Hey everyone! I'm looking to transport around 200 used solar panels that I've found at a great price. I want to make sure I'm maximizing the number of panels I can fit in a 26' Budget truck without exceeding its payload weight. The Budget website lists a payload capacity of 9,180 lbs but also mentions a max load of 12,000 lbs. I'm a bit confused about these differing figures. Has anyone else dealt with this? I checked U-Haul too, and they state a max load of 12,859 lbs, but I prefer Budget for the deal. Additionally, I discovered that the liftgate version of the 26' truck has a lower payload due to the lift, but I'm still puzzled by these capacities. Any insights would be super appreciated!
1 Answer
Generally, a 26' truck can carry more than the listed figures, but keep in mind that if the total weight exceeds 26,000 lbs, you might need a Class B CDL to drive it legally. The real challenge is safely handling the truck when it’s loaded. Make sure to secure the panels well; otherwise, they might get damaged from shifting.
I've moved several times using a 26' truck and never stopped at a weigh station. Once I was pulled over, and the officer just told me to be more careful next time. Just be aware!