Relocating to Scottsdale with an RV? The 5 Things to Know When Shipping Your RV

Moving to Scottsdale, Arizona can be an excellent decision. The landscape is beautiful, and the cost of living is relatively low.

But before you can reap the benefits of your new life, you first need to transport all your belongings, one of which is your RV.

How to Ship Your RV to Arizona

Once you arrive in Arizona, you might decide to buy a luxury home. However, you may need to live in your RV until you find the right property. This means your vehicle must arrive in perfect condition and accommodate all your needs. The following tips will help ensure your ride is shipped properly:

1. Choose Your Shipping Provider

The most important thing you should do when planning your RV transport is to find a reliable company. You can separate the wheat from the chaff by doing due diligence:

• Investigate your provider’s credentials. Check if they’re licensed by visiting the FMCSA website.
• Make sure they have experience hauling RVs or similar vehicles, such as campers and trailers. One of the most seasoned shipping companies in the U.S. is A-1 Auto Transport. Go to www.a1autotransport.com/rvs/ to take a closer look at their portfolio.
• Ask for references from happy customers.
• Read online customer reviews.

Another detail you should consider is the cost. Namely, your provider shouldn’t charge drastically more than the average cost of hauling your RV to Arizona.

The average cost depends on various factors, like the size of your vehicle and distance. Most carriers charge around $3.50 per mile for services under 100 miles. If the distance is between 100 and 1,000 miles, expect to pay approximately $1.05 per mile.

While price is important, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. You should primarily ensure you’re working with a dependable provider with a proven track record of transporting RVs.

2. Select the Type of Transport

RV transporters usually offer two types of shipping:

Flatbed Services

RV flatbed transportation involves large trucks with flatbed trailers that can haul multiple campers or RVs for long distances.

One of the most significant benefits of this method is the simple loading and unloading process. This is because flatbeds have drop decks that allow providers to lower your RV to the ground, eliminating the need to unload the vehicle yourself. Plus, you don’t need to wait for trucks to back up to loading docks.

Driveaway Service

This method has your RV transport company dispatch a professional driver who takes your vehicle to Arizona themselves. It doesn’t require additional vehicles or equipment.

There are several advantages to driveaway services, such as faster shipping. Your RV arrives at its destination much faster because the driver comes to you and immediately begins transporting it.

This is much quicker than traditional hauling services because the provider doesn’t need to load or unload the RV or other cars onto a flatbed along the way. Instead, they only have one task after collecting your RV – getting your RV and your RV only as safely and quickly as possible to Arizona.

On top of that, driveaway service providers generally let you transport pets, personal items, and any other possessions inside the RV. You’ll need to discuss with your carrier what’s allowed, but in most cases, you should be permitted to store various objects in your trunk or other storage areas. Additionally, most businesses don’t require you to detach RV accessories, which cannot be said for conventional transport services.

3. Prepare Your RV for the Transport

After finding a trustworthy provider, you’ll need to prepare your RV for the long haul. Here’s what most carriers require you to do before they start transporting your vehicle to Arizona:

Address the RV Interior

You should take care of several things inside your RV before the service:

• Disconnect power supply and gas lines.
• Remove framed photos and other hanging or loose items.
• Lock windows, cabinets, and doors to keep them from opening during transport.
• Clean out the fridge and defrost your freezer to safeguard against leaks.

Address the RV Exterior and Mechanical Components

Once you’ve secured your RV’s interior, move on to the exterior:

• Secure chains, pop-ups, cargo doors, and slide-outs.
• Turn on your RV and battery to double-check that crucial components work (e.g., turn signal, parking, and brake lights).
• Make sure your tow and hitch bar are in place and fastened securely.
• Examine coolant, transmission, and power steering fluid for leaks. Also, your RV should have a good amount of oil, especially if it’s a long-distance service.
• Ensure your battery is charged.

If necessary, go through your owner’s manual to find specific details on your RV transportation. It might be time-consuming, but it may also reveal key information on preparing your vehicle properly. It also helps ensure the service runs smoothly.

Additional Considerations

After securing and checking your interior and exterior, you should be aware of a few more considerations:

• Do you have a spare set of keys for the transportation company?
• Have you communicated any special needs beforehand?
• Have you planned for bad weather your RV may encounter? For example, you should top up your antifreeze container if there is a chance of freezing temperatures between your current location and Arizona.
• Have you provided the company with instructions? Do they know how to perform a manual override or shut down propane tanks?
• Have you left your RV manual inside the glove compartment?

4. Take Photos and Obtain Insurance

Careless drivers shouldn’t be an issue if you’ve booked a top-rated provider, but some elements can prove too challenging, even for the very best. From rocky terrain to storms, many adverse conditions can damage your RV on its way to Arizona.

To avoid having to pay for any damages yourself, document the condition of your vehicle before the driver collects it. Also, review their insurance policy or take out a separate one from a third-party insurer. Your insurance should clarify the amount and types of damage covered.

When you receive your RV in Arizona, inspect it thoroughly. If you notice any sign of damage, file an insurance claim.

5. Say Hi to Your New State

There’s no better way to explore Arizona than from the comfort of your RV, but only if it arrives unharmed. Hence, don’t take a chance with disreputable shippers, even if they offer low rates. Only work with a seasoned, licensed, and accomplished provider.