A New Heavyweight in the Rental Market

U-Haul has officially expanded its rental fleet with the introduction of its largest vehicle in over a decade. Dubbed the EM (Easy Mover), this substantial truck is built upon a medium-duty Peterbilt chassis and features a massive 29-foot cargo box. The company has positioned this new addition to serve customers whose moving requirements exceed the capacity of their previous largest models, arriving just in time for the peak summer moving season in the United States.

Technical Specifications and Capacity

The EM model is based on the Peterbilt Model 536, a Class 6 truck specifically designed for non-CDL operators and rental applications. Notable features of the new unit include:

  • Cargo Space: 2,057 cubic feet of interior volume.
  • Payload: A maximum capacity of 11,939 pounds.
  • Weight Management: The gross vehicle weight is limited to 25,999 pounds, allowing drivers to operate it with a standard driver's license in most states.
  • Utility: Equipped with hydraulic brakes, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 60-gallon fuel tank.

The Innovation Under the Hood

While the size of the truck is significant, the most groundbreaking aspect lies within its powertrain. The vehicle is powered by the Cummins B6.7 Octane, representing the historic first-ever gasoline engine produced by the renowned manufacturer.

Key details of this engine include:

  • Performance: A turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 300 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
  • Design Philosophy: Based on the architecture of the diesel B6.7, the engine retains the same block and internal structure, with modifications limited to the cylinder head to accommodate spark-ignition and gasoline fuel injection.
  • Efficiency: The engine avoids the need for diesel exhaust fluid or diesel particulate filters, utilizing passive catalysts for emissions control.

According to the manufacturer, this development is a cornerstone of their broader 'fuel-agnostic' strategy, aimed at creating a transitionary bridge between traditional diesel power and future electric mobility solutions.

Rental Availability and Operation

The EM is currently being introduced in the Los Angeles and Philadelphia markets, with a wider national rollout expected to follow. Pricing for in-town rentals begins at $49.95 plus mileage. U-Haul emphasizes that the vehicle includes advanced driver-assistance systems—such as collision mitigation, lane-departure warnings, and tire pressure monitoring—to assist those who are not accustomed to driving such large vehicles. Nevertheless, operators are encouraged to exercise caution, as the truck's size necessitates careful attention to braking distances, turning radii, and overall road positioning.