Recreational vehicles, better known as RVs, are becoming an increasingly popular way to travel and see beautiful sights across the country. With the freedom, comfort, and convenience RVs provide, it’s no wonder more people are purchasing them every year to hit the open road on their next big adventure.
However, once you buy an RV, you then have to tackle the challenge of transporting it from the dealership to your home, or even to the campsites and national parks on your travel wish list.
Depending on the size and type of RV purchased, driving it yourself may not be an ideal option. This is when you need to find a reliable and affordable RV transport company that can safely ship your precious home-on-wheels wherever you may roam.
The key is doing thorough research to find the best RV transport near me that fits your specific needs and budget. By following these essential steps, you’ll be well on your way to booking a smooth RV transport experience:
Determine the Type of RV Transport Service Needed
Not all RVs are created equal, which means they don’t all need the same type of transport service. Before requesting quotes, first determine the specifics of your RV:
- Size/length – Class A, B, and C motorhomes range from 10ft to 45ft
- Weight – Lighter pop-up campers vs. bus-sized motorhomes
- Type – Motorized vs towable trailer
These factors impact whether you need:
- Open transport – Better for low clearance, lightweight models
- Enclosed transport – Extra protection for larger, luxury RVs
- Special permits – For extra wide/long vehicles
Additionally, things like the distance it needs to be transported, desired pick-up and drop-off locations, timing flexibility and your budget play a role in deciding which RV Transport Services Near Me options make the most sense to meet your needs.
Research and Compare RV Transport Companies
Once you have the details figured out, the next step is thoroughly researching and gathering quotes from RV transport companies. While it may be tempting to simply go with the cheapest website you find – don’t! Scams and shady operators abound, which can end up causing more headaches and heartaches down the road.
Selecting the right company to transport your cherished RV is a crucial decision that requires careful research. With so many transport providers to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to separate quality businesses from potential scams. Start by making a list of reputable companies in your local area and nationally that specialize in RV transport.
Here are key factors to consider in your decision process:
Visit individual websites to gather key information like years in business, Better Business Bureau rating, safety certifications, insurance, and customer reviews. Also, be sure to get personalized quotes from at least 3-4 top contenders, asking extensive questions to understand how they will safely handle your RV. Comparing factors like experience, professionalism, services, and pricing will help determine the ideal transport partner to entrust your precious cargo.
Licensing and Authority:
Interstate transporters are required to have DOT and MC authority – don’t consider any company operating illegally without proper licensing.
Reviews and Testimonials:
Spend time reading through recent customer reviews on websites and third-party rating platforms to identify red flags and warning signs of poor service. Legitimate transporters will have overwhelmingly satisfied reviews.
Quotes and Estimates:
Be upfront about the Classic Car Transport Service details and transport requirements when gathering quotes so you receive accurate pricing comparisons. Beware of super cheap quotes that seem too good to be true.
Insurance and Process:
Ask detailed questions on insurance, their process, and protocols for safe handling/securing your RV during transport and contingency planning. Reputable companies will happily answer questions and address concerns.
Prepare Your RV for the Shipping Process
Before handing over the keys to your precious cargo, there’s some legwork required on your end as well to get it transport-ready:
RV Preparation:
Follow checklists to prepare the RV properly, including emptying tanks, locking/securing cabinets and appliances, and disabling batteries/LP gas. Remove valuables, documents, keys.
Inspections:
A reputable company will do walk-around inspections before transport and upon delivery, documenting any existing scrapes/chips and condition issues. You need to understand their damage claims process.
Personal Preparations:
Beyond the RV itself, don’t forget essentials like insurance coverage, vehicle registration paperwork copies, emergency contacts, and route tracking apps to give you peace of mind during transit.
Final Thought
By finding the right transport provider for your specific Cheapest Auto Shipping Services RV and preparing accordingly, your shipping experience will be smooth sailing from origin to destination. Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions upfront during the process for clarity and confidence.
Before you hit the road for RV adventures, be sure to get a free, no-obligation custom quote from a top-rated transporter such as A1 Auto Transport. Their shipping experts make it simple to determine the perfect transport solutions tailored specifically for any type of RV and budget.
