Just imagine. You are preparing for your child’s birthday party, and all of the preparation is almost done. Tomorrow is “The day,” and you only have one major task to do. And that is to pick up dozens of colorful balloons to fill up the ceiling above in the room. . .
Your SUV is outside in the driveway, and you are ready to take off. However, before you can enter and place your key in the ignition, the question arises, “How many balloons can fit into your vehicle?
So, How many balloons will fit inside your SUV?
In short: A standard-sized SUV can accommodate 100 to 120 balloons, while a smaller SUV may only fit 70 to 80 balloons. Besides the SUV’s size, the balloon type and its filling material also influence the vehicle’s balloon capacity.
This article will discuss how to find the exact answer to this question, specifically regarding an SUV. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Types of Balloons
First and foremost, you need to know that balloons come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. For the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on 2 of the most common types, Latex and Mylar balloons.
Latex Balloons
When you think of a birthday party, you may picture a room filled with lots of big rubbery balloons.
These balloons are made of latex, which comes from rubbery trees. Therefore, they are flexible and have properties that make them biodegradable.
You can find these balloons in different colors and sizes. Though the sizes can vary from 5 inches round to 3 feet sphere, the standard size is about 11 inches in diameter (i.e. fully inflated).
Mylar Balloons
Another common balloon that may be seen at birthday parties is the Mylar balloon. The Mylar balloon may also be called a foil balloon. These balloons are made of a thin polyester film.
People buy this type of balloon for special occasions like birthday parties because they are ideal for spicing up decorations. Here are a few things that you need to know about Mylar balloons:
- Recognized by their shiny surfaces
- Ideal for printing messages and custom designs
- They are not as flexible as latex balloons
- Available in diverse sizes and shapes
- The standard size is about 18 inches in diameter.
Air-filled Balloons Versus Helium Balloons
When determining how many balloons will fit in your SUV, you must also consider whether the balloons will be filled with helium or air.
This can make a huge difference in the final number you can transport in your SUV. So, what is the difference between the two?
Air-filled Balloons
Air-filled balloons will maintain their standard size and shape when filled with air. For example, an 11-inch balloon made of latex will expand to about 11 inches. Like the mylar balloon, an 11-inch mylar balloon will expand to about 18 inches in diameter.
Helium-Filled Balloons
On the other hand, the helium-filled balloons are completely different. This is because helium-filled balloons have different properties. For instance, when they are filled, they usually change shape and size in the following ways.
- Float higher since they are lighter.
- Expand more in size, particularly the latex balloons, because of their flexibility.
- Slightly larger
- It takes up additional space.
In short, if you are looking to transport a lot of balloons for your child’s birthday party, you will need to consider the following:
- Type of balloon
- Gas used to inflate the balloon
Also, as a general rule of thumb, an air-filled latex balloon is likely the best option if you need to transport massive amounts. This is because helium-filled mylar balloons take up much more space.
Use Cargo Volume to Calculate the Number of Balloons
When planning to transport balloons in an SUV, considering cargo volume is essential.
Compact SUVs, designed for city driving, provide 20-60 cubic feet of cargo space but only about 20-30 cubic feet when all seats are in use.
Midsize SUVs, suited for families, offer 60-100 cubic feet, but this reduces to 30-45 cubic feet with a full passenger load.
Full-size SUVs, the road titans, afford 120-150 cubic feet of space, which decreases to 40-100 cubic feet when fully occupied. This disparity in SUV sizes significantly influences balloon transportation capacity.
Therefore, the selection of the SUV should factor in the number of balloons to be transported.
How Many Balloons Will Fit into Your SUV?
Before figuring out how many balloons you can transport in your SUV, you must use these different variables to make the correct calculation. In fact, once you know exactly what’s all involved, the calculation is relatively easy.
Here is a breakdown of the formula by the SUV size.
Full-Size SUV
You will have the most room to work with if you drive a full SUV. When you use this vehicle to transport your balloons, you can transport as many as 100 to 120. Also, the air-filled latex balloon is the most efficient use of your space because of its compactness and elasticity.
Mid Size SUV
If you are driving a full-size SUV, you will have less room to work with (compared to the full-size SUV). When you use this size vehicle, you can transport about 70 air-filled latex balloons. On the other hand, if you are transporting helium-filled balloons, you can only transport about 40. The total number will vary based on several factors, like the less flexible nature of the Mylar balloons.
Compact Size SUV
If you are driving a compact size/smaller size SUV, you will have the least room to work with. This is because the compact size will only allow about 50 air-filled balloons. In some cases, the number of balloons may fall to about 30, specifically if they are made of less flexible materials like Mylar balloons.
Final Thoughts
How many balloons will fit into your SUV may appear a whimsical question. However, if you take the time to do your research, you will find several specific variables involved. The balloon type, SUV size, and inflation gas influences a close estimate of this number.
