Question 1

How do I prepare my camper van for tow away RV services?

Accepted Answer

There is a slight divide between performing comprehensive preparations and merely doing preliminary stuff.

At the same time, adequate preparations can go a long way in ensuring your vehicle is delivered in the right condition. The following are crucial steps to take to prepare your RV for shipping services:

Remove all loose items, inside and out, including everything hung on the walls
Make sure your hitch, tow bar, and tires are in good working order
Disconnect all electronics and appliances, so transport is secure
Disconnect all gas and power lines
Ensure that all your windows, cabinets, and doors are closed and locked
Ensure that all fluids are drained and there are no leaks
Give driver any instructions required for transport and a complete set of keys in case they're needed
Check for good tire pressure, look for cracks and excessive tread wear
Take photos of the RV, inside and out, showing all dings, scratches, and dents. You will use these photos to show the pre-transit condition of your RV, so when you pick it up at its destination, you can see if there was any damage along the way
Make sure brakes work correctly
Check your owner's manual for any manufacturer's information on shipping their RV

Question 2

How is my RV transported?

Accepted Answer

There are four transportation methods for your RV:

Drive-away – An RV shipping driver will personally drive your car to its destination. This method doesn't require any additional equipment

Towing – Typically, a dual-pickup truck hooks up your motorhome for transporting RVs

Camper Hauling/Flatbed – The vehicle is loaded onto a flatbed RV travel trailer and hauled by a carrier to its destination

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) – Used to transport an RV internationally by water. The method involves special equipment and includes driving your car onto a vessel and driving it off at its destination

Question 3

How far in advance do I need to make my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Most carriers will accept reservations up to two months before, although they can be open to emergencies to have your RV shipped.

Talk with your RV transport company of choice or broker to see what their process is.

Question 4

How to find the best camper transport hauler?

Accepted Answer

You can hire a transit broker who has already done all the research, or if you want to do all your own, you should check on a potential carrier's:

MC number and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).
Insurance coverage – ask for a copy of their insurance certificate so you can review it. If you aren't satisfied, you can always purchase third-party insurance
Transport rates and compare them to others for your size vehicle and the distance you're going.
References and history. It's easy nowadays to get previous customers' feedback on their experience using an RV shipping company.

And ask questions – don't be afraid to ask any question you have. If you don't get straight answers, you'll know the RV transporters are not suitable for you.

Question 5

How much does it cost to ship my RV?

Accepted Answer

Transporting a car can range from $500 – over $3,000. The RV transport cost will depend on the size of your vehicle and the distance traveled. In addition, there are factors to consider when shipping. They include the RV's condition, gas prices at the time of transit, and seasonality.

Question 6

How do I get a free quote for shipping my RV?

Accepted Answer

You can quickly get quotes on shipping your RV by going to a broker who has already established relationships with transit companies. The cheapest option is to go to the RV shipping company website and fill a simple form to get a quick travel trailer quote.

*NOTE – RV transport quotes are only estimates. You'll have to have a conversation and make sure everything is known about your RV drive-away services to get an accurate price. After getting the shipping quote for your travel trailer, remember that other factors will play into the final price, i.e., seasonality and gas price for other vehicles at the time of transit.

Question 7

Can I ship a non-operable Motorhome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind before transporting this category of RVs.

Make sure you give the transporter documents proving your ownership and any condition report of the car.
Secure any loose parts such as doors, doors, windows, and anything else that may open during transit. The RV trailer driver will also secure anything they feel necessary.

*NOTE – Most transit companies will not take responsibility for any damages to an already inoperable RV.

Check with your RV transport company of choice or broker to discuss the specifics of transporting your inoperable RV.

Question 8

What if my RV is damaged during transport?

Accepted Answer

The damage should be marked on the Bill of Lading with the drivers' signature acknowledging the damage. Next, call your carrier or broker's toll-free number and inform them of the damage. As some vendors are usually busy, a number of phone calls will get you an estimate of the damages along with information on how to receive a refund.

If, for any reason, the carrier is unresponsive or won't work with you, contact their insurance company and make a claim. Remember to always have photos and documentation to back up your claim.

Question 9

How do I insure my motorhome for shipping?

Accepted Answer

Companies offering RV transport services are required to have cargo insurance. It should be enough to cover your car.

Work with your transport carrier or broker to determine if the transport company's insurance is enough for your needs.

Question 10

How do I ship my RV internationally?

Accepted Answer

Transporting your RV takes a little more work and effort when shipping it internationally. You have to consult your transit carrier, or broker, then work with the import policies of the country of destination. You must work with a broker or hire a good company with international shipping expertise to ensure the security and safety of your car.

You'll have to get your car to a port either by driving it yourself or hiring a one-stop-shop shipping company within the country. Your RV will have to be driven (RoRo) or lifted onto a freight ship.

Shipping To/From	Cost	Distance	Transit Days
New York to Columbus	$1070	535 miles	2-4 days
Portland to San Jose	$1330	665 miles	3-5 days
New York to Chicago	$1580	790 miles	3-5 days
Los Angeles to Denver	$2030	1015 miles	4-6 days
Houston to Miami	$2380	1190 miles	4-6 days
San Diego to Dallas	$2720	1360 miles	4-6 days
Atlanta to Phoenix	$3690	1845 miles	5-7 days
Detroit to Las Vegas	$4030	2015 miles	6-8 days
Seattle to Memphis	$4570	2285 miles	6-8 days
Portland to Miami	$6510	3255 miles	7-9 days

RV Transport

RV Transport Services

Cost & Time To Ship Your RV Examples

Preparing Your Recreational Vehicle For Auto Transport

Secure Everything

Remove Personal Items

Document the RV Condition

General Maintenance Before RV Shipping

Disconnect Gas & Power Supply

Online Resources For RV Shippers

Related Information & FAQ

Related Information & FAQ

Choosing The Best RV Hauler

Perform Due Diligence

Understand The RV Transport Company's Pricing

Plan in Advance

Frequently Asked Questions