Did you buy an RV to enjoy traveling safely during the pandemic? Maybe you’re a lifelong RV and camper enthusiast or just getting started. Either way, driving an RV shouldn’t be much of a mystery.
But what if you’re leaving on vacation and can’t drive your RV all the way without losing precious days on the road? What if it broke down, you’re relocating, and can’t wait until it gets fixed?
There are numerous reasons why you might have to hire someone else to transport your RV. Certified RV haulers and shipping companies can help you do it, and the process isn’t as expensive or complex as you might think.
The Three Types of RV Shipping Services
The first thing to understand is that you can use three types of RV shipping or transport methods. Each one has its own pros and cons and could be the right choice based on your specific situation and requirements.
Flatbed
Similar to how cars and bikes are transported around the country, RVs can also be shipped on flatbed trailers. This will leave your RV exposed to the elements, which is a consideration during hurricane season in some parts of the country or winter weather in other parts.
Granted, not all RVs and campers have dimensions that will fit on flatbed trailers. It’s still an option worth looking into due to the lower cost associated with multiple camper shipments and open trailer transportation.
Towing
If you don’t have time to transport your RV by towing it to its destination, a shipping company or professional transporter can do it for you.
Towing an RV is often the simplest way to relocate it from point A to point B. Trailers may have restricted access in some areas due to height limitations, but towing an RV is usually fine because it doesn’t make it taller.
Professional transporters may have easier access to powerful vehicles that can safely tow large, heavy RVs and campers.
Consider the fact that towing leaves your RV more exposed to the elements and increases the risk of accidents. These are drawbacks that not all RV owners are comfortable with.
Drive-Away
If your RV is operational and gets excellent mileage, you can hire someone to drive it wherever you need it. Motorized campers are fun to drive, and a drive-away service tends to provide more in terms of security.
The driver will always be in or near your RV during the relocation process. Therefore, there’s less risk of theft occurring.
Being behind the wheel should also make it easier for the driver to react to unexpected traffic situations and dangerous maneuvers from other drivers.
What to Do Before Shipping Your RV
If you’re not driving or towing your RV yourself, you should know that many shipping companies have their own internal guidelines and protocols. These are basic requirements from you on how to prepare the RV before the company picks it up for transport.
For example, RV shipping services from A-1 Auto Transport may have different guidelines for you to follow than others.
Besides what shippers ask you to do, following some general good practice guidelines can contribute to a pleasant RV shipping experience.
Securing the latches on all doors, windows, and cabinets is always a good idea. You may also want to remove hanging items and appliances and secure and pack fragile belongings.
For safety reasons, it’s essential to disconnect the gas and power lines and turn off appliances, since they won’t be used anyway during transport.
Before arranging transportation for your RV, some of its functions should be inspected. The most important are the turn signal, parking brake, and indicator lights. The RV should still adhere to basic regulations even if it’s being towed.
You’ll want to check the fluid levels and the condition and charge of the battery. Should the shipping company need to start your RV, it’s best to ensure it’s running before sending it on its way.
Thoroughly document the condition of your RV. Should it sustain any damage during transportation, you’ll want a way to prove the damage wasn’t preexisting so you can submit an insurance claim.
Give the shipping company a full description of your RV in terms of size, weight, dimensions, special features, etc. This will help the shippers determine an accurate quote and whether they have the necessary equipment to move your RV to a new location safely and efficiently.
How much does it cost to ship your RV?
RV shipping costs are determined based on numerous considerations like size, weight, special requirements, being in complete working order, and distance.
Many shipping companies and RV haulers have base flat distance rates that incur additional costs from other transportation factors, such as tolls, inclement weather, sudden surges in fuel prices, even driver stipends for lodging and meals.
The distance can have a significant impact on your final bill. Typically, shorter distances are more expensive than longer distances. Shipping your RV over a distance of less than 100 miles can even have a flat distance fee three times higher than the fee for a 1,000-mile haul.
Don’t forget that holidays, seasons, road conditions, the destination, regions, and other factors may also affect the price.
Getting a cheap deal isn’t always the best thing for your RV. Hiring certified, registered, and insured RV haulers is crucial to ensure you’re getting professional service and extensive liability coverage.
Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Exploring a remote part of the country with your RV or tackling some international trails is possible even if you have limited time off from work. All you have to do is ship your RV ahead of time and avoid wasting a few days on roads and landscapes you’ve already seen.
No matter the reason you might need to transport your RV instead of driving it, working with reputable shippers and RV haulers is the best way to go about it.
If you’re interested in how to service or prepare your RV for a long haul, don’t hesitate to check out the number one resource for more RV services information.
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