How Long Can You Rent A U-Haul? (Solved & Explained)

Compared to other rental companies that rent out vehicles for moving, U-Haul has been the best option among movers.

Not only do they offer moving vehicles of varying sizes to meet customers’ needs, but the company is also widely available all over the United States and Canada.

If you would like to know some basic information about U-Haul rental services, read along as we discuss how long customers can rent different U-Haul vehicles, the pricing structure, and the best period to rent.

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Here Is How Long You Can Rent a U-Haul:

You can rent a U-Haul for 1 hour to 24 hours for local traveling, depending on vehicle availability. In cases of one-way traveling where customers are moving out of state, driving longer miles, and will need the U-Haul for several days, U-Haul also offers you extra days depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Also, U-Haul offers about 90 days of rent for some of their vehicles.

Note that renting a U-Haul for a longer period requires special rates which the center calculates based on distance and average move time.

How Long Can You Rent the Bigger U-Haul Trucks?

You can rent the bigger U-Haul trucks for 8 hours or more depending on your need when you are moving locally.

Customers can rent the bigger U-Haul trucks for one-way trips can last days or weeks if the vehicle is available.

U-Haul also offers special charging rates for customers that are moving long distances or miles. However, if there’s a need to extend the rental period after your rental arrangement, check in with your U-Haul center to avoid being charged for a late return.

While U-Haul didn’t state if there is a higher price for renting bigger trucks, from research, the cost of renting U-Haul trucks is based on size, demand, distance, and location.

According to Realitybiznews, using the reviews of U-Haul customers as a basis, it reported that for local moves, the bigger U-Haul cost $29,95 or $39.95, with mileage fees starting at $0.59 per mile.

It further stated you can pay up to $4,000 for a move of about 1,500 miles with the 26ft U-Haul truck, while the 10ft truck may not cost up to $2,300 for the same journey.

To rent bigger U-Haul trucks just like other rental companies, you can schedule in the middle of the week or in the middle of the month. Renting in winter can also give you an edge. This is because rental companies mostly have lower demands during this period.

Thus, lower demands mean a slow business and decrement in charges. This period also sees high availability of bigger trucks. This means you have a higher chance of having access to the truck of your choice during this period, unlike the busy rental period.

How Long Can You Rent a U-Haul Pickup Truck?

You can rent a U-Haul pickup truck for as long as 24 hours. However, with U-Haul, you can reserve the pickup truck for an extended period of up to 90 days and at a discounted price using the extended days/miles option.

The price to rent a U-Haul pickup truck starts at $19.95, including mileage. However, depending on size, location and miles, and other expenses, the price may not be constant.

Though they didn’t mention it in their offer, other expenses may include damage protection fees, taxes, gas, etc.

We advise you should be prepared to pay more than $19.95 for a pickup truck when visiting any U-Haul location. If not, $19.95 may not get you your preferred pickup choice.

Also, it will only cover the rental fees and not the extra charges, and may not allow you to travel longer miles.

Note that renting during the middle of the month, on a weekday, or during winter, makes renting a U-Haul pickup truck cheaper.

Demand is very low during these periods. This period also better guarantees the availability of your pickup truck choice.

How Long Can You Rent a U-Haul Van?

You can rent the U-Haul van for 24 hours but reserve it for up to 90 days extended period. For customers moving long distances or going on multiple trips, you can choose the extended days/miles option and save up on long miles or reservations for longer days.

The charges to rent a U-Haul van start from $19.95 for local travel. However, you may need to pay extra for some other fees.

Also, the period of rental may affect the rental charges. As mentioned earlier, renting a U-Haul during a certain period of the year is cheaper compared to some periods.

Targeting the middle of the week in the middle of the month gives you a higher chance to rent at a cheaper rate.

For example, commonly, mileage fees from Sundays to Thursdays are $0.99 per mile, while Friday and Saturdays are $0.79. Thus, renting your van during this period gives you a better rental charge, especially when going on longer trips.

How Long Can You Rent a U-Haul Trailer?

You can rent a U-Haul Trailer for as long as 1 hour to 24 hours in most U-Haul locations. However, depending on your location, you may have access to multiple days of rent for the local trailer rentals.

The cost of renting a U-Haul trailer starts at $14.95 for a period of up to 24 hours for your local traveling. But this price depends on the size of the trailer and there are extra charges aside from the $14.95 fees.

Note that there are no mileage charges for U-Haul trailer rentals. Instead, renting a U-Haul trailer with towing equipment comes with unlimited miles.

The one-way traveling charge rate will depend on the size of the trailers, the destination, the location, and the date of the move.

Also, these charges are not constant and may change at any point. But note that demand and availability influence this fluctuation a great deal. So, confirm the price with your U-Haul rental location before booking your trailer.

What Is the Longest You Can Drive in a U-Haul?

The longest you can drive in a U-Haul will depend on how long you can go as the driver. This is because U-Haul can go as long as you want them, but can the drivers go that long?

From reports from U-Haul customers, there have been drivers that drove as long as 24 hours and even more.

Even with vehicles that U-Haul rented out based on per mile charges, the vehicles will still go many miles as you want them to go. The only thing you have to be aware of is your expenses and driving safety.

But as long as there is enough gas in your U-Haul vehicle, whether local or outside the state rental, U-Haul does not have a limit to how long you can drive it, except your rental period has expired. In such a case, U-Haul will not stop you from driving but charge you extra fees for the delay.

However, we do not recommend driving longer hours because of the dangers accompanying it. Drivers should not drive for long hours on a stretch. Instead, take a break between hours for comfortable, safe, and stress-less driving.

To ensure this, U-Haul users have to follow the DOT regulations. The law only allows drivers to drive trucks carrying properties for a maximum of 11 hours and not more after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.

Also, drivers must take a 30-minute break after the 8th hour of driving and they can only be on duty for just 14 hours.

Though you are trying to save costs on your U-Haul rental charges, still make your safety a priority. Rest, eat, and probably take a nap between driving when you are going on long journeys.

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