U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices: Your Essential Guide to a Smooth Move

U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices: Your Essential Guide to a Smooth Move sale.truckstrend.com

Moving can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and planning, it transforms into a manageable project. At the heart of most DIY moves is the rental truck, and U-Haul stands as one of the most recognized and accessible providers in North America. Understanding U-Haul truck sizes and their associated prices is paramount to ensuring an efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free relocation. Choosing the wrong size can lead to frustrating multiple trips, wasted fuel, or conversely, a vehicle too large and challenging to maneuver. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect U-Haul truck for your needs, demystify their pricing structure, and offer practical advice for a seamless moving experience.

Understanding U-Haul’s Diverse Fleet: A Size-by-Size Breakdown

U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices: Your Essential Guide to a Smooth Move

U-Haul offers a wide array of rental vehicles, from small utility pickups to large box trucks, designed to accommodate moves of all scales. Each truck size is engineered with specific moving needs in mind, featuring varying cubic capacities, loading features, and suitability for different types of cargo.

1. Pickup Trucks

• Description: The smallest and most agile option in the U-Haul fleet. These are standard pickup trucks, typically F-150s or similar models.
• Capacity: Approximately 76 cubic feet in the bed. Limited enclosed space.
• Ideal For: Small, local tasks like hauling a few pieces of furniture, picking up appliances, transporting gardening supplies, or a dorm room move. Not suitable for entire household moves.
• Features: Open bed, often equipped with a hitch for towing small trailers.
• Key Consideration: Your belongings will be exposed to the elements unless covered.

2. Cargo Vans

• Description: A step up from the pickup, the cargo van offers an enclosed, secure space.
• Capacity: Roughly 245 cubic feet of enclosed space.
• Ideal For: Studio apartments, dorm rooms, small office moves, delivering packages, or transporting delicate items that need protection from weather. Can often fit a queen-sized bed and a few boxes.
• Features: Roll-up door at the rear, tie-downs inside, easy to drive and park.
• Key Consideration: While enclosed, the space is still relatively compact, making it unsuitable for multi-room moves.

3. 10′ Truck

• Description: The smallest dedicated box truck, easy to drive and navigate in urban environments.
• Capacity: Approximately 402 cubic feet. Can typically handle a studio apartment or a small 1-bedroom apartment.
• Ideal For: Students, young professionals, or small apartment dwellers. Fits items like a queen-sized bed, dresser, sofa, and several boxes.
• Features: Low loading deck for easier loading, "EZ-Load Ramp" (available on some models), automatic transmission.
• Key Consideration: Ideal for local moves; for long distances, you might need a slightly larger truck if you have more than just the basics.

4. 15′ Truck

• Description: U-Haul’s most popular rental truck size, offering a good balance of capacity and maneuverability.
• Capacity: Around 760 cubic feet. Designed for 1-2 bedroom homes or apartments.
• Ideal For: Small families, couples, or individuals with a moderate amount of furniture. Can accommodate larger items like a king-sized bed, dining room set, and multiple appliances.
• Features: Patented "Mom’s Attic" (an over-cab storage area for fragile items or boxes), low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp, automatic transmission, air conditioning.
• Key Consideration: This is often the sweet spot for many residential moves, minimizing trips without being overly cumbersome to drive.

5. 17′ Truck

• Description: A slightly larger version of the 15′ truck, providing more space without a significant increase in overall vehicle length.
• Capacity: Approximately 860 cubic feet. Suitable for 2-3 bedroom homes or larger apartments.
• Ideal For: Families with a moderate amount of belongings, or those needing a bit of extra space for garage items or outdoor furniture.
• Features: Includes "Mom’s Attic," low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp, automatic transmission, air conditioning.
• Key Consideration: A good choice if you’re borderline between the 15′ and 20′ trucks, offering that crucial extra volume.

6. 20′ Truck

• Description: A substantial box truck, well-suited for larger residential moves.
• Capacity: Around 1015 cubic feet. Can handle a 3-4 bedroom home.
• Ideal For: Medium-sized families, or those moving a substantial amount of furniture, appliances, and boxes.
• Features: Spacious interior, "Mom’s Attic," low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp, automatic transmission, air conditioning.
• Key Consideration: While larger, these trucks are still designed to be driven with a standard driver’s license. Plan your route carefully, considering parking and narrow streets.

7. 26′ Truck

• Description: The largest truck offered by U-Haul, designed for the biggest residential or commercial moves.
• Capacity: Roughly 1280 cubic feet. Ideal for 4+ bedroom homes, large estates, or significant commercial relocations.
• Ideal For: Large families, moving long distances to consolidate belongings, or businesses relocating their entire office.
• Features: Maximum cubic capacity, "Mom’s Attic," low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp, automatic transmission, air conditioning.
• Key Consideration: Requires more confidence and experience to drive, especially in tight spaces or heavy traffic. Ensure you have ample parking and maneuvering room at both ends of your move.

U-Haul Pricing Structure: What to Expect

Understanding U-Haul’s pricing model is crucial for accurate budgeting. Prices are not static and can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Base Rate: This is a flat daily or rental period fee. For local rentals, it’s typically an initial low fee (e.g., $19.95 or $29.95). For one-way rentals, the base rate is often higher and calculated based on the origin, destination, truck size, and demand.
• Mileage Charge: For local rentals, there’s a per-mile charge (e.g., $0.99 to $1.29 per mile). One-way rentals usually include a certain number of free miles, with an additional charge for exceeding that allowance.
• Protection Plans (Insurance): U-Haul offers various coverage options like Safemove, Safemove Plus, and Safetrip. While optional, they are highly recommended to protect against damage to the truck, your belongings, or third-party liability. Costs vary depending on the plan and truck size.
• Environmental Fee: A small, mandatory fee added to most rentals.
• Taxes: Standard state and local sales taxes apply.
• Fuel: You are responsible for returning the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Failure to do so will result in a refueling charge plus the cost of fuel. U-Haul trucks are gas-guzzlers, so factor in significant fuel costs, especially for longer distances.
• Additional Equipment: Dollies (utility, appliance, furniture), furniture pads, and towing equipment (car carriers, auto transports) are rented separately and add to the total cost.

One-Way vs. In-Town Rentals:

• In-Town (Local) Rentals: You pick up and return the truck to the same U-Haul location. These typically have a lower base rate plus a per-mile charge.
• One-Way Rentals: You pick up the truck at one location and drop it off at another. The pricing is more dynamic, influenced by the route, demand, and season. While the base rate might be higher, it often includes a generous mileage allowance.

Choosing the Right U-Haul Truck Size: Practical Advice

Selecting the optimal truck size is the most critical decision. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Inventory Your Belongings: Go room by room and make a detailed list of all furniture, appliances, and the estimated number of boxes. Don’t forget garage items, outdoor furniture, and shed contents.
2. Utilize U-Haul’s Space Estimator Tool: U-Haul’s website offers a helpful online tool where you input your inventory, and it recommends a truck size. This is an excellent starting point.
3. Err on the Side of Caution (Slightly Larger): It’s almost always better to have a little too much space than not enough. An extra trip due to a small truck means more time, more fuel, and more stress. A slightly larger truck might cost a bit more upfront but can save you money and headaches in the long run.
4. Consider Driving Comfort: If you’re not comfortable driving large vehicles, opting for a slightly smaller truck and making an extra trip locally might be preferable. For long distances, however, minimizing trips is usually the goal.
5. Think About Loading Access: Consider the size of your largest items (e.g., king-size bed, large sofa) and ensure they will fit through the truck’s opening and have enough interior height.

Tips for a Smooth U-Haul Rental Experience

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak moving seasons (end of month, summer, holidays), U-Haul trucks are in high demand. Book as early as possible to secure your desired size and pickup location.
• Confirm Pickup Details: A day or two before your move, call your U-Haul location to confirm the exact pickup time and availability of your truck. Sometimes, due to returns, the exact truck size might be slightly adjusted.
• Inspect the Truck Thoroughly: Before driving away, inspect the truck for any existing damage (scratches, dents, fluid leaks). Take photos or videos and ensure they are noted on your rental agreement to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage.
• Understand the Fuel Policy: Know the fuel level you received the truck with and plan to return it at or above that level.
• Load Strategically: Place heavy items on the bottom and evenly distribute weight. Secure items with tie-downs to prevent shifting during transit.
• Return On Time: Avoid late fees by returning the truck by the agreed-upon time.

U-Haul Truck Sizes and Estimated Price Table

Please note: The prices provided below are estimates for local (in-town) rentals and can vary significantly based on location, demand, time of year, duration of rental, and whether it’s a one-way or in-town move. Protection plans, taxes, fuel, and additional equipment are not included in these base estimates.

Truck Size	Approx. External Dimensions (LxWxH)	Cubic Feet (Approx.)	Ideal For	Estimated Local Base Rate (Daily)	Est. Local Per Mile Charge	Key Features
Pickup Truck	8′ bed length	76	Small hauls, appliances, dorm items	$19.95 – $29.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Open bed, towing capable
Cargo Van	9’6" x 5’7" x 4’7"	245	Studio, Dorm, Small Office	$19.95 – $29.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Enclosed, secure, easy to drive
10′ Truck	9’11" x 6’4" x 6’2"	402	Studio – 1 Bedroom Apt.	$19.95 – $29.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp
15′ Truck	14’6" x 7’8" x 7’2"	760	1 – 2 Bedroom Home/Apt.	$29.95 – $39.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Mom’s Attic, low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp
17′ Truck	16’10" x 7’8" x 7’2"	860	2 – 3 Bedroom Home/Apt.	$39.95 – $49.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Mom’s Attic, low loading deck, EZ-Load Ramp
20′ Truck	19’6" x 7’8" x 7’2"	1015	3 – 4 Bedroom Home	$39.95 – $59.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Mom’s Attic, spacious, EZ-Load Ramp
26′ Truck	26′ x 8’2" x 8’3"	1280	4+ Bedroom Home, Large Commercial	$39.95 – $59.95	$0.99 – $1.29	Largest capacity, Mom’s Attic, EZ-Load Ramp

Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, always obtain a direct quote from the U-Haul website or by calling a local representative, specifying your exact pickup and drop-off locations and dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a special driver’s license to drive a U-Haul truck?
A: No, all U-Haul trucks, including the largest 26′ truck, can be driven with a standard Class D driver’s license in the U.S. and a G class license in Canada.

Q: Are U-Haul trucks automatic or manual transmission?
A: The vast majority of U-Haul trucks are equipped with automatic transmissions, making them easier for most drivers to operate.

Q: What is the fuel efficiency of U-Haul trucks?
A: U-Haul trucks are not known for their fuel efficiency. Expect anywhere from 8-15 miles per gallon (MPG) depending on the truck size, load, terrain, and driving habits. Factor in significant fuel costs for your budget.

Q: Can I tow my car with a U-Haul truck?
A: Yes, many U-Haul truck sizes (typically 15′ and larger) are capable of towing U-Haul’s car trailers (Auto Transports) or tow dollies. You’ll need to rent the appropriate towing equipment separately.

Q: How do I get an exact quote for my specific move?
A: The best way to get an accurate quote is to visit the U-Haul website (uhaul.com) and use their online reservation system. Input your desired truck size, pickup and drop-off locations, and dates. You can also call a local U-Haul representative.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of U-Haul truck sizes and prices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to assess your moving needs, understanding the various truck options available, and familiarizing yourself with the pricing structure, you can make an informed decision that saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress. From the agile pickup truck for small errands to the colossal 26-footer for an entire household, U-Haul provides a solution for almost every moving scenario. With careful planning and the practical advice outlined in this guide, your next move can be as smooth and efficient as possible.