Whether it’s 20 miles or 2,000, sometimes you might be willing to hire a driver to tow your RV for you.
Towing a trailer requires a capable vehicle and the skills to move it safely from point A to point B. If you’re not careful, you could put yourself and others on the road in a dangerous situation.
If you don’t have what it takes, you might need a professional to do the job. Today, we’ll answer this question and provide resources to help you and your camper to have a smooth experience.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Towable RV?
Towable RVs are motorhomes that rely on another vehicle to move from one location to another. Unlike drivable campers, they don’t have a motor.
These motorhomes come in a variety of sizes and styles. You’ll find everything from tiny two-person teardrop trailers to large-fifth wheels with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Many of these campers also have slide-outs to maximize the livable space.
Travel trailers are the most common type of towable RV, and they typically connect via a hitch ball on the hauling vehicle’s bumper. On the other hand, fifth wheels attach to a hitch that sits over the rear axle in the bed of a truck.
The larger the RV, the more powerful and capable the car required to move it needs to be. You must always ensure you’re staying within safe towing capabilities. You’ll need to know the trailer’s weight and the maximum hauling load for the truck. It’s also important to consider the truck’s payload capacity. If not, you could cause serious wear and tear.
How Do You Tow a Travel Trailer Without a Truck?
Travel trailers can weigh thousands of pounds, so you’ll need to hire someone to tow them if you don’t have a truck. Thankfully, there are a few options available for you to consider.
For example, most dealers will offer a transport service when buying an RV from them. While you shouldn’t expect them to do it for free, you may be able to negotiate it into the deal, especially if it’s not too far of a distance. This can be helpful whether you don’t have a truck or the one you have can’t move your new camper.
Another option is borrowing a truck from a close friend or family member. However, when going this route, you must know what you’re doing. You don’t want your ignorance or inexperience to damage someone else’s vehicle. It may be best to offer your buddy a case of their favorite adult beverage and some cash in exchange for assistance.
A trailer dolly or valet can be a great option if you only need to move your camper a short distance at a property. These come in manual and battery-powered options. While these can be expensive, they allow incredible flexibility when moving a trailer without a truck, including on various surfaces.
If you’ve exhausted all of your options, you may have no choice but to pay a professional. You can typically find these on shipping marketplaces or through transportation companies. While it won’t likely be cheap, it can be worth it. These companies usually charge a per-mile rate, which can get expensive relatively fast, depending on how far you’re moving.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport an RV?
The price to hire someone to tow an RV will depend on the distance, the type of camper, the method of transportation, and any other services required. These costs help pay the driver and cover any expenses associated with the shipping, including fuel and insurance.
Depending on these factors, it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some companies charge $3.00 to $4.25 per mile for deliveries less than 100 miles. On the other hand, trips more than 1,000 miles can range from $1.10 to $2.15 per mile.
It’s a good idea to get quotes from several transportation companies. You can then compare them while reading reviews to make an informed decision. Like many other services, you often get what you pay for. The cheapest option may end up costing you more in the end.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning your own road trip, make sure to avoid doing any of these 5 RV Driving Habits That Make People Instantly Dislike You.
Top 5 RV Transport Resources
If you need to move an RV, there are five transportation resources you need to know about. Remember, each situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all option for every situation. Let’s look at some options you should consider when deciding which is best for you.
#1 Shiply
Shiply is a shipping service that allows you to send larger items like cars, motorcycles, boats, and, you guessed it, RVs. Their service connects customers with some of the best freight companies in the country to get their items delivered as quickly and safely as possible.
Since rates can vary considerably based on the size of your rig, the distance required for moving it, and how quickly you want to receive it. However, you start the process by completing a questionnaire about your shipment. You’ll then receive a host of quotes to choose from.
On the platform, you can read reviews and customer feedback from insured and verified shippers. You can then accept a quote and make a small deposit to lock in your rate. You can communicate directly with the company moving your freight and pay the remainder of the balance once your RV gets safely delivered to the final destination.
#2 Your Dealership
Not everyone buying an RV has a beefy or capable truck to haul it. But owning one isn’t always necessary, especially if you only move it a couple of times each year. Thankfully, dealerships often have established partnerships with transport companies.
If you’re buying a motorhome and aren’t able to haul it, make sure you mention it to your dealer. They may be willing to negotiate the costs of hiring someone to tow your new rig into your deal. However, it will likely depend on how far away you must move it.
How much a dealership is willing to pay depends on the individual. Some may not offer any financial assistance or discounts to cover shipping expenses. However, it never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no, and you’re not in any worse situation.
#3 Uship
Another fantastic option to consider for shipping your RV is to use Uship. Costs for sending through Uship average between $3.32 per mile for less than 100 miles and $1.05 per mile for trips less than 1,000 miles. However, prices will vary depending on the season, demand, and vehicle condition. As you might expect, fuel expenses also significantly affect the overall bill.
The process with Uship is relatively simple. You fill out their online shipment inquiry form to give them as much information about your freight as possible. You can even include measurements and pictures to help them know what to expect. You’ll then receive quotes from service providers and pick the one you feel works best.
#4 Horizon Transport
Horizon Transport is one of the most popular RV movers in North America. They’re the go-to provider for the largest manufacturers in the country. They offer various services, including towing, flatbed transport, and drive-away services.
If you’d like to get a quote, you’ll need to fill out the link on their website to get a quote. You’ll input information regarding your shipping needs, and they’ll help estimate the delivery cost. Thankfully, they have an extensive network of experienced drivers for hire that can provide some of the best tow services for the best prices.
#5 Bennett
Another excellent option to consider for your RV shipping needs is Bennett. CEO Marcia Taylor uses the “We Care” motto for Bennett Transport. They can haul just about any type of trailer you could imagine. Their qualified owner-operators hitch up to the trailer and deliver it safely and promptly.
You can request a quote through their website to get an accurate understanding of what it will take to ship your camper. If you have any questions, you can also find an agent to discuss your needs and get answers.
Pro Tip: Planning a big move? These are 5 Easy Places to Find Moving Boxes.
Should You Hire Someone to Tow Your RV?
You may be more willing to hire someone to tow your RV if you don’t have the time, energy, or vehicle to do the job. You could create a dire situation if you don’t have the skills or the necessary equipment. This is one of those situations where it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Whether or not it’s worth paying someone to move your rig depends on you and your specific situation. The longer the journey, the more cost-effective hiring a professional begins to be.
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