If you're about to embark on a cross-country move during which you'll be driving a rental truck, you're in for an adventure. But you do have a slight issue in the form of what to do with your car. If you're traveling with a few people, then you can all take turns driving both vehicles or sleeping, but if it's just you, you need to figure out whether you want to rent a trailer or have a car-hauler service take the car for you. You need to look at whether you prefer to know where the car is at all times or deal with less on the road to decide.
Fenders and Strange Exits
If you haul the car yourself on a trailer, you'll have a choice between a dolly-style trailer and a flatbed. In both cases, once you drive the car onto the trailer or hook up the dolly, you have to get out of the car. That can be a bit tricky once the car is in position. With a dolly, you have to be sure the car hasn't been connected and tilted up before you get out so that you don't have to jump. With a flatbed, the fenders that separate the car from the wheels on the sides of the trailer can block the door. In other words, you'd have to squeeze through a narrow opening—or even the window—to get out.
Of course, with a car hauler, none of this is your problem. They load up the car, so you don't have to deal with strange exits. If ease is your thing, the car-hauler service wins over self-towing.
Extra Costs
Using a car-hauler service can be expensive compared to the cost of renting a trailer. In addition to that, if you have a car hauler take away the car, then you have to rent a car once you get to your new city until you can arrange for your car to be delivered. If cost is a factor for you, towing the car will be a much better option.
Knowledge of the Car's Location
Some people just don't like the idea of their car being out of their sight for an extended time. They worry about damage, for example. If you're one of these people, of course towing will be a more suitable choice for you. Sometimes ensuring you've contracted with a very good company can help you overcome the fear of leaving your car with someone else for a while, but if not, then tow your car yourself.
Backing Up
Backing up a moving van or truck is difficult enough without having to remember that there's a trailer attached (thus thwarting your ability to back up in the first place). But if you think you may be in an area where you have to put the truck in reverse (such as a head-in parking space at a motel), you need to have the car hauled by a service instead.
Go over your route and your plans with both a trailer-rental company such as Route 12 Rental Co Inc. and a car-hauling service. They should be able to help you decide whether hauling or self-towing is right for you.
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