Most U-Haul trucks do not come with cruise control as standard equipment
U-Haul's fleet varies widely by vehicle type and age. Cruise control is not a feature you can count on in their rental trucks. Smaller trucks like the 10-foot box truck typically lack it. Larger trucks — the 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot models — may have it depending on the truck's model year and condition, but it is not may provide. The only way to know whether a specific truck has cruise control is to check the vehicle itself when you pick it up or call the location ahead of time with the truck's year and make.
U-Haul does not publish a master list of which vehicles in their fleet have cruise control. Availability depends on what trucks the rental location has on hand that day. If cruise control matters for your trip — especially for long-distance moves — mention it when you reserve, and ask the location to note your request. They cannot promise it, but they can flag your reservation and try to match you with a truck that has it.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise control is not standard on U-Haul rental trucks and cannot be may provide at any location.
- Larger trucks (20-foot and 26-foot models) are more likely to have cruise control than smaller ones, but this varies by truck age and condition.
- The only way to confirm whether a specific truck has cruise control is to call your rental location or inspect the truck at pickup.
- If cruise control is important for your move, note it in your reservation comments and ask the location to do their best to match you with an equipped truck.
Why U-Haul trucks may or may not have cruise control
U-Haul's rental fleet is made up of trucks purchased over many years, so equipment varies by model year. Older trucks — even if well-maintained — often lack cruise control because it was not standard on commercial trucks when they were built. Newer trucks are more likely to have it, but U-Haul does not retrofit older vehicles with cruise control, so the feature depends entirely on what the manufacturer included.
U-Haul also prioritizes durability and cost over comfort features. Cruise control adds to the purchase price and can be a maintenance point if it fails. For a rental fleet that turns over thousands of trucks per year, the company focuses on mechanical reliability rather than driver conveniences. This is why you will find cruise control more often on newer, higher-end trucks than on the workhorse models that make up the bulk of their inventory.
How to check if your reserved truck has cruise control
When you make your reservation online or by phone, U-Haul's system does not let you filter by cruise control. The booking process shows truck size, price, and availability — not specific features. Once you have reserved a truck, call the location directly and ask them to check the vehicle's specifications. Give them the truck's year and make if you have it, or ask them to look up what trucks they have in that size category.
The most reliable method is to arrive at pickup 10 to 15 minutes early and inspect the truck yourself. Sit in the driver's seat, locate the steering wheel controls, and look for the cruise control stalk or buttons. On most trucks, cruise control is a stalk on the right side of the steering column or buttons on the steering wheel itself. If the truck does not have it and you need it, ask the location whether they have another truck of the same size available that does.
Which U-Haul truck sizes are most likely to have cruise control
The 26-foot truck and 20-foot truck are the most likely to have cruise control because they are newer models and are used for longer-distance moves where driver fatigue is a real concern. These trucks are also higher-priced rentals, so U-Haul tends to keep them in better condition and with more features. That said, "most likely" does not mean may provide — you still need to verify.
The 15-foot truck is a middle ground. Some have cruise control, some do not. The 10-foot box truck and pickup trucks almost never have it. Cargo vans and specialty trailers do not come with cruise control either. If you are renting a smaller truck for a local move, do not plan on having cruise control. If you are renting a larger truck for a long-distance move, it is worth asking, but still verify at pickup.
What to do if your truck does not have cruise control
If you arrive at pickup and the truck lacks cruise control, you have a few options. First, ask the location whether they have another truck of the same size available. If they do, ask to swap. If they do not, you can decline the truck and cancel your reservation, though you may lose your deposit depending on U-Haul's cancellation policy at that location.
If you decide to keep the truck without cruise control, plan for more frequent breaks on long drives. Holding the accelerator steady for hours causes fatigue and increases the risk of speeding without realizing it. Set a timer to pull over every 90 minutes, even if you do not feel tired. Cruise control is a convenience, but it is not essential — many people move long distances without it every day.
Alternatives if cruise control is important for your move
If cruise control is a must-have for your move, consider renting from a different company. Some national rental companies like Penske and Budget have newer fleets and may have a higher percentage of trucks with cruise control, though they do not may provide it either. Call ahead and ask about their specific inventory before booking.
Another option is to hire professional movers instead of renting a truck yourself. Full-service moving companies handle the driving, so you do not need to worry about cruise control or driver fatigue. This costs more than a truck rental, but it removes the uncertainty and the physical demand of a long-distance move. For moves under 500 miles, a truck rental is usually cheaper; for moves over 1,000 miles, professional movers become more competitive in price and may be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a truck with cruise control when I book online?
U-Haul's online booking system does not have a cruise control filter. You can add a note to your reservation asking for a truck with cruise control, but U-Haul cannot may provide it. Call your local rental location after booking to ask them to check their inventory and try to match you with an equipped truck.
Do U-Haul trailers have cruise control?
No. Trailers do not have cruise control because they are towed behind your own vehicle. The cruise control (if any) comes from the car or truck you are driving. U-Haul trailers are purely cargo carriers with no driver controls.
What if I need cruise control for a medical reason?
Tell U-Haul about your need when you call the location. While they cannot may provide cruise control, knowing the reason may help them prioritize your request. If they cannot provide a truck with cruise control, ask about renting from a competitor or hiring professional movers as an alternative.
Is cruise control worth paying extra for if U-Haul offered it?
U-Haul does not charge extra for cruise control — it is either on the truck or it is not. If you are comparing rental companies and one charges a premium for newer trucks with more features, cruise control is a minor convenience that probably is not worth a significant price increase for a one-time move.