Transporting new RVs for pay

Rich and Cork · 11-27-2011, 05:40 PM

I am sure there are folk on this board who do this; pick up an RV from the manufacturer and deliver it to a dealer. How does it work and how much do you get? What kind of miles per day is expected? I know that typically you cannot use any of the appliances and facilities in the coach; and for overnight you would use your sleeping bag. You can also tow your toad. Do the manufacturers hire you or is there a central company? What about insurance?

I am also sure there are interesting experiences to be shared.

GaryKD · 11-27-2011, 05:50 PM

Hi Rich and Cork,
The manufacturers use vendor labor to transport coaches to dealers. The best action is to call a manufacturer who has dealers in the area you live. Determine who they use and how to contact the company. Pay varies and none make a living at this. Mostly retired folks who like to drive.

The important thing is to understand the T&Cs of each company. Some manufacturers require the driver to have the outside of the coach cleaned before delivering it to the dealer. I've seen drivers put a large piece of very thin plastic on the front of a coach (top to bottom and entire left to right). This is because the driver was responsible for any (and I do mean any) damage.

Mr_D · 11-27-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

I've seen drivers put a large piece of very thin plastic on the front of a coach (top to bottom and entire left to right). This is because the driver was responsible for any (and I do mean any) damage.

Hah.... Our DSDP arrived with a big scratch in the passenger sidewall, completely through the clear coat and paint. The driver claimed it was vandalism and got out of paying anything. To us (and the dealer) it looked exactly how a tree branch would leave a scratch if you drove into it and then hit the brakes hard.

ottffss · 11-27-2011, 06:27 PM

GaryKD speaks wisely. Having chatted with many of these drivers at the Flying J islands, IMHO it is a very tough line of work with little reward. I had some preconceived notions of how I thought this business works and that got totally shattered after talking to the drivers.

Make sure you completely understand the contract T&Cs as to damage, fuel, on road repairs, vehicle liability while in your custody, timeline, and especially understand exactly how you'll get back home and exactly what the means (and I mean from the dealer's lot where you just completed delivery to your house).

Generally these guys run on fixed price contracts and you get to pay for everything within that fixed price. One ooppss, even a wrong turn adding miles or idling to heat in the winter, and you are underwater fast.

Now, driving for some of the mega-RVs - the Prevost level converters - can be a whole different story with a waiting list longer than the phone book to get in.

RoyM · 11-27-2011, 06:31 PM

An Edmonton Alberta based friend looked into it, they wanted people who lived near the factory. The driver would be flown back to the plant after each trip and be available for any assignment. Who knows when he might get another trip to Edmonton and who would foot the layover costs.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 11-28-2011, 09:48 AM

Here is one company that does RV transport for the factories and some infoprmation on their requirements. They mostly do trailers, but it will give you an idea.

rv transport jobs drivers wanted

You can find several companies that provide delivery serves if you Google 'RV delivery driver'

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 11-28-2011, 10:04 AM

I drove part time for a large West Coast dealer from 2002 until 2005. Did make a little money but mostly enjoyed the drive and checking out all makes and models from Class A to small class B. Pay was .33 a mile at that time and if short drives a fixed rate. Drives were delivering out of state new purchases, move from location to location for company stores and to/from RV shows and set up. 1st night on the road sleep in RV, 2nd night motel authorized, per diem for each day. Driver did a walk around check sheet before trip and at the end. As far as I can remember if an incident happened the company took care. If you had multiple incidents you were terminated.
It was a good experience and helped in my decision on what brand of RV to purchase. One needed a CDL to drive as it is a commercial activity.

DutchStar38 · 11-28-2011, 10:17 AM

Good information. Thought about it at one time and now glad I didn't do it.

1ciderdog · 11-28-2011, 05:51 PM

I looked into it several years ago and at that time you could not use the RV as you would like - couldn't use the head, shower, stove, refrigerator, etc. Couldn't take a pet - I can understand all that - they wanted a new clean unused RV delivered and that left me (and my dog) out.
Safe Travels
Bob