Originally Posted By: datech
I guess the things I am most worried about are getting gas, food and motels. Just cruising down the interstate should be ok.
I decided to go with U Haul even though Penske and Budget might have better deals because of the low loading deck height.
I know some gas stations have a canopy overhead.
I have been checking on gasbuddy, 10 mpg and a HUGE tank will cost me a lot for each fill up. I don't know if I want to wander around trying to find a better price on gas, though, considering what I am driving.
If I needed to 'unload' the car temporarily, maybe unhook it from the truck, whatever, how hard is that? Would I drive the car off the trailer first? I will probably be using the trailer not the dolly, as I understand you can't back up at all with the dolly.
I made two long moves, 4 and 6 days, with gas U-hauls, and a 2-day move with a 24' Budget diesel. I towed a Saturn with a dolly each time. The first U-haul was either a 14' or 17' and the second was a 17', both pretty new. Uhaul 2 had a Ford V-10 and the Budget had a Chevy Duramax. They all had similar "power" and got between 7 and 10 mpg.
The only real problems I had were with tires. The first U-haul started bucking at highway speed at the end of day one. I found a place in Kimball, NE, that replaced the chopping tire on day two. They had a contract with U-haul, so it didn't cost me. By the end of day four, the same problem was coming back, so it must have been a front end issue. On the second move, during a stop, I noticed one of the dolly tires starting to look bad. I was near a bigger city and took it to a U-haul center to have it changed.
The one jackpot I got into was at a motel in Joliet, where I got into the parking lot without realizing I couldn't drive around the building to get out. A real truck driver walking back from supper took pity and backed it out for me. The dollies do not back easily. Full trailers are probably easier, but I would suggest never getting into a situation where you need to back up.
That should be pretty easily on the interstates. Just stop at bigger truckstop-type places for gas, so there's plenty of room to get to the pump and park. If you're not sure about a hotel, park on the street first to see if you can get in and out. I never had trouble finding a place to park the rig, usually parallel to a curb somewhere near the back. I also had a vehicle following me, so they could park in front of the truck to prevent getting parked in.
If you had to unload the car to drive it, you would do that with the trailer attached. Unless you're going to visit a national park or something, there's probably not much reason. I would avoid ever having to unhook the trailer, even more so it you're traveling alone.
The clearance height will be clearly marked in the cab and on the truck. I don't think you'll have to worry about canopy height at any station you can actually get into with the truck, though. Also note that some credit cards will stop the pump at a certain dollar amount, like $75, which is far from full on a 40-gallon tank.
Every time you stop, check and inspect all the tires. (On the towed car, too, if you use a dolly. I had a low tire on the rear of the car once.) Also check the hitch and the car tie-downs. Those are usually ratchet straps of some kind.
Before you pay for U-haul's insurance, check your own insurance. I found out that my auto plan would cover a single-axle moving truck (but not the trailer) and my renter's policy would cover my belongings for a certain amount of time after the move.
Finally, before you pick up the truck, check it over closely. Check the tires for damage, uneven wear, nails, bolt heads, etc. You might even check under the hood to make sure there's washer fluid and proper oil levels. Also bring a lock for the cargo door, to slow down potential thieves.
Considering your experience, it doesn't sound like you'll have any problems. Just remember to make wide turns, don't get in a hurry, and realize you have a lot behind you when changing lanes. I would also pack some food in a cooler. That way you aren't stuck getting off the highway when you're hungry and can just eat at a rest area. There are some filthy fast food places out along the American road.
