Renting an RV to Tour NM
 

We plan to travel around Santa Fe , Toas, Four Corners , Carlsbad Caverns etc.

I have been looking into rentals for our family trip because we will be 7 people. My husband threw out the idea of an RV which we have never done. I am afraid that it would limit where we can go since we will not have the use of a car.

Also, looking at car rentals, and SUV for 7 people doesn't seem to have much luggage space but a mini van seems to have more room. I am just concerned that a mini van doesn't have four when drive. Is four wheel drive a must?

I would opt for mini van. 4 wheel drive isn't need for what you have listed. RV's get awful gas mileage. How long are you planning this trip to be - an RV with 7 is a tight space and might cause friction.

How old are the people? An RV might not have sleep capabilities for 7 adults unless one of the biggies.

Have you ever driven an RV? Another issue.

7 people in an RV, and never having driven one before . . . My idea of Hell.

I'd actually rent 2 cars instead of a minivan and stay in hotels/motels. Unless you rent a huge van, there would not be enough space for luggage.

If family, splitting up (the two adult?) drivers not the best idea (communication, stops, etc.)
A large capacity minivan would be ideal, IMO.

I don't think it was mentioned anywhere that there are only two adults . . . I assumed not.

Finding parking for an RV large enough for 7 would be a problem in places like Santa Fe. I also worry about children riding in them as most do not have restraints for car seats or seat belts except in front. Many also charge extra if you put many miles on them, so check that out since things are much farther from each other than it looks.

We did use a Mazda (I think) that was "7 or 8 passenger" for a trip with 6 adults several years ago. We were able to fit carryons for everyone in the back space, but the cooler had one of the passenger seats and "purses" were on the floor by our feet.

We are four adults ( 2 tall but not heavy) and three children ( 11,9 and 6). We rented a Toyota Sequoia in Alaska that seated 10 but we also had a pick up truck for sleeping bags etc. We will only have carry on size and will be staying in Airbnbs.

Think we will go with a mini van. We had one in Hawaii and it was fine but we only had to deal with bags to and from the airport.

Thanks fir all the advice.