U-Haul's Cruise Control Availability by Vehicle Type
Not all U-Haul rental trucks come with cruise control. Whether your rental has it depends on the truck size, model year, and which location you rent from. U-Haul's largest trucks — the 26-foot box truck and the 15-foot cargo van — often have cruise control, but smaller trucks like the 10-foot and 15-foot models may not. The feature is less common on older vehicles in their fleet.
U-Haul trailers do not come equipped with cruise control. Trailers are towed behind your own vehicle, so any cruise control would come from the car or truck doing the towing, not from the trailer itself. If you are renting a trailer and want cruise control, you need to use your own vehicle to pull it.
The best way to know whether a specific truck at your local U-Haul location has cruise control is to call ahead or ask when you arrive for pickup. Availability varies by branch and by how recently they updated their fleet.
Key Takeaways
- Larger U-Haul trucks (26-foot box trucks and 15-foot cargo vans) are more likely to have cruise control than smaller models.
- U-Haul trailers never have cruise control because they are towed by your own vehicle.
- Cruise control availability depends on the specific location and the age of the vehicle in their fleet.
- Calling your local U-Haul branch before pickup is the fastest way to confirm whether a truck has the feature.
Why Cruise Control Matters on Long Moves
Cruise control reduces fatigue on highway stretches by holding a steady speed without constant pedal pressure. On a long-distance move — especially one covering several hundred miles — this can make a real difference in driver comfort and focus. Rental trucks are heavier than most personal vehicles, so maintaining a consistent speed without cruise control requires more active attention.
If cruise control is important to you and your rental truck does not have it, you have two options: rent from a different U-Haul location that may have newer equipment, or plan for more frequent breaks during driving. Neither is ideal, but knowing this before you pick up the truck lets you plan accordingly.
How to Request Cruise Control When Booking
U-Haul's online booking system does not have a filter for cruise control. When you reserve a truck online, you are booking a size category, not a specific vehicle. The actual truck assigned to you may or may not have the feature.
After you book online, call the location directly and ask whether they have cruise control on the truck size you reserved. If they do not, ask whether a larger truck at that location has it — sometimes upgrading one size up gives you access to newer equipment. Some locations will note your preference in the reservation, though they cannot may provide it.
If cruise control is essential for your move, ask the branch manager whether they can hold a specific truck with the feature. Smaller locations may be willing to do this if you call a few days ahead.
Comparing U-Haul Trucks by Size and Features
| Truck Size | Cruise Control Likelihood | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10-foot box truck | Uncommon | Small moves, local trips |
| 15-foot box truck | Uncommon | Medium moves, some highway driving |
| 15-foot cargo van | More common | Medium moves, longer distances |
| 26-foot box truck | Most common | Large moves, cross-country trips |
The 26-foot truck is U-Haul's largest standard rental and is most likely to have cruise control because it is used for longer moves where the feature matters most. If you are moving across state lines and cruise control is important, this size is your best bet.
What to Do If Your Truck Does Not Have Cruise Control
If you arrive at pickup and discover your truck lacks cruise control, you have options. You can decline the truck and ask for a different one, though this may delay your move. You can accept it and adjust your driving plan — build in more rest stops, drive shorter daily distances, or share driving with another person if possible.
On highways, use the truck's engine braking and downhill gearing to help maintain speed on grades. This is not the same as cruise control, but it reduces the constant small adjustments your foot has to make. Take breaks every two hours regardless, since fatigue is the real risk on long moves.
Rental Alternatives If Cruise Control Is Essential
If U-Haul does not have cruise control available at your location, other rental companies may. Penske and Budget both rent trucks and sometimes have newer fleets with more standard features. Prices vary by location and season, so comparing quotes makes sense if cruise control is a priority.
Another option is to rent a moving truck from a local dealer or independent company. These are often older vehicles, so cruise control is not may provide, but some have it. Call ahead to ask.
If you are moving a short distance or locally, the lack of cruise control is less of a burden. For moves over 500 miles, it becomes more relevant to your comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add cruise control to a U-Haul truck myself?
No. U-Haul rental trucks are company property, and you cannot modify them. Attempting to install or alter any equipment voids your rental agreement and may result in charges.
Do U-Haul cargo vans have cruise control?
Some do, especially the 15-foot cargo van, but not all. Call your local branch to ask about the specific van they have available. Cargo vans are often newer than smaller box trucks, so your chances are better.
What if I book a 26-foot truck and it does not have cruise control?
This is rare but possible. If it happens, ask the branch whether they have another 26-foot truck available, or whether they can upgrade you to a different vehicle type at no extra cost. Document the issue in writing before you leave the lot.
Does cruise control work the same way on a heavy truck as a car?
Yes, the button and operation are the same. However, cruise control on a loaded moving truck may not hold speed as well on steep hills because the engine has more weight to manage. You may need to disengage it and use the pedal on grades.
Should I rent a truck with cruise control for a 200-mile move?
It depends on the route and your comfort level. If the drive is mostly highway and you are driving alone, cruise control reduces fatigue. For a 200-mile trip with breaks, it is helpful but not essential. For 500+ miles, it becomes much more valuable.