We are trying to arrange for transportation to our kick off event and one of the things we have to take into account is how much space do we need for the KOP?
How much space will we need to transport it back?
In the past, the KOP was distributed in two large totes, and a few small boxes.
You can fit it in the back of a van.
-Nick
So if I was to take a mini van - I would have room for all 7 passengers and the kit?
Do you have a roof rack ? 
But seriously, what is the fore/aft cargo dimension behind the rear seat with the seat slid all the way forward and the seatback upright? This dimension varies among makes and models (eg Caravan vs Grand Caravan etc)
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from this thread a few years ago:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70838&highlight=KOP+dimensions
The Kit of Parts contains: 2 totes (27"x17"x12" weighing 70lbs each), the robot controller kit (medium size box), drive train kit (medium size box), battery box (small - motorcycle battery) and a few envelopes.
I it hasn’t changed much since I started 5 years ago. It might be a tad smaller given the new FIRST Choice ( I think that’s the name) option this year.
I know in 2009 we fit it all in a Pontiac Torrent, with five people in it.
-Nick
It should more then likely fit in most minivans. I have a Freestar, and I’ve fit more then 2 of those bins in the back, with the seating configured for max capacity.
I would just recommend that you bring any cargo nets if your van came with one. Plus having one where the back seat goes into the floor helps keep the gear secure.
Since it seems as if your getting a Rookie Kit, make sure that everything is secure espically with the crio and classmate in the bins/boxes.
It would probably work, depending on the size of the trunk. However, if you can arrange it so that you can fold down the back row of seats to make the trunk larger and take fewer people, I would recommend that (better safe than sorry).
The proposed van to use is a Grand Caravan with stow and go.
It’s bigger than a toaster oven, but smaller than a washing machine.
Just curious -
What Kick Off are you attending? And… how many adults are traveling with you? I would suggest that 2 cars go. The van and one other vehicle. That way, you are guaranteed room for the 7 passengers and the KoP. Andrew has provided the correct info regarding the KoP for rookie teams in this post.
Good luck in 2011 and let me know if I can help in any way!
Jane
we will probably be throwing our in the back of my Ford Explorer. I think you can find a way to fit it in to that van. from what I’ve seen in my dad’s rentals, they have lots of room.
We will be attending the Alamo Region Kick Off in San Antonio.
Being able to rent a van will save a a couple hundred dollars compared to what the school district transportation office wants to charge us for a bus.
For any previous rookies, are there more than two totes? I have to pick up the kit for our team and my two options are my Subaru wagon with an open back seat (it can fit a tunnel robot from 2010 in the trunk with no seats down) and our 15 passenger gas guzzling van.
Since it is a Saturday, I would ask the team members to ask their parents. I know on our team we have ~25 students who go to the Hawaii Kickoff and we have about 6 parents who give rides -at 4:30 in the morning-. If even 1 parent can drop off and stay for 1 or 2 people you will be safe with transporting the KOP in the back of any Van.
If you’re going to be renting the van, then you could save even more money by splitting up the kit between multiple car trunks, assuming multiple vehicles are going.
I’ll put in a call on Monday to this team as I am the San Antonio FRC kick-off coordinator. I’ll also put them in contact with the San Antonio FRC Regional Director, Patrick Felty.
For reference, rookies will receive two large totes at approximately 40 pounds each with dimensions of 2 ft x 3 ft and 18 inches tall. There will be a long narrow box that is about 40 inches. There will then be a few other assorted boxes with small items.
As an FYI for those providing driving options. Corpus Christi to San Antonio is at least a 2 hour drive.
any mini van should work, i have a honda oddessy that i drive and i have put my entire teams eqipment and robot in it for competition and the boxs are small enough to fit in the trunk of most vehicles
Ray,
I would suggest you might want to bring a cart along with you. It will help you get the entire KOP out to the car at the same time. Another suggestion, don’t be tempted to open the KOP at the kickoff. Wait until you get back to your build space and inventory everything as you remove it. Then and only then, play with it.
Just a thought: We have a kickoff party where almost everyone on the team meets at one of the mentor’s house (she has access to the NASA channel on her satelite) and the team members bring breakfast and lunch items. We send the minimum to the kickoff. That allows the team to start brainstorming and reading the manuals.