How to Estimate How Much Fuel is Needed Before Returning a Moving Truck

 

If you rented a U-Haul truck and are wondering how to refuel it, here is everything you need to know about fuel options and avoiding extra fees. When renting a U-Haul moving truck, pickup truck, or cargo van, you have two simple options for refueling:

1. EZ-Fuel Service: U-Haul will handle the refueling for you at a pre-agreed per-gallon price listed on your Equipment Contract.
2. Self-Refueling: If you prefer to fill up yourself, just return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. You can find that level noted on your contract.

Before leaving the U-Haul location, take a close look at your contract and verify that the amount of fuel indicated matches the amount of fuel in the vehicle to save you time and hassle later.

How Do I Know How Much Fuel to Add to My U-Haul Truck Before Returning It?

The fuel estimator on your rental contract helps you add the right amount of gas to bring the truck's fuel gauge back to the original dispatch level.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Check your current fuel gauge reading on the vehicle.
2. Compare the current reading on the truck to the fuel estimator on the contract.
3. Below the gauge on the contract, you will see the estimated number of gallons that will need to be added to the vehicle to bring the gauge back to the dispatch level.
4. Refuel and return your vehicle to the U-Haul rental location.

Remember, U-Haul vehicles returned with less than 1/4 tank of fuel are subject to an additional $30 service fee.

Real-World Example: How Many Gallons Should I Add?

Let’s say your contract shows the fuel level was full when you picked up the truck. That “full” mark is called the dispatch level, it’s the level you need to return the truck with.

After your move, you look at the truck’s fuel gauge and it now shows 3/4 full. On your rental contract, the fuel estimator chart shows that going from 3/4 full back up to full takes about 6 gallons.

At the gas station, you’d simply add around 6 gallons of fuel. That should bring the gauge back up to full so you can return the truck without extra fuel charges.

Average U-Haul Truck MPG and Fuel Tank Sizes

*The miles per gallon calculation are estimations for ideal driving circumstances. Many conditions can affect this number, including driving with a load, road grades, weather conditions, and vehicle speed.