Any pointers when moving from the east coast to the west coast with a 22' penske truck and a car carrier (packing, moving truck)

[cerbere1564]

Hello,

I'm moving from Maryland to California in July. I'll be driving a 22' Penske truck and towing a car carrier. It will be my first time driving that kind of truck (biggest was a 16' Uhaul truck), so not only it's a much bigger truck, but the towing part is also a first for me. I'm quite excited and a bit scared at the same time.
Can anyone give me any pointers to how to handle that truck, and what are the main elements to look for when towing a car carrier?

Thank you very much

[M3 Mitch]

If you are not already an AAA member, it would be worthwhile to join so you can get the map they will give you of the trip. If you can get someone to show you how to back a trailer, it would be a helpful skill to have, although, if you use your head you can avoid most backing.

Don't try to cover too many miles per day, don't kill yourself. Take some breaks, eat right.

A hand-held or otherwise portable CB can be useful and at least releive boredom.

If you stop where the big rigs stop, you will be the smallest rather than the biggest vehicle around. Not a bad thing.

Be certain to get a tire gauge (air pressure) so you can check the tires.

Have a cell phone that has coast-to-coast coverage.

It would, again, be really great if you could get a bud to show you some of the tricks of the trade in pulling a trailer.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by cerbere1564

Hello,

I'm moving from Maryland to California in July. I'll be driving a 22' Penske truck and towing a car carrier. It will be my first time driving that kind of truck (biggest was a 16' Uhaul truck), so not only it's a much bigger truck, but the towing part is also a first for me. I'm quite excited and a bit scared at the same time.
Can anyone give me any pointers to how to handle that truck, and what are the main elements to look for when towing a car carrier?

Thank you very much

In a few words: use common sense!

Why I say that is it would behoove you first to drive that Penske truck empty for a few miles to 'feel it out'.

And, in all fairness, driving with the carrier behind you is no big deal---------backing up can be a giant PITA though.

[montanamom]

I'm originally from Maryland also, but now in North Carolina. Three years ago I drove from North Carolina to Montana in a 16' Penske truck alone. I was too chicken to tow my car, so I shipped it ahead of time.

Last summer I moved back, again with a 16' foot moving truck, but didn't want to spend the money again to ship my car, so I rented a car carrier. I got the kind that the entire care sits on. After a while, you hardly know you're pulling a car behind you. I had no problems, but I did make sure that anywhere I stopped, I could pull forward to get out, rather than trying to back up, which is tricky. I also made sure I have plenty of room between me and the cars behind me whenever I changed lanes

Hope this helps, and good luck with your move, you'll do fine! Take some good books-on-tape if you're traveling alone, this helped me pass the time, and to tell you the truth, except for the boring flat drive through South Dakota and the price of the gas, I really enjoyed driving cross country in those trucks! If you've got any kids, be sure to have the portable DVD player, and plenty of movies.

[bmd69]

I did it two times from Buffalo to San Diego. Let your wife drive out in the country not near any major cities, based on my experience. By the way she did great.

[figment7]

if you would let me know how it goes, I am planning on doing the same rental type with trailer from Florida to Las Vegas so let me know if you learn anything that may help along, have a great trip and have fun packing!

Originally Posted by cerbere1564

Hello,

I'm moving from Maryland to California in July. I'll be driving a 22' Penske truck and towing a car carrier. It will be my first time driving that kind of truck (biggest was a 16' Uhaul truck), so not only it's a much bigger truck, but the towing part is also a first for me. I'm quite excited and a bit scared at the same time.
Can anyone give me any pointers to how to handle that truck, and what are the main elements to look for when towing a car carrier?

Thank you very much

[FutureCntryBumpkin]

Man!!! The move I'm contemplating just half-way across the country is looking pretty tame. I'm going to keep an eye on you folks. Keep us posted. I've done a 26 footer, but never hauled a car behind it, which I want to do this time. I'm trying to dump (furniture!!!) so I can try a 22 footer.

[GloryB]

Hey......people used to do this in covered wagons. I have complete faith you will accomplish whatever you set out to do as long as you stick together as a family.

[faithfulFrank]

Originally Posted by GloryB

Hey......people used to do this in covered wagons. I have complete faith you will accomplish whatever you set out to do as long as you stick together as a family.

Good answer......I like this post.

Frank

[bertha07]

This forum is great!!!! I'm planning a move from North Carolina to Louisiana as soon as my house sells and will be driving a rental truck (24-26 footer) by myself . I've driven a 16 foot up here with no problems but was a little antsy about a bigger truck but reading all these posts has made me feel less antsy...love the comment about covered wagons LoL wagons HO! seems lots of folks are moving to better places for one reason or another best of luck to all, safe trips to all