The Best Mini Van for Balloon Decorating: Why I Love My Chrysler Pacifica

As a balloon artist, finding the perfect vehicle for your business is essential. Whether you're transporting balloons, inflators, or large decor items, your van needs to be practical, reliable, and spacious. After years of researching various options, I finally decided on the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica from Carvana. While a cargo van would be ideal for strictly business use, if you're like me and need a multi-functional minivan that can handle both your business and family needs, I highly recommend the Chrysler Pacifica. It strikes the perfect balance between work and personal use, making it a fantastic choice for balloon artists on the go!

Here are five things I love about my Chrysler Pacifica and why it’s the perfect van for a balloon business (with a few things I don’t love, too).

5 Things I Love About My Chrysler Pacifica

1. Automatic Doors – A Total Game-Changer
As a balloon decorator, you often find yourself juggling multiple things at once. That’s why the automatic sliding doors are one of my favorite features. The side sliding doors open with a button press, and the rear hatch also opens automatically - perfect for when your hands are full of balloons or supplies. These features make a huge difference in the fast-paced, hands-on nature of the job, and I honestly don’t know how I managed before I had them. 10/10, automatic doors are a must!

2. Excellent Climate Control
I live in Michigan, and for a large portion of the year, it’s freezing cold! That's why having heated seats and steering is a lifesaver. The separate rear climate control is also fantastic because I can keep the back of the van cool to protect my balloons (they can get a little fussy in extreme temperatures!). This balance of heating and cooling makes sure I stay comfortable during long drives and that my balloons stay in perfect condition.

3. Length That Makes a Difference
If you’re a balloon artist, you know how tricky it can be to transport long materials. My Pacifica has plenty of space to slide long PVC pipes (10 feet long) down the middle of the van without bending them. It’s the kind of flexibility you can’t get with smaller cars, and as a balloon decorator, it makes all the difference when you’re hauling those giant pieces needed for larger installations.

4. Double Stow-and-Go Seating
I can’t stress enough how important this is for balloon decorators. Many vans have stow-and-go seating, but the Pacifica takes it a step further with easy-to-stow and reassemble seats—no manual removal of heavy captain’s chairs here! The seats stow quickly without taking up extra storage space, which means I can swap between business and family needs with minimal effort. Perfect for those days when I need to transition from a job to a school pickup or after-school activities.

5. Incredible Storage Space
One of the best features of the Pacifica is its massive storage capacity. I can easily fit balloons for three large arches and several columns, along with my small supply kit (inflator, scissors, 260s, 3M hooks, etc.). There's a dedicated storage cove in the back for all my essentials, making it incredibly convenient to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

5 Things I Don’t Love About My Chrysler Pacifica

1. A Bumpy Ride
While I absolutely love my Pacifica, the ride could be a little smoother. This model has a jumpy transmission, and while it's not a major issue, it can make the drive a bit more uncomfortable at times. 

2. The Back Can Get Messy
If you’re not careful, and you’ve got all the seats down with empty space in the back, things can roll around. It’s not the biggest deal, but if you’ve got a packed vehicle, and you forget to strap stuff down, you might find yourself chasing wayward balloon bags in the back!

3. Dual-Purpose is a Challenge
As much as I love my van, it’s still a dual-purpose vehicle. I have three school-aged kids, and after an event, I often need to quickly switch the van back from a work vehicle to a family car. This involves constantly adjusting the seating and clearing out balloons, weights, and decor. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but I’m grateful for the space and the versatility. Eventually, I plan to switch to a cargo van specifically for balloons, but for now, I’m making it work!

4. Branding Comes with a Price
Having your name and logo on your vehicle is great for marketing, but there’s a downside too. You have to be on your best behavior when you're driving, especially if you’re dealing with the stresses of road rage (I mean, we’ve all been there, right?!). Plus, there’s always the awkwardness of walking into Party City, knowing you’re about to load up your “balloon” van. Haha!

5. The Cost
I can’t ignore the price tag. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica isn’t cheap, and we paid around $30K for one with 24K miles on it. While it’s an investment, I have no regrets. It’s an excellent vehicle that has truly improved my balloon business operations, but it’s worth considering that no van is going to be a bargain.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has been a game-changer for my balloon decorating business. The space, flexibility, and features make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a family-friendly vehicle that can also handle the demands of transporting balloons and decor. Sure, there are a few things I’d change, but it’s the best option for me—and it just might be the best option for you too. If you're a balloon artist trying to find the perfect balance between your work and personal life, the Chrysler Pacifica is definitely worth considering!