Free State Wyoming Forum
Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Topic started by: kingskid on May 24, 2012, 02:41:19 PM
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Just curious...if a person were to rent a U-Haul and tow a smallish car behind on a dolly, what would they need to consider (other than backing up ;D and having to take up a lot space at the pumps)?
Kingskid
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Just curious...if a person were to rent a U-Haul and tow a smallish car behind on a dolly, what would they need to consider (other than backing up ;D and having to take up a lot space at the pumps)?
Kingskid
Oh... Just my 2 cents worth... find someone who really knows how to drive such a rig, for starters. :) I rented a 15 ft. truck and we towed my car. My youngest son drove it. We only got in a jam once... pulled into a motel in the dark and didn't realize there wasn't an "exit" driveway! YIKES. Tim had to back the whole rig up for quite a way. If I'd been driving, I'd still be there. LOL
Look at "Budget" trucks. Uhaul may be a bit cheaper, but their reputation is very poor. If you have a breakdown, it could be very costly and time consuming. My move cost me about $2,000. in 2005. (So. Calif. to NE Wyoming) I can't even remember the price of gas then, but that was a large part of it.
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Been there, done that.
We drove from Chicagoland to Lingle in the largest U-Haul available towing a small station wagon.
It's not that hard, just keep your turns wide and try not to back up.
I had NO problems driving a U-Haul and U-Haul trailer. The people I worked with were very helpful, and it's a heck of a lot easier to load a low-deck U -Haul than a high-deck Budget. Driving a Low Deck Truck is easier too, as the center of gravity is lower.
We had some hired help to load the truck with the boxes my wife & parents had packed... (they weren't happy about loading the 1000lbs of lead I had packaged in 75lb boxes) but I unloaded it all myself.
Not a big deal.
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re: ML [Oh... Just my 2 cents worth... find someone who really knows how to drive such a rig, for starters. Smiley I rented a 15 ft. truck and we towed my car. My youngest son drove it. We only got in a jam once... pulled into a motel in the dark and didn't realize there wasn't an "exit" driveway! YIKES. Tim had to back the whole rig up for quite a way. If I'd been driving, I'd still be there. LOL]
Er, that someone is me. No family left, nada. On a move to Albuquerque 10 yrs ago with my job, I hauled my Virago motorcycle in a 5'x8' U-Haul and never even noticed it. Didn't have a big car either; just a Subaru Outback. I have a Honda Insight now but don't think it has a tow capacity. Mind you, I'm just thinking of the possibility of a move, but being task-oriented, my mind seldom takes a break! I have my grandmother's streak of being goof-prone at times and can just see a jack-knifed U-Haul and trailer tying up traffic for miles. Makes my hands sweat just thinking about it! One time I was pulling out of a shopping center on my Virago and being vertically-challenged there wasn't enough ground under my feet so the bike went over and it was too heavy for me to pick up. The guy behind me just sat there in his car, so I went over and told him he needed to pick my bike up if he wanted to exit! ;D Seriously, if I had to drive a U-Haul I'd go over there first and ask to drive the size van I needed around the lot to get a feel for such a huge vehicle and to make sure I could reach the pedals okay. You just have to think about such things ahead of time. One thing for sure, if I had to back up, I would put 'er in park and go find the nearest man! There is just no way I can do that and had tried with hauling my motorcycle. You're supposed to turn the wheel slightly in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go, I believe, but you just have to have the knack and I ain't got it.
re: OI: We drove from Chicagoland to Lingle in the largest U-Haul available towing a small station wagon. I had lived in Chicago also. Graduated from Loyola Univ of Chicago and that was the best part of being there. Well, Chicago food was pretty good, too, but didn't feel safe in that area at all. Love wide open spaces, sparse population, food co-ops, liberty-minded people...gosh, kinda sorta sounds like Wyoming. Hope to get a solid sense of the place in a couple of weeks.
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Just remember that a one-way rental is expensive, as Mama mentioned. Backing a trailer is tricky, as mentioned try to avoid it.
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We moved all our stuff from NV (and CA) in Uhaul trailers. I used a Plymouth Voyager for my stuff and a Toyota RAV4 for my wife's. Probably made 5 trips total. Very expensive for the trailer. The trick is to NEVER BACK UP if you don't have the skill. No problem. Park on the street in front of the motel. Park at the edge of WM. Pull thru the gas pumps. Swing wide. Just be cautious.
Mac
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Ah, a motorcycle mama. Just look us up for our "survival motorcycles" discussion. Is that Virago the 250? That is definitely on the survival motorcycle list with its insane fuel economy. I've had an itch to try it out.
If I can fit it in the van, I will bring my survival Triumph. ::)
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Making turns ;D We pulled a 20 ft trailer from NM behind a Yukon.
I'll ask my hubby--he was an OTRTD and might have hints
Brandy ~W~
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Mind you, I'm just thinking of the possibility of a move,
If you decide in the future that a move to WY is right for you, let me know and I can most likely help. Uhaul/Budget might be your best bet (based on the weather at the time) but if not I have towing capacity, an open trailer I can borrow (or you can rent an enclosed one), and experience backing either when necessary. We are both in CO, and CO to WY is a short drive in terms of moving- especially if you can get it in one trip!
Don't worry about it- where there's a will, there's a way!
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Mind you, I'm just thinking of the possibility of a move,
If you decide in the future that a move to WY is right for you, let me know and I can most likely help. Uhaul/Budget might be your best bet (based on the weather at the time) but if not I have towing capacity, an open trailer I can borrow (or you can rent an enclosed one), and experience backing either when necessary. We are both in CO, and CO to WY is a short drive in terms of moving- especially if you can get it in one trip!
Don't worry about it- where there's a will, there's a way!
I am moving from CO to WY next weekend. :)
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Mind you, I'm just thinking of the possibility of a move,
If you decide in the future that a move to WY is right for you, let me know and I can most likely help. Uhaul/Budget might be your best bet (based on the weather at the time) but if not I have towing capacity, an open trailer I can borrow (or you can rent an enclosed one), and experience backing either when necessary. We are both in CO, and CO to WY is a short drive in terms of moving- especially if you can get it in one trip!
Don't worry about it- where there's a will, there's a way!
I am moving from CO to WY next weekend. :)
Most of the weekend of 2/3 June I'll (along with the rest of Lingle) be having a Garage Sale.
I've got X-country Skis & piles of digital crap if you want some... >:D
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Just curious...if a person were to rent a U-Haul and tow a smallish car behind on a dolly, what would they need to consider (other than backing up ;D and having to take up a lot space at the pumps)?
Kingskid
Jack-knifing on the open road, but most of the big moving vans have a governor at 55 or 60 so you just find yourself going tediously slow. Backing up, as others have said, but it's not hard to anticipate your situation, mama's late night motel fiasco aside. I drove from South FLA to Colorado in a 20' Hertz-Penske towing an 8' UHaul and sharing the cab with two big dogs; the most difficult situation was Atlanta at rush hour in the rain (make sure you have good side mirrors). You wouldn't be driving so far so overnights might not be an issue but for the multi-day trip, I got a van with a pass thru door from the cab to the back and my buddy made me a little sleeping area so I didn't have to worry about hotels. It was very cozy.
As to rates (IF/WHEN you decide to move, and I hope you'll call me for the trip if there's room with all your furry pals ;)), I found that they fluctuate madly and it's worth reserving early and checking back for a better rate.
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One time I was pulling out of a shopping center on my Virago and being vertically-challenged there wasn't enough ground under my feet so the bike went over and it was too heavy for me to pick up. The guy behind me just sat there in his car, so I went over and told him he needed to pick my bike up if he wanted to exit!
OK girl, I've got 4 words for you: "Iron Buffalo Motorcycle Training". They're in Commerce City, ask for Erik. It's a weekend of incredible motorcycle training. You'll have a blast.
You're supposed to turn the wheel slightly in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go, I believe, but you just have to have the knack and I ain't got it.
Or put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go :P
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Wow, such great replies!!
Paul: I will check out your survival motorcycles discussion! I sold my Virago 1100cc several years ago as I got tired of riding alone. First started riding in 1968 and really enjoy it. My favorite one was a Yamaha Route 66, 250cc. Looked like a baby Harley and was a good bike for shorter trips, but for the long road trips going to rallies all over, I needed a bigger bike to keep up with the more powerful ones. On a long stretch shortly after getting the Virago, I passed five cars in a row, no problem. Couldn't have done that with the Rt 66. I may get another bike someday so kept all the gear that goes with one, except for the leather gear the Albuquerque lady packers stole from me. Lost my best pair of chaps, but still have my boots. They are engineer boots with an extra thick sole. Definitely not a dainty lady boot.
Mystica: I got the riding thing down pretty much, it's the "picking the bike up when you drop it" thing that I have trouble with! ;D If this WY thing happens, I will definitely let you know. Heck, you've already been there and done that with a 20' hauling an 8' U-Haul, and on a much longer move.
OI: I need to have a garage sale, too! Been giving a lot of stuff to Goodwill lately. Great for tax deduction. Sure have a lot of T-posts. May try to advertise on CL. Good to hear about your U-Haul experience.
Foundit: Congratulations; keep it safe!
AIM: "Where there is a will, there is a way" is something I truly live by. It's so true. Thanks for the offer. You, Mystica, other single ladies, and I need to get together at the rally!
Mac: Good advice all around. Been think that if this actually happens, it might (or might not?) be better to take the back way on Hwy 71. I took that route several years ago when I decided to ride to Sturgis.
You know, something I've been thinking about lately is this: I live in a pretty densely populated place east of the Springs, and have some acquaintances, but it dawned on me: I'm lonely! It's not just having people in your life; it's having people who share those things that are most meaningful. Guess I'm a bit bored, too. There is nothing left for me to do here in Colorado and there are places to go and things to do....
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mcphoto.tif(http://)
Trying to insert pic of my Virago...taken about 15 yrs ago at a rally up in Steamboat Springs.
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mcphoto.tif(http://)
Trying to insert pic of my Virago...taken about 15 yrs ago at a rally up in Steamboat Springs.
Take a look at this thread about how to post pictures and so forth.
http://www.fundamentalsoffreedom.com/fswforum/index.php?topic=12281.0 (http://www.fundamentalsoffreedom.com/fswforum/index.php?topic=12281.0)
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Thanks, ML. I actually just did that, but since the photo isn't on the internet and just on my thumb drive and in the computer, I am unable to post it.
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Thanks, ML. I actually just did that, but since the photo isn't on the internet and just on my thumb drive and in the computer, I am unable to post it.
Figured it might be that. :) You can get a "flicker" account or photo bucket and upload them there. I have my own website.
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Mystica: I got the riding thing down pretty much, it's the "picking the bike up when you drop it" thing that I have trouble with! ;D If this WY thing happens, I will definitely let you know. Heck, you've already been there and done that with a 20' hauling an 8' U-Haul, and on a much longer move.
So I now see :). Maybe they should make hydraulic lifts for smaller girls on big motorcycles. I'm not going to Sturgis or probably even I-70, just want to ride open in the mountains and back roads (and around town), so am looking for a 350 something. Would be happy for yours and Paul's input on a good starter bike.
As to lonely-among-a-crowd, I agree, the important thing is community, people who share your interests and values. Very happy to meet you.
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Thanks for the offer. You, Mystica, other single ladies, and I need to get together at the rally!
Absolutely. Keep me posted- I love road trips, and you sound like great company... it would be a fun drive!
We should do that, good idea! A thing for all the ladies to meet, a 'Womens Circle', if you will. I read a nice book recently, Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey by Lillian Schlissel, and one of the main theme's in these ladie's journals and letters (both attached and unattached) was a longing for female companionship both on the road and when they arrived out West. It's cool to just kick back and relax with the girls once in a while, it would be a nice way to introduce ourselves to the others. I imagine lots of chit-chat and quite a few belly-laughs! Let's do it.
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Be sure to check for price differences for dropping off at various sites near to your final destination.
Just this morning I was quite surprised to see that it would cost $300 more to drop a 26 foot truck in Casper than in Lander.
I was expecting to pay a premium for dropping in the smaller town.
FWIW - one of my co-workers last year hit the 1 million mile mark as a professional mover (side business).
His recommendation is to stay away from U-Haul for long trips as they have a bad reputation for durability and fleet maintenance.
It seems that a U-Haul vehicle is much more likely to break down and leave you (and all your stuff) stranded alongside the road.
He says Penske is a much better choice for long distance hauls.
Fine tuning my plans for the move to WY in July.
Take care,
nurseJT
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Congrats NurseJT on your upcoming move! Should I make the move, it'll only be about a 6-1/2 hr trip. I get mixed results on U-Haul, Penske choices.
KK
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re: AIM [We should do that, good idea! A thing for all the ladies to meet, a 'Womens Circle', if you will.] Absolutely!!!
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I concur with JT. When I came out here from NV I found it was cheaper to drop off the trailer at Sundance, a bit farther, than at Moorcroft or even Gillette. I believe it has something to do with where they have an excess or a shortage.
Also, the season makes a big difference. Most people move in the summer, hence a higher price due to greater demand. Same with weekend/weekday.
I kick myself now for renting that trailer (enclosed). Like any rental, it seems that if you rent it twice it nearly pays for the retail cost of BUYING it! But I thought that twice would be it, and I'd be done, but then my wife needed to make two more trips. We could have BOUGHT a trailer and kept it, but each time we thought it was the LAST time. Duh. Live and learn.
Mac
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re: I concur with JT. When I came out here from NV I found it was cheaper to drop off the trailer at Sundance, a bit farther, than at Moorcroft or even Gillette. I believe it has something to do with where they have an excess or a shortage. Also, the season makes a big difference. Most people move in the summer, hence a higher price due to greater demand. Same with weekend/weekday. I kick myself now for renting that trailer (enclosed). Like any rental, it seems that if you rent it twice it nearly pays for the retail cost of BUYING it! But I thought that twice would be it, and I'd be done, but then my wife needed to make two more trips. We could have BOUGHT a trailer and kept it, but each time we thought it was the LAST time. Duh. Live and learn. Mac
Really good, practical info to know. Thanks, Mac.
KK