We're also thinking of renting a mini-van to sleep in for a week. Is it safe to assume that ALL mini-vans have seats that fold down to make 1 even-level surface behind the driver seat that is suitable for sleeping? We typically find the best rental car deals are on priceline, but since you can't choose your rental company, we need to be sure of this.

It is not safe to assume that because only ONE mini-van has the store'n'go seats. After 20 years in assorted vans, mostly Caravans and Voyagers, I love my Town and Country with the seats that fold down into the floor to create a flat surface.

Many SUV's have seats that fold down to create a flat surface, but that surface is higher than the normal floorboard.

I would be very surprised to find rental vans with the store'n'go seats.

When I need flat surfaces in my van (which is most of the time) I've had to take the seats out and store them in a garage or storage unit.

So if I understand you correctly, it IS a safe assumption that any rental minivan will have seats that can be removed. In which case, I can see if I can remove them when I pick the van up, and just leave them with the rental company.

remdog99: I seriously don't see how folks can give you legitimate info on a thread about Alaska when you plan on sleeping in your rental van in San Francisco and Napa (per your other thread).

I cannot believe ANY rental agency - especially one in SF, would allow you to remove the seats and leave them while you take the vehicle away.

And I also don't think you will find places in SF or the other places you are going where it will be OK to sleep on the side of the road.

Either 1) make reservations for campgrounds, or 2) rent a regular car and w/ the savings (from not renting a van) stay in motels . . . . .

No, it is not a safe assumption that you can rent a van, remove the seats, leave them with the rental company and assume they will still be there (undamaged) to place back in the van. Who the heck at the car rental would accept such responsibility? Do it, and I bet you will be paying for "lost" or damaged seats.

The only option I could think of would be to rent a storage unit and store the seats while you are gone. But, none of the above would be a workable solution for me.

Tent camp - in campgrounds!- from your rental van or stay in motels. Good luck to you if you decide to leave van seats behind at Avis/Hertz/etc. and expect them to still be there - and in undamaged condition - when you return.

I am pretty sure you won't be able to leave the seats with the rental agency, but you could take them out of the van each night when you camp. Just be sure to cover them with plastic in case of rain...
I think you'll do best if you stay in campgrounds and have a tent, just in case you get a van that doesn't work as well as you hope.

My girlfriend once drove from Oregon to Alaska with her husband and two kids in one of those volkswagen campers. They had a great time, but of course they had a sink, stove, window screens and actual bedding.

We're trying to avoid tent camping because of the schlep of a tent, mattresses and sleeping bags on the plane. Also, sleeping in a vehicle offers more freedom to sleep just about anywhere.

Someone has suggested that SUV's may be a safer bet as far as fold down seats for sleeping purposes--anyone have experience with this?
R

The freedom to sleep just about anywhere?? Are you going to SF and Napa as you say on your other post? If so - these are not places out in the boonies - they are cities. You really cannot expect to sleep on the side of the road. You also apparently are going over to the coast - there are camp grounds - I would not try to sleep on the side of hwy 1. And you won't be able to sleep on private property.

I don't think you are being at all realistic/sensible.

Hi, I live in Anchorage. There is no such thing as a budget trip to Alaska. My take is, if you cannot afford to stay in a hotel during your stay in Alaska, you cannot afford to visit Alaska. It is a very pricey place to vacation or live. While you might shave off $$ by sleeping in your car, that probably will not make up for the cost of your food, gas, entertainment, etc. Most people want to experience activities that are unique to Alaska, such as fishing ($200 per license, per person, not including cost of gear, waders, bait, etc.) or a sealife-seeing cruise out of Seward (again, starting around $200 per person, not including your train or plane ticket). It honestly doesn't sound like you have the finances to enjoy yourself in the state at this time, unless you want to just sit in your car and wander around the city.