Hiring an RV Towing Service Vs Towing Your Own RV Trailer

If you’re planning a road trip with your trusty camper trailer, buckle up and get ready for some bumpy roads ahead! While hitting the open road with your home on wheels is an exciting adventure, it’s not without challenges. RV towing is not for the faint of heart. It requires a certain level of skill, knowledge, and patience. That’s why many people consider hiring an RV towing service to do the heavy lifting.

But before you hand over the keys to your precious camper trailer, you might be wondering — is it worth it? Well, that’s the question we’re here to answer. So let’s dive into the pros and cons of hiring an RV towing service versus towing your camper trailer yourself.

How to Tow an RV Trailer with a Truck

#1. Get a Suitable Truck

This step may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to understand your truck’s towing capacity before hitting the road. You’ve invested in a truck and your RV, and you want to make sure both are safe and sound. Carefully research, ask questions, and ensure you understand your vehicle’s towing capacity before you start towing.

#2. Choose and Connect the Right Hitch 

It is like finding the perfect puzzle piece to fit just right. But not to worry. Plenty of resources are available to help you find the right hitch for your RV trailer and connect it well. If you’re doing it for the first time, take your time to double-check the connections and ask for help if you need it.

#3. Perform a Pre-trip Inspection

Checking the lights and brakes may look like a small step, but it’s one of the most critical. Try and fix any damage before hitting the road. Your safety and that of others on the road are top priorities. Hook up the safety chains and breakaway cables and check electrical connections.

#4. Drive Carefully

Towing an RV trailer can be an emotional rollercoaster; feeling a bit nervous and anxious on the road is okay. But remember to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Take turns slowly, and be mindful of your surroundings.

#5. Have a Backup Plan

Have a plan B in case of emergencies — such as a roadside assistance plan or an RV towing service. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Millions of RV enthusiasts hit the road yearly, so you are not alone.

Is There an RV Towing Service That Provides Towing if You Break Down?

Yes, there are RV towing services that provide towing if you break down during your vacation or trip. Here are some of the services they offer:

#1. Specialized Equipment

RV towing service can tow different types of recreational vehicles — including camper trailers, 5th-wheel trailers and motorhomes. This means they can handle any size or weight of RV and provide the right type of towing equipment for your specific situation.

#2. Roadside Assistance

If your camper breaks down, an RV towing service can help get you back on the road as soon as possible — by jump-starting your battery, fixing a flat tire, or even providing fuel if you run out.

#3. Emergency Towing Services 

Some RV towing services are available 24/7. If you’re in a remote area or traveling during off-hours and you experience a breakdown, you can always get the help you need.

How to Tow an RV Using an RV Towing Company?

#1. Do Research 

You want a company with experience towing your RV type. Choose a reputable RV towing company that understands how to tow an RV. And check if they have all the necessary documents. It’s also good to know their insurance policies in case of accidents. 

#2. Read Reviews

The last thing you would want is to hand over your home on wheels to a company with a bad track record. Check for companies with positive reviews from satisfied customers. You can also look for the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

#3. Request a Quote 

A good company will listen to you empathetically and offer you reassurance and guidance. Contact the RV towing company and explain your situation and concerns. You can then request a quote and discuss your specific towing needs — the type and size of your RV and the distance of the tow.

#4. Check out their Fees

You won’t want to be taken by surprise fees. Find a towing company that provides you with transparent pricing and charges upfront. Provide the location of your RV and your contact details.

Rv Towing Service vs Doing It Yourself

Advantages of Using an RV Towing Service

#1. Professional Expertise

RV towing services are offered by professionals who have the necessary expertise and experience to handle different types of RVs. They have specialized equipment and techniques to ensure safe and efficient towing.

#2. Convenience

Paying for towing service is convenient because you don’t have to worry about the logistics of towing your camper yourself. You can call the towing service, and they will take care of everything — from hooking up your home on wheels to their tow truck and transporting it to the desired location.

#3. Reduced Risk of Damage

Professional RV towing services use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure your motorhome is not damaged during the towing process. They also have insurance to cover any damage that may occur during transit.

#4. Time-Saving

Towing an RV yourself is time-consuming — especially if you don’t have the necessary equipment and experience. Hiring a towing service saves time, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your vacation or trip.

#5. Availability

RV towing services are available 24/7 — which means you can get help anytime you need it — whether in the middle of the night or during a holiday weekend.

Disadvantages of Using an RV Towing Service

#1. Cost

If you’re traveling long distances or in a state of emergency, towering service might be expensive. Their cost range depends on the type of RV. And it may cut into your vacation budget.

#2. Limited Control

Handing over your RV to someone else is sometimes emotionally challenging. You will lose control over the towing process and trust the company to handle your motorhome with care to the desired location.

#3. Delayed Response Time

Using towing services can also be time-consuming, depending on your location. If you are in remote or rural areas, it may take longer hours for them to arrive — which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.

Advantages of Towing an RV Yourself

#1. Cost-Saving

One of the most significant benefits of towing an RV trailer yourself is that you will save some bucks. If you already own a suitable trailer hitch, you can save a substantial amount of money that you can use for other parts of your vacation. 

#2. More Control

Being in charge of your towing can give you a sense of control and make you feel more secure. You can take breaks, alternate routes, and make stops to enjoy the scenery.

#3. Flexibility

You can conveniently change your travel plans at any time, and there is nothing like sticking to a towing service’s schedule or waiting for them to arrive.

Disadvantages of Towing an RV Yourself

#1. Skill and Experience

Towing an RV requires skill and experience — especially if your camper is larger. And If you are not properly trained, you risk damaging your motorhome or causing an accident on the road.

#2. Equipment

Towing requires specialized equipment — a suitable tow vehicle, a trailer hitch, and proper safety gear. And when you don’t have the right equipment, it can cost you your RV.

#3. Liability

If you decide to pull your RV yourself, you must also assume all liability for any road damage. You are responsible for any harm to your camp trailer or vehicle.

#4. Physical and Mental Fatigue

It can be physically and mentally tiring when you are towing yourself — especially if you are driving long distances or in challenging conditions. This can lead to decreased alertness and increased risk of accidents.

RV Towing Service Cost Per Mile

#1. Distance

When towing, distance plays a significant role in the cost per mile. The farther you need to haul your RV, the more expensive it will be.

#2. Weight and Size

The weight and size of your RV will determine the size of the tow truck required to tow your RV. The larger and heavier your camper, the more expensive it will be to tow it.

#3. Type of RV

The type of RV you have also plays a role in the cost per mile. Motorhomes are typically more expensive to tow than camper trailers and 5th wheels.

Average Cost of RV Towing Services

Camper Trailers

On average, towing a camper trailer can cost between $75 and $125 per hour. For longer distances, the cost per mile can range between $4 and $6.

5th Wheels

They are generally more expensive to tow than camper trailers. The average cost per mile can range from $6 to $8 per mile.

Motorhomes

The cost of towing a motorhome is the highest of all RVs. It can cost between $7 and $9 per mile.

Who is the Best RV Towing Service Provider?

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to transport your RV, Look no further! CitizenShipper is an online transportation marketplace that connects shippers with transporters. Here’s why you should choose Citizenshipper:

#1. Experienced Drivers

All drivers on the platform undergo a rigorous vetting process, including background checks, reviews from past customers, and verification of insurance and licenses.

#2. Wide Options for RV Transportation 

Whether you have a small camper trailer or a large 5th wheel, CitizenShipper has the equipment to get your RV where it needs to go safely and securely. You can also rest assured that your camper will be in good hands.

#3. Competitive Pricing

In addition to the peace of mind of choosing a reputable and trustworthy RV transportation service, the platform also offers good pricing. 

You can get a quote for your transportation needs right on the website, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it will be.

#4. Excellent Customer Service

CitizenShipper also ensures that your move is stress and hassle-free. If you have any questions or concerns, our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to assist you every step of the way.

Get a Quote for RV Shipping on CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper offers free quotes that you can easily compare to find the best deal for your specific needs. Here are the basic steps:

#1. Create an Account

First off, sign up for a free account. Then, input your RV shipping details— pick-up and drop-off locations. You also need to indicate the RV type and desired transport dates.

#2. Receive Quotes 

Afterward, you will receive multiple quotes from different RV transporters with their profiles, reviews, and ratings. This will guide you in deciding which company to use.

#3. Select the Transporter

Compare the quotes based on the prices, rates and reviews. Then, select the company that best fits your budget and needs.

#4. Confirm the Booking

If you are satisfied with the transporter, confirm your booking and communicate with your transporter throughout the shipping process.

FAQ

Can an 8000 pound RV be towed?

Yes, you can tow an 8000 lbs RV by a heavy-duty truck with a towing capacity of at least 10,000 lbs.

What is the maximum size of an RV that can be shipped?

The maximum size of an RV that someone can ship depends on the shipping company’s policies and the type of trailer. Some shipping companies may have size restrictions for travel trailers, while others may be able to handle larger motorhomes.