Moving a custom motorhome or recreation vehicle across the country is a significant logistics project. Standard car trailers cannot handle the physical dimensions and weight of high-roof conversion vans. Our specialized camper van transport services safely solve these shipping challenges. We transport your home-on-wheels without adding mechanical wear or tire damage.
Tempus Logix coordinates reliable RV transport and vehicle shipping solutions nationwide. We are a fully licensed and bonded transport broker holding USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120 credentials. Our Better Business Bureau accredited team maintains a thoroughly vetted network of specialty flatbed and hotshot carriers. Shippers can read about Why Choose Tempus Logix to see our complete commitment to safety. We specialize in shipping Sprinter vans, Ram ProMasters, and custom mobile builds.
Booking your camper transport online is completely free. We do not require credit card details or upfront deposits to reserve your shipping slot. You only pay after our coordinators match your order with a vetted, insured driver. This transparent system ensures you face no hidden booking fees or sudden price changes.
Our dedicated coordinators track weather conditions and road construction along your transport route. We verify every carrier’s cargo insurance policy and active federal operating authority before loading. This direct management protects your high-value investment and ensures on-time delivery. Contact our team today to discuss your shipment schedule.
Get a Free Quote or Call +1 (866) 607-8459 to speak with an RV shipping specialist.
What is Camper Van Shipping?
Camper van shipping (or Class B motorhome transport) is a specialized hauling service. We relocate motorized conversion vans or Class B RVs using flatbed trailers, single-car hotshot haulers, or drive-away services. This safely relocates high-roof and custom-outfitted vehicles without adding road wear.
Custom motorized campers are heavier and taller than standard consumer vehicles. Most custom conversion models weigh between 8,000 and 11,000 pounds. Their tall roofs often stand between 9 and 10 feet off the ground. These oversized dimensions make standard multi-car trailers completely unsuitable for camper van transport.
While standard passenger cars typically travel on open auto transport trailers, we utilize specialized single-car hotshot trailers and low-profile flatbeds to transport these heavy loads. Our flatbeds feature heavy-duty ramps and high-capacity winches to load your van safely. Using a dedicated trailer ensures your custom rig rides secure and level. This setup prevents low road clearance hazards and high wind drag damage on the highway.
Our carrier network handles a wide variety of specialized camper builds. We routinely ship high-roof Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, Ford Transit conversions, and Ram ProMaster campers.
We provide specialized sprinter van shipping for custom-outfitted Mercedes-Benz platforms. We also transport vintage Volkswagen Westfalia models and custom camper conversions. Our dispatchers verify your van’s exact wheelbase and weight before assigning a driver.
Our flatbed carriers feature air-ride suspensions to protect delicate interior living builds. Custom cabinetry, custom plumbing lines, and expensive electronics can suffer damage from standard trailer vibrations. The air-ride system dampens highway bumps and keeps your interior components safe. This attention to detail protects your custom build throughout the journey.
We accommodate the needs of digital nomads, custom builders, and remote van buyers. Many customers purchase custom conversions from builders located thousands of miles away. We arrange direct door-to-door car shipping between private residences, fabrication shops, and rural campsites. Our team communicates with you during every phase of the shipping process.
We offer a priority date booking option for clients with strict travel timelines. This service requires a $300 upfront fee to guarantee a priority slot on the carrier’s schedule. Our standard booking remains completely free of upfront charges. We work to align our shipping windows with your campsite reservations or flights.
Flatbed vs. Drive-Away: Choosing the Best Camper Van Transport Method
Drive-away transport involves a professional driver operating your camper van directly on its own wheels. However, specialized flatbed or single-car hotshot shipping is the ideal choice. This option is perfect for high-value or custom builds. It eliminates extra mechanical mileage, tire wear, and risk of road debris damage.
Choosing the right shipping method affects your van’s mechanical health and total relocation cost. Drive-away services require a driver to log thousands of miles on your engine and tires. This wear can trigger sudden breakdowns or service intervals on long journeys. Our flatbed and hotshot transport keeps your camper completely off the road during transit.
The table below outlines the core differences between these shipping options:
| Shipping Feature | Flatbed & Hotshot Shipping | Drive-Away Transport Service |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Tire Wear | Zero additional miles on the odometer | Adds significant mileage and tire tread wear |
| Road Hazard Risk | Elevated on trailer, protected from gravel | High risk of windshield cracks and tire punctures |
| Mechanical Reliability | Ideal for non-running or vintage models | Requires van to be 100% road-worthy |
| Travel Restrictions | Follows commercial heavy vehicle routes | Restricted by driver endurance and road rules |
| Interior Security | Van is locked and secure on trailer bed | Driver lives and sleeps inside the living space |
| Best Suited For | High-value custom builds and Class B RVs | Budget relocations of standard factory vans |
Flatbed hauling is the safest choice for delicate conversion van transport projects. High-velocity highway winds can rattle custom fiberglass panels and exterior attachments. Just like exotic or classic cars require enclosed auto transport to block road debris, custom camper van conversions benefit from the heavy physical shield of transport trailers. When loaded on a flatbed, your vehicle rides behind a heavy-duty tow truck. This positioning blocks flying gravel, road salt, and insect splatters on the highway.
Drive-away drivers must operate the vehicle’s engine, brakes, and electrical systems. This requirement exposes your camper’s custom systems to potential operational errors. If a cooling hose leaks or a battery drains, the driver must find remote highway repair shops. Flatbed transport avoids these mechanical risks and saves your engine’s warranty miles.
We double-verify the transport configuration before our drivers depart. We ensure the flatbed has the proper tie-down points to secure your van’s heavy frame. Our carriers use soft wheel straps instead of metal frame chains to prevent suspension damage. This specialized loading technique ensures your custom camper remains pristine.
How to Prepare Your Camper Van for Highway Shipping
Preparing your camper van for shipping is straightforward. First, secure all interior cabinetry, loose living gear, and sliding doors. Second, completely drain fresh, grey, and black water tanks to reduce total weight. Third, physically lock down exterior solar panels, roof vents, and roll-out awnings. Fourth, disconnect the leisure batteries and turn off propane valves. Finally, document the van’s pre-shipment condition with high-resolution, dated photos of all angles. Taking these steps prevents expensive interior and exterior damage during transit.
Here is a detailed preparation checklist to secure your camper van for transport:
1. Secure All Interior Cabinetry and Gear: Lock all interior cabinet doors, drawers, and refrigerator latches securely. Wrap glass dishes and loose items in bubble wrap or store them in plastic bins. A heavy turn on the highway can throw unsecured items across your living space.
2. Drain Fresh and Waste Water Tanks: Empty your fresh water, grey water, and black water holding tanks completely. Liquid sloshing inside half-full tanks shifts the van’s center of gravity and causes trailer sway. Draining these tanks also reduces your van’s total shipping weight.
3. Lock Down Exterior Rooftop Attachments: Check the security of your rooftop solar panels, roof racks, and ventilation fans. Tighten any loose mounting bolts on your side-mounted roll-out awning. High-velocity winds up to 70 mph can tear loose awnings off the van body.
4. Shut Off Propane and Disconnect Batteries: Close all propane gas valves tightly at the main tank regulator. Disconnect your camper’s leisure batteries and turn off the 12-volt master power switch. This precaution prevents electrical shorts and fire hazards during highway transport.
5. Inspect Tires and Document Condition: Check your tire pressure and inspect the tread for dry rot or cracking. Take high-resolution, dated photographs of your van’s exterior and interior from multiple angles. Note any pre-existing scratches on the official Bill of Lading.
Completing these preparation steps prevents expensive structural damage to your living space. The shipping driver will inspect your van’s exterior at pickup to verify its road readiness. They will record any pre-existing cosmetic wear on the Bill of Lading. Our coordinators provide you with a comprehensive prep checklist during the booking process.
Height and Vertical Clearance Requirements for Shipping High-Roof Camper Vans
Shipping a high-roof camper van requires meticulous vertical clearance planning. We must stay safely below the legal interstate limit of 13 feet 6 inches. Crucial clearance planning factors are simple. First, measure the exact height from the ground to the highest roof-mounted accessory. This includes solar panels, AC units, or MaxxFans. Second, we match the van with low-profile flatbeds or step-deck trailers to offset height. Third, we secure specialized routing permits for any setup exceeding legal heights. Finally, we double-verify transit routes to avoid low-clearance bridges and overhanging tree limbs. Our transport planners carefully calculate these clearances.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the critical clearance elements we manage for your shipment:
Accurate Ground-to-Peak Measurements: You must measure your van from the flat ground to its absolute highest point. This measurement must include any aftermarket roof racks, air conditioners, or solar arrays. Standard manufacturer height specs do not account for custom conversion modifications.
Low-Profile Trailer Matching: High-roof vans often exceed 9 feet in height on their own wheels. Loading these vans on standard flatbeds pushes the overall height past the legal 13’6″ limit. We match tall vans with low-profile step-deck trailers to lower the transit profile.
Over-height Routing and Permits: If your loaded transport exceeds the federal height limit, we must secure specialized state permits. These permits require our drivers to follow specific highway routes that avoid low bridges. Our coordinators handle all state permit applications before transport.
Route Hazards and Obstruction Avoidance: Tree limbs, low-clearance urban bridges, and low-hanging utility wires pose major risks to tall vehicles. Our experienced carriers plan routes that utilize approved commercial corridors. This proactive routing protects your expensive rooftop equipment from physical impacts.
Custom roof attachments can easily push a standard van into oversized transport territory. A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a high roof and custom solar panels can stand 10 feet tall. Our logistics specialists evaluate your van’s dimensions to select the safest trailer type. We double-verify all road clearance limits before our driver begins the trip.
Evaluating Cargo Insurance Coverage for Custom Camper Van Conversions
Yes, reputable transport carriers provide primary cargo liability insurance. This coverage typically ranges between $100,000 and $250,000. It covers the physical transit of custom camper conversions. Key insurance checks for custom builds are straightforward. First, verify the carrier’s active FMCSA registration and MCS-150 status. Second, confirm the policy specifically covers modified Class B RVs. Third, obtain written coverage limits for high-value solar and rooftop components. Finally, confirm that personal interior belongings are not insured under standard cargo policies. We enforce these safety requirements on every shipment.
Here are the essential insurance standards we verify for your camper van transport:
Federal Operating Credentials Verification: We verify every carrier’s Department of Transportation registration in the federal database. We only dispatch drivers with active FMCSA operating authority and clean safety records. Our team ensures the carrier’s MCS-150 filings match their current fleet operations.
High-Limit Cargo Liability Policies: Custom camper conversions represent significant financial investments, often valued over $150,000. We confirm that our assigned carriers hold robust cargo insurance policies with high coverage limits. This coverage protects your vehicle from collision damage and road hazards.
Written Exclusions for Custom Modifications: Standard policies can exclude aftermarket components if they are not explicitly listed. We verify that the carrier’s underwriter covers high-value additions like solar panels and custom suspensions. Our coordinators confirm these details in writing before loading.
Personal Property Exclusion Guidelines: Commercial cargo insurance policies only cover the physical vehicle structure. They do not cover personal electronics, loose tools, or camping gear stored inside the cabin. We advise customers to remove high-value personal belongings prior to transport.
Our rigorous vetting process ensures your custom camper van remains fully protected. We collect active Certificates of Insurance directly from the carrier’s insurance underwriters. Our coordinators check policy expiration dates and coverage limits before booking. This complete insurance verification provides peace of mind throughout your shipping project.
Camper Van Shipping Costs and Quotes
The cost to ship a camper van typically ranges from $1.50 to $4.50 per mile. The final rate depends on the total distance, vehicle dimensions, weight, and transport method.
Tempus Logix offers instant, binding quotes. We secure double-vetted carriers under USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120. No upfront deposits are required until scheduling is complete. We ensure our pricing remains transparent from the start.
Several key factors determine the final price of your conversion van transport:
Vehicle Dimensions and Weight: Larger high-roof vehicles require specialized low-profile flatbeds or hotshot trailers. These heavy-haul trailers consume more diesel fuel and require extra route planning.
Total Transport Distance: Long-distance interstate routes have a higher overall cost but a lower rate per mile. Shorter regional trips carry a higher per-mile rate to cover loading and unloading overhead.
Selected Shipping Method: Standard flatbed and hotshot transport is highly cost-effective. Drive-away transport or specialized enclosed trailers carry premium pricing structures.
Seasonal shipping demand also shifts the pricing of sprinter van shipping throughout the year. Many camper owners ship their vans south during late autumn to escape freezing temperatures. This migration pattern increases carrier demand along popular north-to-south highway corridors. Booking your transport during off-peak seasons can help you secure lower rates.
Booking your transport online through our website is completely free with no upfront payments. We do not require credit card details or deposits to reserve a carrier slot. You only pay after our coordinators finalize your transport schedule with an insured driver. Phone booking with a dedicated agent is also available and may involve an initial processing charge.
Get a Free Quote or Call +1 (866) 607-8459 to calculate your exact shipping costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Van Shipping
Q: Is booking my camper van shipping online with Tempus Logix completely free?
Yes, booking your camper van shipping online through our website is completely free with zero upfront payments. We do not charge reservation fees to secure a slot on a carrier’s schedule. You only pay after our dedicated coordinators finalize your shipping dates with a vetted driver. This policy ensures full transparency and protects you from unexpected booking charges.
Q: What are the requirements for shipping an inoperable camper van?
If the camper van is inoperable, we must confirm that it can roll, brake, and steer safely. Vehicles with seized wheels or broken axles cannot be loaded using standard flatbed ramps. You must arrange for specialized towing equipment or cranes to load the vehicle. Please notify our team in advance so we can dispatch a carrier equipped with heavy winches.
Q: Can the transport carrier come directly to my driveway if my camper van is oversized?
For oversized camper vans, we must confirm that a semi-truck can safely access your driveway. Most large transport trucks require wide streets and high vertical clearances to maneuver safely. If your neighborhood has tight turns or low-hanging tree branches, we will arrange a nearby parking lot for loading. This precaution protects both your van and the carrier’s trailer.
Q: Can I leave personal belongings or living gear inside my camper van during shipping?
Yes, you may include up to 100 pounds of personal belongings inside your camper van at no additional cost. However, please note that these items are not insured under the carrier’s cargo policy. We cannot guarantee the safety of personal belongings, and they are shipped entirely at your own risk. Please ensure all items are placed below window level and secured tightly inside cabinets.
Q: What is a ‘dry run’ fee and when does it apply to camper van shipping?
A dry run fee of $150 applies if the carrier arrives for pickup but cannot load the van. This typically happens due to circumstances outside their control. This fee covers the driver’s fuel consumption and lost time. Common causes include the vehicle not being ready or the pickup location being physically inaccessible. Double-checking your vehicle readiness and route accessibility avoids this charge.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my camper van shipping order?
If a driver has not yet been assigned to your order, we will provide a full refund. However, if you cancel after the truck is already en route to your location, a $150 cancellation fee will apply. This fee compensates the driver for their fuel and travel time. Contact our coordinators as early as possible to adjust your schedule.
Q: Do you offer jump-start assistance if my camper’s starter battery is dead?
Yes, we offer jump-start assistance for an $80 service fee to help load your vehicle. If the van remains completely inoperable after a jump-start, we must use a heavy winch. Winch services range from $150 to $300 depending on the vehicle’s size and location. Informing our team about battery issues in advance ensures our driver brings the proper equipment.
Related Camper Van Shipping and RV Transport Guides
Reviewing our comprehensive resources helps you make the absolute best decision for your specialized vehicle shipping needs. We coordinate safe, reliable transit solutions for all camper types across the country.
RV Transport: Return to our main RV and camper transport hub for a complete overview of specialized shipping services, trailer options, and route planning guidelines.
Class A RV Shipping: Learn about shipping larger motorized motorhomes, route clearance permits, and commercial lowboy flatbed requirements nationwide.
Travel Trailer Shipping: Review our specialized towing and power-only transport options for bumper-pull campers and toy haulers.
Fifth Wheel Shipping: Explore specialized fifth-wheel transport services, coupling systems, and prep tips for heavy towable RVs.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping: Discover how our convenient door-to-door vehicle delivery process works for standard cars and SUVs.