Need a no-stress way to transport your RV?
Transporting your RV is one of the most anxiety-inducing events any owner can endure. After all, you are entrusting your home-on-wheels to complete strangers and hoping for the best.
Here’s the thing though:
The transport industry has never been busier with over 333,733 RV shipments just last year in 2024, and most RV owners don’t have a clue how to prepare their rig for transport.
The good news is, the proper prep work makes the difference between a stress-free delivery and a disaster. When researching RV transport services, understanding the cost of RV shipping can help you plan your budget appropriately and ensure your Mountain Adventures rig arrives in pristine condition.
Checklist: Preparing Your RV For Transport
- Why RV Transport Preparation is Important
- Pre-Transport Inspection Checklist
- Preparing the Interior for Transport
- Exterior Preparations for Transport
- Essential Documentation and Insurance Info
- How To Pick the Right Transport Company
- Transport Day Tips: What To Do and Not Do
- Summary: Preparing Your RV For Transport
Why RV Transport Preparation is Important
RVs aren’t like your typical vehicle…
They are complex machines with delicate moving parts, fragile components, and personal belongings. Without proper preparation, you are literally gambling with a six-figure investment.
Here are the consequences of skipping RV transport preparation:
- Ripped or torn awnings and slide-outs
- Stolen or lost personal items
- Denied insurance claims
Pretty terrifying stuff, right? But here’s the kicker… the majority of transport damage is completely avoidable by following the right preparation steps. There is no doubt the RV industry is booming with the North American market valued at $19.83 billion in 2024 and we have the travel bug to thank.
This means more RVs than ever on transport routes making it more important than ever to know how to prep your rig properly.
Pre-Transport Inspection Checklist
Before you even contact a transport company for a quote…
You need to have a clear understanding of the current condition of your RV. This isn’t just CYA- it’s protecting your investment.
Start with these critical inspection areas:
RV Exterior Walkthrough
Walk completely around your RV with a keen eye and take note of:
- Pre-existing scratches, dents or paint damage
- Cracked or broken lights
- Tires condition and tread depth
Take photos of all of it. Everything. Close-ups, wide shots, multiple angles, you name it. You want an exhaustive visual record.
RV Interior Assessment
This isn’t just the exterior…
Make sure to check:
- All appliances and fixtures
- Cabinets and drawers (they should close)
- Electrical systems
This is so important because if you don’t properly document your RV condition before transport, you will have ZERO negotiating power if the transport company comes back to you and tries to say you had pre-existing damage.
Preparing the Interior for Transport
Ok now for the real work…
Getting your rig RV transport-ready takes elbow grease and close attention to detail. But it will be 100% worth every minute of effort put into it.
Securing The Interior
The first thing to focus on is the interior of your rig and locking it down tight so here’s what to do:
Remove All Personal Belongings
This is step one and non-negotiable. Everything. Valuable, sentimental, or breakable. All of it has to come out. Transport companies are not responsible for your belongings and they will move around or get damaged regardless of how careful they are.
Secure Cabinets & Drawers
Use bungee cords, zip ties, or cabinet locks to make sure all cabinets and drawers are closed and secured tightly. A single cabinet door or drawer flying open during transport can cause thousands in damage.
Disconnect & Drain Fluids
This includes emptying water tanks, disconnecting batteries, and turning off propane. You want to prevent leaks, electrical issues, and safety hazards.
Exterior Preparations for Transport
The exterior of your RV needs just as much attention during the prep work:
Retract Slide-outs & Awnings
Pretty self-explanatory, but you’d be amazed at how many people forget. Make sure all slide-outs and awnings are retracted completely and locked into place.
Remove or Secure Loose Items
Take down antennas, satellite dishes, and other loose items that could be damaged or cause issues.
Tire Check
Your rig will be rolling on the highway so make sure tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
Essential Documentation and Insurance Info
Here’s a curve ball for most people…
The paperwork is just as critical as the physical prep work. You could be setting yourself up for a major headache without the right documentation.
Essential Documents
Make sure you have:
- Current registration and title
- Proof of insurance
- Detailed condition report with photos
- Transport contract and receipt
- Emergency contact info
Insurance Considerations
RV Insurance
Here is something most people don’t realize about RV insurance… transport damage is specifically excluded from your regular insurance policy.
You see, transport companies have specific exclusions for commercial transport in their policies. Check with your provider about:
- Transport coverage options
- Deductibles for transport-related claims
- Required documentation for a claim
- Timeline for reporting damage
Some transport companies offer additional insurance coverage, but read the fine print closely. The cheapest option isn’t always the best coverage.
How To Pick the Right Transport Company
Not all RV transport companies are created equal…
The RV market is booming and there are plenty of fly-by-night operators who see the need for transport services as their big opportunity.
Look For These Red Flags:
- No physical address or valid license
- Pricing that’s too good to be true
- Pushy sales tactics or poor communication
What Good Transporters Do
Professional RV transport companies will:
- Provide a detailed written contract
- Offer comprehensive insurance options
- Use proper equipment and trained drivers
- Maintain clear communication throughout
The best transporters also treat your RV with the care it deserves. After all, it isn’t just a vehicle to them – it is their customers’ freedom machine and they understand the value.
Transport Day Tips: What To Do and Not Do
On the big day, don’t just hand over your keys and walk away…
Stay Involved:
- Be present for the final inspection
- Take final photos with the driver
- Get copies of all paperwork
Pro Tip: If something doesn’t feel right or if you have a bad feeling about the driver or company, don’t be afraid to speak up or cancel. Trust your instincts! It’s better to deal with a scheduling headache than thousands of dollars in damage repairs.
Summary: Preparing Your RV For Transport
Preparing your RV for transport is by no means rocket science, but it does take attention to detail, a little time, and some common sense planning.
By following this guide, you will dramatically reduce the chances of transport problems and ensure your rig arrives in prime condition and ready for your next big adventure.
The peace of mind is worth the extra effort alone. Remember these key steps:
- Document EVERYTHING in detail
- Empty the RV of ALL personal belongings
- Secure all cabinets, drawers, and moving parts
- Verify all insurance coverage with providers
- Choose your transporter wisely
Do the prep work right and you will be back on the road faster than you think. After all, life is too short for transport headaches!