Camper, Mobile Home & RV Shipping

All slide-outs must be fully retracted and locked in the travel position before transport. Slides left extended or partially open are not road-legal and create immediate structural risk during towing or driving. Confirm each slide is fully closed and that the lock mechanism is engaged. For motorhomes and fifth wheels with hydraulic slide systems, verify that the hydraulic pressure is holding and that no slides are creeping after retraction.

For units with slide toppers, check that the topper fabric is properly seated and will not catch wind or debris during transit. A slide topper that tears free at highway speed can cause damage to the unit’s exterior and to other vehicles. If any slide topper is damaged or improperly attached, address it before the transport date or notify your SAC coordinator so the driver is aware before loading.

All patio awnings, window awnings, and slide awnings must be fully retracted and secured in their travel locks before pickup. Awnings not properly locked in the retracted position can deploy at highway speed, causing structural damage to the awning arms and potential damage to other vehicles. After retracting each awning, confirm the travel lock is engaged and give the awning a firm tug to verify it will not release during transit.

For units with automatic electric awnings, retract and lock the awning using the manual lock mechanism rather than relying solely on the motor to hold it in place. The vibration and wind load during highway transport at 55 to 70 mph is more than most automatic awning motors are designed to hold against. Manual travel locks are the only reliable way to ensure the awning stays secured throughout the trip.

Remove or securely stow all exterior accessories before transport. This includes outdoor furniture, doormats, solar panels on adjustable mounts, satellite dishes on non-permanent mounts, bike racks with bikes attached, and any decorative items attached to the exterior. Accessories left on the unit that are not transport-rated will be damaged or lost in transit and may create road hazards.

For permanently mounted accessories – satellite dishes, solar panels, rooftop cargo carriers – confirm all fasteners are tight and that the item is rated for highway transport speeds. If there is any doubt about whether an accessory can withstand highway conditions, remove it before transport and ship it separately. Your SAC coordinator can advise on whether specific accessories should be removed based on the unit’s route and transport method.

Remove all loose items from countertops, tables, and open shelving before transport. Items left on surfaces will shift during transit and can break, fall, or cause damage to cabinets, appliances, and interior fixtures. Drawers and cabinet doors should be latched closed, refrigerator doors should be latched or propped open if the unit will be transported without power, and any breakable items should be wrapped and stored in lower cabinets.

For the refrigerator specifically: if the transport will take more than a day or two, empty and clean the refrigerator and leave the door propped slightly open to prevent mold and odor. Do not transport with full tanks of water as the added weight is unnecessary and water in the lines can leak during the vibration of transit. Empty gray and black tanks completely before pickup to reduce weight and eliminate any odor or leak risk during transport.

Before transport, confirm all utility connections are disconnected and capped. Water inlet caps tight. City water connection capped. Electrical shore power cord stowed in its compartment. LP gas tanks turned off at the valve – not just at the appliance. Sewer hose stowed and sewer outlet capped. Any slide-out hose connections or utility umbilicals secured in their storage positions.

For motorhomes being driven by a carrier driver, confirm that the LP gas is turned off at the tank and that no appliances are running during transport. A running appliance during transport creates both a fire risk and a regulatory issue in states where LP transport with open valves is restricted. A five-minute utility check before pickup eliminates one of the most preventable risk categories in RV transport.

Roof-mounted air conditioners, vents, antennas, and cargo must all be confirmed secured and within the unit’s stated transport height. For units with raised roof vents, satellite dome antennas, or added rooftop cargo carriers, measure the total transport height from the ground to the highest point before booking. This height determines permit requirements and route planning on the transport.

If the unit has a telescoping or raising antenna, ensure it is fully lowered and locked in the travel position. RV antennas that are left raised are the single most common cause of bridge strike damage during transport, and bridge strikes are generally not covered by standard carrier insurance. Your SAC coordinator will confirm the unit’s height at booking and factor it into route planning, but having it accurate from the owner’s side is essential for route compliance.

Accurate dimensions – total length, width with mirrors if applicable, and total height including roof-mounted equipment – and the unit’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) are required at booking to determine the appropriate carrier, permit requirements, and route. Use the unit’s title, registration, or manufacturer’s spec sheet to confirm these figures. For mobile homes, include the width and whether it is a single wide or double wide structure.

Inaccurate dimensions at booking are the most common cause of permit errors and carrier mismatches in oversized transport. A unit quoted at 13 feet tall that actually measures 13 feet 6 inches requires different permits and potentially a different route. Providing accurate specs upfront takes a few minutes and prevents delays, repricing, and dispatch complications that add time and cost to the transport.