So, you’re thinking about hitting the open road and seeing the country while earning a living by hauling recreational vehicles? The idea of workamping and RV transport jobs can be appealing, promising freedom and adventure. If you’re exploring opportunities with an Rv Transport Company, it’s crucial to go in with your eyes wide open. This article dives into the realities of RV hauling, drawing from firsthand experience to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
After contemplating RV transport for some time, I decided to test the waters myself. Despite some initial skepticism, the lure of the open road and the RV lifestyle was strong. To gain real insight, I signed on with Horizon Transport, widely recognized as a leading RV transport company in the United States. My goal was to understand the practicalities and, crucially, the economics of this line of work.
My experience with Horizon Transport was positive from an operational standpoint. They operated with professionalism and integrity, honoring their commitments. The management appeared efficient, and the staff were helpful and communicative. From this perspective, Horizon Transport proved to be a reliable RV transport company.
However, when it came to the financial aspect, the picture was less rosy. Even before starting, my preliminary calculations suggested that achieving substantial profitability in RV transport would be challenging, particularly when factoring in the accelerated depreciation of a personal truck used for hauling. Exploring various scenarios, including Horizon’s truck lease program, using a dedicated older truck, or utilizing my existing vehicle, all pointed to modest profit margins, hovering around 20-25%. For me, this level of return didn’t justify the effort and investment.
Two major expense categories significantly impacted profitability: the fluctuating cost of diesel fuel and accommodation expenses. Fuel costs alone averaged between $0.22 and $0.24 per mile. Compensation rates varied, ranging from approximately $1.20 per mile for shorter routes originating from Idaho to $1.35 per mile for longer hauls from Indiana.
The most significant financial drain was the cost of “deadheading” – the return journey without a paying load. Consider a typical scenario: transporting an RV from Indiana to Albuquerque, a distance of roughly 1440 paid miles, at a rate of $1.35 per mile, generating a gross income of $1944. While this trip can be completed within 2.5 days under federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, the return trip to Indiana incurs substantial fuel and lodging expenses without any corresponding revenue.
My personal circumstances may have amplified the financial challenges. My truck lacked a sleeper cabin, necessitating motel stays, adding significantly to travel expenses. Furthermore, my base location in Tucson, Arizona, positioned me far from key RV manufacturing hubs like Wakarusa, Indiana, increasing deadhead mileage. However, even when recalculating expenses based on a Michigan location, closer to Wakarusa, the fundamental economic equation remained largely unchanged for West Coast routes.
While Horizon Transport provides a Comdata card offering fuel discounts at certain truck stops, these savings, although considerable, weren’t sufficient to completely offset the high fuel costs. Similarly, discounted rates at Red Roof Inn were beneficial, but the limited availability of these hotels meant consistent low-cost lodging couldn’t be guaranteed.
My key takeaway from this experience is this: to maximize earnings in RV transport, especially when working with an RV transport company like Horizon, having the right equipment is paramount. Operating a one-ton truck equipped with a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), both bumper pull and fifth-wheel hitch setups, and crucially, a sleeper cab, significantly expands load options, potentially leading to higher per-mile rates and improved profit margins. Without these advantages, the financial returns might be too meager to justify the effort, especially if you are looking for substantial income.
For me, workamping is primarily about staying active and engaged, not a financial necessity. While a reasonable return on my time and effort is still desired, the primary motivation isn’t purely monetary. Although RV transport didn’t prove to be a financially viable workamping option in my case, the experience provided valuable insights into the RV industry. If you are considering driving for an RV transport company, carefully weigh the potential costs and required equipment against the potential earnings to determine if it aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.
