RV hauling jobs

greenenvy1 · 10-16-2012, 06:45 PM

Just wondering if anyone here is or has hauled / delivered RVs for the manufacturers. I am in the process of a career change and really want something behind the wheel. Not necessarily interested in commercial driving at the "big rig" level but RV hauling appeals to me.
Any real world experiences would be great to hear.

Diesel Donnie · 10-19-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenenvy1

Just wondering if anyone here is or has hauled / delivered RVs for the manufacturers. I am in the process of a career change and really want something behind the wheel. Not necessarily interested in commercial driving at the "big rig" level but RV hauling appeals to me.
Any real world experiences would be great to hear.

Seems that most haulers we see out there are at least 1 tonners and quite new- that indicates a requirement by the manufacturers for a good low mileage hauler- Have no knowledge about insurance riders, etc.- Keep us posted as to your progress into this field- DD

Murphie · 10-21-2012, 01:44 AM

I read an article a while back about a guy who did this for a living. He had documented the number of times he drove the major roads leaving the areas where the RV's are made. He spoke about the frequent maintenance cost of the truck being a major factor in quitting the job. I too have thought about this but didnt want to turn the times I drove my RV into a job.

LongIslandCamper · 10-21-2012, 06:32 AM

XM radio has been advertising this job recently and the ad says a 1 ton truck is required.

**norty1** · 10-21-2012, 06:36 AM

To me it would not be appealing. Just another driving job.

Nothing like camping, just moving cargo from place to place as an independent operator. You still will be sleeping in motels or truck cabs.

Boss Wagon · 10-21-2012, 07:24 AM

Lot of regs to comply with in that endeavor, plus $$$$ insurance.

Seann45 · 10-22-2012, 05:13 PM

My neighbor did this for a few years... YOU are responsible for any damage.. including nails in the tires picked up in the manufactures parking lot..

3'senough · 10-22-2012, 06:18 PM

One would also think that this is a bid type scenario with lowest bidder getting the work. The problem with this type work is that you are paid one way. The return trip is up to you to make profit on probaly too. I would say if you had the truck already and wanted to explore it then you could inquire about credentials required which is probaly a DOT registration#, ins. and some type of buisness name for checks to be paid to. You will have the benfit of a buisness write off though.

Don't buy the horse to pull the cart yet. Do some more digging with the manufacturers on how it works IMHO.

Diesel Donnie · 10-23-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

One would also think that this is a bid type scenario with lowest bidder getting the work. The problem with this type work is that you are paid one way. The return trip is up to you to make profit on probaly too. I would say if you had the truck already and wanted to explore it then you could inquire about credentials required which is probaly a DOT registration#, ins. and some type of buisness name for checks to be paid to. You will have the benfit of a buisness write off though.

Don't buy the horse to pull the cart yet. Do some more digging with the manufacturers on how it works IMHO.

X2

edowsfamily · 10-23-2012, 01:24 PM

[QUOTE=3'senough;101578]One would also think that this is a bid type scenario with lowest bidder getting the work. The problem with this type work is that you are paid one way. The return trip is up to you to make profit on probaly too. I would say if you had the truck already and wanted to explore it then you could inquire about credentials required which is probaly a DOT registration#, ins. and some type of buisness name for checks to be paid to. You will have the benfit of a buisness write off though.

Wow it sounds like a new cable show. theres Shipping Wars why not "Tow My RV War"

greenenvy1 · 11-01-2012, 05:51 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've been researching heavily for hte past 2 weeks. Meet with potential "employer" a week and a half ago. Basically I start my own company (done), get my tax number (done), and get myself a 1 ton (waiting on sale of current truck). Insurance is going to run me approx $4500/year for 2 million liability and 75K cargo insurance. Pay is not spectacular by I can make more than I am now. I undertand I will be on the road a lot and maintanence and running costs will be high. Ultimately using this as a stepping stone in to the light commercial trucking industry which is more or less non existant in my area. Not many legit companies running 1 ton and 40 ft gooseneck trailer set ups. Many loads moved via transport do not necessitate such heavy equipment. I've been in transportation and logistics for 15 years now and have a decent handle on operating expenses for equipment and I am confident I can carry these skills into my own business.
IF all goes to plan I will post some more info here once up and running. Everyone likes pics so when the time comes I'll post some up.

ChooChooMan74 · 11-01-2012, 07:16 AM

You can always do bids like on shipping wars and maybe get backloads to the general area. I think the site is uship.com

MikeNChelle · 11-01-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

You can always do bids like on shipping wars and maybe get backloads to the general area. I think the site is uship.com

Yes that's it. Uship.com. Ever since that show Shipping wars came out, the price for smaller loads and auto transfer in my area have plummeted.

3'senough · 11-01-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenenvy1

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've been researching heavily for hte past 2 weeks. Meet with potential "employer" a week and a half ago. Basically I start my own company (done), get my tax number (done), and get myself a 1 ton (waiting on sale of current truck). Insurance is going to run me approx $4500/year for 2 million liability and 75K cargo insurance. Pay is not spectacular by I can make more than I am now. I undertand I will be on the road a lot and maintanence and running costs will be high. Ultimately using this as a stepping stone in to the light commercial trucking industry which is more or less non existant in my area. Not many legit companies running 1 ton and 40 ft gooseneck trailer set ups. Many loads moved via transport do not necessitate such heavy equipment. I've been in transportation and logistics for 15 years now and have a decent handle on operating expenses for equipment and I am confident I can carry these skills into my own business.
IF all goes to plan I will post some more info here once up and running. Everyone likes pics so when the time comes I'll post some up.

Good luck. You might also want to look into a commercial licence and weights where being a commercial hauler could pose a potential problem. Just a thought and may not be a requirement.

Murphie · 11-05-2012, 11:17 PM

Greenenvey1,

I'm glad that your sharing this experience with us. That's really cool. Yes pictures would be nice and yours thoughts on how it's working out for you. Hopefully you'll get a good deal on a truck. I have a friend who is selling a 2011 one ton dodge which has 22 thousand miles on it. He has cancer and is selling his 5er as well. I was trulely amazed on how many RV are transported to dealers each year. There should be lots of work out there with boomers retiring and buying RVs. Good luck my friend.

greenenvy1 · 11-09-2012, 06:01 AM

Picked up my new to me truck on Tuesday. 2003 Ram 3500 DRW. 5.9 cummins. auto. 77 gal aux tank, Reese 20k 5th wheel, firestone airbags, bulludog gt tuner. 6 brand new sneakers, 174,000kms on it. should be starting my first run in the next week or so. It won't be Jayco specific but I will start a thread re towing different trailers and such.

BlueHaul · 11-09-2012, 01:14 PM

Congratulations! That 5.9 Cummins is a truly fantastic engine, and I believe they had finally addressed the "killer dowel pin" issue by the 2003 model. Safe towing!

greenenvy1 · 11-21-2012, 07:17 PM

Leaving in the am headed to Shipshewana, In. Looking forward to this new chapter. I'll start a new thread and give me thoughts on the various TTs and 5th wheels I get to pull.

**norty1** · 11-21-2012, 07:29 PM

Best of luck in your new career. I was one of the naysayers but wish you well. A vision and a will to succeed will carry you a long way.

greenenvy1 · 11-22-2012, 05:03 AM

There are always naysayers. At the end of the day I was no longer happy in my previous career and was not content to ride a desk for the next 15-20 years until I retire. I love driving and travelling and have always wanted to be self employed. If this does not work out for me I posses enough skills and experience to return to a normal career if I so choose.
Everyone stay save out there this is turkey wknd in the USA is it not?

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