Tips to Help With Your First U-Haul Truck Experience

Whether you’re trying to free up some space in your home or moving from one state to another, you could be using a U-Haul truck to move your belongings. Many storage locations, in an effort to help make your moving and storing experience a bit easier, offer U-Haul truck rental. You don’t have to call all over town looking for a truck; it’s right here when and where you need it. U-Haul is unique in the industry because they work with manufacturers to design a truck specifically for household or small business moving. U-Haul offers more safety features than any other truck in the industry along with gentle ride suspension and high visibility mirrors to assist the driver.

U-Haul Trucks are… 

• 50% easier to load with wide, stable EZ Load Ramp
• Built to move household furniture with gentle ride suspension and aerodynamic styling
• Quiet, with independent seating for three, providing a comfortable ride for driver and passengers
• Economical, using cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient unleaded fuel

It’s great to have a truck at your disposal, but If you have no previous truck-driving experience, you’re going to need a little help. The following tips should help to get you started on your journey and keep you safe.

First Time Driving a U-Haul

• U-Haul trucks are heavy vehicles, especially when fully loaded. It takes longer to stop than a car, so allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you (allow 5 seconds in adverse weather).
• Because a truck is longer than you average vehicle, you’ll need more time and distance to pass. Don’t pass on hills or curves.
• Shift into lower gears when driving uphill to prevent jerking due to engine lugging.
• Before going downhill, slow down and shift into lower gear to allow the engine to control your speed. Do not ride the breaks on a downgrade.
• If your truck moves off the paved roadway, don’t panic, don’t make a sharp turn, and don’t apply the brakes. Slow down to below 25 mph, and make your way gradually back to the road.
• When turning at a sharp corner, drive slightly past the corner or make a wider turn than you would in a car. 
• Avoid parking on steep inclines. The parking brake may not hold, and the bumper may drag or get stuck. 

Using a truck ramp for the first time can be tricky. Check out the following suggestions:

• First, open the rear door of the truck.
• Push down on the latch that keeps the ramp securely under the truck and pull the ramp out slightly.
• Use the straps on the end of the ramp to slowly and carefully pull the ramp out until it is fully extended.
• Set the ramp on the ground gently.
• Grab both sides of the ramp near the rear of the truck and lift up. You’ll see two hooks. Place these hooks over the slots on the truck deck to secure the ramp in the loading position.

Another thing you may have to think about is towing your car or a trailer. U-Haul has an easily understandable series of videos to help with that.

Whatever your needs, our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always here to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express your concerns. We want you to be safe!