U-Haul Truck Rental Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Moving Vehicle

U-Haul Truck Rental Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Moving Vehicle cars.truckstrend.com

Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, but with the right preparation and tools, it can also be surprisingly smooth. Central to a successful DIY move is selecting the appropriate moving truck. Enter U-Haul, the household name synonymous with self-moving, offering an extensive fleet of trucks designed to accommodate moves of virtually any size. Understanding U-Haul truck rental sizes isn’t just about picking a vehicle; it’s about optimizing your move, saving time, reducing costs, and preventing the frustrating scenario of having too much stuff and not enough space, or conversely, paying for space you don’t need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through U-Haul’s diverse range of truck sizes, helping you make an informed decision for your next relocation.

Understanding U-Haul’s Fleet Philosophy: A Size for Every Move

U-Haul Truck Rental Sizes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Moving Vehicle

U-Haul’s primary goal is to provide customers with the "right size truck" for their specific needs, aiming to prevent both wasted space and the need for multiple trips. Their fleet is meticulously designed, from compact cargo vans to the largest 26-foot trucks, each engineered with features like low decks, EZ-Load ramps, and comfortable cabs. Knowing the dimensions, capacities, and ideal uses for each option is the first step toward a hassle-free move.

Detailed Breakdown of U-Haul Truck Sizes

Let’s explore the various U-Haul truck sizes, their typical capacities, and what kind of move they’re best suited for.

1. Cargo Van

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  
  • Interior: 9’6" L x 5’7" W x 4’5" H
  • Door Opening: 4’0" W x 3’7" H
• Capacity: Perfect for studio apartments, dorm rooms, small one-bedroom apartments, or picking up large furniture items and appliances. It can typically hold the contents of a small living room or bedroom.
• Key Features: Easy to maneuver and park, similar to a large SUV. Comes with tie-downs to secure cargo. No ramp, but low deck height for easy loading.



• Benefits: Fuel-efficient, easy to drive, great for quick, small hauls or city driving.
• Considerations: Limited space, not suitable for entire multi-room moves.

2. 10′ Truck

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  • Interior: 9’11" L x 6’4" W x 6’2" H
  • Door Opening: 5’11" W x 5’7" H
• Capacity: Ideal for studio to one-bedroom apartments. Can typically fit a king-size bed, a dresser, a nightstand, a loveseat, and several boxes.
• Key Features: Low loading deck and a patented EZ-Load ramp for easy access. Equipped with rub rails for tie-downs.
• Benefits: More spacious than the cargo van but still relatively compact and easy to drive. Good fuel economy for its size.
• Considerations: May require a second trip for larger one-bedroom apartments or if you have many large pieces of furniture.

3. 15′ Truck

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  • Interior: 15′ L x 7’8" W x 7’2" H
  • Door Opening: 7’3" W x 6’10" H
• Capacity: The most popular U-Haul truck size, perfect for a 1-2 bedroom home or apartment. It can comfortably hold two to three rooms of furniture, including appliances like a refrigerator and washer/dryer.
• Key Features: Low deck, EZ-Load ramp, and a "Mom’s Attic" space above the cab for fragile items or extra boxes, keeping them separate and secure. Integrated rub rails for securing cargo.
• Benefits: Versatile, offering a good balance of capacity and maneuverability. Mom’s Attic is a significant advantage.
• Considerations: Requires more attention when driving and parking than smaller vehicles.

4. 17′ Truck

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  • Interior: 16’9" L x 7’8" W x 7’2" H
  • Door Opening: 7’3" W x 6’10" H
• Capacity: Suited for 2-3 bedroom homes or larger apartments. This truck offers a bit more length than the 15′ model, making it suitable for slightly larger loads, including an extra bedroom set or more bulky items.
• Key Features: Similar to the 15′ truck, it includes a low deck, EZ-Load ramp, and the useful Mom’s Attic for extra storage and delicate items.
• Benefits: Offers a step up in capacity from the 15′ truck without a significant jump in driving difficulty.
• Considerations: Availability might vary by location as it’s sometimes less common than the 15′ or 20′ trucks.

5. 20′ Truck

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  • Interior: 19’6" L x 7’8" W x 7’2" H
  • Door Opening: 7’3" W x 6’10" H
• Capacity: Designed for 3-4 bedroom homes or larger apartments. This truck can handle a substantial amount of furniture, including multiple bedroom sets, living room furniture, dining room sets, and all major appliances.
• Key Features: Features a low deck, EZ-Load ramp, and the integrated Mom’s Attic for extra storage, ensuring efficient packing and protection for delicate items.
• Benefits: Provides ample space for larger family moves, often allowing for a single trip.
• Considerations: Longer vehicle requires more cautious driving, especially when turning or backing up. Fuel efficiency decreases with size.

6. 26′ Truck

• Dimensions (Approx.):
  • Interior: 26′ L x 8’2" W x 8’3" H
  • Door Opening: 7’11" W x 6’10" H
• Capacity: The largest U-Haul truck, ideal for 4-5+ bedroom homes or very large moves. It’s designed to accommodate an entire household, including multiple bedroom sets, large appliances, oversized furniture, and outdoor equipment.
• Key Features: The largest capacity, low deck, and EZ-Load ramp. Some models may feature an extended Mom’s Attic. More tie-downs for securing a large load.
• Benefits: Maximum capacity for the largest moves, minimizing trips and saving time.
• Considerations: Requires careful driving due to its significant length and width. Parking and navigating tight residential streets can be challenging. Fuel costs will be higher.

Choosing the Right Size: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the perfect U-Haul truck involves more than just a guess. Follow these steps for an accurate assessment:

1. Inventory Your Belongings: Go room by room and list every piece of furniture, appliance, and an estimate of how many boxes you’ll have. Be realistic about item sizes.
2. Consider All Items: Don’t forget garage items, outdoor furniture, plants, and oddly shaped objects that take up more space.
3. Factor in "Buffer" Space: It’s always better to have a little extra space than not enough. A slightly larger truck might cost a bit more upfront but can save you the hassle and expense of a second trip or a last-minute scramble.
4. Use U-Haul’s Online Tools: U-Haul’s website offers helpful calculators and recommendations based on the number of rooms you’re moving.
5. Think About Accessibility: Consider the access at both your old and new locations. Will a very large truck be able to navigate narrow streets or driveways?

Beyond the Truck: Essential Accessories and Services

U-Haul also offers a range of accessories and services that can complement your truck rental:

• Moving Supplies: Boxes of various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and mattress covers.
• Dollies: Appliance dollies (with straps for heavy items) and utility dollies (for stacks of boxes or furniture).
• Moving Blankets: Essential for protecting furniture and appliances from scratches and dents.
• Towing Capabilities: Many U-Haul trucks can tow your personal vehicle using a U-Haul car hauler or tow dolly, saving you the expense and hassle of driving two vehicles.

Important Considerations Before You Rent

• Fuel Costs: U-Haul trucks run on unleaded gasoline. Remember to budget for fuel, as you are expected to return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Larger trucks consume more fuel.
• Insurance Options: U-Haul offers various coverage plans (e.g., Safemove®, Safemove Plus®) that cover damage to the truck, your belongings, and medical expenses. Check your personal auto insurance policy first, as it might offer some coverage, but often excludes rental trucks.
• Driving Experience: While a standard driver’s license is sufficient for all U-Haul trucks, driving larger vehicles requires more caution, wider turns, and increased braking distance. Practice in a parking lot if you’re unfamiliar.
• Pickup and Return: Understand the pickup location, hours, and the specific return process (e.g., dropping keys in a box after hours).
• Reservations: Make reservations as far in advance as possible, especially during peak moving seasons (end of month, summer, holidays) to ensure availability of your desired truck size.

Table: U-Haul Truck Sizes, Capacities, and Estimated Daily Prices

This table provides an overview of U-Haul truck sizes and their general capabilities. Please note that pricing is highly variable based on location, availability, time of year, demand, and whether it’s an in-town or one-way rental. The "Estimated Daily Starting Price (In-Town)" represents a typical starting point for local rentals and does not include mileage charges, taxes, fees, or insurance. One-way rentals are priced differently, often with a flat rate that includes a set number of miles.

Truck Size	Ideal For	Estimated Home Size	Interior Dimensions (L x W x H)	Key Features	Estimated Daily Starting Price (In-Town)*
Cargo Van	Studio, Dorm Room, Large Items	Studio / 1 Bed (Small)	9’6" x 5’7" x 4’5"	Easy to drive, tie-downs	$19.95 – $29.95
10′ Truck	Studio, 1 Bedroom Apt.	Studio / 1 Bed	9’11" x 6’4" x 6’2"	Low Deck, EZ-Load Ramp, Tie-downs	$19.95 – $29.95
15′ Truck	1-2 Bedroom Home/Apt.	1-2 Bed	15′ x 7’8" x 7’2"	Mom’s Attic, Low Deck, EZ-Load Ramp	$29.95 – $39.95
17′ Truck	2-3 Bedroom Home/Apt.	2-3 Bed	16’9" x 7’8" x 7’2"	Mom’s Attic, Low Deck, EZ-Load Ramp	$39.95 – $49.95
20′ Truck	3-4 Bedroom Home/Apt.	3-4 Bed	19’6" x 7’8" x 7’2"	Mom’s Attic, Low Deck, EZ-Load Ramp	$39.95 – $49.95
26′ Truck	4+ Bedroom Home, Large Moves	4+ Bed	26′ x 8’2" x 8’3"	Largest Capacity, Low Deck, EZ-Load Ramp	$39.95 – $59.95

Prices are estimates for in-town* rentals and do not include mileage charges (typically $0.79 – $1.29 per mile), taxes, fees, or optional insurance. One-way rental prices are structured differently and are often higher. Always get a detailed quote from U-Haul directly.

Tips for a Smooth U-Haul Rental Experience

• Pack Smart: Use uniform box sizes for easier stacking. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Load Strategically: Load heavy items first and lowest, distributing weight evenly. Secure everything with tie-downs.
• Understand Your Agreement: Read the rental contract carefully, paying attention to fuel policy, return time, and damage responsibilities.
• Inspect the Truck: Before driving off, do a thorough walk-around and note any existing damage on the rental agreement. Take photos for your records.

Challenges and Solutions

• Underestimating Size Needed: This is the most common mistake. Solution: Always round up if you’re unsure, or use U-Haul’s online tools accurately. Better to have a little extra space than make multiple trips or rent another truck.
• Driving a Large Vehicle: For those unused to driving large trucks, maneuvering can be daunting. Solution: Take it slow, make wider turns, use your mirrors frequently, and consider having a spotter when backing up.
• Fuel Costs: Can add up quickly, especially on long-distance moves. Solution: Plan your route efficiently to minimize mileage. Drive steadily to optimize fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I drive a U-Haul truck with a regular driver’s license?
A1: Yes, all U-Haul rental trucks can be driven with a standard Class D driver’s license in the U.S. and a G Class license in Canada. No special commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required.

Q2: What’s the difference between in-town and one-way rentals?
A2: In-town rentals are for local moves where you pick up and return the truck to the same U-Haul location. They typically have a low daily rate plus a per-mile charge. One-way rentals are for long-distance moves where you pick up the truck in one city and return it to a different U-Haul location in another city. These usually have a flat rate that includes a set number of miles and days.

Q3: Do U-Haul trucks have ramps?
A3: Yes, all U-Haul moving trucks (10′, 15′, 17′, 20′, and 26′ models) are equipped with a patented EZ-Load ramp for easy loading and unloading of heavy items. Cargo vans do not have ramps due to their lower deck height.

Q4: Are there mileage limits on U-Haul rentals?
A4: For in-town rentals, there isn’t a specific mileage limit, but you pay a per-mile charge. For one-way rentals, your contract will specify a certain number of included miles. If you exceed this, additional mileage charges will apply.

Q5: What kind of gas do U-Haul trucks take?
A5: All U-Haul trucks run on regular unleaded gasoline.

Q6: Can I tow my car behind a U-Haul truck?
A6: Yes, most U-Haul trucks (15′ and larger typically, check specific truck details) are equipped to tow a U-Haul car hauler or tow dolly, allowing you to transport your personal vehicle along with your belongings.

Q7: What if I need to change my reservation?
A7: U-Haul allows changes to reservations, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible, especially if you need a different truck size or date, as availability can vary. There may be a change fee in some circumstances, but often not for simple adjustments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right U-Haul truck rental size is a pivotal decision that impacts the efficiency, cost, and overall success of your move. By thoroughly assessing your belongings, understanding the unique capacities and features of each U-Haul truck, and considering the practicalities of driving and loading, you can select a vehicle that perfectly matches your needs. While the array of options might seem daunting at first, U-Haul’s diverse fleet and helpful resources are designed to empower you to take control of your relocation. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to confidently select your ideal moving partner and embark on a smooth, stress-free moving journey.