More and more people are taking to the road, but they are also bringing their homes with them. How is this possible?
By owning or renting a recreational vehicle. Known as RV living, these large, retrofitted vehicles come with most of your homes’ amenities and creature comforts.
A Beginners Guide To RVing
Originally known as campers, an RV these days comes in many shapes and sizes. Depending on your needs, an RV can meet your expectations and budget. Driving your home around in a cross-country adventure can be a lot of fun.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the right RV for you.
How Many Of You Are Going On The Trip?
This is an obvious consideration, and your group’s size will determine the size of the vehicle. The kind of camping you also plan to undertake will affect your choice. Others like to pitch a tent, for instance, will some opt to bunk inside the vehicle.
How Frequently Do You Plan To Camp?
Some vehicles are easier to move around than others. Some models require a simpler setting-up, while others need more elaborate routines. Do you also have multiple campsite destinations? (Read 5 Must Have RV Camping Accessories)
These factors will help you select the proper RV model.
What Lifestyle Do I Expect or Need?
As RV models will range with the number of features, this will also affect your selection. Are you OK with a simple model that has basic bedding and cooking amenities? On the other hand, perhaps you prefer more luxury, such as a heated shower or entertainment system.
Do you plan to bring many supplies? Ask yourself these questions, and you will be able to narrow down your choice.
Recreational Vehicle Transporting
The beauty and novelty of an RV are that it is your home on wheels. Either your unit is motorized or has a trailer type of camper that you haul typically with a truck. The mobility of the unit is what all the fun is about.
However, there may be instances when you will want to transport the vehicle. An RV transport company can provide vehicle-moving services. They are trained professionals and are a specialty company equipped and competent at this service.
These RV movers also eliminate the need to drive long hours, especially if you do not feel comfortable behind the wheel. RV shipping is thus the best option for you when you want to bring your camper to a destination, minus the rigors of a road trip.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship An RV Overseas?
Now on the extreme side of things, some RV owners can even bring their campers abroad. Although I have never done this, I can understand why some folks would. Many RV owners can grow accustomed to the accommodations and would rather not be constantly adjusting to new lodgings. Here are some factors that will affect shipping costs.
Physical Dimensions
Since an RV is a sizeable unit, expect to pay a premium amount for transporting overseas. The size, weight, and dimensions of the vehicle will directly affect shipping costs.
Destination
Another variable that will affect shipping cost is where you are shipping the vehicle. The farther the country, the more it will cost. Your RV’s destination will likely be to a shipping port.
Tariffs and Duties
Depending on the country you are going to, taxes will add to your overall cost for shipping. As this amount will vary from one country to another, your best option is to contact the US Embassy to help you determine the tariffs and duties that will apply.
Documentation
While you are at it talking with US Embassy personnel, also make sure to ask what documentation is needed for the release of the vehicle from customs. Likewise, make sure to bring all the pertinent papers required to drive your vehicle on foreign roads. These will be papers like proof of insurance, bill of lading, passports, etc.
Actual Figures
As you can see, many variables will affect shipping overseas. To peg an estimated shipping freight cost, a 24-foot RV from Baltimore, Maryland, to Barcelona, Spain will set you back approximately just a bit below $3000.
Another source, uship.com, quotes rates at an average of $3.32 per mile for an RV transport move less than 100 miles. For RV shipping less than 1000 miles, the rate is $1.05 per mile.
Prepare Your Vehicle Properly and Thoroughly
The last thing you want to happen is for your RV to sustain unnecessary damage during shipping. Whether interstate or overseas, here is a brief checklist I use.
- As a rule, if an item moves, take it down.
- Secure every door, drawer, and cabinet shut. Ideally, tape them closed for added security.
- Takedown everything that is hanging on the walls.
- Remove all dangerous substances such as cleaning chemicals, liquids, cooking fuels, and other combustible stuff.
- Remove all breakable items. Also, remove any items of value that could tempt theft.
Finally, ask your professional movers if they have a checklist of what further precautions you should do before shipping the camper. To further protect your investment, get your vehicle insured, and look into the insurance policy of the moving company you selected. (Read How to Unclog a RV Toilet Holding Tank)
If you love traveling in your recreational vehicle, there really are no boundaries. A trip within your state, outside of it, or even overseas are all options available to you. If the price is right, as the saying goes, go for it!
