When it comes to moving, whether it’s for personal reasons or for business purposes, having the right vehicle is essential. Among the various options available, box trucks stand out due to their versatility and capacity. But before you decide which box truck to rent or purchase, it’s crucial to understand the dimensions that suit your specific needs. This article provides an informative overview of box truck dimensions, along with tables highlighting rental truck sizes to facilitate your decision-making process.
What is a Box Truck?
A box truck, also known as a cube truck or box van, features a distinct cargo area combined with the cab, resembling a rectangular box. They are available in varying dimensions catering to different hauling needs, from transporting furniture and appliances to moving boxes and supplies for a business. The key to success in any moving endeavor lies in selecting the appropriate truck size, avoiding the pitfalls of overloading or wasting space.
Standard Box Truck Capacity
Box trucks typically come in a range of sizes, generally categorized by their payload capacity. The most common sizes include:
- 10-12 foot box truck: Ideal for smaller moves such as studio apartments.
- 14-16 foot box truck: Perfect for 1 to 2-bedroom apartments with some furniture.
- 17-20 foot box truck: Suitable for 1 to 2-bedroom homes or small office relocations.
- 20-24 foot box truck: A versatile option for larger homes or commercial equipment.
- 26 foot box truck: Generally regarded as the largest size, accommodating full-dimension homes or larger operations.
To illustrate the box truck capacity better, here’s a breakdown of common box truck sizes and their capacity in bedrooms:
| Truck Type | Bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Cargo Van | 1-2 Single Bedrooms |
| Pickup Truck | 1-2 Single Bedrooms |
| 10-12’ Box Truck | Studio- 1 Bedroom Apartment |
| 14-16’ Box Truck | 2 Bedroom Apartment- 1 Bedroom House |
| 17-20’ Box Truck | 3 Bedroom Apartment- 2 Bedroom House |
| 22-26’ Box Truck | 4 Bedroom Apartment- 3-4 Bedroom House |
U-Haul Truck Dimensions And Details
With over 23,000 locations is all 50 states U-Haul is a well known and respected rental truck company. Their rental trucks have lower decks than competitors trucks which makes loading easier. U-Haul also has the widest selection of truck sizes available. See the table below for U-Haul truck dimensions and specifications.
| 10’ | 15’ | 17’ | 20’ | 26’ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet | 402 | 764 | 865 | 1,016 | 1,682 |
| (LxWxH) | 9’11×6’4×6’2 | 15’x7’8×7’2 | 16’9×7’8×7’2 | 19’6×7’8×7’2 | 26’x8’2×8’3 |
| Deck Height | 2’5” | 2’9” | 2’9” | 2’11” | 2’11” |
| Max Payload | 2,850 lbs. | 6,385 lbs. | 6,160 lbs. | 5,700 lbs. | 12,859 lbs. |
| Ramp | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lift Gate | No | No | No | No | No |
| Towing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Max MPG | 12 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg |
Budget Truck Dimensions And Details
Budget truck rental has over 2,700 locations in 48 states. It is considered the second largest truck rental company in the U.S. Budget is known for its low cost local rentals and unlimited miles on long distance rentals. The table below shows Budget box truck dimensions and specs.
| 12’ | 16’ | 26’ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet | 380 | 658 | 1,698 |
| (LxWxH) | 10’x6’3×6’ | 16’x6’3×6’7 | 26’x8’1×8’1 |
| Deck Height | 40” | 40” | 58” |
| Max Payload | 3,610 lbs. | 4,470 lbs. | 9,180 lbs. |
| Ramp | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lift Gate | No | No | No |
| Towing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| Max MPG | 14 mpg | 10 mpg | 10 mpg |
Penske Truck Dimensions And Details
Penske truck rental is the third largest truck rental company in the U.S. and has over 2,500 rental locations to serve you. Home Depot partners with Penske now to provide more convenient locations and a place to purchase moving supplies. Penske offers unlimited miles on one way rentals. See the table below for Penske truck dimensions and details.
| 12’ | 16’ | 22’ | 26’ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet | 450 | 800 | 1,200 | 1,700 |
| (LxWxH) | 12’x6’6×6’1 | 16’x7’7×6’6 | 21’11×8’1×8’1 | 25’11×8’1×8’1 |
| Deck Height | 2’5” | 3’4” | 4’ | 4’ |
| Max Payload | 3,100 lbs. | 4,300 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. |
| Ramp | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lift Gate | No | No | No | No |
| Towing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Diesel |
| Max MPG | 12 mpg | 12 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Box Truck
1. Volume and Weight
It is essential to consider both the volume and weight of the items you plan to transport. The dimensions of the truck will directly affect how much you can fit inside. A truck that is too small may necessitate multiple trips, while a truck that is too large may not provide enough safety and can result in wasted fuel costs.
2. Type of Cargo
Different items have varying requirements in terms of protection and space. For instance, furniture may require a larger truck to avoid disassembly, while boxes can be stacked in a tighter configuration. Consider what you will be transporting to determine the truck that suits your needs.
3. Accessibility
Think about the areas where you’ll be loading and unloading the truck. A larger truck may require more space for maneuvering in tight areas or urban settings. If you’re working in a confined space, opting for a smaller truck may be advantageous. Additionally, trucks with lower decks heights are easier to access and load.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right box truck dimensions is an essential step that can significantly influence your moving experience. Understanding the various sizes available, their capacities, and specific considerations ensures that you select a truck tailored to your needs. Take the time to evaluate your requirements based on volume, weight, accessibility, and whether you plan to rent or purchase. By doing so, you will make an informed decision that means a smoother, more efficient moving process, whether you’re relocating a household or managing a business.
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