Question for those with 7 kids plus-Car options

[Jayhawk91]

Hello all-

I'm new to this site, so I wanted to say hi to everyone here. We are expecting our 7th child (12,10,8,6,4,2 are the current ones all girls except the last one who's a boy). Our new baby is due March 22nd and that one is a girl.

What do the families out there do as far as transportation when you have more than 7 kids? I know there are the 2 larger van options (Ford Econoline or the Chevy one that's similar.) We have the big SUV now and fit the 6 kids in it, but realize we are going to be needed another seat. Any other ideas, creative options or feedback on the Ford or Chevy? Thanks!

 

[RedTulipMom]

how bout a 9 passenger van?

 

[Jayhawk91]

The Ford Econoline & the Chevy similar van has a 12 passenger & 15 passenger version. I'm not aware of the 9, but these 2 vans do have smaller ones as well. Not a lot of options out there, I was curious about what folks are doing.

 

[RedTulipMom]

i only have 3 kids so we are still in a minivan but i have heard of a 9 passenger. My cousin has 6 kids and so with her and hubby it makes 8 but they still have a 7 passenger van and can not afford a bigger one right now, but they do have a 2nd car. If its just her and the kids they all fit but if her and hubby and kids ALL go somewhere they take 2 vehicles.

have you checked out car auctions for a cheaper used vehicle?

 

[jgonz]

We have an 8 seater Pontiac Montana. If we all go somewhere together, we take 2 vehicles (DH has a Toyota Tacoma truck, and DS (24) has a Saturn Vue). This summer when we go on vacation to visit my parents for a family reunion, we'll be renting a 12 seater van.

 

[Lexi]

I think your only option is a full sized van or a bus of some type.

 

[Sabertooth]

We still have our 15-seater [Dodge Ram], but 4.5 have left the nest.

 

[Scottish Joy]

We had an awesome 15-seater Chevy growing up! Loved it! We had smaller (12 passenger) vans for awhile, but once the total got up to 8 kids + Mom & Dad, the 15 seater was best cause we didn't have to be all on top of each other. I think 2 kids to a bench seat is ideal, especially for longer trips. Leaves room for card games or dollies or Battleship, or whatever it is your kids do to entertain themselves.

 

[k450ofu3k-gh-5ipe]

We still have our 15-seater [Dodge Ram], but 4.5 have left the nest.

My parents always used the good old 12-15 passenger van as well, although now since we older ones are gone they've down graded to smaller vehicles.

 

[KathyO]

Yep. One more baby and we'll be needing one of those. Our 7 seater is full up.

Mind you, our 16 year old has just got her learner's permit and our 14 year old won't be far behind, so maybe we can wing it for several more years. That is unless God blesses us with one more baby every year from now!