Most U-Haul trucks have cruise control, but it depends on the model year and truck size
U-Haul's larger trucks — the 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot models — typically come equipped with cruise control as standard. Smaller trucks like the 10-foot box truck usually have it as well. However, the feature is not may provide on every vehicle in their fleet. U-Haul maintains thousands of trucks across different years of manufacture, and older models or heavily used vehicles may lack cruise control or have it disabled.
Before you rent, you can ask the rental location directly whether a specific truck has working cruise control. U-Haul's online reservation system does not always list cruise control as a searchable feature, so a phone call to your local branch is the most reliable way to confirm. If cruise control matters for your move — especially on a long highway haul — mention it when you book.
Key Takeaways
- Most U-Haul trucks 10 feet and larger have cruise control, but it is not present on every vehicle in their fleet.
- Older model-year trucks and those with heavy use may have cruise control disabled or removed.
- The online reservation system does not show cruise control availability, so call your local U-Haul location to confirm before renting.
- If you need cruise control for a long-distance move, request it at the time of booking so the branch can set aside a truck with the feature.
Which U-Haul truck sizes typically have cruise control
The 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot box trucks are U-Haul's workhorse rentals, and most of these come with cruise control from the factory. These trucks are newer on average than the smallest models because they see higher demand and get replaced more often. A 15-foot truck built in the last five years will almost certainly have cruise control.
The 10-foot box truck — U-Haul's smallest enclosed option — also usually has cruise control, though availability is less consistent. The pickup truck rentals (standard and extended cab) vary widely. Some have cruise control and some do not, depending on the year and trim level when U-Haul purchased them.
Cargo vans and smaller utility trailers are less likely to have cruise control as a standard feature. If you are renting one of these, assume it does not have the feature unless you confirm otherwise.
Why some U-Haul trucks don't have working cruise control
U-Haul's rental fleet is used hard. Trucks that log 100,000 miles or more per year can develop electrical issues, and cruise control is one of the first features to fail or be disconnected. When a truck's cruise control breaks, U-Haul sometimes disables it rather than repair it, especially if the vehicle is nearing the end of its rental life.
Older trucks — those more than seven or eight years old — were often built before cruise control became standard on all commercial vehicles. U-Haul still rents these trucks because they are paid off and still functional, but they lack the feature entirely.
Damage from previous renters can also disable cruise control. If a driver yanks the stalk or spills liquid into the steering column, the system may stop working. U-Haul repairs the truck to make it safe and rentable, but cruise control is not always a priority.
How to confirm cruise control before you rent
Call the U-Haul location where you plan to pick up the truck. Ask the staff member directly: "Does the truck I'm reserving have working cruise control?" They can check the vehicle or tell you whether they have trucks with cruise control available on your rental date.
If you book online first, you can still call the location to request a truck with cruise control. U-Haul does not may provide specific features, but staff can often set aside a vehicle that meets your needs if you ask before pickup day.
Arrive early on rental day. If the truck you reserved does not have cruise control and you need it, the location may be able to swap you for another truck — but only if you have time and they have alternatives available. Showing up at the last minute leaves no room for changes.
Cruise control on long-distance U-Haul rentals
On a move longer than 300 miles, cruise control can reduce driver fatigue and make the trip noticeably easier. U-Haul trucks are not comfortable vehicles, and cruise control is one of the few features that improves the experience on a highway.
If you are moving across several states, mention cruise control when you book. Some U-Haul locations keep a few newer trucks specifically for long-distance rentals, and staff may prioritize you for one of those if you ask. The feature is worth the phone call.
If you end up with a truck that does not have cruise control, use the truck's speed limiter if it has one — many newer U-Haul trucks do — or straightforward drive at a steady speed and take breaks every two hours to rest your foot and legs.
What to check when you pick up the truck
Before you drive away, test the cruise control yourself. Turn on the ignition, accelerate to 30 mph or higher, and try to set cruise control using the stalk or buttons on the steering wheel. If nothing happens, report it to the rental agent when ready and ask for a different truck.
Do not assume the feature works just because the truck looks new. Test it in the parking lot while staff are still available to help. Once you leave the lot, U-Haul will not swap the truck for a different one, and you will be stuck without the feature for your entire rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a specific truck model when I book with U-Haul?
U-Haul's online system lets you choose truck size, but not specific model year or features. Call your local branch to request a newer truck or one with cruise control. They cannot may provide it, but they can note your preference and try to accommodate you if they have options available on your rental date.
What if the truck I rented has broken cruise control?
Report it to the rental location as soon as you discover it — ideally before you leave the parking lot. If you are already on the road, call the location and explain the issue. U-Haul may offer a refund for the feature or allow you to return the truck early without penalty, depending on the location's policy.
Do U-Haul pickup trucks have cruise control?
Some do and some do not. U-Haul's pickup truck fleet is older and more varied than their box trucks. Call ahead to confirm whether the specific pickup you want to rent has cruise control, or ask the staff to show you a truck with the feature before you finalize the rental.
Is cruise control worth paying extra for at U-Haul?
U-Haul does not charge extra for cruise control — it is either on the truck or it is not. If a location offers you an upgrade to a newer truck that has cruise control, the upgrade cost depends on the truck size difference, not the feature itself.
Can I disable cruise control if I don't want to use it?
Yes. If a truck has cruise control and you prefer not to use it, straightforward do not set up it. The feature is optional, and you can drive the entire rental without touching the cruise control stalk.