[Bret B]

Sorry Jayoldschool, I just don't see a caddy towing a truck and trailer as the right way to do something. That is just me though. I guess you do what you have to do with the cards you're dealt.

Done both the U-haul trailer, another rental companies trailer, and my own personal trailer. In 1997, I moved from upstate NY back to Washington. U-haul was the cheapest and it went well. Trailers vary slightly between 1600~1900lbs depending on where it comes from and the manufacturer. My next trip was in 2000 with a U-haul. Two blow outs in the middle of Montana no-where-ville. Waited four hours for a response truck. Truck arrived with one tire, not two. Had to move it the next 100 miles to the nearest place to get a second tire put on. Sucked assests to say the least and then it got worse waiting 5 hours for a new tire. The shop ended up replacing all four tires out of safety concerns and needed approval from U-haul. In 2002, I used another companies rental trailer. Got 50 miles into Wyoming and an axle seized up. Response truck was one day away. Played the game of waiting, will never do that or use that company again. Bought my own trailer four years ago, and have not had one issue.

When the blow outs occurred in Montana with U-haul, the damage to my '65 was covered by U-haul. The violent blowouts caused lower door damage on the passenger side and one small linear dent on the door.

When the axle seized with the other company, they said the chains I used to secure my truck were not approved by them, but that is how the trailer was issued from the lease company. Thankfully there was no damage to my truck from that escapade.

Since I have owned my own trailer, I have not had one blow out, no axle issues, no brake issues, and no lighting issues. My trailer now is not the most glamorous or ideal candidate for cars, but it works great and my truck fits.

Consider all options before just jumping and getting a rental trailer. Read the policies and get the additional insurance if you value your truck. Contact a vehicle hauler and get a quote. They are insured, and you aren't paying extra for that. Also look into if you have to take it to a parking lot, or the transporter will come to you.

My best advice would be, if you have the right vehicle to tow your truck and trailer, you can do ok with renting a trailer. I did it three times for long distance and at least 5 times for local moves for friends. It is easy and painless with the right tow vehicle. Also, some companies will not rent to you unless you have a 3/4-ton or 1-ton vehicle.

Good luck on your move, and take it easy.