Smaller uhaul or larger Penske (packing, Budget, U-Haul, trucks)

[MSchemist80]

I am moving from Chicago to Atlanta and have a bit of a quandary. I have priced out the move. I like that Uhaul will let me use a 10ft truck with a tow dolly for a total of $754. With a coupon, Budget is cheaper at $733 but they require I get a 16ft truck which is bigger than I need. Penske is the most expensive at $865 (I hear they will match price). They also require a 16ft truck but it is diesel. I guess the bigger/heavier truck would likely cancel out the diesel savings in terms of gas. Reccomendation.

[darjoh]

Penske all the way. By far the most reliable trucks, excellent customer service. I drove a Penske about 2000 miles, loaded a house worth of stuff in it, and it never even hiccuped. I was more than satisfied.

[DreamWeavin]

oh dear God do NOT rent a U-Haul!!!!! Penske all the way. They change out their trucks often. U-haul doesn't give a flying fig about theirs. We used Penske for a cross country move and hubby was towing his truck and said it still rode as smooth as our SUV.
Rented a U-Haul later for a short move to another house and it broke down 5x within 3 hours and every light on the dashboard was on when we were returning it. If it had broken down enroute to returning it I would have left the piece of crap on the side of the road.

[NHMS Paul]

Uhaul may jerk you around on the pick up location. They've been known to send you all over to get your truck. Most of their truck going long distance are new now. They used to rent some real junk.

Peknske gives you 10% off with AAA membership. They are fewer of them out there.

How big of a car are your towing?

[MSchemist80]

It looks like Uhaul is the only one who will allow me to use the towing equipment on my car (1995 Saturn SL2). Budget and Penske said no. Penske said it was to low for the dolly or carrier. It is a simple average size sedan.

[Bigg Mann]

Originally Posted by DreamWeavin

oh dear God do NOT rent a U-Haul!!!!! Penske all the way. They change out their trucks often. U-haul doesn't give a flying fig about theirs. We used Penske for a cross country move and hubby was towing his truck and said it still rode as smooth as our SUV.
Rented a U-Haul later for a short move to another house and it broke down 5x within 3 hours and every light on the dashboard was on when we were returning it. If it had broken down enroute to returning it I would have left the piece of crap on the side of the road.

I could not agree with you more. Last 500 mile plus trip with U-HAUL was miserable with a blown exhaust gasket which was so loud you could hardly talk in cab. Also had lighting issues with pulling a car dolly and signal lights did not work and people at u-haul said oh well. Never again.

[NHMS Paul]

I can tell some Uhual stories. I once spent 2 days in NJ waiting on a Uhaul to be repaired. If you have to use Uhaul go down to the local center and deal with them in person. The reservation people are a nightmare. Tell them your towning and ask them to give you a low milage truck. A good store manager will try to help you out.

[MSchemist80]

Unfortunately I have no choice. I need to tow the car and uhaul is the only one. I'll just make sure the truck is in decent shape before I leave.

[DreamWeavin]

we towed a small Ford Ranger..........I don't understand the problem.

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

It looks like Uhaul is the only one who will allow me to use the towing equipment on my car (1995 Saturn SL2). Budget and Penske said no. Penske said it was to low for the dolly or carrier. It is a simple average size sedan.

[darjoh]

Go down to the local Penske place, and ask about the carrier. You will be able to use it I'm sure. I get the feeling you are getting your info off the website. I came across the same issue, being lead to believe I couldn't tow with the Penske, but it turned out I was able to if I wanted. (I had made arrangements after I thought I couldn't) The little extra cash it may cost for the Penske is worth the peace of mind in my opinion. There is no reason why you couldn't tow with the Penske. Besides, towing on a carrier is easier than a dolly, and easier on the vehicle your towing also. Your not supposed to put things inside the vehicle on a carrier, you can with the light fragile stuff, but I definitely wouldn't with the vehicle on a dolly. Just gives you more "packing space"
The AAA discount is also worth the AAA membership. You keep it for at least a year after you have done the move, and it may come in handy for doing all the exploring you'll do in your new location.