Seeking some advice on how you'd do a 1000-1500 mile move. About 1 day each way. I need to move almost 6 tons (12,000 lbs) of valuable personal property. A "POD" or similar won't haul some of the things I need to move, but for reference would cost about $3000.

I don't own a truck but have a capable V8 SUV that has a towing capacity of 7000 lbs and cargo capacity payload of probably 1200 lbs. But it's 15 years old and while it's in good condition I don't want to push it to the limit.

I've never owned a pickup before (nor a trailer) and I have wanted one for many years so I'm open to buying a truck and renting or buying a cargo trailer. This would require several trips. Renting a trailer seems to be about $500 but I'm not sure what that covers, how many trips, days, etc.? What is realistic for me to tow or haul?

Another option is a 26' Uhaul truck, which will haul up to 9000 lbs. That would require two trips. Cost is about $1000 base, plus probably fees. I don't know how many days that covers, mileage, etc.? It could very well double or triple depending.

I'd rather put that $1000 (maybe even say up to several thousand dollars spent on) "rental" money toward ownership of a truck. As I mentioned I'm open to buying a truck, and I'm here to ask advice. My budget is probably $10-$15,000 to get a good truck. I'm fine with an older truck as long as it's powerful. I have seen some nice older pickups around here for sale for $5000. I'm just not really sure if there were great or bad designs, years, what to look for or watch out for. I'm okay with gas or diesel.

Also, would it be more cost effective to simply buy a cargo trailer and what realistic capacity do they tend to haul?

This move has come up unexpectedly so I've had very little time to process and prepare. I do have a month or three to figure this out but need to get moving in that direction of a solution.

I'd love to be able to do this smartly, in as few trips as possible, and stretch my money. I'd rather spend good money on a new rig and trailer than renting, if it makes financial sense.

Thanks for your feedback in advance. This will help me mentally work through this problem.