FWD, is it really needed?

[LauraD]

Greetings All, I am having a difficult time convincing some in my group of 12 that it is reccomended to rent FWD vehicles while staying on the East end of STJ mid July next year. My reasoning is the steep inclines, declines, switchbacks and slick roads after rain and there are places I want to explore on the island that will require a FWD. Am I over thinking the FWD Your input please. Thanks, Laura

[msgcolleen]

YES to a 4 wheel drive! You will need it! The price is the same! Just make sure you have good tread on the tires when you pick up the car! And take the insurance if you can. (speaking from experience with a bald tire blowout and dealing with our own insurance with a fender bender outside of the US mainland.! Not fun~

[Pia]

Laura - just look at my post today - "Pictures of Maho" show them those and let them decide. I will try to post a picture tomorrow of some of the roads after our heavy rain.

Pia

[LauraD]

Pia, I saw your post and thought if we don't get FWD we will float away. Laura

[loria]

I have pulled /pushed more folks out of ruts etc becuase they ahv eno four wheel drive--and even with 4wd i have been in situations where i felt 'uh oh'--so with no 4wd--tell your friends they are being stupid--the additional cost is negligable and the costs without---no so....

[petepie]

You MUST get 4wd. They can try renting one without and will probably end up right back at the rental place trying to do an exchange! Also, I've found that it's easier to deal with the switchbacks in as short a car as possible, so if you can try to get the smaller SUVs (e.g. get a compass instead of a liberty, or a liberty instead of a commander etc.). The longer the wheelbase, the more chance you have of bottoming out at the back on some of the steep inclines, and the smaller cars are easier to maneuver in the villa driveway/parking area.

[Lex]

The drive up Calabash Boom:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PITOhT4n5R0

[djmom]

Ha ha, Laura, all that is important is that YOUR jeep has FWD. If the rest of the group is that stubborn, I would love to see their faces when they get on the island.

You might only use it a few times, but if you need it, you will be REALLY glad you have it.

[BRY1105]

I would not rent a vehicle on STJ unless it had 4WD.

[Tracy in WI]

Well, we did rent two minivans (without FWD) for a week once in June and stayed over in Upper Carolina without a single problem. BUT - there was no rain that week. If there would have been rain, I think I would be posting a different story.

[chicagoans]

Your reasoning is correct! I have to admit I don't understand the resistance some people have to 4WD, especially when they're getting advice from someone who has been there! What's the issue - cost difference? It's negligible compared to the cost of the whole trip, and why limit yourself to what areas you can visit, or put yourself at risk when it rains and you're on a switchback?

Tell them there's a reason why the popular STJ travel book is called "Feet, Fins and Four Wheel Drive." (It's so much catchier than "Feet, Fins and Stuck in a Ditch" or "Feet, Fins and Spinning Tires.")

Definitely get your own (4WD) car! Not just so you can explore anywhere you want, but traveling with a group brings out interesting dynamics and there will almost always be different ideas about when and where to go. To make everyone happy, I'd highly recommend one car per couple or family.

[BuffaloGal]

Absolutely 4WD! Even the road in front of the Westin was starting to look like the road to Little Lameshur last week. Show them a picture of the switchbacks between Trunk and Cinnamon, let alone the dirt road back to Francis Bay. They'll severely limit their options without 4WD.

[mrscherry2000]

I didn't think they rented non 4WD vehicles on St. john, only St. Thomas.

[LauraD]

Thank you all, I sent the responses to the rest of the gang and they are now convinced. I could not understand my sisters resistance since in ST. Maartin we got stuck twice, yeah twice and that terraine is mild compared to STJ. Thanks again, I can now let my hair grow back. Laura

[Boston Mike]

Thank you all, I sent the responses to the rest of the gang and they are now convinced. I could not understand my sisters resistance since in ST. Maartin we got stuck twice, yeah twice and that terraine is mild compared to STJ. Thanks again, I can now let my hair grow back. Laura

LMAO. I remember having a 2wd on St. Martin and having to shut the AC off just to make it up the hills just past Marigot.

4WD is a must!