RV Moving Services - Recreational Vehicle Transport

Moving your camper or motorhome from one place to another could be challenging at first glance, whether it’s a quick haul or a full cross-country leap.

Everything starts with recreational vehicle transport, better known as RV shipping. An essential service for enthusiasts moving to a new home, planning a big vacation, or buying their new RV.

By leaning on professional RV moving companies, you can count on your RV arriving safe and sound. The right RV transportation services make all the difference for a worry-free experience.

So, this quick guide breaks down the concepts of RV transportation, from what it involves to choosing the best approach and finding solid RV transport companies.

What Is the Meaning of RV in Transportation

In logistic services, RV stands for (Recreational Vehicle), which is a broad term that describes different types of RV (e.g, travel trailers, motorhomes, etc.).

RV Moving Services

RV transport services are all about getting your camper or motorhome to its destination, whether you’re moving to a new location or going on a vacation. The RV transportation services ensure your oversized RV gets moved safely by professionals.

The basics of RV shipping come down to contacting a dedicated RV transportation company that takes care of the heavy lifting. RVs aren't average vehicles — they come in all shapes and sizes, so you might need a flatbed trailer or a driveaway service.

RV transportation services cover everything from quick local destinations to big cross-country journeys, while keeping things hassle-free.

What Is the Best Way to Ship an RV

Deciding how to ship your RV depends on a few things, like what kind of RV you’ve got, how far it’s going, and what you’re willing to spend. RV shipping companies come through with options that suit your situation, making sure your camper hauling gets done safely and without a hassle.

Here are the two main ways to move an RV:

Tow-Away Service:

This is where a trailer hauling service hooks up non-motorized RVs, such as travel trailers or fifth-wheels, and pulls them with heavy-duty trucks like flatbeds or lowboys.

This option is a wallet-friendly solution for RVs that don’t drive themselves, keeping things locked down for short hops or cross-country trips.

Driveaway Service:

With driveaway service, a professional driver takes the wheel of motorized RVs, such as Class A or Class C motorhomes, and delivers them straight to your spot. Perfect for RVs that can roll on their own, this method is an excellent opportunity to move your RV.

These approaches, backed by solid RV transportation companies, handle all sorts of RV sizes and weights, so whether you’re moving nearby or sending your ride to Hawaii, you are covered.

Types of Trucks Used for RV Hauling

Moving an RV is unlike the transportation of a regular car – it takes trucks built to tackle the heft and odd shapes of recreation vehicles. RV moving companies rely on a range of vehicles to get your camper transport done right, so choosing the correct truck is essential for these logistics.

Here are the available options you’ve got when it comes to RV transportation:

Flatbed Trucks:

These trucks are a prime solution for RV trailer shipping as they’ve got a wide, open deck that’s great for tying down travel trailers, fifth-wheels, or smaller campers, no matter your RV’s size.

Lowboy Trailers:

Built low to the ground, these trailers are excellent for carrying big, heavy RVs like motorhomes or fifth-wheels. Designed for long-distance RV transportation, they haul very serious weights.

Hotshot Trucks:

Hotshots are smaller trucks paired with tough trailers for RV transportation services. They’re just perfect for hauling compact RVs or handling camper towing service on short-distance routes.

Pickup Trucks:

Great for smaller jobs or driveaway runs, these pickups can tow light RVs like pop-up campers or travel trailers. They’re a practical pick for RV moving service outfits doing quick, local hauls.

Choosing the right truck means your RV gets where it’s going without a scratch, with companies that transport RVs with ease and peace of mind. This variety allows RV hauling services to cater to diverse needs, delivering outstanding services across any distance, RV size, and weight.

Camper Hauling - How Much Does It Cost to Transport an RV

Pinpointing the cost of camper hauling could be challenging without knowing the dependencies, such as RV type, weight, distance, and many other facts.

So, it depends on where you’re headed, what you’re driving, and how you’re getting it there. RV moving service costs typically range from $1 to $5 per mile, landing most jobs between $500 for a quick local move to $3,000 or more for a cross-country trek with a big truck.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated RV shipping costs that depend on several factors, including distance, RV type, and RV transporting method, to give you a sense of what to expect:

Distance RV Type (Weight) Transport Method Estimated Cost

100 miles

(Short Distance)

Pop-Up Camper (~2,000 lbs) Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck $400–$700

500 miles

(Regional)

Travel Trailer (~5,000 lbs) Flatbed Truck $800–$1,800

1,000 miles

(Long Distance)

Fifth-Wheel (~10,000 lbs) Lowboy Trailer $1,500–$3,000
2,500 miles (Cross-Country) Class A Motorhome (~20,000 lbs) Driveaway Service $3,000–$5,500
4,000 miles (Mainland to Hawaii) Travel Trailer (~6,000 lbs) Flatbed + Ocean Freight $5,000–$10,000
The estimated cost serves solely as an example, considering that real-world scenarios may include different circumstances.

RV Shipping Preparation - How to Prepare Your Camper for Transportation

Preparing your RV ready for the road is not that simple — it’s about making sure your camper hits its destination in top shape.

RV transportation companies often provide checklists, and here is what they commonly include:

  • Secure Loose Items: Tie down and secure anything that could move, such as dishes, decor, or gear inside your RV, to avoid damage during camper transportation.
  • Systems and Utilities: Drain water tanks, shut off propane, and disconnect batteries to prevent leaks or hazards, as required by most RV hauling services.
  • Inspect the Exterior: Close all windows, awnings, and vents; check tires and locks to confirm your RV is road-ready for travel trailer transport.
  • Document Condition: Snap photos of your RV’s interior and exterior before shipping to have a record in case of issues with the RV delivery service.
  • Good Communicate: Share specific details about your RV’s size, weight, or quirks with the RV moving company to avoid surprises.

Note: Some companies may require specific preparation, like removing personal items entirely, so always double-check their guidelines.

Your RV is Shipped - What To Do After Delivery

Once the RV reaches its destination, there are a few quick steps you need to undertake to verify everything’s in order.

Here’s what to do post-delivery to wrap up the RV shipping process smoothly:

  • Inspect for Damage: Compare your RV’s interior and exterior with pre-shipping photos, noting any issues with the RV transportation company before signing off.
  • Confirm Functionality: Test water, electrical, and propane systems to make sure the RV moving service didn’t affect key components.
  • Update Documentation: Log delivery details and update insurance coverage or registration as needed after the camper delivery service.

If you take these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth RV camper transport, without any surprises!

Top RV Transport Companies in 2025

Choosing a dependable RV shipping company is the key to getting your camper moved without a hassle. Below are the top RV transportation companies for 2025, grouped by their strengths!

Budget-Friendly RV Transport

  • AmeriFreight: A+ BBB rated, offers flexible RV shipping with discounts for military, students, and seniors, quoting $450-$2,000.
  • Door to Door Auto Transport: With 30 years of experience, it provides affordable RV transport with full insurance, great for cost-conscious cross-country moves.
  • Easy Auto Ship: A+ BBB rated, gives instant online quotes and strong customer service, with budget-friendly airport or port delivery options.

Regional RV Transport

  • We Will Transport It: Earns 5-star reviews for local and regional RV shipping, handling fifth-wheels and trailers with transparent pricing.
  • Ship Your Car Now: Florida-based, specializes in regional door-to-door RV transport, offering real-time tracking and a money-back guarantee.

Nationwide RV Transport

  • Horizon Transport: North America’s largest, delivers 80,000 RVs yearly with door-to-door and expedited service, backed by trained drivers.
  • Heavy Haulers: Over 15 years of experience, excels in nationwide oversized motorhome transport using towing and flatbed methods.
  • A1 Auto Transport: Trusted for 30+ years, offers towing, flatbed, and driveaway RV shipping nationwide with competitive rates.
  • RoadRunner Auto Transport: Rated #1 by customers, provides insured, deposit-free RV shipping with 24/7 tracking and door-to-door service.
  • Monarch: Handles everything from small trailers to large motorhomes across the U.S., with door-to-door and enclosed transport options.

These companies are top picks for their reliability and tailored services, ensuring your RV transport needs are met in 2025.

Get the Best RV Shipping Rates from US RV Movers

To discover cost-effective RV shipping rates, we recommend using FreightRun RV Shipping Calculator to get instant quotes.

Just plug in your RV’s details and trip information to acquire tailored quotes from trusted RV transport companies, helping you find the most cost-effective solution for your camper’s journey in no time.