# What is the Gas Mileage of a U-Haul Rental Truck? [![Profile picture for user jamesonm@upack.com](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2024-07/Jameson.jpg.webp?itok=UPWYN5rF)](/author/jameson-myers) By: [Jameson Myers](/author/jameson-myers "View user profile.") Aug 15, 2025 In: [Comparisons](/articles/category/comparisons) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-rental-truck) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-rental-truck&title=What%20is%20the%20Gas%20Mileage%20of%20a%20U-Haul%20Rental%20Truck%3F) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20is%20the%20Gas%20Mileage%20of%20a%20U-Haul%20Rental%20Truck%3F&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-rental-truck) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-rental-truck&media=&description=What%20is%20the%20Gas%20Mileage%20of%20a%20U-Haul%20Rental%20Truck%3F) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20the%20Gas%20Mileage%20of%20a%20U-Haul%20Rental%20Truck%3F&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-the-gas-mileage-of-a-u-haul-rental-truck) encoding="utf-8" ?## What MPG can you expect from a U-Haul® truck? If you’re considering [renting a U-Haul truck](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/7-things-you-should-know-about-u-haul-before-renting-a-truck), it’s important to know that your quote won’t include an estimate for fuel costs, which you’ll pay out of pocket. While personal cars average [24.4 miles per gallon](https://afdc.energy.gov/data/categories/fuel-consumption-and-efficiency), you won’t get near that many in a fully-loaded U-Haul truck. Let’s review the gas mileage you can expect with U-Haul and learn about U-Pack® — an alternative for moving long distance with no extra fuel costs. ![Gas pump made of leaves, showing the gas mileage of a U-Haul.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) encoding="utf-8" ? ## U-Haul trucks’ average miles per gallon All [U-Haul moving truck sizes](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/u-haul-truck-sizes) take unleaded gasoline and average 10-12 miles per gallon. Keep in mind that exact mileage can vary based on truck size, your driving style, the weight of belongings and whether you’re towing. ### How big are the fuel tanks? Tank sizes start at 31 gallons for 10-ft trucks and increase to 40 gallons for trucks 15, 17 and 22 ft. The largest tank size is 60 gallons for 26 and 29-ft trucks. ### Gas mileage and driving distance per truck The chart below shows the average miles per gallon (according to U-Haul’s website), the tank size and miles per fuel tank for each truck size. Truck sizeMPGFuel type Tank size (gallons)Driving distance per tank (miles)10-foot12Unleaded gasoline 31 372 15-, 17-, and 22-foot10Unleaded gasoline 40 400 26-foot10Unleaded gasoline 60 600 29-foot8Unleaded gasoline 60 500 ## What can affect gas mileage in a U-Haul? Because U-Haul’s estimated MPG is based on empty trucks, it’s important to know that a loaded truck or one towing a personal vehicle will use more fuel. Here are some other factors that can decrease fuel efficiency during a move: - **Climate control**: Using air conditioning causes the truck to consume more fuel. - **Driving style**: Aggressive driving with quick acceleration and heavy braking decreases gas mileage. - **Terrain**: Driving a U-Haul truck in mountainous areas can reduce fuel economy because it must work harder to pull the load up hills. - **Towing**: This adds weight to the truck, causing it to use more fuel while accelerating. - **Vehicle maintenance**: Trucks with dirty air filters or under-inflated tires can have decreased fuel economy. ## How much will fuel cost for a U-Haul? Let’s look at examples of potential out-of-pocket fuel costs for a move with a U-Haul 26-ft rental truck. These estimates are just examples, and the truck’s actual MPG may vary depending on driving style and the weight of belongings. DISTANCEEstimated fuel cost for 26-ft U-Haul truck (10 MPG)700 miles $2221,250 miles $396 1,800 miles$5712,500 miles $793 *Gasoline costs are based on AAA’s average gas price of $3.17 per gallon at the time of posting, using the truck’s estimated MPG according to U-Haul’s website.* Estimate the cost of gas for your move with this [fuel calculator](http://d8prod.upack.com/moving-resources/documents-and-tools/fuel-calculator). ## Would you rather not drive a rental and pay extra for fuel? U-Pack rates include equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage — with no extra charges for fuel. Plus, you can get a cheaper rate without the hassle of driving a rental truck out of state. Request your free, no-obligation quote online or call [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) to compare costs. Let us know in the comments if you have questions about rental truck gas mileage or [how to move with U-Pack](http://d8prod.upack.com/how-upack-works) and skip paying extra for fuel. *U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.* Categories [Auto Shipping](/articles/category/auto-shipping) [College](/articles/category/college) [Comparisons](/articles/category/comparisons) [Home DIY](/articles/category/home-diy) [Job](/articles/category/job) [Long Distance](/articles/category/long-distance) [Military](/articles/category/military) [Moving Cost](/articles/category/moving-cost) [News](/articles/category/news) [Packing and Loading](/articles/category/packing-and-loading) [Places](/articles/category/places) [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) [Senior](/articles/category/senior) Hide Comments Show Comments [View the discussion thread.](http://upack.disqus.com/) More articles you might like... [![Two children help their parents unload a large U-Haul truck.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### U-Haul Truck Sizes Trying to pick the right U-Haul truck size? Check out our guide to see what’s available and learn how to move long-distance with less hassle by choosing U-Pack. ](/articles/u-haul-truck-sizes) [![U-Pack ReloCubes, which are often compared to PODS containers, sitting in a driveway.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### Compare PODS® to U-Pack Choosing between PODS® and U-Pack for your next long-distance move? Learn how the two compare to find the best fit for you. ](/articles/compare-pods-to-u-pack) [![Couple contemplates whether to use U-Box or U-Pack for their move.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20133%20100'%2F%3E) ### Compare U-Box to U-Pack Learn more about how U-Haul’s U-Box service compares to U-Pack’s ReloCubes to find the best fit for your long-distance move. ](/articles/compare-u-box-to-u-pack) ## Looking for more articles? [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/comparisons) [View more articles](http://d8prod.upack.com/articles/category/comparisons)