How to Move an RV Without a Truck: 6 Practical Methods

You can move an RV without a truck by hiring a professional RV transport service, renting a tow-capable truck, using a tow dolly, or employing a motorized trailer dolly for short-distance moves. The best option depends on your RV’s size, the distance, and your budget. Professional RV movers — available through marketplaces like CitizenShipper — handle the full process from pickup to delivery for $1.00–$3.00 per mile on average.

Understanding the Basics: How Do You Move an RV Without a Truck?

Hiring professional services is one way to move an RV without a truck. Specialized RV moving companies exist to help you transport your RV, regardless of its size or destination. These companies have experienced drivers and the right equipment to tow your RV safely and efficiently. Another option is a tow dolly. A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that carries the front wheels of your RV while the back wheels roll on the road. This option is best for smaller, lightweight RVs.

Professional RV towing services are also a good choice, especially for larger RVs that require special handling. These services can safely tow your RV to your destination without needing you to do the heavy lifting.

Renting a Truck: A Temporary Solution

Renting a truck can temporarily solve the question, “How do you move an RV without a truck?” Many companies offer truck rental services that you can use to move your RV. However, this option requires you to be comfortable driving a large truck and towing your RV. It’s also important to check the rental company’s policy on towing.

Professional RV Moving Services: A Stress-Free Option

When the question is, “How do you move an RV without a truck?” the answer is simple: let the professionals handle it. Professional RV movers, like CitizenShipper, can take care of the entire process for you, from pick-up to delivery. They have the necessary experience, skills, and equipment to move your RV safely and efficiently. Plus, they can provide insurance coverage for your peace of mind.

When you need to move an RV without a truck, trust the professionals at CitizenShipper. We specialize in RV towing and transportation, providing reliable, efficient, and stress-free service. Contact us today to learn more about our RV moving services and how we can help you get your home on wheels where it needs to go.

The Benefits of Professional RV Moving Services

Engaging professional RV moving services has numerous benefits. It eliminates the stress and hassle of moving an RV yourself. Professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to move your RV safely and efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your valuable asset. Moreover, professional RV moving services can save you time. Instead of spending hours or even days trying to figure out how to move your RV, you can hire professionals to do it for you. This gives you more time to focus on other essential aspects of your trip, such as planning your itinerary and packing your belongings. Finally, professional RV moving services often provide insurance coverage. This means that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the move, you’ll be covered. You can rest easy knowing that your RV is in good hands.

Ready to find out what it costs to move your RV? List your RV shipment free on CitizenShipper and compare quotes from verified transporters. Most RV owners receive their first quote within hours.

How To Choose the Right RV Moving Service

When choosing the right RV moving service, there are a few key factors to consider.

1. Look for a company with a solid reputation. Read reviews and testimonials from past customers to get a sense of the quality of their service.
2. Consider the company’s experience. A company that has been in the business for a long time will likely have the skills and knowledge necessary to move your RV safely and efficiently.
3. Inquire about their insurance coverage. Ensure the company offers adequate coverage in case of damage or loss during the move.
4. Consider the cost. While going for the cheapest option is not advisable, you should compare prices from different companies to ensure you’re getting the best value. Remember, a reliable and efficient RV moving service will likely save you money in the long run by avoiding potential damage or delays.

The Risks of DIY RV Moving and the Importance of Professional Help

While moving your RV without a truck may seem like a cost-saving measure, it’s important to understand the risks and challenges that come with it. Unlike typical vehicles, RVs are large, heavy, and unwieldy, making them difficult to handle for those without proper training or equipment.

One of the main risks of DIY RV moving is damage to the RV itself. Improper handling can lead to both cosmetic and structural damage. Moreover, if your RV is not properly secured, it can be a safety hazard on the road. The cost of repairing such damage can quickly add up, often exceeding what you would have spent on professional RV moving services. Another risk is personal injury. You can easily get hurt if you’re not used to handling such a large vehicle. This is especially true if you’re trying to move the RV yourself.

Professional RV moving services mitigate these risks. They have the equipment and training to safely and efficiently move your RV. They also have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your RV in an accident.

Understanding the Process of Professional RV Moving

When you hire professional RV moving services, they’ll typically follow a step-by-step process to ensure your RV’s safe and efficient transport. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Preparation: The team will first ensure your RV is ready for transport. This includes securing any loose items inside, disconnecting utilities, and thoroughly inspecting the vehicle.
2. Loading: The RV will be safely loaded onto the transport vehicle using specialized equipment. This can include a tow dolly or trailer, depending on the size and type of your RV.
3. Transport: The team will then transport your RV to the desired location. They’ll take care to drive safely and responsibly, keeping in mind the size and weight of the RV.
4. Unloading: Upon arrival, the team will carefully unload your RV. They’ll then perform a final inspection to ensure your RV arrived in the same condition before the move.

By understanding the process, you can better appreciate professional RV moving services’ value. Remember, while it might seem like an added cost, the peace of mind, time savings, and protection of your RV make it a worthwhile investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Move an RV?

The cost to move an RV depends on the type of trailer or motorhome, the distance traveled, fuel prices, and whether you tow it yourself or hire a professional transporter. For many owners, the biggest decision comes down to balancing convenience, equipment access, and overall transport cost.

Professional RV transport services typically charge between $1.00 and $3.00 per mile depending on the RV’s size, route complexity, season, and total distance. Larger fifth wheels, toy haulers, and oversized campers generally cost more because they require specialized trucks and experienced drivers. Cross-country moves may qualify for lower per-mile rates than shorter regional shipments.

For DIY towing, equipment rentals can reduce upfront costs if you already have a compatible vehicle. Tow dolly rentals commonly cost around $50–$100 per day, while truck rentals capable of towing an RV often range from approximately $100–$300 per day plus mileage charges and fuel costs.

Some RV owners also invest in motorized trailer dollies for maneuvering campers around storage lots, campsites, or tight driveways. These powered trailer movers usually cost between $300 and $2,000 depending on towing capacity and features.

While self-towing can save money for shorter distances, it also introduces additional expenses including:

• Fuel
• Insurance
• Hitch installation
• Trailer brake systems
• Hotel stays
• Wear and tear on the tow vehicle

For long-distance moves or oversized RVs, many owners prefer hiring a professional transporter instead of managing the logistics themselves.

How to Move a 5th Wheel Without a Truck

Moving a fifth wheel trailer without owning a pickup truck can be difficult because fifth wheels require a specialized hitch mounted inside the bed of a compatible truck. Unlike standard travel trailers, they cannot connect directly to a normal rear bumper hitch.

This creates a major challenge for RV owners who need to relocate a fifth wheel but do not own a heavy-duty towing vehicle. Most standard rental trucks also lack fifth-wheel hitches, which significantly limits DIY options.

In most cases, owners have three realistic options:

• Hire a professional RV transporter
• Rent a truck equipped with a fifth wheel hitch
• Use a hitch adapter system

Professional transport is often the simplest solution for long-distance moves because experienced drivers already have properly equipped trucks and insurance coverage for large RVs. Many transporters specialize specifically in fifth wheel hauling and understand height restrictions, braking systems, and route planning for oversized trailers.

Some specialty rental companies do offer trucks with fifth wheel hitches, though availability is limited and often varies by region. Heavy-duty pickup rentals may also require commercial-style deposits or towing experience.

Another option involves using a gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel adapter or a fifth wheel dolly adapter. These systems can allow certain trailers to connect to alternative hitch setups, including standard ball hitches in some situations. Many people searching “how to move a 5th wheel without a hitch” are actually looking for these adapter systems.

However, compatibility and towing safety vary significantly depending on trailer weight and vehicle ratings, so professional installation and verification are strongly recommended.

Don’t risk damaging your RV. Get quotes from experienced, verified RV transporters on CitizenShipper — it’s free to list.

How to Move a Travel Trailer Without a Truck

Travel trailers are generally easier to move than fifth wheels because they use standard rear hitch connections rather than bed-mounted fifth wheel hitches. Depending on the trailer’s weight, some smaller travel trailers can even be towed by properly equipped SUVs, crossovers, or large sedans.

Before towing any trailer, it is critical to verify:

• Vehicle tow rating
• Tongue weight limits
• Trailer brake requirements
• Hitch compatibility

For shorter local moves, some owners use tow dollies or temporary rental equipment instead of purchasing a dedicated towing vehicle. However, larger travel trailers still require vehicles with substantial towing capacity and trailer brake systems.

Professional transport services remain the easiest solution for many owners, especially for interstate moves, oversized campers, or inexperienced drivers. Professional RV haulers can transport travel trailers of nearly any size without requiring the owner to purchase towing equipment themselves.

Can You Rent a Truck to Tow a Camper?

Yes — several major rental companies, including pointer align-baseline”>U-Haul, Penske, and Budget, offer trucks equipped with towing packages suitable for certain campers and travel trailers.

However, there are important limitations to understand before renting. Most standard rental trucks are designed for conventional bumper-pull trailers and do not include fifth wheel hitches. If you need to tow a fifth wheel camper, you’ll usually need a specialty rental provider or professional transport service. Always call ahead to confirm hitch compatibility and towing capacity before booking.

To rent a towing-capable truck, drivers generally need:

• A valid driver’s license
• Minimum age qualification
• Insurance coverage
• Payment deposit

Some rental companies may also ask about prior towing experience, especially for larger trailers or long-distance rentals.

Insurance is another major consideration. Standard rental coverage may not fully protect damage to the camper, hitch system, or trailer contents during towing. Before hitting the road, carefully review:

• Liability coverage
• Trailer damage protection
• Supplemental towing insurance
• Roadside assistance terms

For large campers or cross-country relocation, many RV owners ultimately compare professional hauling services instead of managing rental logistics themselves.

List your RV shipment for free on CitizenShipper, compare quotes from verified transporters, and book the driver you trust. Get started here.

FAQs

Can I hire someone to move my RV?

Yes. RV transport marketplaces like CitizenShipper connect you with independent, background-checked transporters who specialize in RV moves. List your shipment for free and compare quotes.

How much does it cost to move an RV across the country?

Professional RV transport typically costs $1.00–$3.00 per mile. A cross-country move (e.g., 2,500 miles) can range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on RV size, route, and timing.

How do you move a camper without a truck?

You can hire a professional RV moving service, rent a tow-capable truck, use a tow dolly for smaller campers, or use a motorized trailer dolly for short moves around your property.

What is the cheapest way to move an RV?

For short distances, renting a tow dolly (~$50–$100/day) is cheapest. For long distances, comparing quotes from multiple transporters on a marketplace like CitizenShipper often yields the best value.

Can you move a 5th wheel without a hitch?

Not safely on public roads. However, 5th wheel dolly adapters allow a standard bumper-pull hitch to tow a 5th wheel at low speeds. For road transport, you need either a proper 5th wheel hitch or a professional transporter.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the task of moving an RV without a truck can be a daunting one. The risks involved, from potential damage to personal safety, are significant. By contrast, hiring professional services, like those offered by transporters using CitizenShipper, can mitigate these risks, ensuring your RV’s safe and efficient transport. Their experience and specialized equipment are invaluable, especially when dealing with large, unwieldy vehicles like RVs.

Moving an RV doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a reliable RV towing service, you can rest easy knowing your RV is in capable hands. So, if you’re ever in a situation where you’re asking yourself, “How do you move an RV without a truck?” remember that professional help is just a call away.