Vehicle Photos

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.

Photo of the left side of a white minivan with a UW-Madison logo on the drivers' side door.

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

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Photo of the left side of a small white truck with a UW-Madison logo on the drivers' side door.

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.

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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.

Photo of the left side of a large white pickup truck with a UW-Madison logo on the drivers' side door.

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.

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Photo of the left side of a black suburban with a UW-Madison logo on the front passenger door.
Close-up of the hitch apparatus on UW Fleet's large SUVs.

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.

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