So, you have decided the best course of action is doing all of the loading and moving yourself to your new home. There are many different options when selecting a moving truck rental, and it is your duty to find the unit which best suits your needs. Now, this is not only for ease of moving furniture from house to vehicle, but you have to decide how comfortable you are with actually getting behind the wheel of a moving truck, that, if you are reading this article, is probably bigger than any other vehicle you have ever driven before.
We start with the basics of different types of engines. A moving truck is either going to run on unleaded gasoline, or diesel fuel. With a diesel engine, you have to turn the key and wait for about 5 to 10 seconds for the engine coils to warm up. Usually, there is a display which reads "Wait to Start." You then, depending on the type of truck, will either continue to turn the key to start the engine, or there will be an engine start button you will need to press. In cold weather, under 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the diesel engine will need to be plugged in while the truck is not in use, so the coils will stay warm, and the truck will start.
Most large vehicles, especially rentals, come equipped with an automatic transmission, which leaves the truck in neutral, and the parking brake in place when the truck is not in use, which is the equivalent of park in a regular vehicle. The automatic transmission makes it easy to actually operate the vehicle, which makes it easier to remember to follow traffic laws while you are out on the road.
After the truck has been started and shifted into drive, you can release the parking brake, and the truck will move freely with the gas pedal. As you are driving, you must remember that the vehicle is much bigger than the other cars and trucks on the road, which means you need to compensate for things differently than you would in a normal sized car or truck.
While driving, give yourself at least 4 to 5 seconds gap between you and the car in front of you. Larger vehicles need more time to stop than a regular vehicle, so you need to give yourself that extra buffer zone, in case something unexpected happens. Also, remain in the right lane unless you have the momentum to pass a vehicle in your path (most rental vehicles have speed governing devices, which typically keep your maximum speed lower than that of the other cars on the road). Use your mirrors. There is no better way to see what is happening all around you than to use the mirrors often. They keep you apprised of all things happening so you can react accordingly. If you must back up, try to always have a lookout person to help you see behind the truck, since the mirrors can only see the sides of the truck, not directly behind.
Remembering these simple tips and following these instructions will help you to remain safe, and keep others safe, as you move to a new location.
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