By: Brittney Lee on Upack.com
How easy is it to drive a rental truck?
If you're planning a DIY move, you've likely considered a rental truck. But renting a truck also means driving it — and that’s not exactly easy. While the basic controls are the same as personal vehicles, there are some key differences — like size and weight — that can make driving a rental truck tricky. Not everyone feels comfortable driving a large truck, so we’ve gathered some tips to help. We’ll also tell you about another option to move without having to drive a rental.
10 tips for driving U-Hauls and other moving trucks
1. Plan the route ahead of time Before renting a truck, it’s a good idea to map out a route from your current home to the new one. With rentals, it’s best to stick to highways and major roads as much as possible because some backroads may not be wide enough for larger vehicles.
Plan for any stops and look for places with parking available for a moving truck since these won’t fit in standard vehicle parking spaces. It’s also important to find out if you have to stop at weigh stations in any states you’ll drive through.
2. Inspect the truck Whether renting from U-Haul® or another company, examine the truck before hitting the road to avoid trouble along the way. Check the tires and test the windshield wipers in case of bad weather. It’s also helpful to document (and discuss with the manager) any interior or exterior damage to the truck so you won’t be charged for it when returning the vehicle.