Understanding the Gas Mileage of U-Haul Truck Rentals

When it comes to renting a truck for your move, one important factor to consider is the gas mileage of U-Haul truck. After all, the cost of fuel can quickly add up, especially if you are driving a long distance. In this post, we will explore the gas mileage of U-Haul truck rentals and provide some tips for maximizing your fuel efficiency while on the road.

U-Haul is a popular choice for truck rentals, with a wide range of sizes available to meet your moving needs. However, the gas mileage of these trucks can vary depending on the specific model and size. Here is a breakdown of the approximate miles per gallon (MPG) for some of the most common U-Haul truck sizes:

10′ truck:

The 10′ truck can achieve up to 12 MPG, with a fuel tank capacity of 372 miles. This size is ideal for moving a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. It has a loading capacity of approximately 2,600 pounds and can hold the contents of a studio or small one-bedroom apartment.

16′ truck:

The 16′ truck can get up to a 10 MPG, with a fuel tank capacity of 400 miles. This is the most popular size for moving a home with two to three rooms. It has a loading capacity of approximately 4,400 pounds and can hold the contents of a two to three bedroom home.

22′ truck:

The 22′ truck can get up to 10 MPG, with a fuel tank capacity of 400 miles. This size is suitable for moving a home with three to four rooms. It has a loading capacity of approximately 6,200 pounds and can hold the contents of a three to four bedroom home.

26′ truck:

The 26′ truck can achieve up to 10 MPG with a fuel tank capacity of 600 miles.  This is the largest size available from U-Haul and is suitable for moving a home with five or more rooms. It has a loading capacity of approximately 7,400 pounds and can hold the contents of a five or more bedroom home.

Please note that these estimates are based on average household items and may vary depending on the specific items you are moving. It’s always a good idea to consult with a U-Haul representative to determine the best size truck for your specific needs.

It’s also important to note that these estimates are based on average driving conditions and may vary in practice. There are many factors that can impact fuel consumptions such as your driving habits,  the terrain you are driving on can all impact the actual gas mileage of the truck, keeping in mind that there are many mountainous regions of the United States. Also, the weight of the load you are carrying can have a tremendous impact on gas mileage of U-Haul trucks, as well as if you are towing a vehicle behind the truck.

If you are concerned about fuel efficiency, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your fuel consumption while on the road. Here are some tips for improving the gas mileage for U-Haul trucks:

Choose the right size truck:

As you can see from the list above and, the larger the truck, the heavier it weights, the lower the gas mileage. If you don’t need a lot of space, consider opting for a smaller truck to save on fuel costs.

However, it’s important to note that the size of the truck should be based on your specific moving needs. If you have a lot of large or heavy items, you may need a larger truck to accommodate them. In this case, choosing a smaller truck may not be practical. It’s always a good idea to consult with a U-Haul representative to determine the best size truck for your specific needs. They can help you estimate the volume of your belongings and recommend the appropriate size truck to ensure that everything fits and is transported safely.

Hire a professional driver:

Professional drivers such as those at companies like Moving Truck Driver can help improve gas mileage but the both the manner in which they drive a U-Haul, by utilizing such tools as cruise control and by the way in which they plan for and navigate difficult terrain such as mountainous or city areas.

Pack lightly:

Packing lightly can help you save on fuel costs because the more weight you are carrying, the harder your truck will have to work and the more fuel it will use. By minimizing the load on the truck, you can reduce your fuel consumption and save on fuel costs.

Here are some ideas for packing lightly:

• Sort through your belongings and only bring the essentials: Before you start packing, take some time to sort through your belongings and decide what you really need to bring with you. Get rid of anything that you no longer use or need. This will not only help you pack lightly, but it will also make it easier to unpack and organize your new home.

• Use smaller boxes: Instead of using large boxes, try using smaller boxes that are easier to carry. This will not only make it easier for you to load and unload the truck, but it will also help you pack more efficiently and use the space in the truck more effectively.

• Use suitcases and bags: Instead of packing your clothes in boxes, try using suitcases and bags. This will save space and make it easier to transport your belongings.

• Don’t pack unnecessary items: Avoid packing items that you can easily replace or that you can live without for a short period of time. For example, you may not need to bring all of your kitchen appliances or decorations with you.

Use the cruise control:

Using cruise control can help you save on fuel costs by allowing you to maintain a consistent speed while driving on the highway. When you use cruise control, the vehicle’s computer system automatically adjusts the throttle to maintain a pre-set speed, which can help reduce fuel consumption. This is especially useful when driving on long stretches of road where there are few speed changes.

To use cruise control, you will need to activate it by pressing the “cruise” button on the dashboard or steering wheel of your vehicle. Once it is activated, you can set the desired speed by pressing the “set” button and adjusting the speed using the + and – buttons. The vehicle will then maintain the set speed until you deactivate cruise control or until you encounter a speed change, such as when driving up a hill or entering a construction zone.

By using cruise control, you can help reduce fuel consumption and save on fuel costs. However, it’s important to use cruise control responsibly and only activate it when it is safe to do so. For example, you should not use cruise control when driving in heavy traffic or when road conditions are slippery. You should also be prepared to deactivate cruise control and take manual control of the vehicle if necessary.

Avoid quick acceleration and braking:

Avoiding quick acceleration and braking can help you save on fuel costs because rapid acceleration and braking can significantly increase fuel consumption. When you accelerate quickly, the engine has to work harder to accelerate the vehicle, which uses more fuel. Similarly, when you brake quickly, the engine has to work harder to bring the vehicle to a stop, which also uses more fuel.

To save on fuel costs, try to maintain a steady pace and anticipate stops to minimize the need for quick acceleration and braking. This can help reduce fuel consumption and save on fuel costs.

In addition to these tips, U-Haul also offers several fuel-efficient options to help you save on fuel costs. For example, some of their trucks are equipped with automatic transmissions, which can be more fuel-efficient than manual transmissions. They also offer trucks with fuel-efficient engines that can help you save on fuel costs.

Summary of Gas Mileage for U-Hauls

In conclusion, there are several steps you can take to maximize your fuel efficiency when renting a U-Haul truck. By choosing a smaller truck, packing lightly, using the cruise control, avoiding quick acceleration and braking, and keeping your truck well-maintained, you can help reduce fuel consumption and improve gas mileage for U-Haul trucks.

U-Haul also offers several fuel-efficient options, such as trucks with automatic transmissions and fuel-efficient engines, which can further help you save on fuel costs. It’s important to consider the gas mileage of your truck rental and take steps to reduce fuel consumption to help make your move more budget-friendly. However, always remember to prioritize safety and follow traffic laws when driving a rental truck.

To learn more about driving a U-Haul yourself, or hiring a U-Haul driver, please see on our comprehensive guide located at U-Haul Drivers.

For additional information, please read our next article entitled Experience the Convenience of a One Way U-Haul Rental.