Moving LA to MD, need advice

Hi, I'm a single woman moving cross country alone. For a variety of reasons, I think it best to drive a truck and tow my car. I will be traveling with one cat, and have time to make the trip. My sons are fearful of my doing this, especially the thought of someone stealing my truck or it's contents while I am sleeping. I plan to use Penske because they seem the most reliable.

So I ask you road veterans out there: Am I crazy to do this, as my sons suggest, or is this a feasible and safe option?

What suggestions would you give me regarding: route, safety, sleeping?

Thanks very much for your help.

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people do similar moving trips every day. If you can handle the truck/car combination safely, there is no particular reason not to do this. Buy yourself a good padlock for the truck's lift gate and no one is going to bother it or its contents. The most direct and easiest route from Los Angeles to Baltimore is I-15 north to Barstow, I-40 east to Oklahoma City, I-44 to St. Louis and I-70 to Baltimore. At around 2700 miles, this trip can be made in five days of steady, serious driving. Six would leave you a little wiggle room, but how much time you have may depend as much on the rental contract as anything.

A few general suggestions: Have everything packed up as much as possible before you get the truck so that you maximize the time you have for the drive rather than wasting rental time on putting stuff in boxes. Use beltways around major cities wherever possible and stay in the 2nd lane. Most of these roads will have 3 or 4 lanes. Leave the leftmost lane(s) to fast traffic and leave the rightmost lane to people trying to get on/off. Know which exit number you want and where it is, then get over to the right a good couple of miles beforehand. Try to spend your nights well away from major cities at motels along the Interstate at otherwise underpopulated exits. This will make it easier to get to on/off the highway and the motels will usually be set up for drive through parking. Ask at the front desk if there's somewhere you can park your rig that's well lit and visible from either the lobby or the road.

In short, you're not crazy and maybe it's time to show your son what you're capable of.

AZBuck

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Originally Posted by slbphd

Hi, I'm a single woman moving cross country alone. For a variety of reasons, I think it best to drive a truck and tow my car.

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We are deeply committed to the concept of solo road trips here -- and in fact, my research shows that a significant & majority % of all solo roadtrippers out there are women. We have lots of tips about the best ways to do that.... That being said, I have some concerns about about anyone, male or female, combining a solo roadtrip with a household move. Are you familiar with those pack and drop containers? If it were me... I would use one of those services for your household goods and then take a considerably less stressful move across the country in your car. Here's one such company, (I'm not recommending this company -- I don't know anything about them -- strictly an example) What I do like about the service is that you pack your belongings as you wish, you lock the container and then let a professional driver haul it for you.

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I will be traveling with one cat, and have time to make the trip. My sons are fearful of my doing this, especially the thought of someone stealing my truck or it's contents while I am sleeping. I plan to use Penske because they seem the most reliable.

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I think the chance of a theft of this nature is very remote. There are thousands of such trucks on the road in the summer months -- thefts of personal household property are pretty rare.

Solo road trip tips:
An overview article
Safety on the road
Here's a thread from a first-timer solo (woman) traveler and her experiences
Truck Stops as a resting option

Mark

I would also recommend hiring someone else to drive your stuff while you drive your car and enjoy the trip. We are moving from NY to NC. With the company we chose, you pack and load your stuff yourself then they drive it to your location. For us that will be storage until we close on a house. Then they will take it from storage (nothing every gets moved out, they just unhitch the contained and rehitch it to move it) to our new home. It's about $1500 I think plus storage for however long. This way we just take our personal belongings and important papers and have a fun road trip and not have to worry about driving a large truck.

Thanks very much for your replies.

I had looked into the pod idea, but I am limited by the rural nature of my move and the facilities locations.

Any suggestions on the moving of a piano? I hear that it's better to let a piano company move it, but of course, they make money that way.

If everything is strapped tight to the truck, any reason why I can't transport that too?

Um, pianos tend to be very heavy, even small spinets. So will there be people at both the California (or Louisiana?) and Maryland ends of this move to help you load and unload it? If so, there's no reason not to move it yourself. You will probably have to get it tuned again after the move even if a professional moves it just because of the changes in temperature and humidity. But if you're going to be trying to move this thing around by yourself, I'd make sure you can do that (including up and down steps!) before committing yourself to such labor.

AZBuck

Hire a professional piano mover. It's well worth every cent. A professional can retune it upon delivery. I have a friend who does this for a living, and there's a lot of specialized equipment involved, and having knowledge of pianos is a must.

Unless the piano has some real special personal significance, I would try to sell it and just buy a new (used) one when you get to your destination. I really think you could save a lot of money compared to moving it across country, and at the very least, you'll save a whole lot of hassles.

Pianos are incredibly susceptible to changes in humidity and the general bumpiness of a move. If this is a valuable asset to you (and nearly all pianos are) trying to move it yourself is foolhardy at best. Sorry, but that's the reality of this situation. Michael's "Option B" probably makes the most sense!

Mark

Okay, it looks like it's coming together. Thank you to everyone as this gets worked out.

I haven't decided on the piano yet, but it's too valuable to sell in this economy--I'd never be able to replace it. So somehow it will get moved.

I've decided on Penske as my truck. Their rates were better than Uhaul, and more professional, through, and helpful. I can also get professional help loading the truck through a company that they recommend--very helpful!

So now I'm down to packing (of course), but also mapping my move. The course that you have recommended was helpful, thank you.

As I plan the drive, I am guessing that 300 miles a day is about 6 hours.
Is that reasonable for 1 person to drive in a day?
Am I over/under estimating 50mph, (with a 26 ft truck towing a car)?

Also, given your experience, what are the best, safest, and easiest places to stay in? Economical would also be nice, but safety trumps all.

I appreciate your help so much--thank you.

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As I plan the drive, I am guessing that 300 miles a day is about 6 hours.
Is that reasonable for 1 person to drive in a day?
Am I over/under estimating 50mph, (with a 26 ft truck towing a car)?

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I think you are estimating very well. If all you want to do is get there, and are taking Interstate highways, you could reasonably drive about 500 miles a day. That's going to be 10 to 12 hours on the road if you can handle that. Make sure you take a break every few hours.

Request a diesel if you can, you will save on fuel costs. Diesel is about the same price as gas right now, and a diesel will get considerably better fuel mileage. My son in law has rented Penskes several times to make long moves, he tells me the diesels get about 10 mpg loaded and the gas trucks get 6 to 8.

I'd recommend low to mid range chain hotels at Interstate exits away from large cities. You will have the best of all worlds that way - examples are Motel 6, Super 8, and Rodeway. They are generally very easy to access and should have a back lot or double spaces for parking long rigs.

I think you're estimates are perfectly fine, and if anything, they'll likely be on the conservative side. I suspect you might be able to make slightly better time than you are expecting, at least once you get comfortable on the road. I'd expect that first day to go pretty slow as you get used to driving the large truck/trailer combo, but that will get easier as you make your way on the road.

I would very much agree about getting a diesel if possible. I've used Uhaul for my big moves, and diesel will get you a few extra mpgs and seems to have a bit more power than a gas engine, especially when you'll be dealing with one of the larger sizes of trucks.

Thanks everyone for your help. The move is coming together, and I am feeling excited and as comfortable as I can be with the adventure.

What are your thoughts about a car dolly vs a trailer? My car is in very good shape with very low miles, even though it's a 1999 model.

The price is about a $300 difference.

Also, I don't have one of those fancy phones. Does it make sense to get a CB?
I had one 30 years ago, but I imagine they're so different now.

My thoughts about the CB stem from construction and weather delays (there's no tornados at the end of August, right? I imagine just thunderstorms).

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What are your thoughts about a car dolly vs a trailer?

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It depends on exactly what your car is. I see it's a 99, but what make, model, and transmission? FWD, RWD, or AWD?

I'm old school, but I won't travel without a cell phone and a laptop with a wifi card. I haven't used a CB in 25 years.

Assuming your car can be towed on a tow dolly (check your owners manual, most front wheel drive cars are fine, but AWD cars a big no), full trailer will be a little easier to get around with, primarily because with a tow dolly you can not back up, at all. However, I'm not sure that's something that's worth a $300 difference. What I would recommend, and what I've done in the past, is to talk with the people at the actual rental location and see if they can reduce the cost. Since you are already spending a good amount of money on a cross country rental, they may be willing to work with you and get the price for the full trailer closer to the dolly price.

You can see Thunderstorms at any time of year with the right conditions, its not something that's a purely seasonal phenomenon. However, it would be past peak season for severe weather, and even if it was the peak, the odds of seeing a twister on any given trip is quite low.

I assume that's a cellphone, right?

Well, several regulars here are big on having a CB. However, I don't have one and just haven't seen the need for one.

I do, however, have a cellphone. I really encourage you to consider getting one for this trip. You don't need to invest a lot of money. You can get a pay-as-you-go phone at most any big box store these days for very cheap. This way you have something if you do have an emergency situation. And you could easily call and let your son know who well you're doing.

Ya know, back in the old days before cellphone were common, if I saw a car stalled on the side of the road, especially if it was a road that is not well-traveled, I would sometimes stop at the first payphone and alert the state patrol in case the people needed help. When I first got my cellphone, long before most people still had one, I would call in for people. But, nowadays, I assume that everybody has one and don't make any attempt to help.

If you decide not to get one, at the very least I recommend you purchase one of those banners they used to sell (if still available), that says something to the effect of "Help needed, please contact police" or you might be sitting by the side of the road for a very long time.

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Originally Posted by slbphd

.............Am I crazy to do this, as my sons suggest,..........

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Don't worry!! They'll get used to it.

Mine eventually did.....

Lifey who always travels alone

Hi, thanks for your comments.

My car is a saab, so I'm okay with the dolly or the trailer. I'll see if I can petition the cost lower from Penske. That was a good idea.

I do have a cell phone, just not the fancy kind with internet. That's why I was thinking of a cb, so I could hear about any problems on the road.

Are there best times to travel/drive? Or on a trip like this it doesn't make a difference?

If your Saab is front wheel drive, a dolly should be fine, but if it's all wheel drive, you need a trailer.

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Originally Posted by slbphd

I do have a cell phone, just not the fancy kind with internet. That's why I was thinking of a cb, so I could hear about any problems on the road.

Are there best times to travel/drive? Or on a trip like this it doesn't make a difference?

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While a CB would be better to alert you to sudden problems up the road due to accidents, etc., you might also want to visit the websites for the DOT's for the various states you're driving through and jot down their information phone numbers. Many also use 511 as the number to call, but not all. You could call in the morning, or on breaks during the day, if you want to check the status of the roads you'll be driving over the next day or few hours.

This is one reason why some advocate having a CB. If it's something you think you'll use and enjoy, there's no reason not to get one.

Time to drive? I think a lot of this just depends on what time of day you prefer driving. Me? I like getting up early and getting started, preferably no later than 7am, preferably by 6am. I generally don't stop until close to sunset. I prefer a longer day with a lot of time for longer stops along the way. Just do what feels comfortable to you.

However, I do adjust this based on the sun. Here's what I mean...when heading east, and if I'm driving on a road traveling due east and it's nice weather with a strong sun, I might leave a bit later until the sun is a bit higher in the sky so I'm not blinded by the direct rays. (If heading west, and the road is heading due west, just the opposite. I'll try to not be on the highway when the sun is setting.) Sometimes this means just a short window, maybe 30 minutes, where driving is a witch so I'll just pull over for a quick break. I just hate driving blinded.

Here's another tip...if you are staying in a bigger town or a city where traffic congestion might be an issue in the morning, stay on the east side of the city (since you're traveling east). Those going west should stay on the west side. This way when commuters are driving into the city for work, you'll be driving out of the city and, thus, should avoid the worst of the congestion. Don't be driving into any major city in the morning if you can help it!

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Wow, how much does it cost to rent a big truck + car trailer? How about the cost of fuel for lugging all of your stuff + a car? Is it worth it vs. having a huge garage sale and just packing only the essentials into your Saab?

Do you have experience driving a gigantic truck with trailer? I've been driving over 20 years and I'd be too chicken to drive that cross country. It's going to be a pain pulling in and out of gas stations, motels, etc...same for finding parking spaces.

Also, not to alarm you but make sure you check all the fluids and brakes and test out the transmission thoroughly before u start loading stuff in. I mean, really drive it around for a while and step hard on the brakes (just don't kill it). I helped a few friends move and the U-Haul trucks weren't very well kept. One wouldn't go into reverse until a long try and at only about 0.50 mph top. This was like 10 years ago when the economy was good, now I don't doubt companies are skimping on expenses, ie. maintenance. And of course they will say their trucks are all checked out.

Another option is those giant shed looking pods that they deliver to your yard and you stuff it full of stuff and they come pick it up and deliver to your destination. Not sure on the cost but that's how my friend moved from MD to TX. And he's a cheapskate, so it must be the best option.

Where in MD are you headed? I can give you my $0.02 about that too. :D

My choice for a rental truck is Penske. Their equipment is in much better shape than U-Haul.

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Originally Posted by glc

My choice for a rental truck is Penske. Their equipment is in much better shape than U-Haul.

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Just curious but how would know?

I really haven't found much difference between the rental companies. The fact is that all of the companies trucks get beat up pretty good and moving is a stressful time for everyone, so if there is a problem, it tends to get magnified. UHaul is the biggest company, so their problems tend to get magnified even more, but I haven't seen anything that says either of them are all that much better or worse than the others. I've most often used UHaul because they have lots more locations, so they can be more convient, and often are cheaper (although you can usually get the companies to price match), but I've also used Budget and Penske, and all have different +/-s but they really aren't all that different.

Hi and thanks for your notes.

All told, when I estimate the variables involved, it comes out to a $3000 difference to move my things via truck (including gas). Since the value of what I have exceeds selling it in this awful California economy, it's worth it to bring it along. To have a mover do it adds significant cost. The pods are great but expensive, and are limited to drop off locations.

I'm a little nervous about making the drive, but always comfortable with adventure, and very careful, so I'll prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

I called aaa today. They were wonderful. They suggested 2 routes, a northern one and a southern one (without tolls) 40 to 81 to 66.
What do you think between the two?
I had decided to do the northern one, but are the tolls a factor?

I did decide on Penske; I hear their trucks are better maintained and I liked their policies more.

Your thoughts?

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Originally Posted by slbphd

I called aaa today. They were wonderful. They suggested 2 routes, a northern one and a southern one (without tolls) 40 to 81 to 66.
What do you think between the two?

I did decide on Penske; I hear their trucks are better maintained and I liked their policies more.

Your thoughts?

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In another thread, a poster notes his understanding that all Penske 26' trucks are 2007 Internationals with a DT 466 diesel engine and Allison transmission. To the lay person this translates to a reasonably late-model truck with a powerful diesel engine and a solid automatic transmission. Such would be my only consideration for a transcontinental move hauling a car.

I'd also gladly pay the extra for a car hauler TRAILER vs a dolly. No comparison between the two--the trailer is what the lay person needs, not a dolly.

Provided the distance isn't materially different, I'd recommend the I-40/I-81/I-66 due to the relative lack of urban areas, the relative ease of crossing the Cumberland Plateau, the great beauty of the area between Knoxville, TN and MD, and the relative ease of crossing the Blue Ridge. You did not specify what overall routing AAA's "northern route" included, but it can only involve crossing the Appalachians (Cumberland/Alleghanies/Blue Ridge combined) via I-64 through WV and VA or I-70, possibly including the PA Turnpike in reaching I-70. I would much prefer I-40 to east of Knoxville, a peaceful but slow drive through the Valley of Virginia along I-81, and passing through the Blue Ridge at a very narrow, easy point, to any of the others.

Best of luck,

Foy

Just a note on dolly vs trailer.If you use a dolly you won't be able to see it behind you going down the road. I've done this once and it really bothered me no being able to see what I was pulling. And as someone else has pointed out its almost impossible to back up if you get in a tight spot. I would spend the $$ and go with the trailer.

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Originally Posted by Foy

In another thread, a poster notes his understanding that all Penske 26' trucks are 2007 Internationals with a DT 466 diesel engine and Allison transmission. To the lay person this translates to a reasonably late-model truck with a powerful diesel engine and a solid automatic transmission. Such would be my only consideration for a transcontinental move hauling a car.

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I'm not sure of what you're saying above. It sounds like a mixture of both good and bad. Penske sounded like the best company to go with. Do I have any other options? Anything I have to be careful of or watch mechanically as I use the truck?

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I'd also gladly pay the extra for a car hauler TRAILER vs a dolly. No comparison between the two--the trailer is what the lay person needs, not a dolly.

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That is a helpful clarification. Thanks.

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Provided the distance isn't materially different, I'd recommend the I-40/I-81/I-66 due to the relative lack of urban areas, the relative ease of crossing the Cumberland Plateau, the great beauty of the area between Knoxville, TN and MD, and the relative ease of crossing the Blue Ridge.

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Yes, it was the choice between these two routes. You're explication between these two routes is helpful. I'll take the 40/81/66.

As I finalize the men to load the truck, I have 2 options: Delancy Street Movers (4men@$140) or Penske's referral, simplemovinglabor (3 men@$140).
Simplemovinglabor tells me that they can have the truck loaded in 3 hours. Seems optimistic to me. Delancy is making no promises on time.
I have a 3 BR house with a full garage.

Anyone have experience with either of these companies?

Thank you all for your insights as this trip comes to fruition.

I couldn't do it without you.

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Originally Posted by johnny99

Just a note on dolly vs trailer.If you use a dolly you won't be able to see it behind you going down the road. I've done this once and it really bothered me no being able to see what I was pulling. And as someone else has pointed out its almost impossible to back up if you get in a tight spot. I would spend the $$ and go with the trailer.

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This was very helpful. Thank you.

When you are up in the 26 foot range, loaded and towing a trailer, a diesel is by far the best way to go. It will have more power in the mountains and will get better fuel mileage than a gas engine. I don't know if all Penskes are Internationals, I've seen GMC's too. Either way, it's the right tool for the job.

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Originally Posted by glc

When you are up in the 26 foot range, loaded and towing a trailer, a diesel is by far the best way to go. It will have more power in the mountains and will get better fuel mileage than a gas engine. I don't know if all Penskes are Internationals, I've seen GMC's too. Either way, it's the right tool for the job.

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Thank you; that's a relief to know.

Hi everyone,
I looked at a 26ft truck and car trailer yesterday. I was a little apprehensive about how large it is, and wondered if I am making the right decision. But then an image of me driving the truck comes to mind, and I am happy to be seeing America in this way. I really hope that I can do this, despite my apprehension. I am a little unnerved, but haven't changed my mind.

As I set up the details, I am pondering the best day to leave. I can choose any day in August. If I wait until the 31st, it's a Monday, so I may beat the weekend movers. But that means that I'll be driving through Labor Day weekend (I'm giving myself 10 days to make the trip).

Although I'm happy to be driving, I don't think that I'd like to be sitting in traffic on a long trip like this.

What do you think? Is Labor Day weekend traffic an issue? I'll be taking that southern route, 40/81/66.

Thank you for your insight.

Hi everyone!

In the final 10 days of my move, it appears that the Penske truck that rents cross country is SMALLER than the local move trucks of the same footage.
(shaking my head)
So, the contents of the move may not fit, leaving me at the last minute to book a moving company.
(still shaking my head...heavy sigh)

Consequently:
1>I will be Driving my car across the country... should I continue with the Rt 40 across, or take another route? I am heading from Los Angeles, CA to Easton, MD.

2>Anyone have a cross country mover that you love?

Thank you.

Fastest from LA to Easton is:

I-15/1-40/I-44/I-70/I-79/I-68/I-70/US-29/MD-100/I-97/US-50

Notes:

Take Kilpatrick Tpke around OKC, NW side
Take I-44 through Tulsa
Take I-270/I-255 around STL, SE side
Take I-465 around IND, SE side

2725 miles, can be done in 5 full driving days.

Overnights:

Holbrook AZ
Amarillo TX
Rolla MO
Columbus OH
Take I-270 around Columbus, S side

Thanks for your help.