Has anyone ever used budget to pull a boat? Looks like I am going to fly over to get my boat and hook it to a budget truck. What size hitch do they have? I've had a hell of a time finding the hitch size, and the two locations I've called seem to act aloof about the topic because they only want you to use their trailers.

Like a Budget box truck? Most of the major car rental places have trucks.

Go drive around till you find a budget truck

Yeah I am looking at a box truck because none of the trucks/SUVs have a hitch or a receiver. I'll also be landing in a city without knowing what will be available even if they had a truck. I am open to the idea if it is possible though.

Yeah I found one, but it was so beat up that I couldn't read the markings on the hitch. I suppose I could pull the 2" tongue off my trailer and go test it, but I figured I would ask here first.

Another idea I had was a Hertz or Enterprise Truck rental but they do not do 1 way trips. Budget seems to be the cheapest option at this point.

Get a ruler

I think Penske trucks have/had a standard 2 inch but it has been a long time since we had to do that. I do know they (Penske) aren't in as many markets as the other places, but maybe those companies also use that size?

I would assume most trucks/suvs have factory installed hitches nowadays.

Couple years ago I had a one day Tahoe rental with a hitch installed I used to tow my broken down truck back from the deer lease. The guy at the counter looked at me funny when he realized I put 900 miles on it in 26 hours,

Enterprise rents 3/4 ton trucks. Would be way more pleasant than a box truck. Enterprise - private rentals

Moving company truck rentals are usually much cheaper than through normal vehicle rental places. Not sure why.

Ogre09 said:

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Moving company truck rentals are usually much cheaper than through normal vehicle rental places. Not sure why.

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Mileage is usually not included. Most rental cars have unlimited or a set amount your allowed included already.

I priced out a truck and big SUV this morning and it was pushing $600for 2 days vs $400 for the box truck for 5 days. It sucks, but the box truck seems the cheapest option for me. I just need to figure out the hitch size to determine if I need a different coupler.

I've determined I'll have to cut the trailer wires to rig it to the posts on the truck, but that is simple. It looks like I'll be trying to find a truck around town to check the size manually. I figured someone on the OB has tried this before though.

marr710 said:

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I would assume most trucks/suvs have factory installed hitches nowadays.

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Funny you should say that... My brother bought a new Chevy Duramax last year that did not have a receiver hitch. He didn't notice it until after the fact and had to get the whole hitch assembly installed. I could not believe a 3/4 ton truck would come from the factory without it.

You might make up the rental difference in fuel cost.

And the likely chiropractor visit from the box truck seats as well

Step 1: Find a dealership that has a return policy on cars/trucks within a time period (Make sure no mileage rider as well or that youll be under it)
Step 2: Buy (Rent) the car/truck and haul the load
Step 3: Return to dealership and tell them you changed your mind
Step 4: Profit

Why not bring a large crescent wrench and your own 2 inch ball just in case??

AgToadie said:

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Enterprise rents 3/4 ton trucks. Would be way more pleasant than a box truck. Enterprise - private rentals

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This this this.

They are work trucks but come with hitches and good towing capabilities in my experience.

No enterprise truck rental near by (or hertz..) That was the first thing I was trying for, and they don't do one way trips... they want the trucks back at the original rental location.

I will be taking a hitch/coupler, and some tools.

You never said where you are going to and from. For the cost you mentioned, couldn't you almost have the boat delivered by a shipping company. Try u ship. Or what about renting a vehicle in your area and making a round trip? Plane flights aren't cheap, and then you could take spare tires/wheels, grease for the hubs, etc. I would hate to try what you are trying unless it was some place where I had a friend along the route to help out when stuff breaks down.

Double post

take a 3-way, or just drive to get it?

Yeah I should have referenced the original "going to get my boat" thread.. Sorry about that. It is Florida to Texas @ about 15 total hours.

Uship would work if it wasn't for family/estate issues and access to the property. Also, based on other bids, it would be near 2x the cost. Right now, I have a $90 one way ticket and a $350 box truck for 5 days. I plan do it all in 2 if I don't run into issues.

I agree about seeing the hitch in person... I think budget uses 2-5/16" but no one seems to know. I went to a local budget rental and the guy told me 2". I called a few weeks ago, and another lady warned that they do not use standard hitches on their trucks, so be sure to check. Also, their hitches are welded on, so no removing them.

So how long has it been since this boat has been hauled any significant distance? A buddy went to buy a used auger and got to replace both tires on the side of the road along with wheel bearings on the way home. What's your plan for that? Are relatives in Florida going to lend you tools for the trip, or do you plan to go to Harbor Freight and buy stuff to help you when you break down in the middle of BFE?

2. Did you get a MPG estimate on the box truck? From what I hear some of those drink gas like it was free.

I wish you luck, but I think you will be extremely lucky I'd you don't have some significant challenge on your trip, unless you buy new tires before heading out.

Who knows what type of jack and tire tool your truck will have. ..but likely not the best to fit your boat.

Perhaps you have this all figured out. I don't remember the old thread. I've just helped out a fair number of folks broken down on the road because they weren't prepared and don't want you to end up needing help with no one around.