Thinking about moving your RV across the country but don’t want to add thousands of miles to its odometer?
Intelligent RV owners are realizing professional transport is the way to go for stress-free long-distance relocations. After all, with 11.2 million households in America owning an RV in 2024, the need for competent transport services is at an all-time high.
Let’s dive into this:
Driving your RV from coast to coast is not always the most practical or even the most common way to travel. There are professional transport services out there that can take a load off in more ways than one.
What you will learn:
- Why Choose Professional RV Transport Services?
- Types of RV Transport Services Available
- How to Choose the Best Transport Company for Your Needs
- The Cost Factors that Impact Your Decision
- How to Prepare Your RV for Long-Distance Transport Services
Why Choose Professional RV Transport Services?
RV transport services make sense for a variety of logical reasons:
Allow me to explain what I mean by that.
When you have an RV, and you have to move it over 500 miles, it’s only logical to transport it using a carrier. But what most people don’t take into account when renting a transport is this…
By driving over long distances you’re not only putting wear and tear on your engine, but you’re also increasing the mileage, reducing your tires and creating mechanical stress. All of this together is going to result in a reduction in the lifetime and value of your RV.
A transport service completely solves this problem as your RV will be moved without any mechanical stress whatsoever. Instead of driving, the service will deliver it to the agreed destination with the utmost care.
But it’s not just the physical strain that gets eliminated when you use professional transport. There’s another massive benefit that comes with it and that is time savings. You can save a ton of time as opposed to driving. With an RV transport service, you can get on a plane, have your RV delivered, and spend your time enjoying your holiday instead of being behind the wheel.
And for international RV shipping, it’s even more of a necessity. There’s no way of moving your RV to another country without professional support.
Types of RV Transport Services Available
There are several RV transport services to choose from. They all have pros and cons, and each company offers them in its way.
This is a list of the services you can find:
Flatbed Transport: A flatbed trailer transports your RV or Travel Trailer. This is the most straightforward transport as your vehicle is placed on a trailer without any protection. Smaller RVs are more suited to this type of transport.
Driveaway Services: With driveaway transport, your RV will have a driver that will drive it to the required destination.
The problem with this type of transport is that it counts towards mileage.
Enclosed Transport: Enclosed transport is your premium choice. The RV gets transported inside a closed trailer which shields it from the environment. This results in your RV reaching the destination in exactly the same condition it had been left in.
How to Choose the Best Transport Company for Your Needs
Selecting a poor transport company is a cardinal mistake.
And here’s what you need to consider when making your choice.
The very first thing you have to look at is their licenses and insurance. Any transport service of repute should have adequate DOT licensing as well as comprehensive insurance coverage.
After that, you need to consider their experience. Are they experienced at moving RVs? Movers who specialize in family cars don’t really have much experience with RVs which can result in damages.
RVs are high off the ground, have different weight distribution than normal cars, and they require specialized loading ramps, among other things.
See what I mean?
RVs have unique requirements that a standard transport service isn’t familiar with.
Look at their reviews and references. You can look at online customer feedback. If they’re any good, they will have a lot of happy customers who are more than willing to share their experience.
Also, pay attention to the ones that offer you pricing transparency. Don’t go with a company that charges hidden fees. The best transport companies offer you detailed quotes. These quotes give you an in-depth analysis of what you’re paying for.
The Cost Factors that Impact Your Decision
RV transport costs are not random. They are calculated on specific factors that are there so you can plan and budget for them.
The most important factor here is distance. The further your RV needs to travel, the more it will cost. The only exception to that is that the longer the distance, the better the rates for per-mile charge.
Size and weight are also of importance. The bigger and heavier the RV, the higher the cost. This is because some movers might need to get special equipment to transport your RV and heavy ones may require oversize loads permits as well.
Demand is also a factor. Spring and summer are the peak months for moving. As such, the rates are usually higher. If you move in autumn or winter, you are more likely to save on costs.
Finally, the final factor is access. Destinations that are more remote or in regions where there are limited moving carrier options cost more to service.
With RV shipments up 6.6% in 2024, RV movers are busier than ever. This is why it’s always better to plan ahead.
How to Prepare Your RV for Long-Distance Transport Services
Preparing your RV for transport is what differentiates a good transport experience from a headache.
Remove all your belongings. Yes, everything. Transport companies do not take responsibility for belongings, and more importantly, they can get damaged because they are not secured.
Secure all the compartments. Drawers, storage spaces, and cabinets. RVs can jostle during transport, and movement causes interior damage when things are not properly secured.
Make sure that all the fluid levels are sufficient. You will not be driving your RV, but the fluids are important for safe loading and transport.
Perform a tire pressure check. Similar to fluid levels, this is also important to make sure your tires are inflated.
Photograph your RV. Take detailed pictures of your RV’s condition before it’s transported. This will make sure that you are not the one held liable in case of damage.
Disconnect all utilities. Ensure you turn off propane, disconnect all the electrical systems, and any other external component is properly secured.
Transport preparation might be a lot of work but trust me, it separates a professional transport from a recipe for disaster.
The Best Movers Will Make the Process Effortless for You
Ideally, the best RV transport companies make the entire process seamless and simple. It’s what good companies should do for their customers.
If you’re considering working with a transport company, ask for a dedicated transport coordinator. This person will take you through the entire process and keep you informed every step of the way.
Communication is key. Know exactly when the mover will pick up your RV, where it is during the entire transport, and when you should expect to see it.
Wrapping Up
Professional transport services for RVs have become a necessity for smart owners who want to protect their investment while saving time and stress.
Whether you are permanently relocating your RV, following the seasonal weather or you just want to explore new locations without going through the trouble of long drives, there are professional transport services out there that give you options.
It’s a matter of choosing a company that is properly licensed, has experience with RVs, and is upfront about their pricing. With a bit of preparation on your side, transporting your RV should be a seamless process.
Don’t forget: An RV is a huge investment. Transport services help you protect it while giving you the freedom to explore travel without the stress of long-distance driving.