RV Transport — A True Specialty Service

RV transport is not the same as car shipping. RVs are larger, heavier, and present unique challenges: many exceed standard carrier height and length limits, often requiring oversized load permits and specific routing. Class A diesel pushers can weigh 30,000+ pounds — far beyond a typical auto carrier's capacity. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers don't fit on car carriers at all and must be hauled separately. Many RVs are non-running purchases that need transport via flatbed or drive-away service.

Heartland Auto Transport has specialized RV transport capabilities that go beyond what generalist auto transport companies offer. We work with carriers and drivers who specialize specifically in RV transport — typically with the proper equipment (oversized flatbeds, RV-specific trailers), CDL Class A driver credentials for drive-away service, and route planning experience for oversized loads. We move Class A motorhomes (gas and diesel pusher, 30-45 feet), Class B camper vans (Sprinter, ProMaster, Transit van conversions), Class C motorhomes (cabover style, 22-32 feet), fifth wheel trailers (toy haulers, traditional, and full-time models up to 45 feet), travel trailers (lightweight, mid-size, and luxury), toy haulers (combined RV and trailer functionality), pop-up campers and teardrop trailers, and park model RVs (semi-permanent units for resort use).

Two Ways to Transport an RV

RV transport happens one of two ways: drive-away or hauled. Drive-away service means a qualified driver gets in your RV and drives it to the destination. This is the most common method for Class A and Class C motorhomes that are running and roadworthy. Drive-away is faster and usually cheaper than hauling, but requires the RV to be operational, insured, and registered. Our drive-away drivers are CDL-certified, experienced with RV systems (slide-outs, leveling jacks, generators, awnings), and trained to inspect and document the vehicle's condition before and after transit.

Hauled transport means the RV is loaded onto a flatbed or specialty trailer and transported as cargo. This is necessary for non-running RVs, brand-new motorhomes coming off the manufacturing line with low miles, fifth wheels and travel trailers (which can't drive themselves), and oversized Class A pushers that exceed bridge clearances on certain routes. Hauled transport costs more than drive-away but is the only option in many situations.

When you request a quote, we'll recommend which method fits your RV best.

RV Transport Cost from Alabama

RV transport pricing varies dramatically based on type, distance, and method. Realistic costs from Alabama:

Drive-away service: Birmingham to Atlanta (Class C motorhome) $400-$600, Mobile to Fort Lauderdale (Class A diesel pusher) $1,200-$1,600, Huntsville to Phoenix (Class A gas motorhome) $2,500-$3,200, Montgomery to Seattle (Class C) $3,200-$4,200.

Hauled transport (flatbed/specialty): Birmingham to Atlanta (fifth wheel) $700-$1,000, Mobile to Tampa (travel trailer 28ft) $700-$1,000, Huntsville to Denver (toy hauler) $2,500-$3,500, Montgomery to Los Angeles (non-running Class A) $4,500-$6,000.

Oversized permits, escort vehicles, and specific routing for tall RVs can add to costs. The carrier handles permit applications — you don't deal with state DOT departments.

Preparing Your RV for Transport

RV transport prep is more involved than car transport prep.
  • Empty all water tanks: Fresh, gray, and black water tanks must be empty before transport. Tank contents can shift, freeze, leak, or damage tanks during transit.
  • Disconnect propane and verify all gas appliances are off: Propane tanks should be closed at the bottle. Some carriers require empty propane tanks.
  • Retract all slide-outs: Slides must be fully retracted and locked before transport.
  • Raise all leveling jacks: Stabilizers and leveling jacks must be fully retracted.
  • Stow awnings: Patio awnings, slide toppers, and window awnings should be fully retracted and locked.
  • Secure or remove all interior contents: Loose items inside cabinets, drawers, and counter surfaces will shift during transit. Pack items in bins or remove them.
  • Disconnect TV antennas and satellite dishes: Lower antennas and ensure they're locked in travel position.
  • Inflate tires properly: RV tires should be at proper pressure for travel. Underinflated tires can fail under load.
  • Provide registration, insurance, and title documentation: Drive-away service requires the RV to be properly registered and insured.
  • Disable any aftermarket alarm systems that could trigger during transport.

RV Dealer, Resort, and Storage Coordination

Heartland handles RV transport for: RV dealers transferring new motorhomes between locations; manufacturers delivering new RVs to dealerships nationwide; private buyers picking up RVs from out-of-state dealers; private sellers shipping sold RVs to buyers; estate transfers (inherited RVs being moved between family members); seasonal snowbirds shipping motorhomes to and from Florida, Arizona, and Texas; military families on PCS orders; full-timers shifting their primary RV between regions; and storage-to-storage transfers (Alabama owners moving RVs to better climates for off-season storage). We coordinate with RV dealerships, manufacturer compounds, storage facilities, RV resorts, and private addresses across the country.