Small Sedans
All small sedans in the fleet have five seat belts, but back seat passengers (depending on physicality) may be cramped if they attempt to sit three across. In general, for trips involving more than three people, the minivans are a popular choice.
The small sedans are all Ford Focus models with front wheel drive and four cylinder engines. They feature power windows, power locks, and tilt/telescope steering wheel. The driver seat is manually adjustable up/down, front/back and backrest angle. Small sedans offer a trunk with a flat floor. The truck opening is not very big (see photos below).
Fuel economy on the small sedans is quite good.
Midsize Hybrid Electric Sedans
Ford Fusion hybrid electric sedans have joined the fleet. The name used to reserve the Fords is “Car Midsize Sedan Hybrid Electric.”
The Fusions have more interior room than the Focuses. The Fusions seat five occupants including the driver.
Minivans – Extended
All minivans in the UW fleet can carry seven people, including the driver. Extended minivans, depending on make/model, usually offer both cargo space behind the rearmost bench seat and extra knee room. Carrying seven people leaves limited cargo capacity. Loading the roof or towing are not permitted without advance permission from the Fleet Program Supervisor.
If you need a van for cargo purposes, please send an email to fleet@fpm.wisc.edu with your reservation number and a request to have the seats removed. Do this as soon as possible, or at a minimum prior to noon the day before your reservation begins.
Reservation pattern trends for vans mean these times book up in full up to a year in advance:
- spring break
- winter break (week following the first weekend after New Year’s Day),
- the full months of May and June, and the first half of July.
Minivans frequently are frequently fully booked on Fridays. This happens several weeks in advance and is a trend almost almost year long, although the last three weeks of December are usually not fully booked.

Despite booking up far in advance, there is a fair amount of ‘churning’, i.e. people do cancel. Take advantage of the waitlist, as you may find you get a van that way frequently.
Please make your plans accordingly.
Extended Minivans currently consist of these makes and models:
- Dodge Grand Caravan

Small Trucks (with trailer hitch)
The small trucks seat five people, but the back seat passengers (depending on physicality) may feel cramped if they attempt to sit three across. Four people is probably as many as will comfortably fit.
Towing up to 4,000 pounds is permitted if the proper equipment and driver training/experience is available. Inquire with the fleet staff about any questions. You must supply your own trailer ball and draw bar. The hitch on the truck is a two inch square receiver and the trailer wiring is present.
These trucks are equipped with a lockable topper (the topper must remain on the truck) and four wheel drive. There is also a hitch receiver on most vehicles.
Large Trucks (with trailer hitch)
Large truck models offered in the pool at this time are “crew cabs” featuring seat belts for five people.
These units are in the pool for two purposes: towing large trailers and/or off road use for research purposes. Towing and research are the primary role; instructional off road use is acceptable.
Anything perceived as entertainment, recreation, or junkets are not approved uses of these trucks. Examples would include group camping, skiing, sports, outing trips and the like.
Our responsibility to use public monies wisely requires us to be ever respectful of public perception. We must avoid any hint that we are being less than frugal or using wasteful tools. This requires us to scrutinize the use of these vehicles. Please be prepared to justify the need for this type of vehicle.
Abuse of the privilege of access to these units in the pool may result in revocation of driving privileges depending on the circumstances.

These units feature electric trailer brake controllers, seven pin wiring hookups, and two-inch square trailer hitch receivers. Users must supply their own trailer, trailer ball, draw bar, and adapter to seven-pin wiring hookup.


Large SUVs (with trailer hitch)
Large SUV models feature seat belts for five to eight people, depending on if a third rear seat is installed.
These units are in the pool for two purposes: towing large trailers and/or off road use for research purposes. Instructional off road use is acceptable but towing and research are the primary role for these trucks.
Anything perceived as entertainment, recreation or junkets are not approved uses of these trucks. Examples include: group camping, skiing, sports, outing trips and the like.
They are not intended to be used as substitute minivans or alternatives to 8-passenger vans. They are less than optimal for passenger use due to reduced headroom, cramped quarters and higher fuel consumption.
Our responsibility to use public monies wisely requires us to be ever respectful of public perception. We must avoid any hint that we are being less than frugal or using wasteful tools. This requires us to scrutinize the use of these vehicles. Please be prepared to justify the need for this type of vehicle.
Abuse of the privilege of access to these units in the pool may result in revocation of driving privileges depending on the circumstances.
These units feature seven pin wiring hookups and two-inch square trailer hitch receivers. Users must supply their own trailer, trailer ball, draw bar, and adapter to seven-pin wiring hookup.
Hitch Capabilities
Available on UW Fleet’s:
Users must supply their own trailer, trailer ball, draw bar and adapter to seven-pin wiring hookup.
8-Passenger Vans
These vans do not require 15-passenger van training or certification, but they are similar in style to the 15-passenger vans. The differences are that they have shorter overall length and less seating.
Passengers are not permitted in the cargo area. Towing is not permitted. No cargo of any kind is allowed on the roof.
14-Passenger Buses
Be sure to read the Universities of Wisconsin policy on driving 15-passenger vans. The policy also applies to UW Fleet’s 14 passenger buses.
The University does not recommend the use of 14-passenger buses if other methods of transportation can be used. Rules stipulate all drivers must be at least 25 years of age, have completed the appropriate van-driver training course, and meet all other driver requirements, including “staying current.” “Staying current” requires drivers to maintain a personal log so they can show that they drive at least ten hours or 400 miles in a large van each quarter (3 months).
Van training is offered through the Wisconsin Department of Administration. To accommodate direct charge funding string billing, you must sign up for the class via UW Madison Risk Management. Submit a certificate of successful course completion to UW Risk Management at driverauth@bussvc.wisc.edu in order to update Enterprise Fleet Management System (EFMS). (School/College/Division shall also maintain all Training Certifications in their applicable employee training record/file.) Until your card has been recorded there, you will not be able to receive keys at the fleet office.
Amenities offered in the 14-passenger bus:
- All seats have integrated 3-point belts
- Center aisle and superior hip to knee room compared to 15-passenger vans
- Durable floor and seat material, easy to clean
- Rear row seats fold up to sides; exposing cargo area
- Cargo net separates passenger area from cargo, allowing cargo to be piled high
- All but rear rows seats recline
- Large windows
- Separate front and rear audio systems with bring-your-own video provisions
- Overhead storage
- Large egress door
- Dual rear wheels; wide track and steel cage frame for stable road performance