What You Need to Know Before You Rent a U-Haul
A U-Haul truck handles differently from a car: it sits higher, has a longer stopping distance, a wider turning radius, and cargo weight shifts how the vehicle responds to braking and cornering. You do not need a special license to rent one, but you do need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name. Most rental locations require you to be at least 18 years old, though some charge extra for drivers under 25.
Before you sign the rental agreement, walk around the truck with the attendant and document any existing damage on the contract — dents, scratches, missing mirrors, or tire wear. Take photos. The rental company will charge you for damage that occurs during your rental period, and disputes are easier to resolve if you have proof of the truck's condition when you picked it up.
U-Haul offers trucks in several sizes: 10-foot (smallest), 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot (largest). The 10-foot and 15-foot models fit in most parking spaces and are easier to maneuver. The 20-foot and 26-foot trucks require more space, more skill, and more fuel. If you are unsure which size you need, ask the rental agent to help you estimate based on what you are moving.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul trucks require a valid driver's license and proof of insurance but not a commercial license, even for the largest sizes.
- Adjust all mirrors before you leave the lot, check your blind spots constantly, and allow extra distance for stopping and turning.
- Load cargo low and toward the front of the truck bed to keep the center of gravity stable and prevent the truck from swaying.
- Drive slower than you normally would, especially on curves and when changing lanes, because the truck's height and weight make it more prone to tipping and harder to control.
- Inspect the truck for damage before you rent it and document the condition in writing and with photos to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage.
Adjusting the Mirrors and Checking Your Blind Spots
U-Haul trucks have larger blind spots than cars because of their height and length. Before you drive away from the rental lot, adjust the side mirrors so you can see the road behind you and slightly down the side of the truck. The goal is to minimize the area you cannot see, not to eliminate it entirely — some blind spot will always exist.
Check your blind spots by turning your head and looking over your shoulder before you change lanes, merge, or turn. Do this even if your mirrors show clear road, because mirrors can distort distances and objects can be closer than they appear. Make this a habit: mirror check, then head turn, then move. Repeat it every time.
The truck's height means you may not see small cars directly in front of you if they are very close. Keep extra distance between your front bumper and the vehicle ahead, and avoid stopping where a car could tuck under your front end in a collision.
Loading the Truck Correctly to Stay Stable
How you load the truck affects how it handles on the road. Place heavier items low and toward the front of the truck bed, closer to the cab. Lighter items go on top and toward the back. This keeps the center of gravity low and forward, which makes the truck more stable and less likely to sway or tip, especially on curves and when you brake hard.
Do not overload one side of the truck. Distribute weight evenly from left to right. If you load all the heavy furniture on the driver's side, the truck will lean and handle poorly, and you may lose control on a turn.
find all cargo with tie-down straps or rope so nothing shifts during transit. Shifting cargo changes the truck's balance mid-drive and can cause the truck to sway or tip without warning. Check the straps before you leave the lot and again after the first 50 miles of driving.
Driving Techniques for Larger Trucks
U-Haul trucks are taller and heavier than cars, which means they need more distance to stop and more space to turn. Increase your following distance behind other vehicles to at least 8 to 10 seconds — count the time between when the car ahead passes a landmark and when your truck reaches it. On highways, this distance should be even longer.
Brake gently and early. The truck's weight means it takes longer to slow down, and hard braking can cause the wheels to lock or the cargo to shift. Start slowing down for red lights and stops well in advance. If you are towing a trailer, braking is even more critical because the trailer can jackknife if you brake too hard.
Turn slowly and deliberately. The truck's long wheelbase means the rear wheels do not follow the same path as the front wheels — the back end swings wider than the front. When you turn a corner, aim for a wider arc than you would in a car. At intersections, move into the turn lane early and take the turn at a slower speed than you normally would.
On curves and ramps, reduce speed before you enter, not while you are turning. Braking while turning can cause the truck to skid or tip. Downshift to a lower gear if the truck has a manual transmission, or ease off the accelerator if it is automatic, to slow down before the curve.
Navigating Tight Spaces and Parking
Parking a large U-Haul truck requires planning. Before you attempt to park, scout the space from your vehicle or on foot. Check the height clearance if you are entering a garage or under a bridge — U-Haul trucks are typically 10 to 13 feet tall depending on the model. Many parking garages, drive-throughs, and overpasses have height restrictions that a truck cannot fit under.
When you park, use the truck's length to your advantage. Back into parking spaces when possible so you can see obstacles as you reverse. Use a spotter — have someone stand outside the truck and guide you with hand signals if you cannot see the space clearly. Go slowly, and stop if you lose sight of the spotter or feel uncertain about the truck's position.
Avoid parking on steep hills or uneven ground. The truck's height makes it more prone to tipping on a slope. If you must park on an incline, park perpendicular to the slope, not parallel, so the truck sits level.
Fuel, Maintenance, and Rental Agreement Terms
U-Haul trucks consume more fuel than cars because of their weight and size. Ask the rental agent what fuel economy to expect for the truck you are renting — a 26-foot truck may get 6 to 8 miles per gallon, while a 10-foot truck may get 12 to 14. Budget for fuel accordingly.
Check the oil, coolant, and tire pressure before you leave the lot. The rental company is responsible for basic maintenance, but you are responsible for reporting any problems when ready. If the truck overheats, makes unusual noises, or pulls to one side, stop driving and call the rental company for instructions.
Read the rental agreement carefully. Most U-Haul rentals include basic insurance coverage, but you may want to purchase additional damage waiver protection. The agreement will specify what damage you are responsible for, what mileage is included, and what fees explore if you return the truck late or with damage.
Special Considerations for Towing a Trailer
If you are towing a trailer behind the U-Haul truck, the truck's handling changes significantly. The trailer adds weight and length, increases your blind spots, and makes turning and backing up much more difficult. Reduce your speed further, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden lane changes.
When you back up with a trailer, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you want the trailer to go — the trailer's rear end swings the opposite way from the truck's. This takes practice. If you have never towed before, practice in an empty parking lot before you attempt to back up in traffic or at a tight location.
Check the trailer's lights, brakes, and coupling before you leave the lot. Make sure the trailer is properly secured to the truck's hitch and that the safety chains are attached. During your trip, stop every 50 to 100 miles to inspect the trailer's tires and coupling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to rent a U-Haul truck?
No. U-Haul trucks up to 26 feet long can be rented with a standard driver's license in all states. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required only for vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which most U-Haul trucks do not exceed. Check your rental agreement to confirm the truck's GVWR.
What should I do if I hit something while driving the U-Haul?
Stop when ready and turn on your hazard lights. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Take photos of the damage to your truck, the other vehicle, and the scene. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Call the U-Haul rental location and report the accident before you continue driving. Do not admit fault or sign anything except police reports.
Can I drive a U-Haul truck on the highway?
Yes, but follow the speed limit and drive in the right lane when possible. Many states have lower speed limits for trucks, and some restrict truck traffic during certain hours. Check your rental agreement and local traffic laws for the area where you are driving. Avoid driving at night if you are unfamiliar with the truck, because visibility is reduced and fatigue increases the risk of accidents.
What happens if I return the truck late?
U-Haul charges a late fee for each hour or fraction of an hour past your rental return time. The fee varies by location and truck size. If you think you will be late, call the rental location as soon as possible — sometimes they can extend your rental period at a lower cost than the late fee.
Should I buy the damage waiver insurance?
That depends on your existing auto insurance and risk tolerance. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental trucks, so check your policy before you rent. If you are not covered, the damage waiver is worth considering. Read the waiver terms carefully — some have deductibles or exclusions for certain types of damage.