U-Haul Truck Size Guide: Compare Dimensions, Capacity & What Fits Best

Choosing the right U-Haul truck size is one of the most important steps in planning a successful move. Pick too small, and you’ll waste time making multiple trips. Pick too big, and you’ll pay for unused space and risk your items shifting in transit.

At MovingTruckDriver.com, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses relocate safely across the country. Below, we break down every U-Haul truck size and dimension in simple terms — so you can rent confidently, knowing exactly what fits, how much it carries, and which option offers the best value for your move.

Request A Quote

Full Name*
Email Address*
Email Confirm Email
Phone*
Approximate Date of Service*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Moving from Address*
Moving from City*
Moving from State*
Moving from Zip*
Moving to City*
Moving to State*
Moving to Zip*
Size of Move*

U-Haul Pickup Truck

Inside Dimensions: 7′10″ L × 5′2″ W × 1′9″ H
Max Load: 1,897 lbs

The U-Haul pickup is compact, simple, and affordable which is ideal for small local projects, single-item hauls, or DIY runs.

Best For:

Delivering furniture, mulch, soil, or appliances
Moving small loads between apartments or dorms
Picking up Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or IKEA items

Expert Insight:
Because it’s an open-bed truck, your load will be exposed to weather. Use straps and a tarp if rain is expected.

Quick Summary: Best for small errands or supplemental loads, not full household moves.

U-Haul 9′ Cargo Van

Inside Dimensions: 9′6″ L × 5′7″ W × 4′8″ H
Max Load: 3,880 lbs

The cargo van is the go-to for city moves and tight parking. It fits into standard spaces yet provides nearly 250–280 cubic feet of cargo room.

Ideal For:

Studio apartments or minimalist 1-bedrooms
Dorms or first apartments
Transporting artwork, electronics, or small furniture

What Fits: A twin mattress, small sofa, dresser, and up to 20 boxes.
Fuel Advantage: About 18 MPG highway.

Quick Summary: Compact, enclosed, and perfect for local city moves.

U-Haul 10′ Truck

Inside Dimensions: 9′11″ L × 6′4″ W × 6′2″ H
Max Load: 2,850 lbs

The 10-foot truck is the smallest enclosed box truck and an ideal step up from the van. It’s maneuverable and easy for new drivers.

Perfect For:

1-Bedroom apartments or small homes
Seniors or students moving independently
Moving larger items like couches, beds, and dining sets

Pro Tip: Fits a king mattress, loveseat, and 20–25 boxes with room to spare. No ramp required due to its low deck.

Quick Summary: Great for single-bedroom moves, compact yet enclosed for weather protection.

U-Haul 15′ Truck

Inside Dimensions: 15′ L × 7′8″ W × 7′2″ H
Max Load: 6,385 lbs | Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs

The 15-foot truck is one of U-Haul’s most popular models, large enough for most 2-bedroom moves and equipped with a built-in loading ramp.

You Can Fit:

King mattresses and bedroom sets
Sectional sofas, dining tables, and chairs
Washers, dryers, refrigerators

Pro Insight: The best balance of space, handling, and fuel efficiency — perfect for cross-town or state-to-state moves.

Quick Summary: The most versatile U-Haul for medium-sized homes.

U-Haul 20′ Truck

Inside Dimensions: 19′6″ L × 7′8″ W × 7′2″ H
Max Load: 5,700 lbs | Towing: 7,500 lbs

Built for 2–3 bedroom homes, the 20-foot truck offers up to 1,000 cubic feet of storage with stable highway handling.

Best For:

Small families or multi-room apartments
Partial home-to-storage moves
Long-distance relocations

Pro Tip: Balances capacity and fuel economy. A smart choice for families or long-distance moves.

Quick Summary: Handles large household moves efficiently without feeling oversized.

U-Haul 26′ Truck

Inside Dimensions: 26′2″ L × 8′2″ W × 8′3″ H
Max Load: 9,010 lbs | Towing: 10,000 lbs

The 26-foot truck is U-Haul’s largest mover, ideal for 3–4 bedroom homes, offices, or multi-family relocations.
It’s designed for long-distance moves when you need everything in one trip.

You Can Fit:

King and queen beds
Full living and dining room sets
Multiple appliances and outdoor furniture

Driving Considerations: Requires confidence but includes power steering, wide mirrors, and backup cameras.

Quick Summary: The top choice for cross-country moves or large households.

Detailed U-Haul Truck Comparisons

Cargo Van vs. 10′ Truck

Cargo Van: Best for studios, dorms, and minimal furniture. Great mileage and easy to park.
10′ Truck: More cubic space, fits furniture, and offers better protection for larger loads.

10′ vs. 15′ Truck

The 15′ truck nearly doubles the space of the 10′ and includes a loading ramp.
Choose the 10′ for smaller apartments or local moves; the 15′ for 2-bedroom homes or light towing.

20′ vs. 26′ Truck

20′ Truck: Easier to handle, better on gas, fits most 2–3 bedroom homes.
26′ Truck: For full-home relocations or anyone who wants everything in one trip.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size

Start with bedrooms:
Studio/1-bedroom: Cargo Van or 10′
2-bedroom: 15′ or 20′
3+ bedrooms: 26′
Measure furniture: Beds, sofas, and appliances take more space than expected.
Add 10–15% buffer: Avoid mid-move upgrades.
Consider your route: Tight streets or garages may limit truck size.

Why U-Haul Truck Size Matters

When it comes to moving, efficiency and fit are everything. Each U-Haul model is designed for a specific purpose from light-duty, local jobs to full-home, long-distance relocations.
The right truck ensures:

Space Optimization: No wasted space or overflowing boxes.
Safer Transport: Proper sizing prevents overpacking and damage.
Fuel Efficiency: Smaller trucks use less gas — crucial for long-distance moves.
Time Savings: The right size reduces backtracking and mid-move stress.

Pro Tip: Always add 10–15% buffer space when estimating your load. It’s the simplest way to avoid last-minute headaches.

U-Haul Truck Size Comparison (Quick Reference)

U-Haul Truck	Ideal Move Size	Max Load (lbs)	Volume (cu ft)	Towing	Est. MPG
Pickup	Small loads, errands	1,897	Open bed	6,000	19
9′ Cargo Van	Studio or dorm	3,880	245	—	18
10′ Truck	1-Bedroom Apt	2,850	402	6,000	12
15′ Truck	2-Bedroom Home	6,385	764	10,000	10
20′ Truck	2–3 Bedroom Home	5,700	1,016	7,500	10
26′ Truck	3–4 Bedroom Home	9,010	1,682	10,000	10

This table helps you instantly visualize the load capacity, space, and efficiency trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size U-Haul fits a two-bedroom home?

A 15′ or 20′ truck usually works best, depending on furniture volume.

Can I tow a car behind my U-Haul?

Yes, trucks 15′ and larger can tow up to 10,000 lbs.

Do all trucks come with ramps?

Yes, every truck 15′ and up includes a loading ramp.

Which size is most fuel-efficient?

The 9′ Cargo Van offers the best mileage; the 20′ truck balances efficiency with space.

What size U-Haul is best for cross-country moves?

Choose the 20′ or 26′ truck. The 20′ is easier to drive, the 26′ fits everything in one trip.

Can I specify my truck size when hiring a driver?

Yes! When you hire a professional through MovingTruckDriver.com, you can specify your U-Haul size (10′, 15′, 20′, or 26′), plus towing accessories like car trailers or dollies.

U-Haul 10 vs. 15 Foot Truck, What’s the Difference?

The 15′ truck nearly doubles the 10′ model’s space, adds a loading ramp, and tows up to 10,000 lbs. Perfect for 2-bedroom homes or larger furniture sets.

U-Haul 20 ft Truck Dimensions, What Can It Fit?

The 20′ truck (19′6″ × 7′8″ × 7′2″) fits up to 50 boxes, multiple beds, and all major furniture. Ideal for families or cross-state moves.