Recreational vehicles (RVs) dominate the towable market with fifth wheels and travel trailers. Although both RVs dominate, they have towing differences. Have you ever wondered how these large vehicles travel from factory to dealership or to a different state for a buyer?
Shipping RVs requires advanced logistics due to their size, weight, and design. In this guide, we break down the process, highlighting similarities and differences between 5th wheel hauling and travel trailer relocation.
Travel Trailers vs 5th Wheels
- Travel trailers hitch to a vehicle’s rear bumper with a standard ball mount. They range from compact 10–20ft models to larger 30+ft versions and are usually towable by SUVs or half-ton trucks.
- Fifth wheels use a gooseneck hitch in a pickup truck bed, with the trailer hanging over the rear axle for better weight distribution. 5th wheels are usually taller about 25–45ft and need ¾-ton or 1-ton trucks.
Common RV Shipping Methods
Most RV shipping falls into two main categories:
- Tow Away Service
- Flatbed Hauling
| Tow Away Service | A professional driver hitches the RV to a suitable truck and tows it directly to the destination. This is the most common method for both types. |
| Flatbed Hauling | The RV is loaded onto a large flatbed trailer pulled by a semi-truck, often used for smaller or non-operational units. |
From factories, especially Elkhart, Indiana, the RV hub, the RV units are towed individually by CDL-licensed drivers. To limit their liability, drivers refrain from entering RVs, so the interiors are factory-fresh when they arrive. Due to stacking risks and height restrictions, large RVs rarely use flatbeds.
Shipping Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are more flexible to ship thanks to their bumper-pull hitch and low height (usually 8–12ft tall).
Among the key aspects are:
- Factory-to-dealer transport – Smaller or single-axle models are frequently stacked on flatbed trailers, allowing multiple units per semi-truck for efficiency. Larger ones are towed individually.
- Personal relocation – a tow-away is popular and straightforward. A flatbed is common if the trailer is non-drivable or to avoid tire/axle wear. A winch loads it via ramps, then it’s secured with heavy straps.
- Advantages – Lower height means fewer bridge clearance issues and easier permitting. Costs typically run $1.50–$3 per mile, depending on distance, size, and fuel.
Shipping Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are taller (often 12–13.5ft) and use a gooseneck hitch, which creates their own challenges.
Main points:
- Factory-to-dealer transport – Always towed one at a time using trucks with bed-mounted hitches. Flatbeds are rare because their elevated front ends go over legal height restrictions (requiring oversize permits or special routes).
- Personal relocation – A tow-away is most common; the driver needs a truck with a fifth-wheel hitch. Flatbeds are possible but expensive and uncommon because this process often requires a lowboy trailer).
- Advantages/Considerations – The hitch design provides excellent stability during transit, reducing sway and potential damage. Costs are higher due to weight and specialized equipment. Prep may include securing slide-outs or removing the pin box.
Preparation Steps Before Shipping
Before any transport begins, proper preparation is essential to minimize damage risks like shifting items or cosmetic issues. Owners handle most prep, while drivers perform final checks. The process is similar for both types but has slight variations due to design.
General Preparation Checklist (Applies to Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels):
- Make sure the exterior is clean so pre-existing damage can be documented (for insurance).
- Be sure to remove all personal belongings. Transport insurance does not cover loose items that move around in the RV.
- The propane tanks need to be disconnected (the valves need to be closed), appliances and electronics need to be turned off, and all water tanks (fresh, gray, black) need to be drained.
- A full inspection and inflation of tires should be performed, as well as checking brakes, lights, and batteries.
- Photograph the RV’s condition (exterior, interior, tires) from multiple angles on the bill of lading.
Key Comparisons: Fifth Wheels vs. Travel Trailers
Here’s a side-by-side look at the biggest differences in shipping:
| Factor | Travel Trailers | Fifth Wheels |
| Primary Shipping Method | Tow-away + flatbed (stackable for smaller units) | Almost exclusively tow-away |
| Cost Per Mile | About $1.50-$3 | About $2-$4 |
| Height/Clearance | Lower (8–12 ft) fewer issues with clearance | Taller (12–13.5 ft) limits flatbed use |
| Bulk Factory Shipping | Easier (multiple units per truck common) | Rare (one at a time) |
Potential Challenges and How They’re Handled
Since RVs are so large, there are always risks associated with moving one. But these risks can be reduced by trusting experienced carriers who have the proper preparation skills and handling practices. Travel trailers and fifth wheels are both exposed to weather and road debris during the hauling process. That is why professional drivers must plan routes carefully and secure loads with commercial-grade tie-downs to avoid the RVS from swaying. Inspections before a trip help catch potential problems before they become serious issues.
Travel trailers require extra weight distribution especially if they’re travelling in high winds. In addition to wind resistance and clearance, fifth wheels present different challenges which can be dealt with by using appropriate towing equipment and route planning. A reputable carrier will document pickup and delivery conditions, perform walk-arounds, and carry cargo insurance to minimize risk and resolve claims.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to relocating fifth wheels and travel trailers, it’s important to always use professional towing services, since their designs require two different approaches. Travel trailers outperform fifth wheels on versatility and cost-efficiency (especially with flatbed stacking), while fifth wheels need more stability and more specialized towing. Only professional RV towing and hauling companies have the basic understanding of these logistics and will help you understand how much effort goes into getting an RV delivered to its new home, whether it’s rolling off a factory line in Indiana or arriving at a dealership thousands of miles away.
