It is possible to rent a U-Haul to move you around during a road trip, but you shouldn’t if you’re going on a journey of over 50 miles. You’d be better off renting a car because it’s cheaper.
Having no car should not stop you from going on your dream fishing, camping, or fun road trip. Since car rentals have become scarce and the cost of renting one keeps skyrocketing, renting and spending the nights in a U-Haul would be a convenient option if you decide to forego renting a hotel room.
However, U-Hauls are primarily made for moving and not road trips, so you’re not guaranteed a comfortable ride. If it’s a long ride, renting a U-Haul will cost you more than renting a car. U-Haul vans spend more fuel per mile, and you get charged per mileage after the first 100 miles.
While most car rental companies restrict their age to 21 years, U-Haul allows renting by as young as 18-year-olds, making it ideal for road trips for people of that age.
This article will cover the cost of using a U-Haul for a road trip and if these vehicles are suited for road trips or not.
How much can you expect to spend on renting a U-Haul compared to a rental car?
On average, a U-Haul truck rental cost is around $130 if you cover a short distance of under 50 miles in a day. Rental cars on the other hand can see you spend an average of $81 in a day.
The advertised price of a U-Haul rental is $19.95, which primarily covers local moves on their most miniature vehicles. However, U-Haul may cost you more than that, depending on the miles you will cover during your trip, the truck size, and the time you rent it. You will spend more on gas, taxes, insurance, and environmental fees.
Renting a car on the other hand is a cheaper option since cars go easy on fuel usage and you don’t get charged an extra fee for the distance covered.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or a camper van during a road trip? A camper van can serve as your kitchen and hotel for accommodation.
However, renting a car can be a cheaper option if you opt for reasonable accommodation. A rental car rather than a U-Haul is the most affordable option if you are traveling for a lengthy period.
How much can you expect to spend on fuel compared to a normal car?
Large tracks can be serious gas consumers, so gas mileage should be a vital consideration when renting a U-Haul vehicle for your trip. The amount of fuel you can expect to spend depends on a few factors, such as:
- Gas prices– According to AAA, the average cost of gasoline countrywide is $4.7 as of 3 June 2022. The price of fuel varies for different states. A typical U-Haul consumes a gallon per 10 miles, while average rental SUVs consume a gallon per 25.4 miles.
- The size of your truck– Larger tracks have worse gas mileage compared to small rentals. The gas mileage of an 8 ft. pickup truck is 19mpg while that of a basic rental SUV is about 20-25mpg, and a sedan has 30-40 mpg.
- The number of miles you cover is another factor– a modern-day rental SUV, sedan, or truck consumes a gallon for every 25 miles. That is less fuel usage than the smallest U-Haul truck that uses a gallon for less than 20 miles.
- U-Haul vehicles take unleaded gasoline where a cargo van gets 18 mpg while a pickup truck gets 19mpg. These are ideal for driving on trips.
If fuel efficiency is part of your worries, you should know that nothing beats a car. U-Haul, SUVs and pickup trucks usually come equipped with larger engines that consume a lot of gas.
Cars can give 30-40 mpg in the city, whereas trucks barely give 20-25 mpg. Cars can therefore save more on fuel costs compared to U-Haul trucks. Click this link to know how much you’ll be spending on fuel depending on the type of your vehicle.
Are U-Hauls easy enough to drive and maneuver?
Driving a U-Haul truck is not any different from driving a regular vehicle. At U-Haul, they go over and beyond to design their cars for easy driving and moving, just like other DIY movers.
However, to make your first U-Haul driving experience go as smoothly as possible, consider these tips:
- Take it slow– it takes some getting used to get the hang of it. Also, drive slowly when the weather is snowy or icy.
- Ensure you’re covered– adequate insurance coverage is essential for driving a U-Haul, giving you some peace of mind.
- Be aware of U-Haul safety tips– remember this is not the usual car you’re used to, and you should learn the common causes of truck accidents and how to avoid them.
- Familiarize yourself with all the controls and the side-view mirrors.
Going on a road trip with a U-Haul doesn’t have to be a daunting task. A little familiarizing is all it takes, and as soon as you get comfortable, you can maneuver any terrain on your journey.
Are U-Hauls good to drive in rugged terrain?
U-Haul trucks’ design is for operation on paved surfaces only. During your trip, it’s advisable to keep your vehicle on concrete and asphalt surfaces. Rugged terrains such as uneven grounds covered with rocks and vegetation or hilly places are not ideal for driving your rental through.
However, if your adventures find you on rough or hilly terrains, consider these few safety tips:
- Retain traction when ascending or descending steep grounds, and keep an eye on your temperature gauge to avoid overheating.
- Watch the weather and chain up, especially if your trip leads you to mountainous areas.
- Always keep your truck or van going slow and steady.
- Pay close attention to the grade signs posted along the way.
Are U-Hauls good to sleep inside?
U-Hauls are made for moving, not sleeping inside. The internal make of a U-Haul has cons such as poor ventilation, which makes them not ideal for sleeping inside. There are many downsides to sleeping in a U-Haul ranging from insecurity to concerns about your health.
Here are some reasons why sleeping in a U-Haul is not recommended.
- It is impossible to lock the door from the inside, making it easy for someone to lock you in from the outside. This may be a major risk to a person’s health.
- U-Hauls are poorly ventilated; hence, no airflow in the back unless the rear door is opened. Sleeping in such conditions is next to impossible.
- U-Haul trucks have no insulation. You, therefore, suffer from extreme cold or hot weather conditions which can make it hard to lay down for a nap during a trip.
- U-Haul cabins are uncomfortable to settle in and their seats do not recline. So, you have less space to set your bed and mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep or rest.
- U-Hauls transport all types of loads and chemicals are not an exception. If there are traces of a harmful chemical previously hauled, it becomes unsafe for you to sleep in the cabin. Allergens and bugs could also be lurking.
The only real-time when renting a U-Haul for a road trip may make sense
The age limit for U-Haul to rent their truck is above 18 years. Most car rentals don’t rent to anyone below 21 years.
Statistically, drivers under 25 years cause more car-related accidents than any other age group. Most big car rental companies penalize young drivers by charging high daily underage fees and restricting the types of cars they can rent.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 must pay an average of $25-$30 surcharges in locations operated by big agencies such as Advantage, Budget, Alamo, and National. Turo charges $30 a day if aged 21-24 and $50 if aged 18-20 years.
Anyone aged above 21 years wouldn’t rent a U-Haul since it’s expensive and uncomfortable. However, if you’re 18, you might choose U-Haul because it’s cheaper than a car, given the penalizations.
Conclusion
Picture source: © Yadid Levy / Alamy Stock Photo
In comparison to normal rental cars, U-Hauls are a cheaper option if you’re aged between 18-21.
However, the downsides like high expenses and the issue of sleeping in a U-Haul van outweigh its merits. Therefore, only resort to going on a road trip with a U-Haul if you have no other option left.
That said, buckle up and enjoy your trip.Click this link to learn whether you can drive from the Us to Costa Rica.
