Rent a truck or buy a trailer for cross country move

[fullmann]

Looks like I will be leaving the state of Colorado again for a new job in Michigan.

Im looking for any insight any of you may have for me on method of transport for my junk.

Option 1 is to rent the giant Penske truck, looks like it'll cost me $1500ish. I used this option when I moved to GA, and it worked out ok. Terrible gas mileage, uncomfortable seat, and generally too loud to talk to the navigator. Not to mention I'm technically throwing away the $1500.

option 2, and this may be a pipe dream,as I was looking to get into a new 3/4ton diesel truck anyway.... Buy a truck, and then purchase a 20-ish foot enclosed trailer. I looked into renting a trailer this big, and they will only do round trip, so purchase is the only way. Both of these would have most likely been purchased after the move anyway, just not sure how far in the future. Better gas mileage than the Penske truck, nice plush ride, actually able to communicate with my navigator, and a new(to me) truck! The bad is the Damm near $50k that id have to come up with, and storage of trailer before we buy a house up there. Id also be able to apply the $1500 I was going to spend on the Penske truck to this purchase.

Option 3....? Just seeing if any of you have any stellar ideas I may have missed.

Im not really looking to get movers, as that is cost prohibitive, and the pods/storage container method is really expensive for what it is.

[Wulf202]

Why do you need a $45k truck?

I just towed my 25' enclosed with a 3/4 ton deisel and got 11 mpg loaded. The mpg difference is negligible

[Monky]

Spend $1500 on movers and drive your own car?

[fullmann]

Last moving quote was $5k, that was just a shoot from the hip quote though. The paid for relocation from GA to CO was $30k, that did include them packing though. Kind of weird.

The Penske truck to GA was about 5-6mpg, so 11 is a marked improvement. I figure if I'm gonna pony up the cash for a new truck, I'll probably keep it for the next 10-15 years like my current 4Runner. So may as well get all the goodies.

[BushMasterBoy]

I saw a flatbed trailer for 1500 on pueblo craigslist. Put 2X4's on the sides. Tarp the crap out of the cargo. Wrap a lot of stuff in plastic. This is how I moved from Florida. One ton would be better. You can get a 1 ton single rear wheel. If you get a 3/4 ton with auto trans, put the biggest transmission cooler you can find on it. Really good highway tires too. Not those stupid mudders. You can probably sell the trailer when you are done for no loss. I have actually done this. I still have the trailer too. paid 800 for it brand new in 2002.

https://pueblo.craigslist.org/rvs/5230967451.html

[Irving]

Wait to plate your new truck until you move to literally any where else and save another $1,500.

[HoneyBadger]

Some of these threads contain information that you may find useful:

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/149898-Moving-out-of-Colorado?highlight=Moving+truck

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/148421-Long-Distance-Move?highlight=Moving+truck

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/149382-Professional-Movers-Why-Do-They-Charge-So-Much?highlight=Moving+truck

I just moved a 16ft enclosed trailer from CO to CA with a Nissan Xterra. Total trailer weight was 6200. A few years ago, I towed a 20ft enclosed trailer weighing 7400lbs full from CA to CO with a 2001 Silverado. Both times were on highway I-15 and I-70, which is very mountainous and difficult terrain. I really don't think you need an expensive truck, or a 3/4 ton diesel, for your move.

If you want to buy a new truck and can't pay cash for it, don't use your move to justify going into debt.... It's a really bad idea and you're going to regret it. lots.

[Great-Kazoo]

Where in MI? I have some contacts up there for storage etc. You can buy a 12-16' enclosed for $5K. Rent a Suburban or other large truck to haul. Without going in to debt. You might consider renting a Sprinter. They have lots of room, good MPG AND very comfortable rides.
http://www.sprinter-rentals.com/

[Wulf202]

Last moving quote was $5k, that was just a shoot from the hip quote though. The paid for relocation from GA to CO was $30k, that did include them packing though. Kind of weird.

The Penske truck to GA was about 5-6mpg, so 11 is a marked improvement. I figure if I'm gonna pony up the cash for a new truck, I'll probably keep it for the next 10-15 years like my current 4Runner. So may as well get all the goodies.
Ok. I paid $5800 for my 25' v nose. And $8500 for my f 250. I wouldn't consider anything other than the 5.9 dodge ($20k) or the 7.3 ford ($12k) after researching with my needs taken into account.

At current diesel prices and the trip being 1000 miles you're going to have a fuel price difference of about $250.

One other option is to buy a box truck and a flatbed trailer.

Theres a 94 dually f350 for $3500 on craigslist right now that'll tow anything

[fullmann]

Headed to the big bay city. Bout 2 hours north of Detroit. Just above the rifle line, no deer hunting with a shotgun for me.

Won't be going into debt on the new truck, cash deal. Hooray for this crazy Colorado real estate market!

The truck purchase is inevitable, just a matter of here or there really. I like rust free cars here, so that also is a consideration.

Also seems that used trailers are almost as expensive as the new ones, though some of the new ones seem to be a lesson in how to build the cheapest trailer ever.

[BUC303]

Yeah, if you're talking new as in 2015-16 diesel 4x4 you'll be at that $45k mark with the base model in every single brand. If you aren't towing frequently for work/fun I wouldn't get a diesel, it's just not necessary and with all the BS emissions crap they put on them, they aren't getting the mpg you used to be able to get (without fairly extensive modifications and more than likely some warranty issues if anything comes up) If you are dead set on a diesel truck and like your Toyota, the new Tundra is supposed to be available with a Cummins V8.

[crashdown]

Option 3.... Move to Alaska.
It will make options 1 and 2 look like a walk in the park.
I'm looking at blowing at least 20K on moving expenses and that's without taking any household goods.

[BushMasterBoy]

I bought a 07 Silverado 2500HD brand new for 42K$. With financing I paid 61k$. If I had to do it over again and not in a hurry, I would get something like this Kodiak 4500 4X4 diesel, they want $24K. My neighbor has one for hauling his his fifth wheel horse trailer and it is badass!

http://pueblo.craigslist.org/cto/5231622465.html

[Snowman78]

Yeah, if you're talking new as in 2015-16 diesel 4x4 you'll be at that $45k mark with the base model in every single brand. If you aren't towing frequently for work/fun I wouldn't get a diesel, it's just not necessary and with all the BS emissions crap they put on them, they aren't getting the mpg you used to be able to get (without fairly extensive modifications and more than likely some warranty issues if anything comes up) If you are dead set on a diesel truck and like your Toyota, the new Tundra is supposed to be available with a Cummins V8.

The 2016 Nissan Titan has a Cummins diesel.

[Irving]

Just know that the Kodiak will most likely have to be commercially insured; at least in Colorado it would.

[BlasterBob]

We just sold our place in Trinidad and moved to central Illinois. Yeah, I did not really like to leave CO but didn't have much choice. Contacted a major moving firm in Pueblo and was quoted $10,000 for the packing, loading, over the road move and unloading. I bought a brand new Haulmark 12-ft V nose two axle trailer equipped with a ramp/back door which came in really handy. Trailer ran about $6,000. We had a three bdrm house and three buildings to move right at 1,000 miles. Stuffed the trailer to the gills and pulled it with the Tumdra which did a great job of pulling but only got about 8 MPG. Then drove it back home empty. Then rented a one way Penske 26 foot diesel for about $900 which included a $200 Senior discount. Got 7 MPG on the 1,000 mile trip. Finally loaded the trailer again and the trip went fine with the Tundra doing it's thing. Now, all of this stuff is stored in a huge shed with a concrete floor at my Son's place. After we get moved into our new location, I will sell the like brand new trailer. So, it was a lot of work for my very old 78 year old carcass but we did save some SERIOUS bucks.

[BushMasterBoy]

Progressive will insure it as a RV. Kodiak 4500 Commercial Policy for non commercial use...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/67565-Insurance-Dodge-4500-5500-Ford-F450-550-GMC-Kodiak

[yz9890]

We used ABF U-Pack a couple of times for moves. Similar to Pods but more cost effective for us.


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[Tinelement]

Sounds like you are buying the truck.

So, how often will you use a trailer? Math is easy. If it's $1500 to rent for ONE move, rent it. If you plan on moving 4 more times, buy one.....


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[hurley842002]

Sounds like you are buying the truck.

So, how often will you use a trailer? Math is easy. If it's $1500 to rent for ONE move, rent it. If you plan on moving 4 more times, buy one.....


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Kind of hard to argue with that logic...

[Lucky]

If you purchase an enclosed trailer it will be your storage unit on arrival, and no rush to unload and return. Pack once, drive there, unpack at your leisure when ready/home purchased, sell trailer. I'm sure you've looked into it to see that trailer storage in MI is much, much less than current Colorado rates. There are also more storage options there, as there are so many marinas with empty space who rent lots for boats, cars, rv's and trailers. Generally a marina will charge less than an actual storage company would.

Tinelements's point is very valid, especially if you're ready to unload and return it in their timeframe. However, purchasing one would be like having your own Pod- potentially more convenient, and you can sell it for sure, most likely for the same price you purchased it.

Just a thought. Enjoy Michigan.

[TheGrey]

Here's another thought- is your stuff worth the rental price of a trailer? If it's old furniture, you may want to consider buying when you get to Michigan, especially i you have yet to purchase a house. After all, your couch may not fit the living room.

Can you mail some of your stuff up there? Out-of-season clothes and shoes, etc could go media mail rate, saving you some valuable real estate in your trip up to Michigan.

[Ready Room]

I just moved from CO to Cape Coral, FL. 26' Uhaul with trailer for my 2001 Durango. $1,700 fee plus $650 gas (paid $1.80 in TX), 42+ hrs of driving in 50 hrs. I had prices for ballpark general move thru Atlas at $4k. DYI is cheapest regardless but your time is the cost. PITA all around.

[Skullworks]

When I moved from CA to CO in the late 80's I just bought a beater Ford E150 extended van for $800 put on new tires, brakes, and a oversize radiator. Took 2 trips, but I had to go back to CA anyway in 3 weeks to close a few deals. I figured I could maybe sell the van when I was finished for $1000 with all the little fix ups I had done. Ended up keeping it till 2002 when it was stolen.

BTW I claim displaced native status as my Dad grew up in Colorado Springs, then high school in Loveland, then worked in Boulder and married my mother in Lyons 6 weeks before Uncle Sam Drafted him. Were it not for the U.S. Army I would prolly have been born in Boulder. In 1973 as a family vacation we toured Colorado visiting other remaining relatives and showing us all the houses my dad had grown up in. I determined that as soon as I was done with College I would move back here.

[fullmann]

Well, managed to sell the old 4Runner and get a decent deal on a truck. Found a trailer and away we go..

My wife calls it the "land train"....

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t417/fullmann/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/fullmann/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg.html)

[fitz19d]

Don't lie, the trailor is just to carry that horse you call a dog.

[Great-Kazoo]

Well, managed to sell the old 4Runner and get a decent deal on a truck. Found a trailer and away we go..

My wife calls it the "land train"....

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t417/fullmann/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/fullmann/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg.html)

How many spare transmissions can that trailer hold ?

[Gunner]

Well, managed to sell the old 4Runner and get a decent deal on a truck. Found a trailer and away we go..

My wife calls it the "land train"....

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t417/fullmann/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/fullmann/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2F2EF709-49D4-456D-AFCF-441631A08B53_zpsrjzolt2t.jpg.html)
What year is the dodge

Sent from my S6 Edge +

[fullmann]

Ram is a 2013, only 15k miles.