How to Save Gas While Driving Your Moving Truck
It seems like gas prices are always soaring higher and higher, which can really put a strain on moving costs. Especially if you’re planning to make the drive yourself! Whether you’re renting a cargo van, pickup, or full-sized moving truck, gas mileage is something to keep track of.
That’s why U-Haul designed its moving trucks to be fuel-efficient and affordable, so customers like you won’t get caught paying out of pocket for unnecessary gas fees. But even with U-Haul, there are additional ways to save—here’s how:
1. Pick the Right Truck for Your Move
Renting a moving truck isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a variety of sizes to meet the consumer's specific needs. The primary truck rental fleet offered by U-Haul includes pickups, cargo vans, and 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot trucks.
A lot of variables go into finding the right truck for you. We generally categorize trucks by how many bedrooms you can fit in them. For example, the 26-foot truck can hold up enough belongings for a 3-to-4-bedroom house. Roughly all U-Haul trucks will get around 10-12MPG, so sizing up or down on a box truck won’t impact the gas mileage much.
For small jobs and in-town moves, pickup trucks and cargo van rentals are a great option. Both options average around 18 miles per gallon, with class-leading fuel efficiency.
Why Rent a U-Haul Truck?
Every U-Haul box truck is engineered with Ford and GM specs designed with fuel savings in mind. The trucks come with low-profile aerodynamics, side skirts, and a fuel economy gauge. This means you’ll be burning less gas and saving more money.
These specs are created exclusively for U-Haul, so you won’t find this kind of engineering anywhere else. And with over 23,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, you’ll never be too far from our impressive fleet of moving trucks!
U-Haul Fuel Saving Features
The research and development team at U-Haul has intentionally designed our trucks to be as fuel-efficient as possible. The Trimline fuel-saving features were designed with the customer in mind for the best driving experience and to help save you money on your trip.
- Fuel Economy Gauge– Inside the cab of some of our U-Haul trucks you’ll find a gauge on the dashboard. This allows you to determine which speed provides the best MPG. Using the gauge properly can save you up to 20% on your fuel intake.
- Aerodynamic Elements– Across the U-Haul fleet, you’ll find elements that make our trucks less wind resistant. The patented aerodynamic high visibility mirrors allow you to see more and drag less while driving. Our advanced chassis skirts, low profile height, and rounded corners on cargo extrusions increase the fuel economy of your truck during your move. This allows air to move around the truck and makes it more aerodynamic.
- Properly Inflated Radial Tires– One of the most underrated tips to fuel efficiency in any vehicle is having your tires inflated to their recommended PSI. Each U-Haul center makes sure every tire is filled to the appropriate PSI before handing the keys over to you.
2. Choose Unleaded Gas Over Diesel
The fuel you put in your moving truck can also impact how much you’ll pay. Many moving truck rental companies offer a large variety of trucks, but they may require diesel fuel to operate. On average, diesel costs around 30 cents more per gallon than unleaded. That number may sound small now, but it really adds up when you’re traveling long distances.
U-Haul is focused on convenience. That’s why our entire fleet – even the 26 ft. truck – generally take the cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient unleaded gas. This means that you get plenty of room to work with, without having to splurge for pricier gas.
3. Don’t Pack Light, Pack Right
The heavier a truck is, the more you can expect to pay in gas mileage. But anyone that’s moved before knows that you’ll take any space you can get (especially in a moving truck).
One way to boost the fuel economy of your moving truck is by balancing the weight of your items evenly. This means that you should keep about 60% of your load closer to the front of the truck. Place heavy items like furniture toward the front, while layering lighter items on top. Avoid placing any heavy items toward the back of the truck. Also aim to keep the left and right sides of the truck balanced before taking off.
Loading a Truck is an Art, Here's How to Master It:
How to Pack a Moving Truck (Or Portable Storage Container!)
A well-packed moving truck can save your items from damage and save you money. By distributing weight evenly throughout the truck, you can improve your truck's gas mileage and driving stability.
4. No Need for Speed
You might be planning to put the pedal to the metal, but it won’t save you gas money. In fact, it may even cost you more. The faster you push a truck, the more fuel it uses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas mileage begins to decrease rapidly at speeds above 50mph.
It’s also important to keep a steady speed while you drive. You get better MPG performance when you maintain a consistent speed while driving. Before you hit the road, find a route that won’t leave the truck sitting in idle for too long.
Hopefully, these tips can keep money in your bank account. And for the most fuel-saving features in a moving truck, U-Haul offers the best fleet to keep your money away from the pump and help bring it with you to the next chapter of your life.