Motorhome Shipping From the UK — Full Guide (2026)

Motorhomes are the most expensive single-vehicle shipping format from the UK. A-class motorhomes and American RVs exceed RoRo height limits (2.2m clear deck) and require specialist 'high and heavy' treatment costing £3,250–£8,500 depending on dimensions and destination. This 2026 guide covers coachbuilt, A-class and RV shipping with the height/length surcharge calculations.

Three categories. (1) Van conversion (under 2.2m tall, under 6.5m long) — ships standard RoRo at van rates. (2) Coachbuilt (2.5–3.0m tall, 6.5–7.5m long) — RoRo with high-and-heavy surcharge or sole-container. (3) A-class and American RV (3.0–3.6m tall, 7.5–11m long) — sole-container only, with possible 40ft High Cube container or flat-rack solution. See container service.

Per motorhome door-to-port from UK Midlands. Van conversion under 6.5m: UK to UAE £2,950, UK to USA East Coast £2,450, UK to Australia £3,950. Coachbuilt 6.5–7.5m: UK to UAE £3,650, UK to USA £3,250, UK to Australia £5,250. A-class 7.5–9m: UK to UAE £4,850, UK to USA £4,450, UK to Australia £6,950. American RV 9m+: bespoke quote required, typically £6,500–£12,000.

Eleven mandatory items before any motorhome ships internationally. (1) Empty fresh and waste water tanks. (2) Drain LPG gas cylinders, remove and ship separately as empty. (3) Disconnect leisure batteries (lithium-ion declared as hazardous). (4) Empty fridges/freezers and prop doors open. (5) Secure all loose items inside. (6) Remove TV aerials and satellite dishes. (7) Lower roof skylights and lock. (8) Disconnect solar panels at the inverter. (9) Empty fuel to 1/4 tank. (10) Remove keys from external storage. (11) Photograph interior and exterior fully.

Most destinations require type approval for motorhomes. Australia: full ADR compliance certificate, expensive for non-Australian-spec vehicles. USA: motorhomes under 25 years need EPA/DOT compliance — often a barrier. UAE: GCC type approval at RTA, normally straightforward for UK-spec. New Zealand: NZTA Entry Certification — strict. Pre-25-year RVs qualify for vintage exemption in most destinations. See destination customs guide.

Motorhomes are high-value assets carrying significant aftermarket content — leather upholstery, fitted kitchens, satellite TV, solar systems. Always insure to declared value with all-risks cover at 1.8–2.2% of value. A £75,000 A-class motorhome costs £1,350–£1,650 in marine insurance per voyage. Standard carrier liability of £2,100 covers less than 3% of replacement cost — meaningless protection for a motorhome. See marine insurance guide.

UK motorhome shipping in 2026 ranges from £2,450 (van conversion to USA) to £12,000+ (American RV to Australia). The three categories — van conversion, coachbuilt, A-class/RV — each ship differently and price differently. Pre-shipment preparation requires 11 mandatory steps; insurance to declared value is non-negotiable. Plan 8–12 weeks ahead, especially for destinations with type-approval requirements.

Shipping any vehicle from the UK? Request a fixed quote or WhatsApp +44 (0)1495 320540.