How far did you drive at once? (moving truck, trailer, trucks)

[gentlearts]

At about 5-6 hours, I have had enough for one day. If I were you, I would not push it. Why not have an easy, stress free pace?

We moved 12 hours away with 3 U Haul trucks, and did it in two days. It was a comfortable pace. We had our route planned and our hotel lined up. For a trip as long as yours, some days you may feel like going longer, and some days not. However, when I travel like this, I want to know I have a reservation waiting, so we make those decisions before we leave, and stick to them.

One thing everyone enjoyed is, since I was driving a car, I stopped and got a carry out lunch for everyone (Subway) and we stopped at a rest area and had a leisurely lunch.

When planning your hotels and meal breaks, you want to be mindful of truck parking at both hotels and meal times.

[laserdiscfan]

Longest for me was LA to Springfield, MO in twenty six hours, about 1600 miles. However, my dad and I were both absolutely exhausted at the end, and both agreed that we should have had at least one stop for sleep. We are both extremely hardy for long distances, though, and I am sure most people couldn't do that.

[ASOT]

I drove a 10 foot U-Haul with a four-wheel tow transport when I moved here. Started in Alexandria, VA and stopped in Elkhart, IN for the night... 600 miles and about 11-12 hours on the road, not including stops. I was quite sore from sitting up straight, and started feeling tired. The total driving time ended up being 10-15% more than what Google Maps says, simply because I was towing.

Tips on towing:

• When turning, pull out further, then turn and accelerate slowly.
• Allow more time and distance for stopping and changing lanes.
• Be mindful of the 55 mph towing limit. U-Haul trucks don't have cruise control.
• There may be a tow button on the dash of your truck; remember to push it everytime you start the truck.
• Have your family member check your break lights during stops.
• U-Haul: Tips: Tow Dolly User Instructions
• U-Haul: Tips: Learn how to load and haul a trailer safely

Good luck! I hope to be heading back to VA soon too.

[ccm123]

I would book a hotel and rest. Long drives when tired, are a recipe for trouble.

[maggie2101]

I drove from Los Angeles to Little Rock, AR. My car broke down or needed new tires in every state I passed through, twice in Texas. I got sick with pneumonia in AZ and ended up in the hospital. What a horrible trip that was. I am moving from Houston back to Little Rock soon, but that is not too long of a drive.

Good luck to you!

[SeaNile31]

My solo record is Salt Lake City to State College PA, straight through only stopping for gas. 36 hours and when I got to Penn State I met my friends, grabbed a few slices of pizza and played basketball for several hours. Ah, to be young again.

With a buddy drove from LA to Philadelphia 'burbs in 44 hours again only stopping for snacks and gas.

[Marie24]

I'm looking at a move from the Chicago area to Atlanta. It's about 11-12 hours. I would be driving alone, and moving only with what fits in my car.

What about security/break-in issues if you stop for the night? You put a padlock on the cargo area door of a truck, but if you've only got a car and it's clearly full of stuff...how do you handle that?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Marie24

What about security/break-in issues if you stop for the night?

Pick where you stop.

Would you park your car in the lot of an concrete block no tell motel
on the old highway at the edge of town? Don't do it with the truck either.

Any of the better known chain motels near the interstate will have well lit lots
and if the neighborhood warrants it... security too.

[Nanny Goat]

Fla to Az; we drove around 7-8 hours/day. Had 3 cats, 1 dog and 2 lop ears. I didn't wanna stress them out, or myself. By 3:30 pm looking for hotel, settling in, dinner and rested up.

My husband used to drive straight through NY state to Fort Lauderdale! He said he got on a "roll" and felt okay!! When I went w/ him, it was dinner time to stop or else. I get way too cranky for all those miles at once!

[Zymer]

Houston to Miami in one go, stopping only for fluid exchanges and one 1/2 hour nap in a rest area...in a U-Haul truck, which was absolutely the worst rental truck I have ever driven. Rent anything else- Ryder, Budget, Penske, whatever, anything but a U-Haul.