Tips and Tricks for Your First U-Haul Experience

Whether you’re trying to free up some space in your home or making a cross country move, you could be using a U-Haul truck for the first time. Many of our storage locations, in an effort to help make your moving and storing experience more convenient, offer U-Haul truck rental on site.

U-Haul is unique in the industry because they work with manufacturers to design a truck specifically for household or small business moving. U-Haul offers more safety features than any other truck in the industry along with gentle ride suspension and high visibility mirrors to assist the driver.enefit of Driving a U-Haul Truck

• 50% easier to load – A wide, stable EZ Load Ramp makes loading your large, heavy items a breeze.
• Safely move your furniture – Gentle ride suspension and aerodynamic styling keep your furniture safe and secure.
• Quiet, with independent seating for three – Driver and passengers enjoy a peaceful, comfortable driving experience.
• Save money – This is important with current gasoline prices. While many trucks use acrid, expensive diesel fuel, these trucks use cleaner, cheaper, and more convenient unleaded fuel.

It’s great to have a truck at your disposal, but If you have no previous truck-driving experience, you’re going to need a little help. We want to share the following tips to get you started on your journey and keep you safe.

First Time Driving a U-Haul

As with any new experience, driving a truck for the first time can be tricky. Be sure that you choose the right size vehicle, and discuss any concerns you may have with office personnel. They have plenty of experience and will be happy to answer your questions.

We always have a selection of the newest trucks to fit your moving and storage needs.

• U-Haul trucks are heavy vehicles, especially when fully loaded. It takes longer to stop than a car, so allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you (allow 5 seconds in adverse weather).

• Because a truck is longer than your average vehicle, you’ll need more time and distance to pass. Don’t pass on hills or curves.

• Shift into lower gears when driving uphill to prevent jerking due to engine lugging.

• Before going downhill, slow down and shift into lower gear to allow the engine to control your speed. Do not ride the breaks on a downgrade.

• If your truck moves off the paved roadway, don’t panic, don’t make a sharp turn, and don’t apply the brakes. Slow down to below 25 mph, and make your way gradually back to the road.

• When turning at a sharp corner, drive slightly past the corner or make a wider turn than you would in a car.

• Avoid parking on steep inclines. The parking brake may not hold, and the bumper may drag or get stuck.

Using a Truck Ramp for the First Time

Using a truck ramp for the first time isn’t difficult, but like any first-time experience it can be confusing. The following tips will help you through the process.

• First, open the rear door of the truck.

• Push down on the latch that keeps the ramp securely under the truck and pull the ramp out slightly.

• Use the straps on the end of the ramp to slowly and carefully pull the ramp out until it is fully extended.

• Set the ramp on the ground gently.

• Grab both sides of the ramp near the rear of the truck and lift up. You’ll see two hooks. Place these hooks over the slots on the truck deck to secure the ramp in the loading position.

If you’re thinking about towing your car or a trailer. U-Haul has an easily understandable series of videos to help with that.

Whatever your needs, our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always here to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express your concerns. Have a safe trip!