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How to ship an RV

How to ship an RV

Do you know what seems like a great idea? Going on a road trip with an RV or a camper. And since America has a lot to offer in that regard, it isn’t surprising that a lot of people are buying RVs. However, just like with a car, often the best deals are from out of state. Every recreational vehicle presents a particular challenge. How do you deal with its shipping?

You might be moving across the country, so you are looking to transport the vehicle to your new place. Or you are simply selling it. Whatever the case, you have to know how to ship it properly. That’s exactly what I am about to cover.

How to ship a recreational vehicle

how to transport a recreational vehicle

First things first – a proper auto transport

If you have ever shipped a vehicle, you know that there are quite a few options and companies to choose from. And sometimes the process of finding the proper transportation method can seem a bit daunting. But what if you’ve never done that before? With car shipping, there are different routes you can take. The obvious solution is to drive, or pull, the vehicle yourself. However, you have probably scratched that off the list already. Well, there are a couple of other routes you can go when choosing your RV transport.

What about another driver?

The first option is to go with a hired driver, who will drive the RV to the place required. However, finding a licensed transport of that kind can be difficult. Additionally, it only works for true RVs, not RV trailers. Even if a provider of that service offers some kind of trailer towing, it usually doesn’t come cheap.

Some people may turn to friends or relatives who can handle the task for them, but there are still risks. The vehicle can always have an unexpected breakdown. Even if everything goes well, it still endures wear and tear of a few hundred or more miles. So although it may seem like a good choice at first, if you go that route there are many hidden costs you have to account for.

Professional auto transport

Your second option is to book a professional auto transport service. While sometimes the price can seem a bit higher than the other option (although that’s not always the case), you don’t have to pay for unforeseen circumstances. That is because your RV won’t be driven, so there won’t be any wear and tear. There also won’t be a risk of breakdown, and this saves you a ton of headaches.

But you still have to know a thing or two. While in essence shipping such a vehicle isn’t anything that special, the size can be a challenge. That means you have to find the proper logistics company that can handle such a vehicle. Some companies only offer towing of such vehicles, especially when it is over 24` long. Usually the best option is to load it on a flat bed trailer, but that is not always the case. Smaller travel trailers and RVs can be loaded, but many times they are driven or pulled. So, you have to discuss your options and choose a solution that suites you.

Here are Corsia Logistics we can arrange the shipping of your RV or campera. It is a bigger challnge than to ship a car, but we can arrange that.  You can get a free quote in no time when you call us. If you deem the price acceptable, you can easily schedule the pickup. Then all that’s left is to prepare the RV accordingly.

How to prepare an RV for shipping

how to ship an RV

While picking a proper auto transport company is crucial, you will have to do a bit of work as well. You should take care of certain things before you have your recreational vehicle or trailer shipped. Before I get too specific, be sure to check for any requirements that the transport company of your choice may have. Some require specific steps to be taken, while others don’t have a concrete set of rules.

Technical reliability

If you go the route of a hired driver, it is a must that you take your RV to a mechanic. If there is something that needs immediate fixing (or would need such after a bit of usage), you should get it fixed. The engine, brakes and other crucial components have to be in top condition.

If you prefer a carrier transport, it is still a good idea to have the RV checked. If there is any leakage (oil, gasoline, etc.), it has to be fixed. Minor problems with the engine here are not that big of a deal with a carrier. You can actually ship a non-running vehicle as well.

Check the interior

Whichever transport option you go for, there are certain things that just need your attention. Quite a lot of them have to do with what you have inside the RV.

Personal belongings from inside should be taken out. This isn’t absolutely necessary with everything, but it’s for your peace of mind. Free-hanging or free-standing items (e.g. items in cabinets, any non-fitted electrical appliances such as a blender or coffee machine) should be put away in the storage departments or taken out. During transportation, they may fall and get damaged or cause damage.

You can certainly have most of your stuff you usually use in your RV stored in your cabinets and seal with tape for extra protection, which will ensure that everything stays where it should be. Some windows cannot be shut tightly, so you will have to tape them as well. It is unlikely that they can present a problem, but the transporter wouldn’t want to take unnecessary risks.

Then check the exterior

Be sure that your doors can be locked properly and that they can stay closed. If there are latches or sunroofs on the ceiling, make sure they are properly locked as well. Do an all-around inspection of the vehicle. The company of your choice will definitely do that and note down any pre-existing problems with the exterior. You will have to review them and agree these have been there prior to the transportation. Every irregularity (even the most minor ones) must be noted on the Bill of Lading.

Additional Notes and Conclusion

By this point, you are mostly done with the preparation. You can always do a final checkup of everything (tire pressure, handbrake, battery levels, etc.). If you are considering to have the RV washed, don’t. You can do that after its transportation. So you are now ready to have your RV shipped. There are additional things you can always do, but this article covers the most important points you need to know.

You can find more information on our website and our blog. Browse our guides or call us with questions.

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Simon Moore
Great company
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Looking for a logistics company, to ship my car, from California to Illinois,my first search, then Corsia showed up, skeptical. Call and a very friendly secretary: Elena. She guided me through, I scheduled and as she explained, all when smooth as scheduled Very happy I did the right choice. I'll recommend this great Company to anyone that is thinking to relocate a vehicle. Thanks Corsia logistics for your honesty and professionalism!
Elizabeth Woodward
High five's all around!
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Corsia was highly recommended by a friend in the automobile industry. We needed to transport a cargo van from Seattle to Florida. We contacted Corsia who quickly arranged transport within just a few days. Communication was outstanding! Just a few email confirmations and we were all set. Mike was great and arrived right on time and delivered to Florida on schedule. Tip-avoid the hornets nest of auto brokers on line and just contact Corsia for a truly great experience!
Carrol Tiffany
Amazing
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Corsia has been amazing. Their prices are really competitive but more importantly their customer service has been 5-Star. Elena followed up with me every step of the way, making sure there was no miscommunication between me & the driver. We are using them to ship a 2nd vehicle & would not hesitate to use them again!
Tony Boyd
Definitely recommend
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I have recently used Corsia for long time family car with sentimental value that was moved I have recently used Corsia for shipment of my vehicle from Oregon to Arizona by recommendation from other family member who also used Corsia in the past. I am very pleased on the service and the communication throughout shipment. Ken was my direct contact and kept me informed along the move The car was picked up and delivered as communicated. I did use a enclosed mover and the driver was also clean cut professional and treated car as his own. I would definitely recommend Corsia again with the experience I have had. Thank you. T
JW
Top notch
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Top notch Transport - Porsche 997 Top notch! As easy and efficient as one could possibly imagine. Great customer service.. thank you Luke. Great prices. Check. Timely communications. Check. Clean transport trailer. Check. Supremely careful driver. Check. Timely arrival. Check. Don't mess around elsewhere, just call Corsica and feel confident your transports needs are going to be exceeded. My Porsche 911 rode like a Queen in her enclosed chariot. I've never needed a transport company before, and I surely will use them every time. Do yourself a favor, seriously. Call now.
Geet Mp Haryana
Reliable, efficient
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Corsia rep (Elena) was very proactive. Helped ship a car from CA to GA. She checked in with me via email quote and several phone calls to find me the best possible quote for the fastest available service. After several communications, Corsia was able to schedule a vehicle pickup the next day. The driver communicated well, and the vehicle arrived in final destination faster than we expected in perfect condition. I highly recommend using Corsia's reliable, efficient service.
Cay Liptak
Clean, efficient, wonderful
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Thanks, Corsia! Pickup was so clean, efficient, and wonderful -- my only recommendation is to make sure you schedule it during the day so you can fully review the car in the daylight. Drop off was equally wonderful, and the whole trip went down without a hitch (pun intended!). Seriously, Corsia delivered my Jeep from CT to California with no issues or bumps in the road!
Csaba Kovesdy
Truly positive experience
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Corsia Memphis to LA, mid-size SUV. I looked at 4 different companies amd Corsia was the most responsive of them. While being responsive, they were not unduly aggressive: when I indicated that I need to wait a month before making a decision they stopped contacting me and only came back with a reminder when I really needed it. Once I decided to engage Corsia they found me a transport within two days and the car was delivered (from Memphis to LA) in another two days. I had a truly positive experience.
Kelly Torres
Highly recommend
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Working with Corsia Logistics was a great experience. Working with Corsia Logistics was wonderful. They were able to find a driver right away to transport our car. They were in constant communication as to when the car was getting picked up and dropped off. The driver also communicated with me as to when he would arrive. I would highly recommend Corsia Logistics.
Amy Nelson
Excellent Organization
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Corsia was an excellent company to work with while I transferred my car across the US. A friend of mine suggested I use them as they had been very organized and trustworthy with her own car. I researched a few different place but decided to go with Corsia and I'm so glad I did! Any questions I had throughout the process they answered quickly and clearly. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend them for others to use.
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