Moving LA to MD, need advice

[slbphd]

Thank you, that's very helpful.

[slowone]

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

[glc]

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

[slowone]

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

Just curious but how would know?

[Midwest Michael]

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.

[slbphd]

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?

[Foy]

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?

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

[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.

[slbphd]

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'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?

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.

That is a helpful clarification. Thanks.

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.

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.

[slbphd]

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.

This was very helpful. Thank you.