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Our "home" for 60 days

In 2009, during our previous trip, we had a van, very practical, very long but without any real possibility for dirt roads; but this time, it's a true 4wd , with a true spare wheel and tires almost new. It's a Ford Expedition, rented from Avis through Autoescape. We did not have much choice, as 60 days seemed to be a problem; in fact, we have two contracts of 30 days each.

But why such a large vehicle for only two people? Just because we sleep inside it, on our air beds and sleeping bags; camping without a tent, what! This vehicle is going to become our "home", our "sweet home" for the next 2 months.

In addition, we have a very busy program with many dirt roads, stopping places away from everything, far away from civilization; so we have a 40 quart electric cooler, 2 jerry cans of water 5 gallons each, food for about ten days, not to mention beer, wine, lemonade, backpacks, camera equipment, laptop ...
So we need place, volume.

Installation

The rear seats fit completely into the floor but not the median. There is an overthickness of about 3 inches that we compensate with a Styrofoam-like panel, cut in two, purchased in a hardware store. Plastic sheeting avoids us to stain the floor. On day position, the 2 mattresses are folded over, travel bags and boxes of food on the back floor, the cooler on the passenger right median seat (it will also strapped a little bit later).
On night position, bags and boxes reach the front seats, beverage cartons and cooler are either on the roof or in front; mattresses can now be unfolded. All this change takes up to 15 minutes in the morning as in the evening; so it's fairly fast.

Gas mileage

For those who might be interested, I just finished analyzing our trip report.
Our car: Ford Expedition, true 4WD with a V8 5.4 liter, 320 horsepower, in short, enough to climb up trees.
Distance covered: "only" 6,400 miles in 61 days.
Gas mileage:

• Combined: 19.35 MPG
• mini (on one full tank): 21.7 MPG
• max (on one full tank): 16.07 MPG

this, while having a very light foot on the gas pedal . However, we have noticed a net higher consumption on dirt roads, when on 4x4 position.

Rental

For the rental of the vehicle, we initiate the rental transaction (Avis) with Autoescape (Fr). No complaints about the provision of one and the other. The vehicle has met our expectations, our wishes. Especially the audio jack on the console and the inverter (1500 W-110V).

But, barely back home, we find a direct debit on our bank account, by Avis, of $ 2,475.

I immediately contact Autoescape and Avis to know what happens and to get our money back.
And then the adventure begins, many episodes with not necessarily a very rapid reply/answer. I give you the short version: full refund on August 30 for a debit on July 13, about a month and a half later.
Lame apologies from Autoescape (I think the error comes from them but not sure), nothing from Avis despite my reminders. Nobody takes care of our possible bank overdraft ; not even the slightest suggestion of a discount on the next trip.

I checked with my bank, the procedure is simple: complaint for theft to the police, that's all, the bank taking care of the rest. This is what I will apply the next time without any qualms.
I warned Avis and Autoescape that, without rapid response from them, I will make advertising to them: it's done.