The Snowbird's Guide to Shipping Your RV South for Winter
Planning to escape the cold? Learn everything about shipping your RV to Florida, Arizona, or Texas for the winter season, including timing, costs, and preparation tips.
Every fall, thousands of Canadians and northern Americans make the same decision: it’s time to head south for the winter. If driving your RV thousands of miles isn’t appealing (or possible), professional RV shipping is the smart alternative.
Why Ship Instead of Drive?
The math often makes more sense than you’d expect:
- Fuel costs: A Class A motorhome gets 6-10 MPG. A 2,500-mile drive costs $800-$1,500 in fuel alone
- Wear and tear: Long-distance driving adds maintenance costs and depreciation
- Time: A cross-country drive takes 4-6 days. That’s vacation time spent on the highway
- Safety: Winter driving with an RV through mountain passes and ice storms isn’t worth the risk
- Convenience: Fly down in 3 hours and your RV is waiting for you
Popular Snowbird Routes
From Canada
- Toronto to Florida: 1,300-1,500 miles, 5-8 day transit
- Montreal to Florida: 1,400-1,600 miles, 5-8 day transit
- Winnipeg to Arizona: 1,800-2,000 miles, 6-10 day transit
- Calgary to Arizona: 1,500-1,800 miles, 5-8 day transit
From Northern US
- Minneapolis to Texas: 1,200-1,400 miles, 4-7 day transit
- Chicago to Florida: 1,100-1,300 miles, 4-6 day transit
- Detroit to Florida: 1,100-1,200 miles, 4-6 day transit
- Boston to Florida: 1,300-1,500 miles, 4-7 day transit
When to Book
Timing is everything for snowbird shipping:
- September: Best rates, easiest scheduling. Carriers have capacity
- October: Demand starts rising. Book by mid-October for November delivery
- November: Peak demand. Prices are highest and scheduling is tight
- December-January: Moderate demand. Good availability for late-season moves
Our recommendation: Book your southbound shipment in September, even if you don’t need delivery until November. This locks in better rates and your preferred dates.
What It Costs
Snowbird RV shipping typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on:
- RV size (Class B van vs. Class A diesel pusher)
- Distance
- Time of year
- Tow or drive-away service
Preparing Your RV for Transport
- Secure all slide-outs and retract awnings
- Empty holding tanks (grey, black, and fresh water)
- Secure interior contents — everything shifts during transport
- Disconnect propane tanks
- Check tire pressure and battery charge
- Document condition with photos
Get Started
Don’t wait until the last minute. Request your free snowbird shipping quote today and lock in your winter escape plan.