Delivery in a minivan
 

Hi Everyone,

I need to deliver a rather large portrait, 4'x4' to Chicago, which is about a 6 hr. drive from here. We don't own a minivan, nor do I know anyone well enough that has one (odd, right?) to ask for measurements. I plan on renting one for the trip, but not before I'm sure I can get this thing in there easily. My father has an old one that I borrowed before for the same size painting, but had to lay it on top of the seats which did not appeal to me (even though it was reinforced with plywood, etc.) It was not too stable! I would ideally love to just slide it in between the seats and keep it upright, or flat on the floor with seats removed (again with reinforcements).

My next stop is a car dealer with a measuring tape, but if any of you can help by checking out your vans I would sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you!

Hi Stanka,

If you have a Home Depot around you check with them regarding a U Haul-truck rental. In CA the fee is $19 per day unlimited milage and the truck would probably accomodate that size painting.

What did you paint that is so large?

Stanka, I have a Toyota Sienna minivan and I have put a painting in there that was 44" wide including the frame, with the seats folded down flat or removed. There was a bit of room to spare on the sides but I'm not sure a painting that was a full four feet wide would have fit through the opening in the rear door.

The length would be no problem. I can get a painting that is about 7 feet long in there. Mini-vans are all different sizes inside though and I think you're smart to go to the rental place with a tape measure.

If you find you're still out of luck, you should probably try renting a small U-haul truck, as Enzie suggested.

Thank you Enzie, Michele for your replies and good suggestions. I did a quick search through my phone book for prices and unfortunately discovered UHaul does not do unlimited mileage here. I need to dig out the calculator (as well as the tape measure at the van) to see what the best way would be. Another idea I'd like to investigate is the cost of shipping the painting, and meeting it there.

Enzie, the painting is a commissioned full-length portrait in a landscape. I love to work large, it accomodates my need to 'plunk the paint around'. Fortunately for me, the client agreed (in this case) that bigger is better. :D

Stanka,

If you still need to deliver that portrait, it would fit in my van. I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and it is 50" wide in the opening. If you take the top right corner and measure down to the bottom right, it is over 60". The panting would slide right in. (the length without the seats is over 7'). What a wonderful type of client to have!

Rebecca

Thanks Rebecca!

The Caravan is the most popular van they rent. I was going there this weekend to measure that. You saved me a trip!

Stanka,

I misprinted. It should have read that I measured from the top right to the bottom LEFT! I just wanted you to know it would be diagonal in there. And make sure it is a Grand Caravan and not just a Caravan. There is difference! Good Luck!

Rebecca