Driving a 26' UHaul Truck pulling an 18' Travel Trailer from WA to NM.?

Question

Do we need to stop at weigh stations?

It is going to be a challenge turning this thing around city corners. Suggestions on this would be helpful.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

You definitely need to stop at the first weigh station in New Mexico.  Their sign (before the exit) details what vehicles must stop.  They may check your rental agreement and the safety of your combination (entire rig).  I don't know about the other states along your route, however, if they do require you to stop, there should be a sign before the exit.  When in doubt stop in.  Running the scale is usually a $200 ticket.  

Turning corners with that rig should require a lane and a half.  That is to say turn the truck so that the dashed line separating lanes (just beyond your destination lane) runs between your front wheels.

Watch your vertical clearance especially in residential areas and avoid steep driveways so you don't scrape the pavement.

Go slow down mountain grades!  Remember...you can go DOWN a mountain too slow as many times as you want BUT you can go down too fast only ONCE.

Answer 2

I don't mean to be preachy, but people that rent U-Hauls are among the worst drivers on the road -- let me clarify my statement. The people  renting the U-Haul trucks (often) don't realize the obstacles to driving large vehicles, and they make it hard on the drivers around them. For example: you can't drive them like you drive your daily driver (GREATLY increase your braking distance); you need to adjust and check your mirrors constantly due to blind spots; you must pay close attention to height and weight limit signs (parkways and fast food drive-thrus are a no-no). All of these things seem so obvious, but I see them all the time. I don't think you have to stop at weigh stations, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Just remember to plan your route so that you only use interstate highways and streets that are easy to drive on -- driving a 26' truck is one thing, having to back up one with an 18' trailer behind will be nerve racking to the uninitiated (Hagstrom Map company usually highlights the main roads that sustain heavy traffic). If you know anybody with heavy vehicle experience they can give you better advice.

Answer 3

we moved from NY to AZ with a 24 ft uhaul, but we didn't tow a camper.  we stopped at the first weigh station, because we didn't know.  they said we were fine throughout the US not to have to stop.  so I guess it wouldn't hurt to stop at the first one just to ask them.  as far as making wide turns, just put your RT turn signal on and crowd the left lane before turning RT, usually people get the idea you are turning RT, and its legal because alot of Trucks have that little sign saying we make wide RT turns, thats what that means.  The worst intersections will be the ones with traffic lights right on the pole by the side walk, it sticks out a ways.  and remember not to try any drive thrus, hehehe, good luck, its scary at times.  

Answer 4

You really should contact both the state of Washington as well as the state on New Mexico Department of Transportation before you set out.

I know that any truck or combination exceeding 26,001 pounds will need to stop and be weighed and if you fall into this class you may have to stop.

As for turning around a corner I would suggest that you do just like the bigger trucks do and that is make a wider swing to complete the turn and watch your mirrors and check your blind spots.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/

http://www.nmshtd.state.nm.us/