11 Tips For Driving a Moving Truck
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Driving a rental truck isn’t too different from driving a regular vehicle. U-Haul rental trucks are designed to make driving a simple experience that any DIY mover can accomplish. U-Haul moving trucks are lowered to the ground to make driving, getting in/out of the truck, and loading all easier for you. Learning how to drive a U-Haul truck is easy.
Key Takeaways
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Tips Before You Drive a Moving Truck
1. Seat Belt First
Just like in your passenger car, buckling your seat belt is step one! This is second nature to most, but remember that a seat belt is the best safety device for preventing injury.
2. Adjust Your Mirrors
Compared to a standard car, a moving truck typically has no rear-view mirror inside the cab, so it is essential to rely on the side view and secondary mirrors. Before driving, adjust your mirrors to provide the best vantage point.
To adjust the mirrors on most U-Haul trucks, simply push gently on the outer corner of the mirror to angle it where needed.
3. Familiarize Yourself With The Truck
Familiarize yourself with all the controls of the moving truck to understand how everything works. This includes how to turn on your lights, windshield wipers, signals, and the air conditioner or heater.
To see a more in-depth guide of the components of the interior of a truck rental: Get To Know Your New 15-Foot U-Haul Truck
Tips For Driving a Moving Truck:
1. Drive Slower
Stick to posted speed limits, but reduce your speed when driving on bumpy roads and in harsh weather conditions where roads are icy or wet. When towing a rental trailer, do not go faster than 55 miles per hour.
2. Follow at a Safe Distance
Don’t tailgate! Keep enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. The recommended amount of space is the length of five cars on local roads. Double this distance on any highways.
3. Apply Your Brakes Sooner
Because U-Haul trucks weigh more than the average vehicle, braking with a U-Haul truck is not as immediate as braking with a smaller vehicle. Don’t wait until the last minute. When driving a fully loaded moving truck, double the time you think you need to brake with an empty truck rental.
4. Give Yourself Extra Room When Turning
Large trucks require wider turns, and a U-Haul truck is no different. Be cautious of cutting corners when turning, especially when turning right. Be mindful of curbs and pedestrians, and only turn when clear. When waiting to make a left turn, be cautious of how far you pull into the intersection, and only go when the coast is completely clear.
5. Use Your Mirrors When Switching Lanes
Check your side-view mirror and use your turn signal before switching lanes. Keep in mind that a U-Haul truck is longer than the average vehicle, so you’ll need ample space both in front and behind before switching lanes.
6. Don’t Pass Other Vehicles Unless Necessary
Refrain from passing other vehicles when driving uphill, through bends, or on narrow roads. A large truck requires more time and distance to overtake another vehicle, so it should be done only when necessary.
7. Be Mindful of Your Clearance Level
Be mindful of your U-Haul truck’s clearance level. The clearance level is noted on the corner of the truck’s cargo box and is visible from the driver’s seat via the side-view mirror. It is also noted on decals inside the cab of the vehicle – one to the left of the steering wheel and one on the visor. Avoid drive-thrus and parking garages.
Clearance levels are often not posted, so if you see an obstruction that does not have a posted clearance level, slowly approach it before getting out and checking. If you cannot go around, finding another way is absolutely necessary.
Avoiding low clearances is easy with the U-Haul app. In the tools section of the U-Haul app, select “Trip Planner” and your make and model of vehicle, and input your destination. This route will have you steering clear of all bridges and overpasses that would stop you from reaching your destination.
8. Park in Large Spaces
Larger parking spaces allow for easier maneuverability when parking or pulling out, especially if there are no other vehicles nearby. Always set the parking brake before exiting the vehicle as well. Large retail parking lots with lots of open space are a great place to park, as well as anywhere that has RV parking.
Be mindful of how you maneuver in parking lots if you are towing a rental trailer. It is another 8-20 feet you need to be aware of.
9. Back Up With Caution
Reversing with a rental truck can be tricky, so use your mirrors! Roll down the windows so that you can hear any other vehicles or pedestrians, and honk the vehicle’s horn once or twice as a final precaution before slowly reversing. If possible, it’s best to have a passenger exit the vehicle to guide you with hand signals as well.
If you are driving with a rental trailer, watch the U-Haul Safe Trailering Lessons below.
10. Keep Pets Up Front
Remember to never leave your pet in the truck rental unattended. Be sure to keep water and food readily available for the duration of your trip, and use a harness or crate if your pets are not accustomed to driving long distances.
Learn more about Tips When Moving With Pets.
11. Map Out Your Route
Whether you’re moving across the country or simply across town, planning your route will leave you feeling more confident when driving your U-Haul moving truck. For longer trips, it’s wise to outline where you intend to stop for food, gas, etc. U-Haul moving trucks all take regular, unleaded gasoline, so keep an eye out for gas station signs that label prices.
Make Sure That You’re Covered 
It's always good to err on the side of caution by purchasing coverage for your rental to protect against damage or theft. Keep in mind that you are otherwise responsible for any damage that occurs to your rental truck, as most insurance companies won’t cover those costs. U-Haul, Safemove®, and Safetrip coverages are the best way to ease any worries.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of driving a U-Haul truck, let’s get moving!