RV Transport Quotes From Reliable & Vetted Transporters

RV Transport Services for Safely Shipping Your Motorhome

Shipping RVs like motorhome trailers and camper trailers may sound counterintuitive — they're great for road trips, acting as a home on wheels for your next adventure. That being said, RV shipping is actually more common than you think. The main reason people transport their motorhome camper trailer is to reduce stress, wear and strain. RV shipping can be especially helpful if you’re purchasing a new RV from across the country or taking one to get renovated or repaired. If your RV is your home in a stationary location, hiring a transporter may also be more cost-effective than buying a vehicle to haul it yourself.

Since RVs are large vehicles, it takes experience and expertise to successfully transport one to a new location. Whether you’re purchasing a motorhome to snowbird in Florida this winter, or looking forward to a travel trailer remodeling project, hiring an RV transport company will make the process smoother, safer and more cost-effective.

RV Transport: An Overview

Searching for a transporter that fits your specific RV shipping needs can be a tedious task. When you type “RV transport companies” into your search engine, it spits out hundreds of choices. Weeding through the results can be overwhelming and time-consuming, and it may be hard to know which businesses are legit.

Luckily, CitizenShipper’s marketplace saves you the headache of searching and sifting for the right RV hauler, only presenting you with the most reliable, cost-effective options tailored to your needs. Vetted, professional RV transporters come to you, bringing with them experience in hauling RVs of any type or size.

Choosing the transporter that’s right for you will depend on several factors, including the size of your RV and the price, distance to the destination and type of transport you have in mind. The following is a guide full of information and tips to help you make the most of your RV shipping journey!

Table of Contents:

Different types of RVs that can be transported

How are motorhomes and RVs transported?

What are the legal and insurance requirements for shipping an RV?

How much do RV transport services cost?

How much time does an RV deliver take and how to prepare an RV for shipping?

Qualities of the best RV transport companies

The best way to get affordable rates for motorhome transport

Finding the best RV transport company near you with CitizenShipper

Different Types of RVs That Can Be Transported

Identifying the kind of RV you own, or are planning on buying or transporting, helps you determine what type of transportation methods will work best. The class system categorizes motorhome trailers based on size.

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the majestic giants of the motorized recreational vehicle world, and typically look much like a public transit bus. They can weigh anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds and range from 20 to 50 feet in length. There’s a lot you can do with that type of space. Whether you’re looking for something simplistic or ultra-luxurious, there are styles to suit your needs.

Features of some Class A motorhomes:

• Full-sized furniture and appliances like a king bed or washer and dryer
• Heated floors
• Home theaters and Bluetooth capabilities
• WiFi

Downsides of Class A motorhomes:

• You may be limited on where you can park and hook up a Class A motorhome (because it is so large).
• Class A motorhomes have a lower fuel efficiency (around 10-12 mpg).
• Class A motorhomes can be difficult to transport.

Class B Camper Vans

There’s a reason van life is becoming a popular option in this economy — while small, camper vans are convenient and cost-efficient. They usually range from 17 to 23 feet in length and weigh around 4,000 to 9,000 pounds.

There are several beneficial qualities to camper vans:

• Compact: can fit in most parking spaces and campsites
• Easy to drive: closer to the build of a car
• Efficiency: better on gas mileage compared to Class A and Class C RVs (around 18 to 25 mpg)

Downsides of camper vans:

• They tend to be more minimalistic than Class A motorhomes (there’s not enough space for full-sized appliances, for example).
• Privacy may be more difficult: camper van owners typically spend more time outside to avoid feeling cooped up.
• It can be uncomfortable to house more than two people in a camper van.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes offer a middle ground – they’re not as large as a Class A motorhome and not quite as compact as a Class B camper van. The feature you may recognize is the compartment that floats above the hood of the vehicle. This is usually used for a bed or storage. Class C motorhomes range from 20 to 30 feet in length and weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 13,000 pounds.

The benefits of Class C motorhomes:

• More affordable than Class A motorhomes
• More spacious than Class B camper vans: bigger sleeping area, more storage space and the option for smaller appliances
• Reasonable fuel efficiency (17 to 22 mpg)

The drawbacks of Class C motorhomes:

• Class C motorhomes are more expensive than Class B camper vans.
• They offer less storage and living space than a Class A motorhome.
• The cab is separate from the living space.

Fifth Wheels

Have you ever wondered why it’s called a fifth wheel? You’re not alone there. Fifth wheels do add a “fifth wheel” of sorts to your vehicle, but not in the way you might think. Fifth wheels are large trailers that require a fifth wheel hitch to tow. This style of hitch is unique and requires the coupling to be in the bed of the truck. Fifth wheels are extremely heavy, and usually 25 to 40 feet long, requiring a one-ton truck to tow them.

The benefits of fifth wheels:

• Most sleeping spaces are lofted, leaving room for a larger living area
• Usually feature slide outs which offer even more space
• Easier to maneuver than other types of trailers due to the hitch mechanism

The drawbacks of fifth wheels:

• A fifth wheel requires a truck that can handle its weight (if you don’t have one already, this can be a second major investment).
• The living and driving spaces are separate.
• Fifth wheels require ample space to park and store.

How are Motorhomes and RVs Transported?

There are three main ways to ship a motorhome, trailer or camper:

Using a Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed hauling is a common choice for RV transport. The transporter loads up your RV motorhome or camper trailer on a large flatbed trailer for delivery. This method can save you money because the transporter is able to “stack” routes, carrying multiple trailers or vehicles at once on a drop-off route. It’s also preferred for long distances because the motorhome or trailer will not experience wear and tear on the tires.

Using a Towing Service

While using a tow-away service, as the name suggests, the transporter hitches up your fifth wheel, camper or trailer and tows it to the desired destination. Towing requires special equipment that’s provided by the RV transport company.

Drive-Away RV Shipping

If you own a Class A, B or C motorhome, drive-away RV motorhome transport is another available option. Sometimes you need to get your RV to the destination in a timely manner, and you don’t have the time or ability to transport it there yourself. Drive-away RV shipping is convenient and cost-effective because there’s no extra equipment involved. You simply hire a professional transporter to drive the RV from your pick-up location to the desired drop-off location.

What are the Legal Requirements for Shipping an RV?

The RV transport company you choose should be properly licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating, tracking and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles.

Knowing your shipping company is properly licensed to transport motorhomes and camper trailers will give you added peace of mind. This will help you protect yourself from shipping scams, fraudulent transactions and even the loss of your RV. Additionally, if your transporter is caught without proper licenses, their truck and equipment may be impounded, along with your RV.

Cutting corners to save money is a risk that can result in lengthy delays and even higher costs than hiring a licensed RV transporter.

It’s a simple process to check if a transporter is licensed with the FMCSA:

• Locate the RV transport company’s USDOT number and enter it into FMCSA’s electronic record system. Every RV transport company is required to have this number. It ensures that the company complies and adheres to commercial highway regulations, enhancing the safety of the driver and your RV.
• If you don’t have the USDOT number in question, you can search by company name on the FMCSA’s website to retrieve it.
• Now you can see any information the agency has associated with your transport company. If you cannot find the transport company in this database, this can be a sign the company is fraudulent or operating illegally.

Does Transporter Insurance Cover Your RV During Shipping?

Specific requirements for RV insurance are different on a state-to-state basis. However, most states require you to have basic liability insurance for RVs that have a motor and are self-powered. Just like insurance for your car, these policies typically cover bodily injury and property damage. Unfortunately, this likely won’t extend to circumstances when your motorhome is in the hands of a transporter.

RV transport companies are required to have insurance specifically covering motorhome transport. If the RV transport company is registered with the FMCSA, this policy must cover $750,000 at minimum. When choosing a transport service, be sure to communicate about what the transport insurance limit is.

A reliable way to fact-check their insurance coverage limit is by visiting the FMCSA’s electronic record system through the steps mentioned above. From here, you can see the RV transport company’s insurance information and make the decision of whether they offer enough to cover the value of your RV.

Most companies also offer an add-on insurance package for an extra fee to ensure total coverage. In the case you purchase it, read the fine print for exclusion details in the policy.

How Much Do RV Transport Services Cost?

Some of the most important factors that affect the cost of transporting an RV include:

Size and Type of RV — Larger RVs like Class A motorhomes are more expensive to ship than a compact RV like a Class B camper van.

Distance — The price of your RV shipment largely depends on how long the trip is to the destination. The general rule is that the longer the trip, the more expensive the RV transport will become. Each RV shipping company establishes their own rates, ranging from as low as one dollar per mile to nearly four dollars per mile.

Gas Prices — The rise and fall of gas prices has an impact on the RV transport cost per mile.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations — If you live in a densely populated area, there may be more shipping companies to choose from and more transporters available. This works in your favor because a competitive market keeps motorhome transport costs down. If the pick-up or drop-off locations are remote, less traveled or hard to reach, additional costs may be added.

RV Condition — If the RV is not in running condition or without keys, there may be extra equipment needed to load up and unload it for transport depending on the size. This can add additional fees to the total cost.

Time of Year — The summer months are the most popular for vacations and travel in the United States. The kids are out of school, the weather is beautiful and campsites are quickly filling up. The demand is higher to buy a new RV or ship one to a destination. For that reason, RV shipping prices are likely to surge during springtime and the beginning of summer. If you plan on shipping your RV in the spring or summer, book ahead of time to beat the rush and higher prices. Fall and winter are typically the most affordable seasons to book an RV shipping service.

How Much Time Does RV Delivery Take?

There are several variables to consider when predicting the time frame you can expect your RV to be delivered:

• Distance the RV will travel
• Market demand (which can fluctuate based on the season or where you live)
• Whether you choose individual shipping or “stacked” shipping (multiple trailers on a single hauling vehicle)
• Whether you choose expedited shipping or flexible delivery

Can You Ship an RV to Another State?

Yes! Long distance RV transport service is common because some shipping methods prevent wear and tear on your RV. Another reason you might choose to ship your RV is because you simply don’t have the time to transport your RV across the country, and that’s okay too! Motorhome transportation or camper trailer delivery to another state is a convenient way to get your RV from point A to point B.

How to Prepare an RV for Shipping

Interior Preparations

• Secure the doors, windows, vents and cabinets.
• If the windows or doors can’t be latched closed, use strong tape to keep them from opening.
• Remove objects that are loosely secured or hung on walls and store them in a safe place.
• Turn off all appliances and electronics, then disconnect the power supply and gas lines.
• Check the refrigerator and freezer to make sure that everything has been cleaned out. Defrost the freezer in order to prevent leakage.

Exterior Preparations

• Ensure the brake light, turn signals and indicator lights are working properly.
• Check the pressure in all tires and check for excessive wear.
• Secure cargo doors and pop-ups.
• If your RV has slide-outs, make sure they’re locked in place.
• Check the engine and fluid levels (power steering and transmission fluid, motor oil and coolant).
• If using a tow bar or hitch, be sure they are secure and hooked up correctly. 
• Test battery levels.

Document Damage

Once you’ve secured your RV and prepared it for shipping, be sure to take pictures of it from all angles. Document any damage including small dings and scrapes. This is a crucial step — if you forget to document the current condition of the RV, the RV hauling company may not be held responsible in the rare case damages occur en route. If you choose to file an insurance claim upon the delivery of your RV, these pictures will be used as evidence.

Qualities of the Best RV Transport Companies

Proven Experience & Quality Services

Transparency is a key attribute of any quality business. RV transport companies should have reviews from past customers that reflect an honest representation of their services. If there’s evidence that the RV hauling company is removing customer comments or reviews, this may be a bad sign.

Customer reviews hold a lot of weight. Pay attention to the overall feedback of past customers:

• Are past customers satisfied with their RV shipments?
• Was the RV shipment delivered within the agreed schedule?
• Was there excessive damage during the motorhome transport or delivery of the camper trailer?
• Are there reports of missing property?
• Were there any hidden fees tacked on?

If the majority of reviews talk about being concerned or disappointed, this may be an indicator of lackluster services. If reviews mostly highlight positive interactions with the RV shipping company and satisfaction with the services this is a good sign!

Every motorhome and trailer transporter hired through CitizenShipper should have a detailed profile you can view before booking. Each profile features:

• The transporter’s average rating on a 5-star scale
• Number of completed transports and cancellations
• Detailed reviews written by past customers

Clear Communication

Being able to connect with your shipping company during motorhome transport or camper-trailer delivery is a must. Look into what type of communication is offered:

• Can you talk to the transporter prior to shipping to discuss rates and any questions you may have?
• Is it possible to directly message or speak with the transporter en route?
• Can you receive photo updates along the way?
• Do they offer GPS tracking?

All transporters hired through CitizenShipper have access to an internal messaging system from which they can be reached throughout the shipping process. If you have any questions prior to booking, you can discuss them directly with the prospective transporter instead of communicating with a dispatcher or third party. Additionally, after booking, you can arrange with the transporter to receive pictures and updates at any point during the transportation of your boat.

Stellar Customer Service

In addition to communicating with your RV transporter, there may be instances where you need to speak with a customer support agent from the company. You don’t want to be left on hold in the rare case there is an issue on the delivery route. Check to see if customer service is easily accessible. Is the only option an automated chat system on the page, or are you able to call and speak with a real person?

CitizenShipper customer support agents are available anytime to address your concerns. In fact, they respond 324% faster than the industry average!

A Simple RV Shipping Process

Using an RV transport service should be a convenient and simple process that makes your life easier — you’re leaving the logistics to the pros!

The Best Way to Get Affordable Rates for Motorhome Transport

Finding affordable RV transport rates has never been so simple and convenient.

To receive quotes from transporters through CitizenShipper, just create a free listing with some simple information about your motorhome or camper trailer:

• The year, make and model of the RV you want to transport.
• Photos of the RV — listings that include photos get twice the number of quotes and better driver matches!
• Whether the RV is operable or not (starts, runs, has keys).
• Your ideal pick-up and drop-off dates and locations.
• A time frame within which you wish to have your RV arrive.
• Include other details you want to share with your transporter.

Once your listing goes live on CitizenShipper, 2,500+ qualified transporters actively compete for your business. Most listings receive a quote within minutes! CitizenShipper narrows down the pool of prospective transporters to find you the best deal and the perfect match.

Finding the Best RV Transport Company Near You with CitizenShipper

No matter where you are and where your RV is going there’s a professional, reliable RV transporter waiting to help you with your shipping needs. CitizenShipper specializes in connecting people that have hard-to-ship items with easy-to-use shipping services. A unique shipment requires a unique set of skills, and there’s a person just right for your motorhome or camper trailer.

Post a free listing on CitizenShipper today to get a free shipping estimate and affordable rates within minutes!