Due to the sheer size of some of the larger RV’s, transport companies frequently encounter restricted roads and areas where they can’t take your shipment. You will need to book your mobile home transport at least 1-2 weeks out in advance before handing over the vehicle. It will usually take between 8 and 11 days to transport your RV depending on the pickup and delivery locations.
In order to get your RV ready for transport you will need to go through your RV and make sure that every door, drawer and cabinet is closed and properly taped down and secured. Take down any accessories or items that can be removed like pictures or shelves or anything else that could come loose during transport and become damaged.
Remove anything that is flammable along with any loose items like cleaning products. Remove any items that could easily shift during transport so you can make sure everything is safe inside the RV during its transit.
Many companies will provide you a checklist of everything they need you to do prior to transport. This also includes disabling any anti-theft software during its transit. Make sure the radiator is prepared for a newer climate, particular if you are shipping your RV by train.
What If My RV Is Damaged While In Transit?
This is something that every RV owner will have concerns about whether it is being shipped by boat, driven over rocky terrain or just plain careless drivers. You can be proactive and take preventative measures for situations like this by getting RV shipping insurance. Always review the insurance policy of the transport company you will use.
Be sure to ask these important questions:
- How much damage to the RV will be covered by the policy?
- What exactly will be covered and what explicitly will NOT be covered?
Make sure you take pictures of all sides of the RV so you know what to claim if there are any new damages once you receive it at the destination.
When the transporter finally delivers your RV, you will need to give it a thorough inspection with the driver. The more documentation and pictures you have, the more prepared you will be in the event any damages have occurred. If there is new damage, you will need to contact the RV shipping insurance provider right away and have everything properly documented.
Most RV transport companies will do their best to ensure you have a great experience. Be courteous, but also be persistent with what you are trying to accomplish. After all, if you are having to go through this entire shipping process, you definitely will want to make sure you get everything back in one piece and in the same condition as when you received it.
Is Shipping An RV Worth It?
There are some instances in which the cost to ship an RV ends up being more than the RV is actually worth. Anyone looking to ship their RV should ask themselves this question. When you are dealing with shipping your RV to another country or even across several states, there are many logistical concerns as well as the financial cost.
There are times when transporting an RV can easily cost the full value of what your RV is even worth, particularly when you are shipping it overseas. The best thing to do may be actually selling it. You should ask yourself:
- What would an RV cost to purchase wherever I am going?
- What are the storage fees to house my RV for the length of the trip?
- Might an RV rental be a cheaper option?
