Shipping a motorhome overseas is very different from planning a road trip. A successful move depends on choosing the right ocean method, preparing the vehicle mechanically and inside, and having the documents and photos ports and customs expect.
This guide walks through a practical preparation checklist for RV and motorhome owners, ties each step back to West Coast Shipping’s broader guide on how to ship your motorhome overseas, including destinations and permits, and explains where specialized options like RoRo for oversized vehicles fit into the picture.
Before you can prepare the vehicle, you need to decide how it will travel across the ocean. For motorhomes, that usually means a choice between container shipping and RoRo.
Container shipping is the method West Coast Shipping typically recommends for most standard‑size vehicles because it offers more controlled loading and reduced external exposure compared with open‑deck options, especially for smaller camper vans and compact motorhomes that fit standard containers.
For RVs, that usually means:
Rigs that can work within 20‑ or 40‑foot containers—often a 40‑foot high‑cube when extra interior height is needed—subject to careful measurement of length, width, and height. WCS’s own container‑spec pages show a 40‑foot high‑cube with an internal height around 2.69 m, with a door opening height around 2.56 m, so owners should always confirm both the internal dimensions and the door opening height, since the door is often the real limiting factor for taller motorhomes.
Understanding that many full‑size Class A motorhomes will not meet container height or length constraints and therefore need to be evaluated for other options.
Container shipping is best suited when:
Your motorhome physically fits in a 20‑ or 40‑foot (often high‑cube) container.
You want extra protection from weather, salt air, and incidental contact during terminal operations.
The vehicle may be non‑running; container loading can accommodate winching and other methods.
In its own materials, West Coast Shipping’s complete guide to container shipping for vehicles and the article on why shipping cars in containers offers protection, flexibility, and cost savings both emphasize that WCS usually recommends container shipping for most cars, motorcycles, and many camper vans. The same logic often applies to motorhomes that genuinely fit within container dimensions.
RoRo (roll‑on/roll‑off) is designed primarily for oversized vehicles and heavy machinery that cannot physically fit in containers. For motorhomes, WCS typically looks at RoRo when:
The rig is a large Class A coach, bus‑based RV, expedition vehicle, or any unit exceeding container width, height, or length.
The vehicle can be safely driven or towed up ramps and maneuvered on a RoRo deck.
On RoRo routes, the motorhome is driven or towed aboard, parked on an internal deck, and lashed down for the voyage, following the steps outlined in WCS’s complete guide to RoRo vehicle shipping. RoRo is not automatically cheaper or more expensive than container shipping; final cost depends on route, carrier, and available space.
WCS’s RoRo services page and its article on specialized RoRo services for heavy equipment and oversized vehicles position RoRo as the right tool for genuinely oversized units, not as a replacement for containers when a rig already fits in a box.
A practical rule in WCS content is:
If your motorhome fits in a container, container shipping is often the better, more protective option.
If it is truly oversized, RoRo is the specialist method built for that use case.
The best method still depends on route schedules, port calls, and total landed cost, which is why WCS compares container and RoRo scenarios before recommending a plan in the main motorhome shipping guide.
Once you know which method you are targeting, accurate measurements and details determine whether your plan is realistic and how it will be priced.
Measure your motorhome carefully, including:
Length – from the foremost point (bumper, bull bar) to the rearmost feature (ladder, spare, cargo rack).
Width – mirror‑to‑mirror, noting whether mirrors can be folded.
Height – ground to highest point, including roof A/C, solar panels, satellite domes, and racks.
These figures determine container compatibility (especially with 40‑foot high‑cube containers) and influence how RoRo carriers allocate deck space. WCS uses the same detailed measurements when evaluating camper vans and German motorhomes in its importing German motorhomes and camper vans guide.
Prepare a simple data sheet that includes:
VIN or chassis number, make, model, year, and mileage.
Photos of the VIN plate and any secondary identifiers.
A short condition summary (cosmetic issues, known damage, rust spots).
These details help the shipping team create a condition report and align documentation with customs expectations, as WCS recommends in its general guide on how to prepare your vehicle for international shipping.
Ports and carriers focus heavily on safety, especially for large, fuel‑bearing vehicles like motorhomes. Basic mechanical preparation reduces the risk of delays or rejections.
Before delivering to the port or WCS facility:
Repair oil, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic leaks. Active drips are a common reason vehicles are refused at terminals.
Check for exposed wiring, loose batteries, or other defects that might be flagged in an inspection.
WCS’s RoRo process guide emphasizes that vehicles must be free of major leaks and safe to move, whether they are cars, trucks, or large RVs.
For both container and RoRo, movement and handling matter:
Battery – Charge or replace the starting battery so the engine can start reliably during loading and unloading.
Tires – Inflate to recommended pressures and assess sidewalls for cracks or bulges.
Brakes and steering – Confirm basic braking and steering function so port drivers can maneuver the rig safely.
If the motorhome cannot run under its own power, WCS can discuss winching or special loading options on a case‑by‑case basis, similar to the non‑runner strategies described in its container‑loading guides.
A road‑ready interior is not always ocean‑ready. Open cabinets, loose furniture, and partially filled tanks can cause damage during long ocean voyages.
Treat the interior like you would for a long‑distance move, within carrier rules, so you secure everything without packing prohibited items:
Empty or secure cupboards, drawers, and overhead bins; use latches, straps, or remove fragile items entirely.
Pack away electronics, small appliances, décor, and anything that could shift or fall.
Secure tables, chairs, and movable modules so they cannot roll or slide.
Note that many RoRo carriers do not allow personal effects to travel inside the vehicle, while many container shipments can accommodate properly declared personal items and gear. Always confirm what is allowed with your WCS coordinator before loading so you do not pack items that cannot legally travel.
To reduce spill and odor risks:
Drain fresh, grey, and black tanks as much as possible before handover.
Reduce water in the hot‑water system and plumbing lines.
For gas systems:
Follow carrier instructions for propane or LPG tanks, which typically require valves to be closed and cylinders tagged, and may set level or configuration rules.
Propane rules vary by carrier and route—some require removal or full emptying of portable bottles, while others allow permanently mounted LPG systems under specific conditions—so confirm requirements with WCS and the carrier before delivery.
A clean, dry interior is easier to inspect and less likely to develop mold or odors during transit.
Appliances need extra attention:
Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer; secure doors with tape or straps.
Strap or latch appliance doors, drawers, and lids.
Remove or secure loose shelves and glass components.
The aim is to prevent internal damage that would not be visible on a simple exterior inspection.
Thorough documentation is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in case of damage.
You do not need a show‑quality detail, but you should:
Rinse off heavy dirt and mud, especially around lower panels and wheel arches.
Ensure the roof is reasonably clean so cracks or dents can be photographed.
Clean surfaces make it easier to distinguish pre‑existing marks from anything that might happen during transit.
Before handing the RV to WCS or the port, capture:
All four sides, front, rear, and roof.
Close‑ups of existing dents, scratches, or areas of concern.
Interior shots of key areas: cockpit, living area, kitchen, bathroom, and any custom features.
This mirrors the approach in WCS’s cargo damage protection explained article, where pre‑shipment photos and condition reports are central to any later damage discussions.
Even the best‑prepared motorhome cannot sail if the paperwork is incomplete. Documentation is one of the most common bottlenecks in international shipping.
While exact requirements vary by origin and destination, WCS’s international shipping FAQ highlights several essentials:
Original title or registration in the owner’s name, or acceptable proof of ownership.
Bill of sale or invoice, especially if the RV was recently purchased.
Copy of passport or ID for private owners; company registration documents if owned by a business.
Shipping forms and power of attorney where needed for customs brokers to act on your behalf.
For some destinations, additional documents (such as emissions or safety compliance forms) may be required, especially if the motorhome is being permanently imported rather than used temporarily.
Details on your paperwork should match the booking and shipping instructions:
Owner names and addresses should be consistent across title, bill of sale, and shipping contract.
Vehicle description, VIN, and year must match exactly.
Consignee and notify party details should reflect how you plan to clear and collect the RV at destination.
The main motorhome shipping article expands on how these documents interact with temporary import permits and customs rules in different countries.
Preparation works best when it is aligned with how your shipping partner operates.
Before you lock in travel or campsite reservations:
Discuss whether container or RoRo is realistic for your specific motorhome.
Review which departure and arrival ports make most sense.
Clarify estimated schedules, including transit time and likely clearance windows.
West Coast Shipping’s method‑selection content, like its guides on choosing the right international shipping method and why container shipping is often preferred, reflects the same logic applied here to motorhomes.
Depending on your situation, WCS can often:
Receive the RV at one of its U.S. facilities before loading.
Arrange domestic transport from your location to the port or warehouse.
Coordinate with destination agents for post‑arrival support.
These steps draw on the same processes WCS uses in its complete container‑shipping guide, adapted for larger and more complex vehicles like motorhomes.
Once your motorhome is measured, cleaned, documented, and mechanically ready, you are in a strong position to choose a route and get an accurate quote.
Review the broader how to ship your motorhome overseas: prep, destinations, and permits article to understand where your rig might go and how temporary import rules work.
If your motorhome is truly oversized, read through WCS’s RoRo services page to see how RoRo is used for large vehicles and heavy machinery, and where it makes the most sense.
For standard‑size RVs and camper vans, focus on container shipping advantages in guides like why ship cars in containers and the container transport guide.
Place your call‑to‑action button under this heading to send readers directly to your international shipping calculator. Once they enter their motorhome’s details, they can compare container versus oversized RoRo options and work with a West Coast Shipping specialist to finalize preparation steps, routing, and timing for their overseas RV adventure.