
A Complete Guide to Truck Sizes
What size truck do you actually need? Getting this decision right can make the difference between a smooth move and a day filled with multiple trips or wasted space.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect truck size for your move, helping you save both time and money in the process.
Why Truck Size Matters More Than You Think
Selecting the right truck size isn’t just about making sure everything fits. It’s about protecting your belongings, managing your budget, and making your move as efficient as possible. Choose a truck that’s too small, and you’ll end up making multiple trips, burning extra fuel, and possibly paying for additional rental time. Go too big, and you’re not only paying for space you don’t need but also handling a larger vehicle than necessary.
The right-sized truck helps you:
- Complete your move in one trip
- Keep your belongings secure and properly packed
- Stay within your budget
- Feel confident behind the wheel
- Avoid unnecessary fuel costs
Mobile Truck Rental’s 3-Tonne Pantech
When it comes to choosing the right truck for your move, Mobile Truck Rental has taken the guesswork out of the equation. We’ve carefully curated our fleet to offer you the perfect solution: our versatile 3-tonne Pantech trucks. Let’s dive into why these trucks have become the go-to choice for movers across Australia’s East Coast.
Our 3-tonne Pantech trucks offer an impressive 20 cubic meters of storage space – and that’s exactly as spacious as it sounds. You could fit the entire contents of a three-bedroom apartment in one trip. We’ve found this size hits the sweet spot for most moves, whether you’re relocating your home or transporting business equipment.
You won’t need a special licence to operate them – a standard car licence is all you need. We’ve specifically chosen these vehicles because they offer professional-grade moving capacity without feeling overwhelming to drive.
Let’s talk about the practical details. While our trucks are designed for ease of use, there are some important requirements to keep in mind. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old (with a small daily surcharge for those between 21-24), and you’ll need a current open driver’s licence – sorry, no P or L plates. The trucks run on diesel fuel only, which helps provide the efficient power needed for moving heavy loads.
You might wonder why we focus on a single truck size instead of offering multiple options. The answer is simple: expertise and reliability. By specialising in these 3-tonne Pantechs, we’ve become experts in maximising their potential. We know exactly how to help you make the most of the space, how to load efficiently, and how to ensure your move goes smoothly. This focused approach means we can maintain the highest standards across our entire fleet.
Our trucks have moved everything from family homes to office equipment, from delicate antiques to robust business inventory. They’ve proven themselves time and again as the perfect solution for moves big and small. The combination of space, features, and drivability makes them ideal for both first-time movers and experienced transporters alike.
Understanding Truck Sizes
When you’re looking at truck sizes, there’s more to consider than just “will everything fit?” You need to think about how you’ll use the space, how comfortable you’ll be driving it, and whether it makes sense for your specific situation.
Most rental trucks fall into a few main categories:
Small trucks (10-12 feet) work well for studio or one-bedroom apartments. They’re easier to drive but might mean multiple trips for larger moves.
Medium trucks (15-17 feet) handle two-bedroom homes nicely. They strike a balance between capacity and maneuverability.
Large trucks (20-26 feet) can move a whole house, but they require more skill to drive and park.
At Mobile Truck Rental, we’ve focused on the perfect middle ground: our 3-tonne Pantech with 20 cubic meters of space. We’ve found this size handles most moves beautifully – from small apartments to three-bedroom homes.

How Much Space Do You Really Need?
Here’s what typically fits in different truck sizes:
Studio/1 Bedroom: You’ll need about 10-15 cubic meters of space. Think bed, couch, dining set, boxes.
2 Bedrooms: Plan for 15-20 cubic meters. This covers additional bedroom furniture and more boxes.
3 Bedrooms: Our 20 cubic meter trucks handle this perfectly. You can fit multiple bedrooms worth of furniture, appliances, and plenty of boxes.
Getting the size wrong can impact your move in ways you might not expect. Too small, and you’re looking at multiple trips – that means more time, more fuel, and more stress. Too large, and you’re not just paying for space you don’t need – you might also find yourself struggling with parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. The right size means you’ll move efficiently and confidently, getting everything done in one smooth trip.
When you’re making your final decision, start with your furniture. Walk through each room and count those big pieces – your beds, sofas, dining tables. These are your space-hungry items that need to be accounted for first. Think about your access points too. The perfect truck size needs to work with the streets and parking at both your current and new places.
Sometimes, you might find yourself choosing between a slightly smaller truck with two trips or a larger one with a single trip. Consider your comfort level with driving and how far you’re moving. A second trip across town isn’t the end of the world, but multiple trips across the city? That’s a different story.
Explainer: What is GVM for Mobile Truck Rentals?
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, fuel, and accessories, as specified by the manufacturer. GVM is a critical factor in determining which trucks customers can legally rent and operate based on their driver’s licence class.
Why GVM Matters in Truck Rentals
Licence Requirements – Different truck rental options fall under specific GVM limits, requiring the appropriate driver’s licence class:
- Class C (Car licence) – Vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM.
- Light Rigid (LR licence) – Vehicles up to 8 tonnes GVM.
For Mobile Truck Rental, our rental trucks are 3-tonne GVM, meaning they can be legally driven with a Class C (standard car) licence. This makes them accessible for everyday drivers without requiring a special heavy vehicle licence.
Final Thoughts: Truck Rental Sizes
Choosing your truck size doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on what you’re moving, where you’re going, and your comfort level with driving. Remember, the goal is to make your move efficient and stress-free.
At Mobile Truck Rental, we’re confident our 20 cubic meter trucks are great for most moves. But don’t just take our word for it – let’s talk about your specific needs and make sure you get exactly what you need for a successful move.
Look, choosing a truck size doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. The key is keeping it simple: think about what you’re moving, where you’re going, and how comfortable you feel behind the wheel.
We’ve seen thousands of successful moves over the years, and here’s what we’ve learned: most people overthink it. You don’t need to stress about getting the perfect size down to the last cubic centimeter. What you need is a truck that works for your situation and makes you feel confident about your move.
That’s exactly why we at Mobile Truck Rental chose to focus on our 20 cubic meter trucks. They hit that sweet spot where most people find exactly what they need – enough space for a three-bedroom home, easy enough to drive, and equipped with everything to make your move smoother. But more importantly, they give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can handle your move in one trip.
Ready to get moving? Give us a call. We’ll talk through your specific needs and make sure you’re set up for a successful move.