We have used a free truck for move-ins since we purchased our facility four years ago. We purchased a used truck for about $8,000 and put big ads on the outside.

Insurance coeverage is critical. Our truck has been damaged three times and we were able to collect from the driver's insurance two out of three times (we missed on the third time in small claims court due to lack of preparation by our managing partner).

We use a checklist much like the rental car agencies, checking the vehicle in and out for damage. We get copies of the driver's license and insurance card, and charge $15. Limit the mileage to 25 miles before we surcharge for gas.

Our take is that about 50% of our renters use this truck. As someone else commented, once a prospective doesn't have to think about renting a truck the sale is much easier to make.