Ack! I may have to drive a 14' panel truck Saturday!

[Why Syzygy]

I'm still working on logistics for my move, but there is a chance I will have to drive that truck myself. I've never done that. An extended cab pickup truck is about the biggest I can remember driving. Maybe an old boyfriend's van back when I was indestructible.

I'm panicked. I know some of you have done this. Please reassure me with tips!
And if you all could say a little prayer for me, it would help a lot.
Thanks.

[WhiteTara]

1. piece of cake! You'll do just fine

I drove a 16' box truck to AZ and back. It was a breeze. Literally, since we didn't have ac!

[rumpel]

2. I just love driving the big guys

:)

Just do not make those tight turns...make it a bigger turn, take your time and you will be just fine. With size comes good view all around you, too.
You can always practice in a large supermarket parking lot, until you get comfortable. I did that with a 36' motorhome.
You'll be a pro in no time :)

I'll pray for you that you will have a lot of fun driving these things. :)

[Why Syzygy]

10. You love driving the big guys?

:D .. I picture you as very petite, but obviously oh so capable.

[I Have A Dream]

3. Sure, I'll send out a prayer for you, vsm. I'm sure that you'll do fine...

but I can understand your apprehension.

:hug:

[Celebration]

4. sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.

Or something like that?

Seriously, anticipatory worry is a real bugaboo. There is a relatively short period of time that you will actually be driving the truck. You can use your adrenaline then to address this challenge. And, it will probably make you a better driver. In the meantime, you are not actually driving the truck, so it would be best not to get in a stew about it. Of course you could be looking around for someone more experienced, but, without "panic".

My husband and I got to drive one for about 700 miles. I was actually going to do it myself because he was objecting. It was one of those things, "Okay you don't want to do this, so you can fly back and I will just drive it myself." Well that didn't happen and he drove it. Really there were only two issues with this 1. Backing up while we were at the gas station. 2. Getting stopped in Arkansas for absolutely ZERO reason just because some of these people use them to transport drugs. Ugh.

Anyway, this is bound to be better than the time I had to pick someone up at the airport with a borrowed stick shift car, and I had only used a stick shift in driving classes.

You can do it. After it happens, and goes without a hitch, you will feel powerful.

But yes I will send positive vibes.

[Why Syzygy]

11. Excellent point.

I have trained myself to tell myself that when the moment I'm dreading arrives, "I will have everything necessary to accomplish what is required of me". I hadn't gotten that far in my thought process, so thanks for the nudge!

I'm feeling a little powerful having accomplished so much with the packing. It's gone much smoother than I expected, once I wrote down a daily time schedule. There are still a couple of pockets of resistance, but I'm sure they will cave when I give them enough attention.

Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes.

[Dora]

5. You can do it!

Just remember to watch out for awnings and low-hanging branches, and check your blind spots before lane changes. Give yourself more braking room at stops.

http://moving.move.com/Move/Moving/DIY/DrivingTips.asp

If you're renting from U-Haul, arrive EARLY to pick up your truck. If you're at all late, you'll possibly lose the reservation and have to deal with a clerk who will only say, "I don't know what happened, but we don't have a truck for you. Corporate did it." It happened to us, grrrrr.

[Why Syzygy]

9. Thanks. Just what I need.

I THINK my helper is going to drive. It was looking iffy. I know it would be empowering to accomplish that. But N. I-35 from and to Round Rock (my storage is going to be there)... I don't wanna.. I hate to even drive that section in my car. The driving tips is VERY helpful.

[MorningGlow]

6. Like a U-haul?

If so, they're actually pretty easy to drive--they're all designed to drive like a regular passenger vehicle (well, more like a pickup or van than a car). I drove one a couple of years ago, in bad winter weather, when we moved to our present house. I found it strangely empowering! But then I'm just weird that way. :evilgrin:

[Callie McAllie]

7. Just think of it as a really big Pinto

:rofl:

seriously, you will be just fine, I'm sure. Sending you good wishes...

[lildreamer316]

8. Oh it's fine; just take it slow.

remember to use your mirrors judiciously. It's really about expanding your awareness of your 'car size' to include such a big area. Does that make sense?

[Grateful for Hope]

12. Votes, I know you can and will do this if necessary

and, I predict that you will report back to us that it was indeed (as another poster said), "a piece of cake"!

Also wanted to say that I am sending you some well wishes and positive vibes that this move will be what you need it to be for you.

:hug:

[Dover]

13. Slow as she goes and take back streets if you can...even if it takes longer.

Here's a Meditation: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...."

Source: The Little Engine That Could

[stellanoir]

14. Well maybe keep visualizing yourself

arriving safely and intact at the place from which you are renting the vehicle.

I too am trepidatious about large vehicles.

I don't know how those bus driving ladies do it.

But in the meantime. . .consider shuffling this on the imaginary Ipod in your brain. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm5DPlNCmtk

[Why Syzygy]

15. Steppenwolf!

Lately, I have been extra nostalgic for my old high school era music. And, I suppose, the spirit that went along with. Thank you :hug: