what do you guys think of renting the big 24' or 26' truck instead of the 17' van like truck? Would the bigger truck ride better because of it's power and be more comfortable?
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what do you guys think of renting the big 24' or 26' truck instead of the 17' van like truck? Would the bigger truck ride better because of it's power and be more comfortable?
I don't think the differences are going to be very significant between the two trucks, but if anything, going bigger is just make matters worse.
A bigger truck is going to really just magnify the issues of using a moving truck - its going to be bigger, heavier, and get worse gas mileage. The only potential upside is that if by going to a larger truck you might be more likely to get a Diesel, giving you you a little more power and a little better mileage (although Diesel typically costs more).
However, there's really no magic to get around the fact that you'll be driving a moving truck, which are great for hauling stuff, but not designed with comfort or speed. It doesn't matter how big or small of a truck it is, its still a moving truck.
The best rental trucks in my opinion are the 26 foot Penske diesels. They will do 70 mph on level ground and get about 12 mpg. The diesels will climb mountains much better than gassers.
? U-haul vs. Penske ?
As with anything people are going to have their brand preferences.
There aren't any huge differences, but I've used Uhaul for most of my big moves (and I've made major/cross country several times). I've also used Budget once, but never Penske.
I like Uhaul because they are everywhere, they tend to be the cheapest (and if they aren't they'll price match), they have seating for 3 in all of their trucks and the trucks are lower to the ground, which is nice when you're going in and out of a truck all day packing and unpacking. I also worked at a store that rented Uhauls back in college, so I'm pretty familiar with their systems and "how things are done."
Uhaul does at times get a bad reputation, because they do tend to keep their trucks in service a long time, and frankly people often have some pretty unrealistic expectations and when you combine that with the stress of moving, it can lead for some pretty negative reviews. However, one way rentals do get priority and especially when you're doing a move of this size they'll be pretty good about getting you a newer truck (and it never hurts to ask for one)
I've never used Penske simply because they've always been more expensive and they usually only have one or two locations per city with more limited hours, which can make for some annoyingly long drives to drop off or pick up. Otherwise, I really don't have any strong feelings about them positive or negative.
I ended up reserving a 22' diesel penske truck for the trip. I am mostly doing this because my small dog is joining us on the trip, and the big penske truck has a 3 person bench seat. I also like the diesel engine and the bigger interior. I also imagine that the ride will be more comfortable. I should be able to drive faster in good weather and straight roads.
Ramie
Once again, even with everything you've said, you're still dealing with a moving truck and you shouldn't expect high performance. If you are thinking that you'll be able to shave days off this trip by going "faster" please think again. This is still very much a 6 full day trip, and if you think you can do it faster, then you will most certainly be trading safety for speed.
I'm not trying to shave days of my trip, I'm in no hurry. I just like the comfort of the big truck and being able to drive a little faster is a plus. I really think the bigger truck will ride better and more comfortable, but I could be wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Midwest Michael
My wife's father used to be a truck driver. He told me that there are some truck stop rest areas that if you gas up there, they have a shower and let you use it. Is this true and how do I find them? I also saw a video of a 26' Penske truck being pulled over by DOT for not stopping at a weigh station. My friends drove from Miami to Seattle in a 26' U-haul and they did not stop at weigh stations. Am I supposed to stop to get weighed?
What you are talking about are Truck Stops - or the more modern term of Travel Plazas. They are all over the interstates. This article goes into some detail about them.
Different states have different rules regarding moving trucks. Most states aren't going to bother with you, but just last week I noticed a sign in South Dakota that specifically said moving trucks and RVs needed to stop. If in doubt, pull in. Most of the time, they'll simply wave you right through, but it goes by the "better safe than sorry" theory.