Lots of people who drive smaller cars are intimidated by driving a moving truck. However, if you are relocating your belongings to a new home, a U-Haul® rental is often one of the most cost-effective means of doing so. To keep it—and your belongings—safe, use the following tips to help you maneuver. 

Do:

Get someone to help you back up.

Backing up is probably the trickiest part of driving a U-Haul rental truck. Like any car, the truck has blind spots—even if you use your mirrors. Have a partner stand where you can see them, but not in the path of the truck and guide you into or out of a parking space.

Watch out for overhead clearance.

U-Hauls are taller than most cars. Because of this, they might not make it under places with an overhead clearance restriction. Make sure to find out the truck’s height when you pick up your rental and pay attention when approaching drive-thrus, bridges, or tunnels. Not everything that could be a hazard will have an overhead clearance sign.

Load correctly.

If the weight isn’t properly distributed in your truck, it can be harder to drive. Make sure to load your heaviest items first and the lightest last. Pack boxes close together, tightly and securely. Once you’re done, make sure the cargo door is closed and latched properly.

Don’t:

Follow too closely.

U-Hauls are heavier than passenger cars. This can make it harder to stop in case of an emergency. You should allow at least four seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you. Count this out by watching when the vehicle passes a stationary landmark, like a sign. If the weather is bad or you’re driving at night, opt for five seconds of following distance instead.

Overload the truck.

U-Hauls have a maximum weight listed on the driver’s side doorpost. Do not exceed this weight limit, as it could affect handling. If you think you might be over the weight, find a commercial or public scale to weigh the truck.

Drive distracted or impaired.

You should never drive distracted in your U-Haul rental truck. Don’t text while driving. Ask someone else to switch the GPS instructions for you or to adjust the air conditioning. If you’re tired, pull off the road and take a break.

If you need a U-Haul rental, visit the friendly staff at Affordable Lock Box in Texarkana, TX. They have multiple truck sizes you can choose between depending on your needs. They also offer a variety of cost-effective moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, and furniture carts. Visit their website or call (870) 773-7606 with inquiries.