When you need to move your recreational vehicle a long distance, you have two main choices: drive it yourself or hire a professional RV transport company. The decision often comes down to cost. While driving it yourself might seem like the cheaper route at first glance, the hidden expenses can add up quickly. Understanding the full picture helps you decide which option truly saves more money, time, and stress.

Common reasons people need to move an RV include relocating across the country, purchasing from a distant dealer, or moving it to a seasonal location. Whether you own a large fifth wheel, a simple travel trailer, or a bumper pull camper, knowing your options is key to protecting your investment.

Understanding Your Options for RV Transport

The choice between a DIY drive and professional transport depends on your specific situation. Driving gives you control but comes with its own set of challenges, especially over long distances. Hiring an RV transport company, on the other hand, offloads the logistics, safety concerns, and wear and tear to experienced professionals.

What Professional RV Transport Actually Includes

Hiring a professional hauler is more than just getting your RV from point A to point B. It’s a comprehensive service designed for safety and efficiency, utilizing specialized trucks, specialized trailers, and equipment tailored for secure RV transport.

What an RV Transport Company Does

An RV transport company manages the entire logistical process. As the shipper, the RV transport company is responsible for moving your vehicle, so it’s crucial to choose a reliable shipper to ensure safe and efficient transport.

This includes RV delivery services using various methods like tow-away or flatbed transport with specialized trucks. Professionals handle route planning to avoid difficult roads, manage all necessary permits for oversized loads, and create a schedule that works for you. Their main goal is to deliver your vehicle safely and on time.

Types of RVs We Move

An experienced hauler can move a wide range of recreational vehicles. The RV size and type influence the transport method and cost. We commonly transport:

• Travel trailers
• Fifth wheel and 5th wheel units
• Bumper pull trailers
• Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C)
• Toy haulers and pop-up campers
• Boats, including fishing boats and boat trailers

The larger and heavier the RV, the more specialized the equipment needed, which is a key factor in ensuring a safe journey.

Tow Away Services Explained

Tow away service is a popular and cost-effective option where a professional driver hitches your trailer to their specialized truck and tows it to your destination. This works well for most travel trailers and fifth wheels that are roadworthy.

For RVs that are not on a trailer or require extra protection, a flatbed trailer provides a secure alternative, keeping your unit off the road completely.

Cost Comparison: Hiring RV Transport vs Driving It Yourself

To determine which option is more economical, you need to look beyond the initial price tag. Both methods have distinct costs, some obvious and some hidden.

For example, some customers who chose DIY boat transport found that unexpected expenses—like last-minute trailer repairs, fuel surcharges, and permit fees—ended up making the process more expensive than hiring a professional service.

What Impacts Professional Transport Pricing

The quote from an RV transport company is based on several factors:

• Distance: Cross-country routes cost more than regional ones.
• Weight and RV Size: Heavier and larger units require more powerful trucks and potentially special permits.
• Location: Accessibility at pickup and drop-off points can affect the price.
• Type of Cargo: The nature of the cargo—such as trailers, vehicles, or general freight—can influence the transport quote due to handling requirements and logistics.
• Special Considerations: The condition of the RV, its tires, and any unique equipment can influence the cost.
• Seasonality: Demand and fuel prices fluctuate, which can impact rates.

The Real Cost of Driving Your RV Yourself

Driving a large recreational vehicle yourself involves more than just fuel. Consider these expenses:

• Fuel: An RV or heavy-duty tow truck gets very low miles per gallon, making fuel a major cost.
• Accommodation: Multi-day trips require overnight stays at campgrounds or hotels.
• Food and Supplies: Costs for meals and other necessities on the road add up.
• Time Off Work: A cross-country trip can take a week or more, which could mean unpaid time off.
• Wear and Tear: Adding thousands of miles to your RV and tow vehicle leads to faster depreciation and future maintenance needs.
• Breakdowns: A flat tire or mechanical issue can lead to expensive, unexpected repairs far from home.

When Hiring a Transport Company Saves More

Hiring a professional often saves money in long-distance scenarios. If you are moving a heavy fifth wheel from Wisconsin to Florida, the fuel, time, and lodging costs of a DIY drive could easily exceed the price of a transport service.

For customers moving from northern states to destinations like Alabama, Maryland, or Jacksonville, hiring a hauler is typically the more cost-effective choice.

Professional RV transport companies can also handle moves not only within the USA but to and from Canada, leveraging their experience and licensing across North America.

Safety Considerations: Professional Transport vs DIY

Safety is just as important as cost. Transporting a large RV comes with risks, and professionals are equipped to manage them far better than the average owner, with extensive experience in handling all types of freight, including RVs and other large vehicles.

Safety Standards with a Professional RV Shipping Company

A reputable RV shipping company operates under strict safety guidelines. This includes FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) compliance, which governs driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and insurance requirements. Proper load securement is essential to ensure your RV is safely transported and protected throughout the journey.

You get an experienced, vetted driver instead of relying on a random person from a self dispatch board. They use commercial-grade trucks and equipment designed for heavy, long-distance hauling and provide clear communication, insurance coverage, and documented inspections.

Risks of DIY RV Driving

Driving a large RV yourself can be challenging, especially if you are not used to it. Key risks include:

• Navigating tight city streets or busy highways.
• The danger of tire blowouts at high speeds.
• Driving through unpredictable weather like crosswinds or snow.
• Managing steep mountain passes.
• Controlling trailer sway with bumper pull units.

Why Safety = Savings

Investing in professional transport is investing in safety. Fewer breakdowns, a lower chance of accidents, and no costly delays ultimately protect your budget. Most importantly, it ensures your high-value asset arrives without damage, saving you from expensive repairs and the associated headaches.

Convenience and Time: The Biggest Hidden Cost

Your time is valuable. With easy access to professional RV transport services, you can streamline the moving process and avoid the major time commitment that often goes overlooked in cost calculations.

Why Hiring an RV Transport Company Saves Time

With professional RV delivery services, you hand over the keys and are free to manage your other moving priorities. You avoid long days on the road and the stress of planning routes and finding overnight parking. You can fly to your new destination and have the RV delivered right to you, turning a week-long drive into a one-day trip.

What Driving Yourself Really Requires

A DIY drive demands significant time and energy. It means spending multiple days or even weeks on the road, constantly managing logistics like fuel stops and rest breaks. The fatigue from driving a large vehicle for hours on end is a real safety risk and can turn an exciting adventure into a draining chore.

Preparing Your RV for Transport

Essential Steps to Get Your RV Ready for a Smooth Move

Getting your RV ready for transport is a crucial part of ensuring a safe, efficient, and worry-free move—whether you’re working with a professional RV transport company or considering a self-dispatch approach.

Proper preparation not only protects your investment but also helps your chosen RV shipping company deliver your vehicle on time and in top condition, no matter the distance or destination.

Here’s how to prepare your RV, fifth wheel, or travel trailer for a seamless shipping experience:

• Clean and Inspect Your RV: Start by giving your RV a thorough cleaning inside and out. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage and ensures your vehicle is ready for inspection by the transport company. Check for issues like worn tires, loose parts, or leaks, and address any maintenance needs before the move.
• Secure All Loose Items: Before transporting rvs, make sure everything inside is stowed away and secured. Lock cabinets, fasten appliances, and remove or tie down anything that could shift during transit. This step is essential for both safety and preventing damage to your RV’s interior.
• Disconnect Utilities and Power Sources: Unplug all electrical devices, disconnect water and gas lines, and turn off propane tanks. This reduces the risk of accidents and ensures your RV is safe for transport, whether it’s being towed away or loaded onto a flatbed.
• Prepare for Towing or Loading: If your RV is a towable unit—like a fifth wheel, bumper pull, or travel trailer—double-check that the hitch is secure and all connections are properly fastened. For motorhomes or larger units, confirm that the vehicle is ready for loading onto a specialized trailer or flatbed, as required by the transport company.
• Verify Size and Weight Limits: Confirm your RV’s dimensions and weight to ensure it complies with transportation regulations. This helps your RV shipping company plan the right equipment and route, and prevents delays or issues with permits during the journey.
• Choose the Right Transport Method: Decide with your transport provider whether tow away, flatbed, or another specialized trailer is best for your RV. Factors like distance, route, and the type of RV you own will influence this decision, and a reputable rv transport company can guide you through the options.
• Work with a Trusted RV Transport Company: Select a company with a proven track record in transporting rvs safely across the country. Look for transparent communication, proper insurance, and a commitment to customer service—qualities that set Interstate Haulers apart in the industry.
• Confirm Insurance Coverage: Make sure your RV is fully insured for the duration of the transport. Ask your shipping company about their coverage and consider additional protection if needed, especially for high-value units or long-distance moves.
• Prepare for Delivery at Your Destination: Before your RV arrives, ensure the delivery site is accessible and ready for unloading. Check that all systems are operational so you can quickly set up and enjoy your RV once it’s delivered.

By following these essential steps, you’ll help ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient transport process—whether you’re shipping a fifth wheel from Indiana to Florida, a travel trailer to Maryland, or a motorhome across the country.

At Interstate Haulers, we’re dedicated to making every move as stress-free as possible for our customers, from the initial dispatch to final delivery. Proper preparation is the first step toward a successful journey for your RV.

When You Should Drive Your Own RV Instead

While professional transport offers many benefits, there are times when driving yourself makes more sense.

However, many customers who have tried driving themselves have finally found peace of mind by choosing a reliable RV transport company.

Short, Local Moves

If you are only moving your RV 100-200 miles, driving it yourself is usually the most practical and affordable option. This is especially true for smaller, easy-to-handle travel trailers.

If You Want the Road Trip Experience

For some, the journey is the destination. If you view the drive as part of a vacation and have the time and budget for it, then driving your RV can be a rewarding experience.

How to Choose the Best RV Transport Option for You

Making the right choice comes down to weighing your priorities, whether you need to transport RVs, cargo trailers, or other specialized trailers.

Questions to Consider

• Timeline: How quickly do you need the RV at its destination?
• Value: What is the RV worth, and how important is it to protect that investment?
• Distance: How long is the haul?
• Comfort Level: Are you experienced and comfortable towing a large 5th wheel or trailer?
• Wear and Tear: Would the mileage and strain on your vehicle cost more in the long run?

Decision Checklist

• Cost: Compare a professional quote against a realistic DIY budget.
• Safety: Consider your experience versus a professional’s.
• Distance: Long hauls favor professionals.
• Experience Level: Be honest about your ability to handle a large RV.
• Destination: Factor in the challenges of reaching cities like Long Beach, Baltimore, or Louisville.

Why Interstate Haulers Is the Trusted Choice Across the USA

When you decide that professional transport is the right move, choosing the right partner is everything.

With Interstate Haulers, you can count on transparent pricing—toll payments for deliveries to or from Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are covered, so you don’t have to pay extra for these routes.

Family-Owned Since 1997

Interstate Haulers is built on a foundation of reliability and trust. As a family-owned company, we treat every client and every shipment with personal care and attention.

Nationwide RV Shipping With a Proven Safety Record

We are fully compliant with FMCSA regulations and only work with professional, experienced drivers. We have a proven track record of safely handling high-value units for dealers, manufacturers, and individual owners across the country.

Transparent Pricing and Easy Communication

We provide straightforward quotes with no hidden fees. From the moment you book with us, you can expect clear communication and updates throughout the entire shipment process.

Experience With Dealers, Manufacturers, and Individual RV Owners

We are trusted by B2B and B2C clients alike. Whether we’re delivering a single camper for a family or managing a fleet for a dealership, our commitment to quality service remains the same.

Final Thoughts: Which Option Really Saves More?

For short trips or those who want a road trip adventure, driving your RV yourself can be a great choice. However, when it comes to long distances, large RVs, or high-value units, hiring an RV transport company almost always saves more money, time, and stress. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your investment is in professional hands is a value that’s hard to quantify.

Discover how Interstate Haulers’ services can benefit you and make your next RV move easier.

RV Transport Resource Center

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.

Online RV Forums (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.

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.

Ready to Move Your RV? Consider Our RV Delivery Services

Let us take the stress out of your next move. Contact Interstate Haulers today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team responds quickly and is ready to coordinate your RV transport anywhere in the continental USA.