If you are planning a move, you might consider renting a moving truck.Moving trucks are larger than most people are used to and they can be intimidating.If you drive carefully and pay attention to your surroundings, it will take you a while to get used to it.
Step 1: Make sure that the lights and signals work.
The headlights, turn signals, and brake lights need to be in good working order before you can drive the truck.If you can, ask someone else to sit in the car and turn the signals and lights off while you walk around the outside of the truck.It might save you a ticket if you check your lights and turn signals on the road.
Step 2: To make sure the tires are filled with air, take a look at all of them.
The sticker on the driver's side door should tell you the proper tire pressure.Ask the moving company what they recommend for tires.Before you leave, use a gauge to check the air pressure of the tires.Press the gauge onto the valve stem and check the reading before you replace the tire valve cap.
Step 3: Check for damage to the interior and exterior of the truck.
You don't want to be blamed for any scratches or dents that were already on the truck, so go over it carefully and make sure the rental company acknowledges that the damage was already there.You may want to take pictures of damaged areas to protect yourself.
Step 4: The mirrors should be adjusted before driving away.
Since you will be relying on the side mirrors to see your surroundings, it is important that these are aligned so that you can see clearly.The driver's side mirror should give you a good view of what is happening behind you, but the blindspot mirror on the passenger side should allow you to see as much of the space beside the truck as possible.If you switch drivers, you may have to adjust the mirrors.
Step 5: If necessary, fill the tank if the truck has enough gas.
.If you return the truck with less gas than it had in it, the rental company will charge you an extra fee.Take a picture of the gas gauge if the rental company has this policy.You should be able to get information on the truck's gas mileage from the rental company.This information can be used to calculate how much fuel you will need.You'll need 70 gallons of fuel for 700 miles if your truck averages 10 miles per gallon.
Step 6: The emergency brake needs to be released before you start driving.
The moving truck has an emergency brake on.Press the button on the end of the brake lever to release it.Most emergency brakes are operated by hand and are located near the steering column.The emergency brakes are located near the driver's left leg.If this is the case, remove your foot from the brake and press firmly on it.
Step 7: The truck needs to be shifted into the proper gear.
Most moving trucks are made with an automatic transmission, so you don't need to change the gear shift.If there is a button to press on the gear shift, you may have to push it away from you first and then move it up or down to the correct gear.Double-check with the rental company to make sure your truck will be automatic if you're not familiar with driving a manual vehicle.If you'll be driving on steep mountains, you may need to occasionally shift the truck into low gear so it has enough power to make it up the slope.
Step 8: Slowly, build to your desired speed.
It will take a long time for a truck this size to get up to speed.The boxes in the back of the truck can shift if you try to accelerate quickly.
Step 9: When you need to stop, slowly.
You shouldn't slam on the brakes in a truck.Your belongings in the back could shift if you slam on the brakes.This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.Give yourself plenty of time to stop by easing onto the brakes.If you have an emergency, such as a flat tire, stay calm and slowly slow the truck, then pull over.
Step 10: If you have the space, you can make wider turns.
When moving trucks are making right turns, they need more room to turn.Use your side mirrors to make sure you have enough clearance for your turn, even if that means nearly coming to a stop.There is no center mirror on a moving truck, so you have to use the side mirrors.
Step 11: Stay behind the car in front of you.
Compared to a regular car, moving trucks are heavy and take longer to stop.It is a good idea to leave at least twice the distance between yourself and the car in front of you.Count by seconds to see how long it takes you to pass the same spot if you note when they pass a landmark.If you are driving a moving truck, you should double the time you stay behind the car in front of you to 4 seconds.
Step 12: Under the speed limit in bad weather, go about 16 km/h.
If the roads are wet or icy, it is more important than ever to watch your speed.Take time to make sure you and your belongings reach your destination safely.
Step 13: There are road signs for big trucks.
You don't have to worry about overhead clearance, weigh station stops, or lane restrictions in a normal car.It can be very important when driving a moving truck.You should be told by the truck rental company which regulations will apply to you.There should be a sticker on the cab of the truck that tells you how much overhead clearance you need.Compare this to any other signs you can see before you drive under a bridge.
Step 14: You should plan your route in advance.
Before you leave, use a map or a gps system.Try to avoid dramatic elevation changes, such as drives through the mountains.You may want to avoid driving through large cities early in the morning or late afternoon when traffic is heavier.If you need to stop, mark the rest areas.If you need to stop overnight, look for hotels that have parking for large vehicles.
Step 15: You don't have to back up if you try to find drive-through parking.
It is difficult to back up a moving truck since there is no center mirror.When you are ready to leave, try to find parking spots which you can pull all the way through.
Step 16: If you need to back up, you should get someone to help.
If you want to make sure you don't back over something, ask the person to stand off to one side so you can see them in the mirror.Discuss what hand signals you will use when backing up.You can agree that an open hand means go and a closed fist means stop.
Step 17: The emergency brake should be set every time you park.
It will help keep the truck from rolling and it will reduce the strain on the regular brakes.Lift the lever if the emergency brake is a lever.Press the brake with your foot if it's a pedal.The emergency brake needs to be engaged even if the truck is on flat elevation.
Step 18: If you park uphill the wheels should be turned away from the curb.
The steering wheel should be turned so that the front tires are away from the curb if the truck is facing uphill.This will help anchor the truck.
Step 19: If you park downhill, you need to turn the wheels into the curb.
To keep the truck from rolling forwards if you have to park so that the front of the car is downhill, you should turn the steering wheel.
Step 20: Whenever possible, park where you can see the vehicle.
People often transport their valuable items in moving trucks, which can be targets for theft.If you stop to eat or stay overnight in a hotel, try to park where you can keep an eye on the truck.