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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship an RV Overseas?
Shipping an RV overseas can be a daunting task. There are many different parts to the process, and each may cost you more or less money depending on your situation. In this article, we will break down all of the costs associated with shipping an RV overseas so that you know exactly what you’re getting into before making any decisions.
The first part of shipping a motor vehicle overseas is finding an agent to work with. All agents are not created equally, and the more reputable they are, the better prices you’ll be able to find for your particular journey.
Shipping costs vary from company to company as well based on how many miles away it needs to travel before arriving in its final destination country, so make sure that you look into this detail when comparing apples-to-apples rates between different carriers.
The same guidelines that apply to shipping a car must be followed when sending an RV abroad. This indicates that you require a title of ownership that is free of liens. If you purchased the RV brand-new, your name as the registered owner must appear on the front of the title.
If the RV has been sold, the title’s back must be signed by both the buyer and the seller.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship an RV Overseas? Expect to pay between $100 and $300 per foot of RV. So, a 30 foot RV can cost between $3,000 and $9,000 to ship overseas.
Can you ship an RV overseas?
Shipping an RV overseas is a fairly common practice, though it does depend on the type of vehicle. Most if not all overseas shippers can ship these RVs.
- Motorhomes
- Truck Campers
- Toy Haulers
- Bus Conversions
- Travel Trailers
- Light Weights
- Popup Campers
- And more…
If you’re going to be shipping any kind of motorized vehicle abroad, make sure that it meets all requirements for being transported through Customs in either country’s port. You’ll need things like your original bill or invoice showing purchase date and price from seller; proof of ownership such as registration papers (if applicable); non-expired insurance documentation; and a certificate proving that there are no liens against the trailer/vehicle if purchased within the last six months.
In addition to these formalities, some countries require parts of vehicles entering their borders to have duty paid before they can be registered for use locally – this includes motorcycles, heavy machinery and large trailers. You will need to obtain this duty before you can ship your RV overseas in order for it to be legal in the country of destination.
How are RVs shipped overseas?
Motorhomes and trailers can be shipped overseas using cargo ships, but there are a few things you need to do before you put your RV on the loading dock.
The roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) method is the only option you have due to the sheer size of the vehicle. These large ships are designed for transporting wheeled cargo, whereby the vehicles are driven onto the ship via a ramp, just like a parking garage.
Once loaded on the RoRo vessel, your RV will be tied down securely in its designated spot. This method is both highly efficient and very cost-effective, with reliable departure and arrival dates. It runs on a schedule similar to an airline so you can rest assured it will ship when the company says it will.
All RVs are tied down below deck for the ultimate protection against external elements.
Size & Weight
The size and weight of the vehicle is an important consideration when shipping. If your RV exceeds a certain weight or size, you will have to pay for additional freight charges in order to ship it overseas.
Distance & Location
The distance and location of where the vehicle is being shipped will also affect how much it costs to ship. Distance and destination are major factors in determining freight charges, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
What should I do before shipping my RV overseas?
In order for your motorhome or trailer to be legal abroad, you must have duty paid and obtain an import license from the country’s customs office ahead of time. You can find out more about purchasing a temporary license at any port administration by contacting them directly online or through phone call if they offer 24-hour service (most locations only provide these services during business hours).
Is it worth shipping an RV overseas?
Weighing costs and benefits are always the best way to decide if shipping your RV overseas will be a good decision. If you want to save some money, but are willing to take on all of the risks that may come with driving there yourself, then this might work for you.
If you’re only in the destination for a few days or weeks, it might make more sense to rent a camper for the time you’re there. This will be much cheaper in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about finding an RV shipping company that can take your vehicle while abroad
If you’re traveling for multiple months, or you’re moving there permanently, then it might be an idea to ship your RV overseas.
It’s also important to think about what type of vehicle you are shipping and how much it weighs!
If the weight is under 6000kg (about 13000 pounds), then most international destinations should not have any problems accommodating them with their standard size specifications. This includes both Europe and Australia. But if they exceed this weight limit, many countries will need more than just a container; for example, Russia needs at least two 40 foot containers in order to accommodate trucks that weigh over 9000 kgs (18 000 lbs).
Countries like Canada require vehicles weighing over 15000 kilograms (33 000 pounds) to book in advance due to limited space.
Preparing an RV for International Transport
It will be less likely for there to be any damages or problems during international transport if you follow certain instructions and checklists. Get a quote for your RV shipping.
Thus, we’ve listed some of the typical elements in the list below that you might want to review:
Insides of RVs
- Lock up all of the cabinets, windows, and doors. To prevent them from opening up as a result of vigorous movement, you can use tape.
- Never leave anything dangling from the RV’s hood or walls. Don’t forget to disconnect the gas connections, power supplies, and all electrical appliances.
Aspects of RVs
- Make sure that all of the necessary lights are off.
- Do not forget to lock the doors and all other doors and windows thru-out the RV.
Mechanics of RVs
- Check for oil and other fluid leaks throughout the RV engine compartment.
- Have the RV or motor home checked for proper tow bar installation, battery readings, and other mechanical components.
RV Safety Precautions
- Check the air pressure needed for air brakes.
- Look for any obvious wear and tear or cracks in the tires.
Other Advice and Suggestions
- Make sure you give your motor home shipping company the entire set of keys.
- Give the movers a complete list of directions in case of emergencies.
- Recall to thoroughly read all documentation pertaining to insurance, shippers’ requirements, terms and conditions, rules, and any other laws unique to your type of RV.