MOVING -- advice -- UHaul, space, etc...

[churdiales]

Okay, I locked an ABF cube for $1,100 Terminal to Terminal... which means I have to take my stuff to a local terminal and then pick it up at a terminal over there. The other option is a U-Haul with a towing device, it will cost around $100-200 less. I have to drive my car over there regardless. I know that a truck (and towing) will spend more gas (vs. just driving my car), is it really that much more expensive?

I want to do the U-Haul option but that whole "pull the drive shaft" from my vehicle (if I tow it), sounds like something I have not been trained for (I don't even know how to do an oil change) (I do know how to nunchuck someone if in danger, though). It sounds intricate, but maybe it is not, or maybe I can tow my car using one of those trailers where all four tires would be off the ground?

Any other suggestions now that everyone is up and have had their coffee?

[IWish]

Be sure you pull the drive shaft if you tow the car.

Curious. Isn't this true for only front wheel drive vehicles? I've wondered about this...is it necessary for rear wheel drive too?

[rubberneck]

Be sure you pull the drive shaft if you tow the car.

Curious. Isn't this true for only front wheel drive vehicles? I've wondered about this...is it necessary for rear wheel drive too?

Only if you plan to tow a rear-wheel-drive vehicle on a tow dolly, you'll have to disconnect and remove the drive shaft so you don't damage the transmission...

[mtarail]

I want to do the U-Haul option but that whole "pull the drive shaft" from my vehicle (if I tow it), sounds like something I have not been trained for (I don't even know how to do an oil change) ?

I rented Penske stuff to move awhile ago (it was a long time, but I can't imagine their materials have changed that much). They rented me a tow hitch like the one in wompa164's picture. Just drive the car onto hitch, which connects to the moving truck, crank the e-brake, secure the wheels, secure the chassis to some some lines on the hitch, and you're done. It looked like this. Penske was the cheapest option that I found, but again, that was a long time ago. My recommendation is DIY. Cheaper and less stress doing it yourself, than hoping someone else does it the right way and doesn't jack up your stuff. Or just jack your stuff.

[ryanfromindiana]

I want to do the U-Haul option but that whole "pull the drive shaft" from my vehicle (if I tow it), sounds like something I have not been trained for (I don't even know how to do an oil change) ?

I rented Penske stuff to move awhile ago (it was a long time, but I can't imagine their materials have changed that much). They rented me a tow hitch like the one in wompa164's picture. Just drive the car onto hitch, which connects to the moving truck, crank the e-brake, secure the wheels, secure the chassis to some some lines on the hitch, and you're done. It looked like this. Penske was the cheapest option that I found, but again, that was a long time ago. My recommendation is DIY. Cheaper and less stress doing it yourself, than hoping someone else does it the right way and doesn't jack up your stuff. Or just jack your stuff.

Every time I've done it it has been like above and I'm in the process of doing it again. Normally I use U-haul or something comparable. I usually hire movers at both sites to load and unload the truck and U-hauls site even offers help with that including reviews. Driving the truck kind of sucks, but it's also kind of fun singing Convoy and having anonymous sex at truckstops. The last part makes my wife super uncomfortable though. WTF were we talking about?

[churdiales]

Thank you, all.

I guess I will compare Penske and U-Haul. Putting the car on a tow hitch with all four off ground sounds like the way to go.

Thank you, again!

[virtualmert]

I used to be a mover!

I would check out ABF if you are thinking of doing the cube route, their cubes are sturdier, and they seem to handle them better. The problem with the cubes is if you dont have someone who knows what they are doing they get all banged up in transit and you end up with a pile of broken furniture, I have seen it happen.

http://www.upack.com/

I would go the truck route personally unless you want to hire mover. If you hire one do some research because there are a lot of shady movers out there. Go with a national company like Atlas or Mayflower, these guys are usually pretty on point but expensive. Don't get a lot of extra insurance, its a scam.

The other thing is are you comfortable driving with a trailer? I have my CDL, but if you don't do it all the time it can be a little hairy, especially if you are going 70 through cattle chutes in a construction zone.

I would go with Penske or Ryder, there trucks are usually in better shape.

[mkuborn]

Yeah, the UHaul truck including a tow dolly and insurance for belongings comes up to (around) $1,000.
(I have a crazy uncle that will share the driving with me, so it won't be as bad... sharing the wheel, getting some sleep on the road, etc...)

Thanks for the advice! Will bump this thread in the next couple of days to see if anybody else has other suggestions.

Not to thread jack but where are you getting that number dude? I looked up LA to NYC with the smallest uhual and it is like $2230 plus $999 for the car tow. I am looking at doing this move In August and have come to the conclusion i want to get one of the tow hitches put on my car and smaller tow behind type deal. I am just going to sell all my shitty ikea furniture and try to stuff everything in one of those. (which are still like $600 for the biggest)

Has anyone ever done that, i have seen sedans on the road with uhual tow haulers so i know it can be done but is it recommended? They have a thing on their site where you type in your car type and it says i can tow it, according to them.

[churdiales]

^^ from their site...

I tried an online quote and that is what it came to, a small 14" truck, and a towing device, insurance and everything...
total miles, around 1,800... yours?

[churdiales]

Yeah, the UHaul truck including a tow dolly and insurance for belongings comes up to (around) $1,000.

Not to thread jack but where are you getting that number dude? I looked up LA to NYC with the smallest uhaul and it is like $2230 plus $999 for the car tow.

$999 for the car tow? Mine is $149, I think...
Truck is about $600-650 (around there).

[andruw000]

My wife and I moved from Spokane, WA to Richmond, VA just over two years ago. We used a relocube from ABF and it went flawlessly. It looks like we might be moving back to the West Coast (Portland, OR) in the next year or so and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. Good luck!

[ColonelCash]

Thank you, all.

I guess I will compare Penske and U-Haul. Putting the car on a tow hitch with all four off ground sounds like the way to go.

Thank you, again!

I'm not stating a scientific fact here, but I have rented Penske trucks and U-Haul trucks. Penske always had nicer trucks. U-Haul would typically give me some old heap that would shimmy when you put gas to it. I have been asked to help folks move across states a few times now. I won't help unless the get a decent truck (because I end up driving it). Also, get one slightly bigger than you think you wil need. Extra room helps and it will fill up, I promise.

[Jesusmalverde]

^^ from their site...

I tried an online quote and that is what it came to, a small 14" truck, and a towing device, insurance and everything...
total miles, around 1,800... yours?

Maybe you could get TITS to drive the truck.

[churdiales]

Thank you all, I'm now looking at Penske.
Seems like selling my car is not a bad idea... I was thinking of getting a station wagon anyway (dad's car), might just sell mine here and use the money to buy over there.

Coverage/insurance... what do you guys normally get? Or, will my auto insurance cover this stuff? (I know, dumb question, I should just call them.)
I guess, is it money down the drain, or should I get all types of coverage from Penske/U-Haul?

edit: I just called my insurance... I am covered. They told me to just get coverage for the truck, but not to purchase liability, medical for me, or property loss (homeowner's/renter's covers that).
Ain't that grand...

And, it looks like Penske it is...