RV Shipping & RV Transport, Nationwide for Every Motorhome and Trailer

RV shipping, also called RV transport, is the process of moving a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or other recreational vehicle using a professional carrier instead of driving it yourself. Depending on the type of RV, it may be towed behind a specialized truck or loaded onto a flatbed trailer.

A motorhome, such as a Class A, B, or C RV, is a self-propelled vehicle that can be driven under its own power. A towable RV, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers, has no engine and must be pulled by another vehicle. For shipping purposes, motorhomes are typically transported by flatbed, while towable RVs are hitched to a carrier's truck and towed.

Tow-away, or hauling, attaches a travel trailer or fifth wheel to a carrier's truck and tows it to its destination. Flatbed transport loads the RV onto a trailer entirely instead of driving or towing it, and is the standard method for motorhomes as well as any RV that can't be safely towed.

Cost depends on the RV's size, weight, and class, the transport method used, distance, season, and whether the unit is operational. Larger motorhomes generally cost more to ship than smaller travel trailers, and non-running units typically cost more due to the equipment needed to load them. An instant quote based on the specific RV and route provides the most accurate number.

Yes. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are commonly shipped using tow-away service, where the trailer is hitched to a carrier's truck, or flatbed transport for oversized units or ones that can't be safely towed. Fifth wheels use a kingpin hitch that mounts in a truck bed, so carriers use a heavy-duty pickup or a semi-tractor with the right hitch setup.

Retract all slide-outs and awnings, secure or remove loose items inside cabinets and drawers, turn off and secure the propane supply, disconnect the battery or ensure it's secured, check tire pressure, retract any TV antenna or satellite dish, close and lock all windows and roof vents, and photograph the RV's condition inside and out before pickup.

Carriers are required to carry active cargo insurance covering the RV in transit, though base coverage on many RV shipments is set with an average unit value in mind. For a higher-value motorhome or fifth wheel, it's worth asking about supplemental coverage and confirming the standard coverage limit before booking.

Yes. A non-running motorhome typically requires flatbed transport since it can't be driven or safely towed under its own power, and this usually costs more due to the additional equipment and loading time involved. Disclosing the RV's operating condition when requesting a quote ensures the right transport method is planned.

Transit time depends mainly on distance. Regional shipments often complete within a few days once picked up, while cross-country RV shipments typically take about a week to two weeks, depending on the transport method, route, and the RV's size.

Yes. Demand rises significantly in spring and fall as RV owners relocate seasonally, sometimes called snowbird routes, which can affect both pricing and how far in advance a shipment needs to be booked during those periods.

Some large motorhomes and fifth wheels can exceed standard legal width or height limits, which may require a permit depending on the state and route. Because these rules vary by state, permit needs are typically assessed based on the RV's exact dimensions once they're provided at booking.

Yes. Buses, box trucks, cargo vans, and semi-tractors are all licensed motor vehicles that can be shipped using similar methods to RV transport, matched to the specific vehicle's size, weight, and operating condition.

An accurate quote generally needs the RV's make, model, and year, its class or type (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler), length, height, and weight, whether it's operational, and the pickup and delivery locations.

Compare the RV's condition against the pre-shipment photos before signing the delivery paperwork, checking the exterior, slide-outs, and any towing hardware. Note anything new directly on the bill of lading before the driver leaves, since it becomes the primary record for any damage claim.

Door-to-door delivery is standard in most areas. In locations where a large truck or trailer can't safely access the address, such as narrow streets or tight campground entrances, the driver may arrange a nearby meeting point instead.