Moving a large recreational vehicle for the first time can seem like a major challenge. Whether you’ve purchased a new motorhome from a dealer across the country or need to relocate your family’s travel trailer, the logistics of RV transport can feel overwhelming. Ensuring the safety of your valuable asset requires careful planning and partnership with a reliable transport company. At Interstate Haulers, we’ve spent nearly 30 years helping owners navigate this process with confidence. These tips will help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free journey.
1. Understand Your RV Size Before Scheduling Transport
Before you can get an accurate quote or schedule a pickup, you need to know your RV’s exact dimensions. The length, height, and weight of your unit directly impact the cost and logistics of the transport. These details determine the type of equipment needed, the safest route for the driver to take, and whether any special state permits are required for wide or oversized loads. Common types we haul include travel trailers, motorhomes, 5th wheels, and bumper pull units, each with unique transport requirements.
2. Know the Difference Between RV Types
Understanding your specific type of recreational vehicle is key to communicating your needs to a transport company. RVs generally fall into two categories: towable or drivable. Towable RVs, like a conventional travel trailer, 5th wheel, or pop-up camper, are pulled by a truck. Drivable RVs, or motorhomes, are self-contained and can be driven on their own. Knowing this distinction helps transporters determine the right service for your shipment. Whether you have a small camper or large, specialized cargo trailers, identifying your RV type ensures you receive an accurate quote and the correct service.
3. Choose a Reputable RV Transport Company
The company you choose makes all the difference. A reliable hauler will be fully compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), carry sufficient insurance, and have extensive experience with long-distance RV delivery services. Look for a transporter with a proven safety record and expertise in tow-away services for various RV models. As a family-owned company, Interstate Haulers combines nationwide service with a reputation for trust and professionalism, giving you peace of mind that your investment is in good hands.
4. Check What Permits or Requirements Your Route Needs
Transporting an oversized vehicle across state lines involves navigating a web of regulations. Each state has its own rules regarding wide loads, height restrictions, and necessary permits. Routes through states like Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota come with specific requirements that your transport provider must manage. If you are planning a move across the USA or into Canada or Mexico, additional documentation and customs paperwork may be necessary. A professional transport company handles all of this for you, ensuring your delivery is compliant and avoids delays.
5. Prepare Your RV or Travel Trailer for Pickup
Proper preparation is essential to prevent damage during transport. Before your driver arrives, go through a preparation checklist to secure your vehicle. A well-prepped RV ensures a safe journey, whether it’s undergoing flatbed transport or a standard tow.
- Secure Loose Items: Latch and lock all cabinets, drawers, and doors. Remove any items that could shift or fall.
- Disconnect Propane: Turn off and disconnect propane tanks.
- Check Tires: Ensure tires are properly inflated and in good condition, including the spare.
- Manage Systems: Retract all slides and awnings, and secure them. Disconnect batteries and empty water tanks.
- Remove Personal Belongings: Take out valuables, personal effects, and any items not attached to the RV.
6. Understand How Pricing Works in RV Transport
The cost of RV transport depends on several factors. The final price is influenced by the distance in miles, the RV type and size, and the accessibility of the pickup and destination points. The farther the distance and the larger the load, the higher the expected cost. Your schedule can also play a role, as expedited service may come with additional fees. Be sure to ask about seasonal variables that might affect pricing. Clear communication about the shipment details will help you get a transparent quote covering the entire transit, with no surprise payments.
7. Ask About Insurance, Safety, and Tracking
A professional transport company should be transparent about its safety protocols and insurance coverage. Ask what their insurance covers and what your responsibilities are. The drivers in their fleet should have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and be experienced with the specific equipment used to move your RV. The company should also adhere to federal regulations, including maintaining a detailed log of the trip. At Interstate Haulers, our entire fleet of trucks and equipment is regularly maintained, and our drivers are trained to ensure your RV is loaded and delivered safely.
8. Decide Between Tow-Away or Flatbed Transport
There are two primary methods for shipping an RV: tow-away service or flatbed transport. A tow-away service, where a driver hitches your RV to their truck using a bumper pull or fifth-wheel connection, is the most common and cost-effective option. However, if your travel trailer is inoperable, has bad tires, or is otherwise not roadworthy, flatbed transport is necessary. During this service, your RV is loaded onto a large, flat trailer. The right choice depends on your RV’s condition, the weather, and your budget.
9. Communicate Clearly With Your Transport Team
Good communication is the foundation of a successful transport. From the moment you book, stay in contact with your transport coordinator. Confirm pickup and delivery times, provide clear directions to the location, and note any potential access issues like narrow roads or low-hanging trees. A great transport partner will keep you updated throughout the journey, giving you confidence that your RV is on schedule. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and predictable delivery.
10. Plan for Delivery Day
The final step is receiving your RV. Coordinate with your driver to establish a safe and accessible meeting point. When your RV arrives, perform a thorough inspection. Walk around the vehicle to check for any new scratches, dings, or other issues and ensure everything is as you left it. Once you confirm that your RV has been delivered safely, you can sign the final paperwork. Whether we ship your RV to a major city like Baltimore, Chicago, or Jacksonville, or a more remote destination, our goal is to have you discover your vehicle in perfect condition.
Photo by JoshuaWoroniecki on Pixabay
Choose a Team That Makes RV Transport Simple
Choosing the right team makes transporting RVs a whole lot easier. Your first move with an rv trailer, motorhome, or specialized trailer shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With the right planning and a trusted partner, you can feel confident your RV will reach its destination safely and on time.
Interstate Haulers has spent decades helping customers across America move everything from travel trailers to 5th wheels. Our family-owned team knows the transportation industry inside and out, and we’re ready to accommodate hauls headed to busy hubs like Long Beach, Tampa, Louisville, Alabama, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, York, and WA. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced shipper, our clear communication and reliable dispatch process make the entire experience easier.
If you’re ready to move your RV with confidence, request a quote from Interstate Haulers today. Let us take the stress out of your next transport and deliver the dependable service you deserve.
Valuable Resources
Finding the right information is key to a smooth RV transport experience. Whether you are moving your RV or starting a transport business, these resources provide essential guidance and tools.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): The DOT website is the primary source for federal regulations on commercial vehicle operations, which includes RV transport. It details licensing requirements, safety standards, and the legal duties of professional transporters, making it a critical resource for compliance.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): As a branch of the DOT, the FMCSA focuses on safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles. On its site, you can check a transport company’s operating authority and safety history. It also outlines the requirements for becoming a carrier.
- RV Industry Association (RVIA): The RVIA provides extensive information on manufacturing standards, market data, and industry news. For transporters, knowing vehicle specifications and industry practices can improve service and ensure the safe handling of various RV models.
- Online RV Forums (e.g., iRV2, RV.net): Online communities are a great place for firsthand advice from other RV owners and professional drivers. You can use these forums to ask about transport companies, discuss routes, and learn from real-world experiences that you won’t find in official publications.
- RV Owner’s Clubs (e.g., Good Sam Club, Escapees RV Club): Joining an owner’s club connects you with a network of fellow RV enthusiasts and valuable resources. These clubs often recommend transport services based on member experiences and may offer discounts. They also publish helpful guides on many aspects of RV ownership, including relocation.
- Google Maps and Trucker-Specific GPS Apps: Standard navigation tools are helpful, but specialized GPS apps for truckers are better for planning transport routes.
