Tow My Dead Motorhome: What It Really Costs vs Full Removal vs Scrap

Your Class A motorhome just became a 30-foot lawn ornament. The engine's toast, the transmission's gone, or maybe it's been sitting so long the tires are flat and the batteries are dead. Now you're wondering: should I call a tow truck, hire a removal service, or just scrap the whole thing?

We've been hauling away dead motorhomes since 2003, and we've seen every scenario. Let's break down what each option actually costs and when it makes sense.

Basic Towing: The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions

Calling a standard tow company seems like the obvious move, right? Here's what that typically runs:

• Hook-up fee: $150-$300

• Per-mile charge: $4-$8 per mile

• Oversized vehicle surcharge: $200-$500 extra for Class A motorhomes

• Waiting time: $75-$150 per hour if there are complications

For a 30-foot Class A, you're looking at $600-$1,200 just to move it 20 miles. And that's assuming the tow operator even has the right equipment. Most standard flatbeds can't handle a 20,000+ pound motorhome.

The Real Problem with Just Towing

Here's what the tow company won't tell you: they're just moving your problem from Point A to Point B. You still need to:

• Find someone who'll take a non-running motorhome

• Deal with title transfer and paperwork

• Pay storage fees if the receiving lot charges them

• Handle any hazardous materials (propane, fuel, coolant)

• Remove personal belongings yourself

One customer told us he paid $900 to tow his motorhome to a friend's property, then spent another six months trying to find someone to actually take it off his hands. He ended up calling us anyway.

Full Removal Service: What You're Actually Paying For

A professional motorhome removal service handles everything from start to finish. We've done thousands of these jobs, and here's what's included:

• Transport with proper equipment (heavy-duty tilt-bed or specialized RV haulers)

• All labor for disconnecting utilities, securing loose items, and prep work

• Proper disposal or recycling at certified facilities

• Paperwork handling including title transfer documentation

• Fluid and hazmat handling (we're licensed for this stuff)

• Same-day or next-day service in most areas

Typical cost range: $500-$1,500 depending on size, location, and accessibility.

Yeah, it might cost slightly more than basic towing, but you're done. One call, one price, problem solved. No storage fees piling up. No weekend spent draining tanks and unhooking utilities.

Scrapping Your Motorhome: When You Might Get Paid

If your Class A still has decent scrap value, some removal companies will buy it outright. Here's the reality:

You might get money if:

• The frame and axles are solid

• There's significant aluminum (Class A motorhomes have tons of it)

• Major appliances and fixtures are intact

• Current scrap metal prices are decent

You probably won't get much if:

• It's heavily deteriorated or water-damaged

• It's been stripped of valuable components

• There's environmental damage (fuel leaks, mold, rodent infestation)

Most dead motorhomes fall somewhere in between. Instead of getting paid, you might get free removal if the scrap value covers our costs. That's still better than paying $1,000+ to tow it somewhere.

What Makes Sense for Your Situation?

Choose basic towing if:

• You already have a buyer or donation recipient lined up

• You're moving it under 10 miles

• The motorhome is in decent condition and mostly operational

Choose full removal service if:

• The motorhome is truly dead (won't start, major mechanical failure)

• You want it gone without hassle

• It's in a tight spot (backyard, narrow driveway, storage facility)

• You don't have time to deal with multiple phone calls and vendors

Consider scrap removal if:

• The motorhome has been sitting for years

• Repair costs exceed its value

• You just want it gone and don't care about money

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does motorhome removal take? Most jobs take 2-4 hours from arrival to departure. We can typically schedule within 24-48 hours of your call.

Do I need to empty the motorhome first? Remove personal belongings and valuables, but we'll handle the rest. We're equipped to deal with remaining furniture, appliances, and fluids.

What if my motorhome is in my backyard with no direct access? We've handled worse. Our team assesses access issues and brings the right equipment. Sometimes it costs extra, sometimes it doesn't—depends on the situation.

Can you remove a motorhome without a title? In most states, yes. We'll walk you through the paperwork. We've been doing this since 2003, so we know the workarounds.

Stop Letting That Dead Motorhome Sit There

Every month you wait, that motorhome loses value. Tires deteriorate, seals crack, and weather does more damage. Meanwhile, you're looking at it taking up space.

We've been hauling away Class A motorhomes for over 20 years. We know what they're worth, we have the right equipment, and we make the whole process simple.

Get an instant AI quote right now—tell us about your motorhome and get a real price in minutes, not days. No runaround, no hidden fees, just straight talk from people who've actually done this job thousands of times.