A full 15-passenger van is one of the best ways to get a team, a church group or a big family through a Chicago winter together - but it does not drive like a car. It is longer, taller and heavier, and on snow and ice those differences matter. This checklist covers what to do before you leave, how to load the van and how to drive it when the weather turns.
Before you leave
Check the roads, not just the forecast. In Illinois, the state's Getting Around Illinois map shows winter road conditions; check the states on your route too. If a storm is moving through, leaving a few hours later is often the safest choice.
Clear the whole van. Brush snow off the roof, hood, lights, mirrors and every window. Snow left on a tall roof slides onto the windshield when you brake, or blows onto the car behind you.
Warm it up and look around. Let the defroster clear the glass, check that the headlights, brake lights and wipers work, and top up the washer fluid.
Plan your fuel. Keep the tank above half in winter, so a closed road or a long delay never leaves you low.
Pack a winter kit: ice scraper and snow brush, blankets, water and snacks for everyone, phone chargers, a flashlight and any medication the group needs.
Load the van the right way
Heaviest bags low and forward. Weight high up or far behind the rear axle makes a big van feel lighter at the front and less steady.
Never stack luggage on the roof and do not overload the cargo area. Choose the van for your group and your bags: the 15-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter keeps about 4 ft of luggage space behind the last row; the 15-passenger Ford Transit has none.
Seat belts on every seat, every time, including the back row.
Room to spare is a good thing. A group of 12 with winter coats and boots is far more comfortable in a 15-passenger van than in a 12.
Driving a 15-passenger van on snow and ice
Slow down. Speed limits are set for dry roads. On snow, drive well below them, and slower again on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.
Leave a much longer gap. A loaded passenger van needs far more distance to stop on snow than a car on a dry road. Leave several times your normal following distance.
Brake, steer and accelerate gently. Sudden movements are what start a slide. Brake early and smoothly; the van's anti-lock brakes will pulse under your foot - keep steady pressure.
No cruise control on wet, snowy or icy roads.
Take turns wide and slow. A long van tracks inside the curve; slow down before the turn, not in it.
Watch the wind. A tall van feels gusts on open highways. Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have Crosswind Assist, but keep both hands on the wheel and slow down in strong wind.
Back up with care. Every van has a backup camera; in a crowded or icy lot, have a passenger step out and guide you.
Share the driving. Winter driving is tiring. You plus two additional drivers are included at no charge, so switch every couple of hours.
Parking and stops
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are about 10.5 ft tall, so park in open-air lots, not parking garages, and skip most drive-thrus. Pull through a parking space when you can, so you do not have to reverse onto an icy road. At a hotel, ask about a spot for an oversized vehicle when you book.
If something goes wrong
If the van slides off the road or gets stuck, stay calm and stay with the van - it is your shelter. Turn on the hazard lights, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow if the engine is running, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the van is in a dangerous place. Then call the roadside assistance number in your rental agreement. Our rental policy has the details on roadside assistance and towing.
Do I need a special license to drive a 15-passenger van in winter?
No. Every van we rent, including the 15-passenger vans, drives on a regular driver's license all year. Drivers must be 25 or older (21 or older with a CDL or for some business rentals).
Is a Sprinter or a Ford Transit better in snow?
Both handle winter roads well when they are driven slowly and loaded correctly. Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinters add Crosswind Assist, which helps on open highways in strong wind. Every van has a backup camera.
What should I do if the van gets stuck or slides off the road?
Stay calm and stay with the van, turn on the hazard lights, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the van is in a dangerous spot. Then call the roadside assistance number in your rental agreement.
How tall is the Sprinter - will it fit in a hotel garage?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are about 10.5 ft tall, so use open-air lots, not parking garages or most drive-thrus.
Every rental includes 250 free miles a day and travel anywhere in the USA and Canada. Reserve on our booking page or call (773) 800-9898, 7 days a week, 8 AM to 5 PM.
info@chicagovanrentals.com
