RV shipping isn’t one process — it’s three different ones, depending on what you own and whether it runs. A travel trailer gets towed. A motorhome that starts and drives usually gets driven. A motorhome that doesn’t, or an oversized unit, needs specialized equipment closer to heavy-haul territory. Knowing which category your RV falls into is the first step to getting an accurate quote instead of a surprise at pickup.
RV Shipping at a Glance
| RV Type | How It Typically Ships | What Drives the Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups | Towed behind a truck, similar to a boat on its own trailer | Length, weight, distance |
| Motorhomes that run and drive (Class A, B, C) | Driveaway — a qualified driver drives it to the destination | Distance, size, driver availability |
| Non-running or oversized motorhomes | Flatbed or specialized heavy-haul equipment | Weight, dimensions, permits |
The Three Ways an RV Actually Gets Shipped
Towed. A travel trailer, fifth wheel, or pop-up camper doesn’t have its own engine, so it moves the way a boat on a trailer does — hitched to a truck and towed to the destination. This is generally the most straightforward and least expensive of the three methods, since it doesn’t require a specialized driver or oversized equipment beyond what the unit’s own dimensions call for.
Driveaway. A motorhome that starts, steers, and brakes normally is usually shipped by driveaway — a carrier assigns a qualified driver to drive the RV itself to the delivery address, the same basic concept as a dealership relocating a vehicle. This is typically the most cost-effective way to move a running motorhome over long distances, since it doesn’t require loading the RV onto another truck at all.
Flatbed or specialized equipment. A motorhome that doesn’t run, or one that’s oversized for standard road limits, needs to be loaded onto a flatbed, lowboy, or other specialized trailer rather than driven. This is where RV shipping overlaps with heavy haul trucking — the same permitting, route-planning, and equipment considerations apply once a unit exceeds standard legal dimensions or can’t move under its own power.
What Determines the Cost
Distance is the baseline factor for any RV shipment, the same way it is for a car or a boat — longer routes cost more in total but less per mile. Beyond distance, a few RV-specific factors move the price:
- Size and weight. A 20-foot travel trailer is a very different job than a 40-foot Class A motorhome. Larger, heavier units cost more to tow or drive and may require special permits once they exceed standard road-legal dimensions.
- Shipping method. Driveaway is generally the least expensive option for a running motorhome. Flatbed or specialized-equipment shipping for a non-running or oversized unit costs meaningfully more, since it requires different equipment and often permits.
- Running condition. A motorhome that runs and drives opens up the driveaway option; one that doesn’t needs to be loaded, which narrows the equipment pool and adds cost — flag this when requesting a quote, not at pickup.
- Season. RV shipping demand follows the same seasonal pattern as snowbird travel — a surge each fall as RVers head south and each spring as they head back north. Booking a few weeks ahead of either rush generally means better availability and pricing than booking during it.
Because the right shipping method depends entirely on the specific unit, RV shipping doesn’t price off a simple per-mile chart the way standard car shipping does. Getting a real quote for your RV’s type, dimensions, and running condition is the only way to know an accurate number.
Permits and Oversized Units
Most states set a standard legal width around 8.5 feet and have length and height limits as well — a large fifth wheel or Class A motorhome can push right up against those limits or exceed them. When a unit is oversized, the carrier needs an oversize/wide-load permit, and the route may need to be planned around bridges, overpasses, or road restrictions that a standard-size vehicle wouldn’t need to worry about. This is standard heavy-haul-style logistics, not a red flag — but it does mean giving the carrier your RV’s actual dimensions and weight, not a rough guess, when you request a quote.
Insurance and Documentation
Every legally operating carrier must carry cargo insurance, and RV shipping follows the same documentation principle as any other vehicle shipment: a bill of lading signed at pickup and again at delivery records the unit’s condition and is the primary evidence if a dispute ever comes up. RVs have more surfaces and systems to document than a car — exterior panels, slide-outs, awnings, appliances if applicable — so a thorough walk-around and photo set before pickup is worth the extra few minutes. The same principles covered in our car shipping insurance guide apply here: confirm the carrier’s coverage limit before booking, and don’t rely on assumptions about what’s covered.
Choosing a Carrier for an RV Shipment
Not every auto transport company regularly handles RVs, and the specialized equipment and driveaway-driver network involved make experience worth asking about directly. The same fundamentals covered in how to choose an auto transport company apply here — a valid USDOT number, no large upfront deposit before a carrier is assigned, and a written quote — with one RV-specific addition: ask whether the company has handled your specific RV type (towable vs. motorized, running vs. non-running) before, since the equipment and process genuinely differ between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship an RV?
It depends primarily on the shipping method — towed, driveaway, or flatbed — plus the unit’s size, weight, and the distance it’s traveling. A towable travel trailer or a running motorhome shipped driveaway is generally less expensive than a non-running or oversized unit that needs flatbed equipment. Get a quote with your RV’s specific details for an accurate number.
What’s the difference between driveaway and flatbed RV shipping?
Driveaway means a qualified driver actually drives your motorhome to its destination, which works for any unit that starts, steers, and brakes normally. Flatbed shipping loads the RV onto a specialized trailer instead, which is necessary for non-running units or those too large to drive safely on standard routes.
Do I need a permit to ship my RV?
If your RV’s dimensions exceed your state’s standard legal limits — commonly around 8.5 feet wide — an oversize/wide-load permit is typically required. The carrier usually handles this as part of arranging the shipment, but it affects cost and route planning, so it’s worth confirming upfront.
Is my RV insured during shipping?
Every legally operating carrier carries cargo insurance covering the units it hauls. Confirm the coverage limit before booking, and document your RV’s condition thoroughly with photos at both pickup and delivery — the bill of lading you sign at each end is your primary protection if a dispute comes up.
When is the best time to book RV shipping?
Outside the seasonal rush if your schedule allows — demand climbs each fall as RVers head to warmer states and again each spring heading back north, the same pattern that drives snowbird vehicle shipping. Booking a few weeks ahead of either window generally means better availability and pricing.
Have a question this didn’t cover? Check our full auto transport FAQ or get a same-day answer from our team.
Get a Quote for Your RV
Whether your RV tows, drives, or needs specialized equipment, the fastest way to know your real cost is a direct quote based on its actual size and condition — not a generic estimate. Get a free instant estimate from a fully insured, vetted carrier network. No payment is required until your RV is assigned to a carrier.