How to Ship an RV or Trailer: The Real Process
Shipping an RV or travel trailer comes up for snowbird relocations, RV resales between distant buyers and sellers, dealer-to-dealer transfers, and military families on PCS orders with an RV in tow. Unlike standard car shipping, RVs and travel trailers introduce complications: oversize dimensions (height up to 13'6", length up to 45+ feet), driveaway-vs-towed transport decision, slide-out securement, water-system winterization, and state-by-state permit requirements for oversize loads.
ATI ships RVs and travel trailers through two methods: driveaway service (a licensed driver drives the RV to its destination as a single vehicle) and flatbed/heavy-haul transport (RV loaded onto a flatbed or detached travel trailer towed by a separate truck). Below is the step-by-step process for picking the right method, calculating costs, and prepping the unit for transit.
Cost ranges: RV shipping costs typically run $1.50-$4.00 per mile depending on RV size, transport method, and lane. Class A motorhome cross-country (2,000 mi) driveaway: $3,000-$8,000. Class C motorhome flatbed: $5,000-$12,000. 30-foot travel trailer towed by separate truck: $2,500-$6,000. Fifth-wheel trailers towed: $3,000-$7,500. Oversize permits add $100-$500 per state of travel.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship an RV or Trailer
- 1. Identify RV class and dimensions — Class A motorhome: bus-style, 25-45 ft, up to 13'6" tall. Class B: van-conversion, 17-23 ft. Class C: truck-chassis with overhang sleeper, 20-30 ft. Travel trailer (bumper-pull): 15-40 ft, towed. Fifth-wheel trailer: 25-45 ft, towed via fifth-wheel hitch. Toy hauler: travel trailer with rear cargo door, varies. Pop-up / tent trailer: 15-20 ft folded. Dimensions determine permit requirements and transport method.
- 2. Decide driveaway vs flatbed transport — Driveaway: licensed driver drives the RV as a single vehicle. Cheaper, faster, but adds engine miles, requires a self-propelled RV (Classes A, B, C; not travel trailers), and exposes the unit to road conditions. Flatbed: RV loaded onto a heavy-haul flatbed. More expensive, slower, but zero engine miles and full protection. Detached towing: travel trailer separated from the tow vehicle and pulled by a contracted truck. Standard for travel trailers and fifth-wheels.
- 3. Verify oversize permits — RVs over 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53 ft long require state oversize permits in every state of travel. Typical Class A motorhomes are 8'6" wide and 12-13' tall — just under the legal threshold but easy to exceed with rooftop AC units, satellite domes, or tall awnings. Permits run $100-$500 per state and require route surveys for tall units.
- 4. Check insurance and FMCSA registration — Driveaway services require commercial driver insurance covering the value of the RV ($150,000-$500,000+ depending on unit). Flatbed/heavy-haul carriers need cargo insurance covering RV value plus motor truck cargo. Verify the carrier's FMCSA registration at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. For high-value Class A motorhomes (>$200,000), specialty RV transporters are usually worth the premium.
- 5. Prepare the RV (24-48 hours before transit) — Drain water system (fresh tank, gray, black) and add antifreeze if shipping in cold weather. Disconnect propane tanks and remove if regulations require (most state DOTs allow propane in tanks for transit; some don't). Disconnect house batteries. Empty refrigerator, secure all loose interior items, close and lock cabinets.
- 6. Secure slide-outs, awnings, and antennas — Slide-outs fully retracted and locked. Awnings strapped or secured per manufacturer instructions. TV antennas down. Satellite domes locked if applicable. Loose roof items (solar panels, AC vent covers) checked and secured.
- 7. Document existing condition — Take 30-50 photos from every angle: front, rear, both sides, roof (top), interior (every room), undercarriage if accessible, slide-out seals, tire sidewalls (note any cracks), all exterior storage compartments. Photos establish pre-transit condition for insurance claims. Pay particular attention to existing dings, paint chips, decal condition, and roof seal condition.
- 8. Complete the pickup inspection (BOL) — Driver completes BOL inspection noting every existing scratch, dent, decal lift, and damage. Walk the entire unit with the driver. Don't sign the BOL until your photos and the inspection notes match. Get a signed copy. For driveaway service, also document odometer reading.
- 9. Track the shipment — Driveaway services typically provide phone-based ETA updates and GPS tracking via the driver's mobile device. Flatbed/heavy-haul services use carrier dispatch tracking. Expect 4-7 days for cross-country driveaway, 7-10 days for flatbed/heavy-haul. Longer for oversize-permitted units (daylight-only travel).
- 10. Inspect at delivery — Walk the unit with the driver. Compare against pickup BOL and photos. Note any new damage on delivery BOL before signing. For driveaway service, check odometer (should match driver's reported mileage), interior condition (no driver belongings, no smoke smell), and fluid levels. File any claim within 15 days with photos and repair estimates.
FAQ — How to Ship an RV or Trailer
How much does it cost to ship an RV or trailer?
RV shipping costs $1.50-$4.00 per mile. Class A motorhome cross-country driveaway: $3,000-$8,000. Class C flatbed: $5,000-$12,000. 30-foot travel trailer towed: $2,500-$6,000. Fifth-wheel towed: $3,000-$7,500. Add $100-$500 per state for oversize permits if the unit exceeds legal dimensions.
Driveaway vs flatbed transport for an RV — which should I choose?
Driveaway (licensed driver drives the RV): cheaper, faster, but adds engine miles and exposes the unit to weather. Right for older RVs or budget-sensitive moves. Flatbed/heavy-haul (RV loaded onto a flatbed): zero engine miles, full protection from weather, but 30-60% more expensive. Right for new or high-value RVs (>$150,000 value).
Do I need oversize permits to ship my RV?
Most Class A motorhomes are 8'6" wide and 12-13' tall — within legal dimensions. RVs over 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53 ft long require state oversize permits in every state of travel. Add-on rooftop equipment (satellite domes, oversized AC, tall awnings) can push a unit over height. ATI's compliance desk handles permits if needed.
Related Services and Guides
Get a Binding Quote for Shipping an RV or Trailer
One call, one carrier, one accountable party. ATI dispatchers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Binding rates, real-time GPS, FMCSA-licensed direct service. Call (786) 574-5774 or email rates@ship-ati.com for a quote on shipping your RV or trailer.