What Is Motorhome Shipping?
Motorhome shipping is the international sea transport of motorhomes, campervans, and RVs, using RORO for larger, roadworthy units or container/flat-rack shipping for smaller vans or non-running vehicles. Because motorhomes are significantly larger than standard cars, shipping cost and method selection depend heavily on exact height, length, and weight.
This makes motorhome shipping one of the more specialised vehicle shipping categories — not every vessel or container can accommodate large RVs, so route and carrier choice matter more than with standard cars.
How Does Motorhome Shipping Work?
The process follows the same core sequence as car shipping, adjusted for size:
- Dimension assessment — exact height, length, width, and weight are measured, since these determine which vessels and methods can accommodate the vehicle.
- Preparation — fuel is drained to a safe minimum, gas cylinders are disconnected or emptied, and loose interior items are secured or removed.
- Booking and documentation — export/import paperwork is prepared, factoring in the motorhome's classification (some countries treat RVs differently from standard cars for customs purposes).
- Port delivery and inspection — the vehicle is delivered for inspection, with height and length verified against the booked vessel space.
- Loading — driven aboard a RORO vessel (for roadworthy units within deck height limits) or loaded into a flat-rack/oversized container.
- Ocean transit and customs clearance — the vessel sails to destination, where the motorhome clears import customs before release.
Gas systems (LPG cylinders used for cooking/heating) typically must be disconnected, purged, or removed entirely before shipping due to safety regulations — always confirm the specific requirement with your carrier.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Motorhome?
Motorhome shipping typically costs between £1,800 and £6,000+, with size being the dominant cost factor — larger units require more vessel space and, in some cases, specialist oversized handling.
| Motorhome Size | Typical Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| Campervan/small motorhome (under 6m) | £1,800–£2,800 |
| Mid-size motorhome (6–8m) | £2,800–£4,200 |
| Large motorhome/RV (over 8m) | £4,200–£6,000+ |
Units exceeding standard RORO deck height clearance may require oversized handling or flat-rack container shipping, adding to the base cost.
RORO or Container: Which Is Best for Shipping a Motorhome?
RORO is typically the most cost-effective method for roadworthy motorhomes within standard deck height limits; oversized or non-running units require flat-rack or specialist container handling.
| Factor | RORO | Flat-Rack/Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Height restrictions | Limited by deck clearance | Handles oversized units |
| Non-running motorhomes | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Best for | Standard-height, roadworthy RVs | Oversized, non-running, or high-value units |
Always confirm your motorhome's exact height against the carrier's RORO deck clearance before booking — this is the single most common reason motorhome shipments require a method change.
How Do You Prepare a Motorhome for Shipping?
Preparing a motorhome for shipping involves draining fuel, disconnecting gas systems, and securing or removing loose interior items and awnings.
Key preparation steps:
- Drain fuel to a quarter tank or less
- Disconnect and purge LPG/gas cylinders per carrier safety requirements
- Retract and secure any awnings, steps, or slide-outs
- Remove or secure loose furniture, appliances, and personal belongings inside
- Disconnect the leisure battery where required
- Photograph the vehicle's condition, inside and out, before handover
Gas system preparation is the step most specific to motorhomes and most commonly missed — confirm exact requirements with your carrier well before the booked collection date.
What Documents Are Needed to Ship a Motorhome?
Motorhome shipping requires the same core documents as car shipping — registration, proof of ownership, and export declarations — plus, in some cases, a gas system safety certificate confirming cylinders have been properly disconnected.
Typical requirements:
- Registration document (V5C or equivalent)
- Proof of ownership
- Passport/ID of the owner
- Insurance certificate for transit (marine insurance)
- Export declaration and customs paperwork
- Gas system disconnection/safety confirmation (carrier-specific)
Some destination countries classify motorhomes differently from standard vehicles for import duty purposes, so confirming classification in advance helps avoid unexpected charges at customs.
How Long Does Motorhome Shipping Take?
Transit times are broadly similar to standard vehicle shipping, though oversized units may need additional lead time for suitable vessel space.
| Route Distance | Typical Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Short-haul | 1–3 weeks |
| Medium-haul | 3–6 weeks |
| Long-haul | 5–8 weeks |
Oversized motorhomes requiring flat-rack shipping may need extra booking lead time, since not every sailing has suitable space available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a motorhome with gas cylinders still connected?
No — gas systems must typically be disconnected and purged before shipping due to safety regulations, though exact requirements vary by carrier.
Is there a size limit for shipping a motorhome by RORO?
Yes — RORO vessels have fixed deck height clearances, and motorhomes exceeding this limit require flat-rack or specialist container shipping instead.
Can I leave belongings inside the motorhome during shipping?
Generally no for loose items — most carriers require furniture, appliances, and personal belongings to be secured or removed to prevent damage during transit.
Is shipping a motorhome more expensive than a car?
Yes, significantly — motorhomes require more vessel space and sometimes specialist handling, making them considerably more expensive to ship than standard cars.
Do I need special insurance for a motorhome shipment?
Yes, marine insurance is recommended for motorhomes just as with cars, since standard vehicle insurance doesn't cover international transit.
