Need a Truck? Don’t Bother Your Friends, Rent One!
If you own a pickup truck, you probably know the drill. “Hey, I was wondering if I could borrow your truck for a few hours to run an errand.”
That’s usually followed by, “And if you’re not busy, I could use a hand.” If you don’t have a pickup truck, chances are you know someone who does, and you’ve been on the other end of the conversation.
Most people don’t think about renting pickups as an alternative to borrowing. Sure, we’ll rent a box truck from U-Haul for really big jobs, but if it’s just a load of garden mulch or moving a refrigerator, we don’t think about renting. But there are ample and convenient sources for renting a truck, and unlike rental cars they tend to be flexible enough to rent for hours instead of days or weeks.
A new study from east coast car subscription service FINN notes the most affordable trucks currently on the market, with an eye toward short-term rentals. The Ram 1500 Classic tops the list as the most affordable full-size truck on the market, with a starting price of $30,695.
The popular pickup truck is capable of towing and hauling large loads, such as house furniture and appliances, making the popular vehicle a great choice for rental. The Ford F-150 XL and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also came out as popular options, especially when it comes to affordability, costing less than $40,000, respectively.
The Ford Maverick grabs first place as the most affordable compact truck on the market, starting at just $23,400. Its newest model is set to make its debut in 2024, and its compact body makes it a great option for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts, especially for towing sports equipment like kayaks.
Sources for Rentals
Well-known pickup rental services include U-Haul and big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. The big box stores are often the easiest and most affordable options, as they discount the pickup rental on the likelihood that you will make your big purchase at the same store.
Lowe’s rents a pickup for $19 for the first 90 minutes, and then $5 for every additional 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to load, haul, and return from a short trip. Four hours comes for $49 and $119 for 24 hours. Home Depot is about the same, at $19 for 75 minutes, and you can rent utility beds at 8 feet or 10 feet long for additional hauling capacity. Vans are also available from Home Depot if it’s raining.
U-Haul still rules for flexibility, offering everything from a basic pickup truck to the largest box trucks you can legally drive with a standard driver’s license. Because U-Haul’s business is rentals, prices vary from location to location and based on the rental term. Check with your local supplier for rates.
It’s worth noting that traditional auto rental places also rent pickups, with companies such as Enterprise, Budget,Avis and Hertz all offering trucks in some locations. Just be sure you understand the damage waiver, and whether you’ll be charged if you scuff the bed.
Tips for happy truck rental
To ensure you have the smoothest experience with renting a truck, the experts at FINN share their top five tips, as well as what to expect during the process:
- Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance
Planning is crucial when it comes to having a smooth rental experience. Make sure you have a reservation in advance; this will ensure availability, especially in peak travel seasons, and it will give you the best opportunity to compare prices and find better deals.
Planning ahead will also give you time to choose the right vehicle for you, whether it’s selecting the truck that suits your needs and group size. Moreover, it is important to consider factors such as fuel efficiency, type of transmission, and luggage space.
- Check for Requirements
This is an important step in the process. Meeting the requirements to rent a car can make the process much faster. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and that you meet the minimum age requirement for renting a vehicle, as there may be additional age restrictions for certain types of vehicles.
- Get Rental Insurance Coverage
Ensuring you have valid insurance coverage is essential. Some rental companies include insurance in your booking. Therefore, it is worth checking their insurance policy to determine if they provide rental coverage. If they do not, consider purchasing insurance from a credible third-party provider.
- Inspect the Vehicle
Before you accept the vehicle, ensure you thoroughly and carefully inspect it for any existing damages or issues. Taking pictures and videos as evidence and reporting these to the rental company beforehand is a good way to avoid being held responsible for things such as scratches, dents, or other concerns later on.
- Understand the Rental Agreement
Before signing the contract, read the rental agreement carefully and note any additional fees, fuel policies, and mileage limitations. This is also a good opportunity to clarify any questions with the rental company before signing. Lastly, ensure you bring all the required documents needed, including your driver’s license and any insurance papers.
- Be Extra Careful
If you’re not used to driving a pickup truck, it’s different from a car. That’s especially true when carrying a load or towing a trailer. So it pays to leave yourself some extra safety margin when driving your truck rental.
If you think it through, it’s generally easier to organize a rental than a loan. Plus, in the event of mishap, dealing with rental insurance is easier than explaining to your friends that you dented their pride and joy.
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