Towing a car with a rental car??????

sanovichleo · 10-23-2007, 12:29 AM

Hey guys, I need to get my car to MA from TN to get worked on. Its not in running condition so I was wondering... What if I rent a car/truck from enterprise or some company like that and just add a tow hitch and tow my car up there. Its really cheap ($50 a day with unlimited miles) while uhaul is like $800 for a truck rental for that same distance. So obviously I want to use the rental car but Ive heard its against the terms of agreement to do so. Anyone have any suggestions???
Is it even possible to tow a car with a rental car? I mean if its a truck can they hook up a tow hitch to it? Maybe the rental companies removed it completely or something.

Thanks in advance

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legacydreamz · 10-23-2007, 12:58 AM

no regular auto rental companies offer a tow hitch. and if you add one, they'll sue your ass.

looked into last year. no go.

kgb4187 · 10-23-2007, 01:19 AM

Plus you might be screwed if something happens while youre towing. It says in the rental agreement no towing and no off roading.

KingGalantVr4 · 10-23-2007, 02:11 AM

Uhaul ... best damn tow vehicle I ever ... well, rented.

You can even reserve a diesel.

ByronS · 10-23-2007, 02:31 AM

i'd say best bet is to ask a friend with a truck or suv. you have to know somebody with one

2k2 · 10-23-2007, 02:32 AM

Uhaul sucks, go budget or penske. I prefer budget because they have more locations around me.

BTW, you can't rent an Enterprise car one way.

ByronS · 10-23-2007, 02:37 AM

Uhaul does suck the big one. their vehicles are ****.

hierarchy:

uhaul < budget < penske

penske trucks are SO nice but they are super expensive.

2k2 · 10-23-2007, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByronS

Uhaul does suck the big one. their vehicles are ****.

hierarchy:

uhaul < budget < penske

penske trucks are SO nice but they are super expensive.

I have been lucky with budget and every truck I have rented the past 4 years (about 5 rentals) has had less than 10k miles and the guy near me will let me rent one with a liftgate even though I am not a business.

I have not had experience with penske though, I do know that renting budget in a more rural area can be tougher since one of my rental was in blacksburg,va and they screwed that up but all of my Pittsburgh rentals have been a great experience.

ByronS · 10-23-2007, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k2BlackWRX

I have been lucky with budget and every truck I have rented the past 4 years (about 5 rentals) has had less than 10k miles and the guy near me will let me rent one with a liftgate even though I am not a business.

I have not had experience with penske though, I do know that renting budget in a more rural area can be tougher since one of my rental was in blacksburg,va and they screwed that up but all of my Pittsburgh rentals have been a great experience.

i had a budget rental get ****ed up in blacksburg too. it was a hick gas station in the middle of no-where... I came 300 miles to move a friend out of their apartment and the gas station was closed for the weekend and the owner was out of town (it was about noon on friday). they didn't call to warn us or anything! so i had to rent a POS uhaul instead

2k2 · 10-23-2007, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByronS

i had a budget rental get ****ed up in blacksburg too. it was a hick gas station in the middle of no-where... I came 300 miles to move a friend out of their apartment and the gas station was closed for the weekend and the owner was out of town (it was about noon on friday). they didn't call to warn us or anything! so i had to rent a POS uhaul instead

Lol, probably the same place that messed mine up, the problem is that the nearest rental places are so far away that the area manager who allocates the rentals can't get one nearby.

Earlier this year I rented a budget truck and screwed up and rented it online for the wrong day, called them up and they called me back in 10 and had a truck ready for me at another location about 10 mins away.

thinkledge · 10-23-2007, 03:52 AM

Well you can spend 50/day on a rental and take the chance that the rental company finds out and f's you or the worst scenario, you get into an accident or something and the rental finds out, f's you twice (pay to get car back to the lot and also the damages, including labor) and your ins. may not help you but the rental company will contact them to find out and your rates will increase.

Or you can spend a little more up front with a u-haul or other company that will let you tow and be ok

VpointVick · 10-23-2007, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByronS

Uhaul does suck the big one. their vehicles are ****.

hierarchy:

uhaul < budget < penske

penske trucks are SO nice but they are super expensive.

With the Auto club discount, Penske was the least expensive for my move from L.A.

jasonallenross · 10-23-2007, 10:50 AM

Whenever I need a truck, I call Penske. I don't care if it costs more. The people who answer the phone are professional, the truck I reserved is there and in working order, and the price is exactly as quoted. This rarely happens with UHaul, which is usually staffed by Neanderthals, the truck may or may not be there, and condition is generally dubious. Budget never seems to have trucks in stock.

Whenever I'm doing something that needs a truck, it's very likely that the something is vastly more stressful, expensive or important that the peace of mind vastly outweighs "saving" a few bucks.

"Regular" car insurance places will take hitches off, or if you get a SUV with a hitch, will have disabled the hitch in some way (like a lock through the receiver).

You might want to look into hiring an auto transporter company, too. Keep in mind you are going to have to pay for gas/diesel, tolls, hotel rooms, a flight back, etc when comparing an auto transporter versus DIY, and also look if they will take non-running cars.

Mike Wevrick · 10-23-2007, 11:42 AM

^^I paid 500 to have my Legacy flatbedded from DC to MA. It did have to run to get it on and off the truck, though.

Paraskass · 10-23-2007, 11:43 AM

You don't have a friend that wouldn't mind towing your car for you?

Pay him 100$ + food and be done with it?

sanovichleo · 10-23-2007, 11:51 AM

yea but its hard to talk someone into giving up a whole weekend to drive 1800 miles roundtrip lol

Turbopit · 10-23-2007, 11:53 AM

Buy a $500 truck, rent a tow dolly or trailer, sell truck after returning tow dolly.

Vacca Rabite · 10-23-2007, 11:56 AM

Why not get your car worked on in MA? I bet its way cheaper to get whatever it is fixed locally, then it is to move it 1800 miles across the country to do the work.

Zach

jasonallenross · 10-23-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbopit

Buy a $500 truck, rent a tow dolly or trailer, sell truck after returning tow dolly.

This would likely be cheaper and more reliable than UHaul, even including the RMV fees and other crap you need to do to register a car in MA.

racer98 · 10-23-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanovichleo

Hey guys, I need to get my car to MA from TN to get worked on. Its not in running condition so I was wondering... What if I rent a car/truck from enterprise or some company like that and just add a tow hitch and tow my car up there. Its really cheap ($50 a day with unlimited miles) while uhaul is like $800 for a truck rental for that same distance. So obviously I want to use the rental car but Ive heard its against the terms of agreement to do so. Anyone have any suggestions???
Is it even possible to tow a car with a rental car? I mean if its a truck can they hook up a tow hitch to it? Maybe the rental companies removed it completely or something.

Thanks in advance

dont, cuase if you have an accsident and your out of state your f-ed, looking ino hertz or budget. pm me if you want more info about this.

chkltcow · 10-23-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vacca Rabite

Why not get your car worked on in MA? I bet its way cheaper to get whatever it is fixed locally, then it is to move it 1800 miles across the country to do the work.

Zach

From my reading, it's the other way around....

but yeah, why tow a car that far to have it fixed when I'm sure someone can do it locally.

sanovichleo · 10-23-2007, 01:03 PM

I'm doing a sti swap. the mech part is done. but I need them to merge the rs harness with the sti harness. plus they'll be installing the sti dash into my car which requires a lot of modification. local guys here won't do it... trust me I've looked into it... and the shop up in MA (East coast swappers) is very well known for doing this type of work. they're really well respected and trusted.
I see uhaul charges by the mile and it turns out to be $800 for the smallest little van that they have.

sanovichleo · 10-23-2007, 01:05 PM

and yea I'm going FROM TN to MA and then driving the car back to TN when its done

chkltcow · 10-23-2007, 01:10 PM

If it's only going one way for something like that, you might want to just call up a vehicle shipping company and see what they'd charge. It's probably less than the $800 for towing it with a Uhaul.

nevets87@siu.edu · 10-23-2007, 01:17 PM

U-haul Sucks! I used to work there! In your situation though, i would say to rent a flatbed from u-haul and get a buddy to tow it.

10-23-2007, 12:29 AM	#1
sanovichleo Scooby Newbie Member#: 68099 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RSTI Blue Ridge Pearl	Towing a car with a rental car?????? Hey guys, I need to get my car to MA from TN to get worked on. Its not in running condition so I was wondering... What if I rent a car/truck from enterprise or some company like that and just add a tow hitch and tow my car up there. Its really cheap ($50 a day with unlimited miles) while uhaul is like $800 for a truck rental for that same distance. So obviously I want to use the rental car but Ive heard its against the terms of agreement to do so. Anyone have any suggestions??? Is it even possible to tow a car with a rental car? I mean if its a truck can they hook up a tow hitch to it? Maybe the rental companies removed it completely or something. Thanks in advance * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-23-2007, 12:58 AM	#2
legacydreamz Scooby Specialist Member#: 92423 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: locked in the freezer Vehicle: 2002 WRX still locked in freezer	no regular auto rental companies offer a tow hitch. and if you add one, they'll sue your ass. looked into last year. no go.

10-23-2007, 01:19 AM	#3
kgb4187 Scooby Newbie Member#: 35824 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: FREE WAFFLES FROM THE SKY!	Plus you might be screwed if something happens while youre towing. It says in the rental agreement no towing and no off roading.

10-23-2007, 02:11 AM	#4
KingGalantVr4 Scooby Newbie Member#: 121092 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: International Location: Space Station Vehicle: LOOK OUT BELOW! Re-entry is a &!^%#	Uhaul ... best damn tow vehicle I ever ... well, rented. You can even reserve a diesel.

10-23-2007, 02:31 AM	#5
ByronS Scooby Newbie Member#: 140355 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MD / Central PA Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Silver	i'd say best bet is to ask a friend with a truck or suv. you have to know somebody with one

10-23-2007, 02:32 AM	#6
2k2 NASIOC Supporter Member#: 12368 Join Date: Nov 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh,PA Vehicle: 2008 Infiniti G35X 2011 BMW X5 Diesel	Uhaul sucks, go budget or penske. I prefer budget because they have more locations around me. BTW, you can't rent an Enterprise car one way.

10-23-2007, 02:37 AM	#7
ByronS Scooby Newbie Member#: 140355 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MD / Central PA Vehicle: 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Silver	Uhaul does suck the big one. their vehicles are ****. hierarchy: uhaul < budget < penske penske trucks are SO nice but they are super expensive.

10-23-2007, 03:52 AM	#11
thinkledge Scooby Specialist Member#: 36904 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: SWIC	Well you can spend 50/day on a rental and take the chance that the rental company finds out and f's you or the worst scenario, you get into an accident or something and the rental finds out, f's you twice (pay to get car back to the lot and also the damages, including labor) and your ins. may not help you but the rental company will contact them to find out and your rates will increase. Or you can spend a little more up front with a u-haul or other company that will let you tow and be ok

10-23-2007, 10:50 AM	#13
jasonallenross Scooby Specialist Member#: 125978 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Shrewsbury, MA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	Whenever I need a truck, I call Penske. I don't care if it costs more. The people who answer the phone are professional, the truck I reserved is there and in working order, and the price is exactly as quoted. This rarely happens with UHaul, which is usually staffed by Neanderthals, the truck may or may not be there, and condition is generally dubious. Budget never seems to have trucks in stock. Whenever I'm doing something that needs a truck, it's very likely that the something is vastly more stressful, expensive or important that the peace of mind vastly outweighs "saving" a few bucks. "Regular" car insurance places will take hitches off, or if you get a SUV with a hitch, will have disabled the hitch in some way (like a lock through the receiver). You might want to look into hiring an auto transporter company, too. Keep in mind you are going to have to pay for gas/diesel, tolls, hotel rooms, a flight back, etc when comparing an auto transporter versus DIY, and also look if they will take non-running cars.

10-23-2007, 11:42 AM	#14
Mike Wevrick RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11 Scooby Guru Member#: 24654 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: saraseager.com Vehicle: 1957 Taggart Comet atlasshruggedpart1.com	^^I paid 500 to have my Legacy flatbedded from DC to MA. It did have to run to get it on and off the truck, though.

10-23-2007, 11:43 AM	#15
Paraskass Scooby Newbie Member#: 51735 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Vehicle: 2006 2.5i Steel Gray	You don't have a friend that wouldn't mind towing your car for you? Pay him 100$ + food and be done with it?

10-23-2007, 11:51 AM	#16
sanovichleo Scooby Newbie Member#: 68099 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RSTI Blue Ridge Pearl	yea but its hard to talk someone into giving up a whole weekend to drive 1800 miles roundtrip lol

10-23-2007, 11:53 AM	#17
Turbopit Scooby Newbie Member#: 45400 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Littleton, CO Vehicle: 06 WRX TR OBP	Buy a $500 truck, rent a tow dolly or trailer, sell truck after returning tow dolly.

10-23-2007, 11:56 AM	#18
Vacca Rabite Scooby Specialist Member#: 55491 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Dallastown, Pa Vehicle: Fit, 1968 Jeep m715, 1976 VW Porsche 914	Why not get your car worked on in MA? I bet its way cheaper to get whatever it is fixed locally, then it is to move it 1800 miles across the country to do the work. Zach

10-23-2007, 01:03 PM	#22
sanovichleo Scooby Newbie Member#: 68099 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RSTI Blue Ridge Pearl	I'm doing a sti swap. the mech part is done. but I need them to merge the rs harness with the sti harness. plus they'll be installing the sti dash into my car which requires a lot of modification. local guys here won't do it... trust me I've looked into it... and the shop up in MA (East coast swappers) is very well known for doing this type of work. they're really well respected and trusted. I see uhaul charges by the mile and it turns out to be $800 for the smallest little van that they have.

10-23-2007, 01:05 PM	#23
sanovichleo Scooby Newbie Member#: 68099 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2000 Impreza RSTI Blue Ridge Pearl	and yea I'm going FROM TN to MA and then driving the car back to TN when its done

10-23-2007, 01:10 PM	#24
chkltcow Scooby Specialist Member#: 10814 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Stanley, NC Vehicle: '08 135i 97 Miata M	If it's only going one way for something like that, you might want to just call up a vehicle shipping company and see what they'd charge. It's probably less than the $800 for towing it with a Uhaul.

10-23-2007, 01:17 PM	#25
nevets87@siu.edu Scooby Newbie Member#: 151119 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wheeling IL Vehicle: 2002 WRX Silver	U-haul Sucks! I used to work there! In your situation though, i would say to rent a flatbed from u-haul and get a buddy to tow it.