If you’re preparing for a DIY household move, you may be wondering “what size U-Haul truck do I need?” With numerous U-Haul truck sizes to choose from, we know that selecting the right moving truck for your next move isn’t always easy. Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out of your truck rental decision. Below, you’ll find an overview of each moving truck size currently offered by U-Haul as well as eight key considerations to make when deciding on a size. Best of luck with your decision and your nextmoving truckadventure!
U-Haul Truck Sizes
- 8 ft. Pickup Trucks
- Cargo Vans
- 10 ft. Truck
- 15 ft. Truck
- 17 ft. Truck
- 20 ft. Truck
- 26 ft. Truck
8 ft. Pickup Trucks
U-Haul’s pickup trucks are an especially popular choice for students moving into college dorm rooms and studio apartments. Perfect for moving a twin bed and various boxes, these pickup trucks start at $19.95. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a U-Haul pickup truck:
- Volume: 76 cu. ft.
- Max load: 1,897 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 6,600 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 4,703 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 6,900 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 7’10” x 5’2″ x 1’9″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 19 mpg
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Seats for 3 adults
Cargo Vans
U-Haul’s cargo vans are a great size for anyone moving to a small studio apartment or a college dorm room, as each van is capable of holding a queen mattress with a box spring. According to U-Haul, cargo vans are also a more fuel efficient choice when making a local move. Cargo vans start at $19.95. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on U-Haul’s cargo van:
- Volume: 245 cu. ft.
- Max load: 3,880 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 8,550 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 4,667 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’8″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 18 mpg
- Seats for 2 adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Gentle-Ride suspension
- Fuel-efficient V-6
10 ft. Truck
U-Haul’s 10 ft. moving truck is one of the most popular options for students, singles and couples moving to a one or two-bedroom home. U-Haul points out that this truck also boasts a low loading dock to make loading heavy boxes and furniture easier. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 10 ft. U-Haul moving truck:
- Volume: 402 cu. ft.
- Max load: 2,850 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 8,600 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 5,790 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 9’11” x 6’4″ x 6’2″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 12 mpg
- Fuel economy gauge
- Driver’s side Air Bag
- Seats for 2 adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Gentle-Ride suspension
15 ft. Truck
The 15 ft. U-Haul truck is the company’s second smallest box truck rental and tends to be a popular choice for those moving to a one to two-bedroom home. Unlike the 10 ft. truck, the 15 ft. truck offers seating for three people (instead of just two). Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 15 ft. U-Haul moving truck:
- Volume: 764 cu. ft.
- Max load: 6,385 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 8,115 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 15′ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
- Fuel economy gauge
- Air bags
- Seats 3 for adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM radio
- Gentle-Ride suspension
- Disc brakes
- 2’10” Low Deck
17 ft. Truck
U-Haul’s 17 ft. moving truck offers the perfect solution for moving a two to three-bedroom home. U-Haul notes that the truck can accommodate a local move as well as a long distanceone-way move.Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 17 ft. U-Haul moving truck:
- Volume: 865 cu. ft.
- Max load: 6,160 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 8,340 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 16’9″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
- Fuel economy gauge
- Air bags
- Seats for 3 adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM radio
- Gentle-Ride suspension
- Disc brakes
- Widest and shortest ramp
20 ft. Truck
Equipped with a large-capacity van-like cab, the 20 ft. U-Haul moving truck is designed for moving a two to three-bedroom home. The 20 ft. truck is perfect for moving long distances, as this truck can comfortably seat three people.Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 20 ft. U-Haul moving truck:
- Volume: 1,016 cu. ft.
- Max load: 5,700 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs.
- Empty weight: 8,800 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
- Inside dimensions: 19’6″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
- Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
- Fuel economy gauge
- Air bags
- Seats for 3 adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM radio
- Gentle-Ride suspension
- Disc brakes
- Widest and shortest ramp
26 ft. Truck
U-Haul’s 26 ft. truck is the company’s largest moving truck available for rent. The truckis perfect for larger, four-plus-bedroom moves and comes with “comfortable van-like seating” for up to three people. Capable of transporting large loads, this moving truck also comes with the ability to tow a trailer. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 26 ft. U-Haul moving truck:
- Volume: 1,682 cu. ft.
- Max load: 9,010 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 25,999 lbs. max.
- Empty weight: 12,990 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
- Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
- Inside dimensions: 26’5″ x 8’2″ x 8’3″ (LxWxH)
- Fuel economy gauge maximizes fuel efficiency
- Seats for 3 adults
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM radio
- Gentle Ride suspension
- Disc brakes
- Widest and shortest ramp
- Hitch with 2″ ball to tow a trailer
- Tie downs and rub rails on all three walls
- Power steering
- Patented dual mirrors for high vision
What Size U-Haul Do I Need?
Still not sure what size truck you need? With so many U-Haul truck sizes to choose from, deciding on the right one for your move can be difficult. Thankfully, we can help. Here are eight questions to ask yourself when selecting a U-Haul truck.
How many bedrooms am I moving?
When choosing the right size U-Haul truck, consider the number of bedrooms you plan to move. As a rule of thumb: the more bedrooms you move, the larger the truck you need. Fortunately, U-Haul provides general guidelines for number of bedrooms and corresponding truck sizes to rent. For instance, U-Haul recommends renting the 8 ft. pickup truck, 9 ft. cargo van or 10 ft. moving truck for small studio, one-bedroom moves. The truck rental company recommends the 15 ft. truck for one to two-bedroom home, the 17 ft. truck for a two to three-bedroom home, and a 26 ft. truck for four-plus-bedroom homes.
(Video) 15' U Haul Truck Video Review Rental Box Van Rent Pods How ToHow far am I moving?
Planning to move nearby? If you’re able to make multiple trips back and forth between homes, then you can likely get away with renting a small U-Haul truck. However, those embarking on a long distance, one-way move will need to size up in order to fit everything at once. In addition, you may want to consider the gas mileage involved when moving long distance. Smaller U-Haul trucks typically get better gas mileage than larger trucks and may be a better fit for small, long distance moves.
Am I moving bulky furniture that won’t fit inside a box?
Bulky furniture that won’t fit inside boxes often takes up a large amount of space inside the moving truck. If the majority of your belongings fit inside boxes or can be disassembled, then you may be able to fit items inside a smaller truck. Large, bulky furniture pieces, on the other hand, will likely require a larger box truck. Bulky furniture pieces include dining tables, sofas and sectionals, large chairs, coffee tables, dressers, mattresses, console tables, bar stools, desks and beds. U-Haul also provides details about the types of bulky furniture pieces that can fit inside each truck. For instance, the truck rental company claims that its 10 ft. moving truck can easily fit a king size bed, loveseat, two end tables, and a four piece dining room table with spare room for boxes filled with household items.
Am I using my own car to move items as well?
In addition to a moving truck, do you plan to use your personal car to haul loose, miscellaneous items? If so, you may not need as large of a truck as you think. On the other hand, if you’re moving without a personal car, you’ll need a truck large enough to hold all of your boxes and furniture items.
How many boxes am I moving?
From small cardboard boxes to large plastic bins, your moving boxes will likely take up at least half (likely more) of the room inside the moving truck. Of course, the more boxes you have, the bigger the truck you need. To figure out the number of boxes needed for your move, use Moving.com’s handy moving box calculator. All you have to do is select the number of bedrooms being moved, the number of people over 12 years of age in your household, the type of lifestyle you lead and the packing style you prefer. From there, we’ll estimate the number of boxes you need.
Am I comfortable driving a large truck?
U-Haul truck renters often forget that these moving trucks aren’t always easy to drive. In fact, if you’re not used to driving a large vehicle, maneuvering a box truck can be downright challenging. If you’re uncomfortable driving a large moving truck, then we recommend renting one of U-Haul’s smaller moving truck rentals such as the cargo van or 10 ft. moving truck.
Will I need to add a trailer or tow a car?
Are you going to need to add a trailer to haul grills, bikes, patio furniture and other outdoor items? What about an added car carrier to haul your vehicle? If you’re planning to rent either a cargo trailer or car carrier, you must also rent a truck large enough (and heavy enough) to carry the extra load. In addition, you’ll need to decide which size trailer or car carrier to rent. Fortunately, U-Haul offers a wide range of options, including small, medium and large cargo trailers as well as five different types of utility trailers.
(Video) Rent a Uhaul Biggest Moving Truck ~ Easy to / How to Drive Video ReviewHow many cubic feet can the truck hold?
When deciding on a truck size, make sure to pay attention to the number of cubic feet that each rental can hold. According to U-Haul, you should allow 150 to 200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room. Once you’ve calculated the number of cubic feet you’ll be packing, select the truck that’s capable of holding that number.
Final Recommendations Regarding U-Haul Truck Sizes
For small studio and one-bedroom moves, U-Haul recommends renting the 8 ft. pickup truck, 9 ft. cargo van or 10 ft. box truck. For medium to large moves, the rental truck company recommends considering the 15 ft., 20 ft., and 26 ft. box trucks, as these vehicles are all equipped with comfort cabs, low-decks and wide loading ramps to make moving easier. If you’re planning to move a family to a large, four-plus bedroom home, U-Haul’s 26 ft. moving truck (the company’s largest truck rental option) will be your best bet. Finally, when in doubt, always size up. The last thing you want is to waste time and energy loading a moving truck only to realize that it won’t hold all of your belongings.
Ready to Rent a Moving Truck?
In addition to U-Haul, there are multiple other truck rental companies to choose from when planning a DIY move. Just make sureto select one located near your current and new home for added ease. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, such as Penske, U-Pack and Budget, check out Moving.com’struck rentalcenter.
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- What to Consider When Reserving a U-Haul Rental Truck
- 5 Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Like a Pro
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- How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck
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FAQs
How do I know what size moving truck to get? ›
Truck Rental Sizing Guide
A general rule of thumb for sizing a moving truck is approximately three cubic feet of space allotted per room. Using this estimate, a 24-cubic-foot truck rental should be capable of handling eight rooms worth of items.
Equipped with a large-capacity van-like cab, the 20 ft. U-Haul moving truck is designed for moving a two to three-bedroom home. The 20 ft. truck is perfect for moving long distances, as this truck can comfortably seat three people.
Is a 16 foot moving truck big enough? ›16 ft.
The medium size option should hold three to four rooms comfortably. Budget notes that these trucks are ideal for relocating a small business as well. The 16 ft. Medium Truck can carry up to 3,500 pounds, including 250 medium boxes or one to 10 medium furniture items.
Ten feet may not sound like a long enough truck to fit basically your whole life into, but you can fit much more than you think. If you have larger items to move such as couches, mattresses or desks along with your many boxes, there is plenty of room to do so.
What size moving truck do I need for a 3 bedroom house? ›15-foot moving truck: two bedrooms or less. 20-foot moving truck: two to three bedrooms. 26-foot moving truck: four+ bedrooms.
Is a 26-foot moving truck big enough? ›According to the company, the 26 ft. truck is capable of moving five to seven rooms and is the appropriate moving truck option for a three to five bedroom home.
What can fit in a 15 foot moving truck? ›You can easily load a king size mattress, washer and dryer, fridge, tall or short dressers, and a 3 seater sofa in this spacious truck. Store your boxes with fragile items, like picture frames or vases, safely away in Mom's Attic to protect them from any shifting cargo.
What fits in a 20 foot moving truck? ›This truck is ideal for 2-3 bedroom homes or large apartments. Easily load up to two king size mattresses, a crib, tall or short dressers, a sectional sofa, a coffee table, end tables, and a 6-person dining table with chairs and you'll still have plenty of room for boxes filled with other household items.
Is a 20 foot U-Haul hard to drive? ›Driving a U-Haul truck isn't too different from driving a regular vehicle. Our trucks are designed to make moving and driving a simple experience that any DIY mover can accomplish.
Is 15 foot truck big enough? ›A 15′ U-Haul truck is perfect for 1-2-bedroom house or apartment moves. Other than being 5′ longer than a 10′ truck, it is also wider and taller. There is plenty of room for your furniture, appliances, boxes and fragile items.
What can you fit in a 10 foot moving truck? ›
The 10ft moving truck can easily fit a king sized bed, frame, loveseat, two end tables, and a four piece dining room table with spare room for boxes filled with household items.
What fits in a 16 foot truck? ›The 16 ft. truck can carry up to 4,300 lbs. This could include about 250 medium boxes, 16 pallets or more.
Can a queen size mattress fit in a 10 U-Haul truck? ›Queen – Cargo Van, 10′ and up moving trucks, and 5'x8′ cargo trailers and up. King – 10′ and up moving trucks, and a 6'x12′ cargo trailer. California King – 10′ and up moving trucks, and a 6'x12′ cargo trailer.
What size moving truck do I need for a 1 bedroom? ›If you're moving a one-bedroom apartment or smaller, the 10- and 12-foot sizes are where you'll want to start. Queen, full, and twin mattresses fit in these trucks, but most king-size mattresses, sadly, are a no-go. Small box truck sizes are where most customers overestimate their needs.
Can 3 people sit in a 10 ft U-Haul? ›How many people can ride in a U-Haul truck? Our larger truck sizes will seat three passengers. This includes our pickup truck, 15', 17', 20' and 26' trucks. U-Haul 10'box trucks and cargo vans have a driver and passenger seat.
How many boxes do I need to move a 2 bed house? ›For an average sized move, most families require 60 boxes of varying sizes. That said, every move is different, and how many storage boxes you will need will depend on a variety of factors.
How many boxes do I need to move a 4 bedroom house? ›The Number of Boxes You Need Based on the Size of Your Home
2-bedroom apartment: 40–60 boxes. 2-bedroom house: 60–80 boxes. 3-bedroom house: 80–100 boxes. 4-bedroom house: 100–120 boxes.
As a general rule of thumb, you're going to want about 10 small, 8 medium, and 5 large packing boxes per room. This is just an estimate, of course, since rooms can vary in size and content fairly drastically.
How many rooms fit in a 26-foot truck? ›Recommended for 5-7 Rooms
Penske's 26 ft. rental truck moves five to seven rooms and is the right size for moving a three to five bedroom home.
Recommended for 3-5 Rooms
Penske's 22 ft. rental truck moves three to five rooms and is the right size for moving a one to three bedroom home.
How much can you fit in a 24 ft truck? ›
24 foot Truck
Max load: 6,205 lbs. Gross vehicle weight: 17,500 lbs. Empty weight: 10,895 lbs. Towing capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
Box Trucks
Every company will have slight differences in their rental truck sizes, even if it's just the height or width of the loading door. But, in general, you'll be looking at 10- to 26-foot box trucks.
A 15′ truck is very easy to drive, it is a truck. The biggest problem most people have is driving it as though it is their car. Just remember, it will take longer to stop especially loaded and/or if you are towing a trailer, auto transport or a tow dolly. Be careful with overhangs, the truck needs clearance.
How big is the inside of a 20 ft U-Haul truck? ›With a door opening of 7'3.75” x 6'5” (WxH) and inside dimensions of 19'6” x 7'8” x 7'2” (LxWxH), you'll have plenty of room for your small and large furniture, as well as boxes and fragile items.
What gas mileage does a 20 foot U-Haul truck get? ›In general, smaller trucks (10 through 14 feet) usually average around 12 miles per gallon, medium trucks (15 through 19 feet) average about 10 miles per gallon, and larger trucks (over 20 feet) will get about 8 to 10 miles per gallon.
How much weight can a 26 foot U-Haul truck hold? ›How big is a 26' truck? Max Load: 12,859 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight: 25,999 lbs. max. Empty Weight: 13,140 lbs.
Is driving a 26 U-Haul hard? ›The moving truck can be fun to drive and rides gentle enough that it almost feel as if it is not 26-feet long. Once you complete your move and conquering your first time driving a moving truck, you can do anything! At least that was the feeling that I had when completing and a sigh of relief.
How many miles per gallon does a 15 ft U-Haul get? ›Take U-Haul's 15′ truck for example; the “10 MPG” estimate is listed directly on the page. Combine that number with the 40 gallon tank and you can expect to get about 400 miles for every fill-up. An example of the fuel economy gauge available in U-Haul rental trucks.
How fast can a 15 ft U-Haul go? ›The maximum recommended speed when towing a U-Haul trailer is 55 mph. This applies to all U-Haul trailers (regardless of size), whether pulling them with a moving truck or personal vehicle. Check other U-Haul moving trailer questions and answers.
What size moving truck do I need for a 10x10 storage unit? ›What size moving truck do I need for a 10x10 storage unit? We recommend using a 15ft moving truck.
How big is the inside of a 15 foot U-Haul? ›
| Sub Category | Pickup truck | 15' truck |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Length, Width, Height | 7'10" x 5'2" x 1'9" | 15' x 7'8" x 7'2" |
| Deck Height From Ground | 3' | 2'10" |
| Deck Length | 7'10" | 12'5" |
| Volume | Open Bed | 764 cu. ft. |
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a hard-working full-size truck with a spacious cabin and a smooth ride. It has high-end interior materials and user-friendly tech features. Additionally, it has a powerful engine, and its gas mileage is among the best in the pickup segment.
How much weight can a 10ft U-Haul carry? ›The Size of the Truck in the Haul
For instance, U-Haul's 10′ truck can carry a total of 2,810 pounds, meanwhile a 26′ truck can carry up to 9,600 pounds. Here's a breakdown of the different size trucks that U-Haul offers, and how much weight each one can haul.
Load Heavy Items in the Front: Place your heaviest items towards the front of the van. Refrigerators, washers, dryers and other heavy furniture work best packed closest to the cab. Keep the weigh balanced from one side to another. Continue loading boxes and other items in tiers on top of the appliances.
What size truck do I need to move a 10x15 storage unit? ›What size moving truck do I need for a 10x15 storage unit? We recommend a 20 ft. Moving Truck.
What can fit in a 17 foot truck? ›Our 17ft moving truck is most commonly used for moving larger apartments and condos. You can easily fit up to two king-sized bed sets, 3 seater sofa, love seat, coffee table, 4 person dining table with chairs, and a TV stand in this spacious truck.
What is the best vehicle for moving furniture? ›Best Cars To Use For Moving
People movers and minivans are the best vehicles for moving. They provide the maximum cargo space for boxes, some small furniture and clothes. They allow you to drop second and third rows seats, opening up the entire back space behind the front seat for any cargo that can fit.
6 ft. x 12 ft. cargo trailer: Holds up to 2,500 pounds and several rooms of furniture, including L-shaped couches, pianos, and more bulky items. May hold up to a two-bedroom home if you're a minimalist.
Will a queen bed fit in a 6x12 U Haul trailer? ›If you have more belongings to move, a cargo trailer in sizes 5×8, 5×10 or 6×12 will work perfectly to move your mattress.
Will a 5x8 uhaul hold a queen mattress? ›The 5x8 enclosed trailer can hold a queen-size bed and tow up to 1,800 lbs! All cargo trailer rentals have a soft ride, rub rails, multiple tie-downs and lockable doors to protect your belongings.
How many boxes fit in a normal size moving truck? ›
Typically, they can accommodate up to 500 medium boxes. Or you can use them to move up to 15 large furniture items.
How many cubic feet is a 3 bedroom house? ›1 Bedroom - 250 - 300 cubic feet. 2 Bedroom - 400 - 600 cubic feet. 3 Bedroom - 700 - 900 cubic feet. 4 Bedroom - 1,000 - 1,200 cubic feet.
How many cubic feet does it take to move a 3 bedroom house? ›Determining the Right Size Truck
A general rule of thumb is between 150-300 cubic feet of space per room on the moving truck. If you use this estimate, a 1,000-cubic-foot truck could handle three-plus rooms worth of items.
1. Don't allow passengers or pets to ride in the cargo area. A teenager might think it's the greatest idea ever to ride in the back of the moving truck, but it is against the law and is also very dangerous.
Does U-Haul have more than 2 seats? ›Most of U-Haul's moving trucks can seat three passengers
While most U-Haul moving trucks can seat up to three passengers, not all of them will. According to U-Haul, the company's 10 ft. moving truck and cargo van are equipped with only two seats for passengers.
The common thought is that all moving trucks are diesel; however, over the years this has changed. More and more moving companies are opting to change their fleets to unleaded gas. U-Haul, for example, has an entire fleet made up of just unleaded moving trucks.