Going back to school...Need your HELP!

jefferios · 07-15-2008, 11:16 AM

Hey SCOA folks, I need your help. Since I got my Smart I've been all smiles at the gas pump and everywhere around it. But the big issue is coming...I need to move my stuff down to school.

I Moved out of my 2001 Pontiac Aztek into a Smart...so you understand the cargo room I lost.

My folks have SUV's so they can help, but I need just a little more room to bring stuff down.
What is a better idea: Renting a Small U-Haul Trailer or Renting a Cargo Van/Large SUV to replace one of the smaller SUV's that s going down to Iowa w/ me?

A rate for a Cargo van/SUV is around $80/Day (+ gas [17mpg])
A rate for a small trailer is $124.

The math looks better to get a trailer, but anyone have first hand experience?

p.s. The customer service lady I called today to get that rate was crazy!

stevenvillatoro · 07-15-2008, 12:53 PM

Try Penske for trucks/trailers. Better equipment, better service, better deals.

BigWarpGuy · 07-15-2008, 01:17 PM

Perhaps a van that can pull the Smart Fortwo? It would have the cargo space but towing the Smart Fortwo would mean one less driver to get to with you.

jefferios · 07-15-2008, 01:42 PM

I tried Penske, they only offer trucks.

Good idea to tow it, can it be towed on all four wheels, I read in the manual...lol jk

The one reason I do not want to tow it is I want to see how it performs freeway for a 3 hr haul.

letsgoskatepool · 07-15-2008, 02:31 PM

University of Iowa? I may drive my smart there next semester to visit my friend who goes there

scdaf · 07-15-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Try Penske for trucks/trailers. Better equipment, better service, better deals.

Given that Penske doesn't rent cargo trailers and that the U-Haul fleet is newer and U-Haul has more than 10 times the locations to serve customers, your statement has a hole or two in it. Plus, will beat Penske every time for price match.

10 years ago when Penske was just buying market share, you'd have been correct...

jefferios · 07-15-2008, 03:17 PM

No letsgo... I'm at Iowa State, a CYCLONE! Thanks for everyone and their suggestions.

BigWarpGuy · 07-15-2008, 05:47 PM

Have you seen the trailers that a Smart Fortwo could tow? There is a sport utility trailer from Smart Car Universe.

2smartArizona · 07-17-2008, 05:31 PM

rent a trailer, that will be the best deal...and if considering a trailer for your smart....look at the Thule, 60 pounds lighter, greater payload, and galvanized.

Do a highway trip on a weekend visit home or somewhere...

Da Woz · 07-17-2008, 07:05 PM

A suggestion.... I just rented a U-Haul trailer to bring some furniture and personal belongings home from my dad's. Every college town has drop off locations for ONE-WAY rentals. Get a trailer to attach to your folks' SUV. If they don't have a hitch, you can rent that too. A hint! Try to borrow the ball and ball mount from a friend. I had to buy one of each -- as mine were both home and this was a last minute decision. (Wanna buy one of each? Hehe.)

One-way rental was about $250 for a pretty good sized trailer for 3 or 4 days.

This way, you get to drive the smart for those blissful 3 hours and your folks don't have to drag the trailer back home.

Joe