An RV is able to be shipped just like any other type of freight. Is this cost really worth it?
Last summer when my family and I wanted to go exploring another country in our RV we struggled to figure out the best way to get it there. We needed to know what it would cost to ship an RV and if it would even be worth it. We learned quite a bit.
RV transport costs are determined by the mileage it has to travel. If the trip is only 100 miles you can expect to pay around $4 per mile. The further you need to travel though, the cheaper the per mile rate will be. If the RV needs to travel up to 900 miles, the price for transport can range from between $1-$3 per mile.
Moving your RV cross country or overseas can be difficult for a typical traveler. If you know what you are getting yourself into, you can decide whether the cost to transport an RV is worth it for you and your family.
RV Transport In The United States
The shipping process is easiest if you reside in the United States. By working within our borders you can eliminate things like international taxes, customs and the huge costs that come with this. Shipping costs for an RV within the U.S. will largely depend on the length of the RV and how heavy it is. This can help the transport company decide the best way to move your RV. It can sometimes be hitched to a car rig but sometimes there are other ways needed.
- You should be aware of what insurance coverage the transport company will provide in the event damages were to occur to your RV during its transport. Be sure to call and ask about specific situations and any other questions or concerns you may have.
- Don’t just trust some random banner on a website claiming $100,000 insurance coverage, know the actual facts.
Will the company be hauling the RV by truck or simply driving the RV across the country? Having the RV driven is the most affordable option but you must take into consideration the added miles and additional wear and tear. Will they load your RV onto a lowboy trailer to prevent damages? This is usually the best way but will ultimately cost more.
Shipping An RV Internationally
Transporting an RV overseas can be really expensive, but it can be done. There will likely be international charges as well as customs fees and searches as well.
Our advice would be to make some phone calls and learn what to expect when you will be shipping your RV to another country. Be ready to ask these types of questions:
- Which transport method will be used to move your RV to the different countries?
- What borders will your RV need to cross?
- What will the route be for your RV to take to get to its destination?
Be sure to check with customs and see what’s allowed in your RV and what you can expect. Having the right information is key when it comes to making a large move, especially to another country.
How Do I Ship An RV?
There are generally two types of shipping options available for a mobile home transport. Shipping can be handled by a professional transport company. Up front it may appear to be a more expensive shipping option but the smaller shipping companies tend to provide lower quotes resulting in more hidden fees at the end of the transport. Paying a little more money in the beginning will usually result in less hassle in the long run.
You can also choose to have your RV shipped via rail. This shipping option can be cheaper but depending on your current location and where you want to have it delivered, it can be somewhat inconvenient. Trains only deliver to their usual stops and you would still need to find a way to get it from the nearest station.
When shipping an RV by train you have the option for an open or enclosed train cart. We always recommend using an enclosed container to protect it from the harsh weather or would-be vandals on previous stops before reaching you.
