is what we use:
For our boys (age 5 and 7) we travel with the Graco Boosters. We love these because they are light, easy to travel with, affordable, and skinny enough to work with car seats going 3 across.
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 on Amazon
Our girl (age 3) uses the Britax carseat. This is a large bulky carseat that is not ideal to travel with but we make it work. I’m not sure if there are lighter, slender, options out there but that would be nicer for travel.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertable on Amazon
We also have the Dionos for the boys as the seats are small enough to fit 3 across in most vehicles. We have traveled with these but usually leave these at home because they are very heavy.
Diono Radian 3R, 3-in-1 Convertable on Amazon
Looking for different carseats to suit your child? Search many options on Amazon.
*As much as we love you taking our advice, please do your own research when picking out the proper carseat for your child!
Back to renting a pickup truck
Pros:
1. Affordability:
Pickup trucks are generally more budget-friendly compared to minivans and SUVs. I just did a quick search on Costco Travel for a 7 day car rental from Savannah (SAV). Here’s what was listed:
SAVANNAH
| Vehicle Type | Rental Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-Size Pickup | $333 |
| Standard SUV | $350 |
| Full-Size SUV | $502 |
| Mini Van | $627 |
A mini van is almost double the price! This is the primary reason we opt for a truck instead of a mini van.
How about Austin, TX?
AUSTIN
| Vehicle Type | Rental Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-Size Pickup | $383 |
| Standard SUV | $494 |
| Mini Van | $494 |
| Full-Size SUV | $654 |
I continued to search a variety of cities such as Vegas, Dallas, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. The Pickup truck was almost always the cheapest option or within $50 of the cheapest vehicle.
2. Spacious Interior:
The interior of a pickup truck is roomy, providing ample space for passengers. We are often surprised full-size pickup trucks provide more room than standard SUVs, especially in the 2nd row.
3. Comfortable Driving:
Many pickup trucks offer a comfortable driving experience, with features similar to those found in SUVs. There is a term “drives like a truck.” I’ve found that new trucks have the technology to drive smoothly and that term was coined long before the newer trucks were made.
4. Cargo Space:
Say goodbye to luggage Tetris! The bed of a pickup truck offers vast cargo space, ideal for sports equipment, camping gear, or large items. This is a little over-kill for a rental, especially if your bags are all packed and compact coming right from a flight, but you’ll love the amount of space you have!
Just pray for no rain!
5. Versatility:
Pickup trucks are versatile and can handle various terrains and weather conditions. If you happen to be going somewhere a little off the grid, you’ll be glad you have a truck.
Cons:
1. Fuel Consumption:
Pickup trucks tend to use more gas than smaller vehicles, which can impact your travel budget. If budget is the main factor for you, you’ll want to estimate the amount of miles you’ll travel on your trip. If you are going on a long road trip, like we did when we went from Portland to Seattle, you may want to reconsider your choice.
Gas Mileage and Expenses Comparison:
| Vehicle Type | Avg. Gas Mileage (MPG) | Gas Expenses (500 miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Pickup | 15-20 MPG | $80 – $100 |
| Mini Van | 20-25 MPG | $60 – $80 |
| Standard SUV | 18-25 MPG | $60 – $90 |
| Full-Size SUV | 15-20 MPG | $80 – $100 |
Gas expenses are estimated based on an assumed fuel cost of $3 per gallon.
The gas mileage figures are broad averages and can vary significantly among different models within each vehicle type.
2. Open Truck Bed:
Unless covered, the open truck bed exposes luggage to the elements, risking damage from rain or snow. You should contact the rental car company and ask if they offer tonneau covers for their trucks. However, this is a rare option as tonneau covers cost more for the rental companies to provide them. You should assume you won’t have a cover on your rental.
3. Security Concerns:
An open truck bed lacks security, and valuable items are visible and vulnerable. For a trip like Hilton Head, where we go directly from the airport to our condo and then only local travel throughout the week, security isn’t a concern for us. However, if you plan on traveling a lot during your trip, leaving your luggage out in the open would be an issue.
4. Limited Passenger Capacity:
Pickup trucks have limited seating compared to minivans and some SUVs, making them less suitable for larger families. If you are a family of 6 or more, full-size pickup trucks are not an option. Some trucks offer 6 passengers but when it comes to rentals, it’s safe to assume that you only have room for 5.
5. Parking:
Parking a full-size pickup truck can be challenging due to its larger dimensions. Finding suitable parking spaces, especially in crowded urban areas or tight parking lots, may require extra effort. In a low-traffic area like Hilton Head, this was not an issue for us. If we were exploring a major city, I’d second guess my choice for a pickup.
Pros and Cons Comparison:
| Full-Size Pickup | Minivan | Mid Size SUV | Full Size SUV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability | ✓ | |||
| Spacious Interior | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Comfortable Driving | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Space | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Fuel Consumption | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Security For Luggage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 6+ Passenger Capacity | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Easy Parking | ✓ | ✓ |
Choosing the right rental car depends on your family’s needs and preferences. While a pickup truck offers affordability, spaciousness, and versatility, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks like fuel consumption and luggage security concerns. Consider the specific requirements of your trip and make your choice!
So is a pickup truck the best rental car for families? Well, it depends. We think it is for certain trips. A trip that doesn’t require a lot of driving, and will most likely have good weather? Go for the pickup! A long roadtrip through major cities? Go for the mini-van. We’ll stick to our SUVs at home. Good luck on your search for the best rental car for families!
