All moving guides

Choosing a rental truck: size is only the start

Check the opening, usable floor space and weight limit—not just the advertised length.

A 15-foot truck does not necessarily have 15 feet of flat floor. Some space is above the cab. A sofa also has to pass through the rear door, your building doors and any tight turns.

U-Haul published comparison checked October 30, 2026
TruckVolumeMaximum loadRear opening
10-foot402 cu ft2,850 lb5 ft 11 in × 5 ft 7 in
15-foot764 cu ft6,385 lb7 ft 3 in × 6 ft 5 in
20-foot1,016 cu ft5,700 lb7 ft 3 in × 6 ft 5 in
26-foot1,682 cu ft12,859 lb7 ft 9 in × 6 ft 10 in

Published specifications are a planning reference. Confirm the assigned truck’s actual dimensions, payload and condition with the rental company. A larger truck does not always have a larger payload. The published 10-foot model has no loading ramp.

Measure before reserving

List large items with length, width and height, plus whether legs, doors or bed frames can be removed. Note fragile surfaces and items that cannot be stacked. Get reliable weights for heavy items instead of guessing from a photo.

Budget beyond the rental headline

Check the date, pickup branch, return time, mileage charge, fuel, protection options, tax and equipment. A displayed starting price is not your complete rental cost. Local return and one-way rentals can be priced differently.

For labour-only help, you arrange the vehicle and transport separately. Tell us the rental model and available equipment when requesting help.

Sources and further reading

Advertised terms and specifications can change. Confirm the current details for your own booking.

Ready to describe your move?

Request a quote