For this recent shipment, we had a 2019 Tiffin Class C motor home that we transported from New Richmond, WI to Tampa, FL using an open trailer service. This vehicle was transported for 1559 miles, costing us $4,500.00 for a total cost of $2.89 per mile.
This motor home was operable and because of its size, this makes the shipment quite different from the rest of the other vehicles and trailers mentioned throughout the series. It was 25’7″ in length, 7’6″ in width, 11’4″ in height, and weighed 11,030 pounds.
The Route
The distance between New Richmond and Tampa is 1559 miles via an east-west route. This starts from western Wisconsin to Tampa in Florida. Typically, carriers start from New Richmond and move towards Chicago along the I-94 and then switch to the I-65 going southward to Indianapolis, Louisville, and Nashville.
From there, the route continues to go south along the I-75 to Atlanta, down Georgia, and finally into Tampa via the I-4.
Why This Motorhome Was Loaded Onto a Trailer
Although a motorhome is designed for the road, transporting it on a special trailer is not unusual, as it ensures that the distance is traveled by the trailer rather than the motorhome’s engine. Transporting such a large load requires a trailer that can hold extra-large loads, which is normally a low-deck trailer that will ensure the overall height of the trailer and the motorhome does not exceed regulations.
The importance of having the low-deck trailer becomes apparent when you realize that a normal flatbed trailer a few feet above the ground will make the overall height exceed allowable limits. Thus, a special trailer will ensure that height clearance requirements are met without the need for a permit.
Why Height and Weight Still Matter for a Load Like This
With a standing height of 11’4″ all by itself, this motorhome is already near enough to the normal bridge clearance height that the carrier will have to work with it once it is loaded onto the trailer. The need to keep the overall stack height below the normal 13’6″ clearance on the majority of the interstates is why a low-deck trailer is required for this load rather than a flatbed.
The weight of the motorhome at 11,030 pounds is relatively light for an oversized load. Nevertheless, when combined with the weight of the trailer, this remains a consideration for the carrier.
Transport Summary
- Origin: New Richmond, WI 54017
- Destination: Tampa, FL 33605
- Distance: 1559 miles
- Service cost: $4,500.00
- Cost per mile: $2.89
- Vehicle: 2019 Tiffin Class C Motorhome
- Dimensions: 25’7″ L x 7’6″ W x 11’4″ H
- Weight: 11,030 lbs
- Condition: Operable
- Trailer type: Open
- Route: I-94 to I-65 south through Louisville and Nashville, then I-75 south through Atlanta and I-4 into Tampa
