🚐 Quick Answer — RV or Boat Needs a Tow?
We provide RV towing and boat transport across Ottawa and long-distance routes to campgrounds, marinas, storage facilities, and dealerships. Local RV towing starts at $150–$350 depending on size and distance. Boat trailer towing starts at $100–$250 locally.
Call (613) 317-3924 for 24/7 recreational vehicle towing. Tell the dispatcher your vehicle type and dimensions for the right truck.
We handle motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, camper vans, pop-up campers, boats on trailers, and personal watercraft.
Ottawa is a gateway to some of Canada’s best outdoor recreation. From the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River to Algonquin Park, Bonnechere, and the Thousand Islands, thousands of local residents own RVs, travel trailers, and boats that need to be moved at some point — whether for seasonal transport, a breakdown, a new purchase, or a long-distance relocation. RV towing and boat transport require specialized equipment, experienced operators, and careful planning that goes well beyond a standard car tow. If your tow vehicle runs out of fuel while pulling the RV, our fuel delivery service can help too.
At Towing Ottawa, we provide local and long-distance recreational vehicle towing for every type of RV and boat across the National Capital Region. This guide covers the types of recreational vehicles we transport, what each service costs, how to prepare your RV or boat for towing, and the most common scenarios that bring Ottawa’s outdoor enthusiasts to our dispatch line.
Types of Recreational Vehicles We Tow
We handle every category of recreational vehicle on Ottawa’s roads and waterways:
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Motorhomes
Class A, Class B, Class C — flatbed or wheel-lift depending on drivetrain
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Travel Trailers
Bumper-pull trailers of all sizes, towed via hitch
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Fifth Wheels
Requires a fifth-wheel hitch truck — we have the equipment
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Camper Vans
VW campers, Sprinter builds, custom conversions
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Pop-Up Campers
Folding/tent trailers — lightweight bumper-pull tow
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Boats on Trailers
Fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats — on your trailer or ours
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PWC / Jet Skis
Personal watercraft on trailer — to launch ramps or storage
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Toy Haulers
Trailers with built-in garages for ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles
When Do You Need RV or Boat Towing?
RV and boat towing is not just for breakdowns. Here are the most common reasons Ottawa residents call us:
🔧 Breakdown / Mechanical Failure
Engine trouble, transmission failure, blown tire, overheating — your RV or tow vehicle is disabled on the side of the road and needs professional recovery.
🏠 Seasonal Transport
Moving your RV from winter storage to a campground in spring, or from the lake to storage in fall. The most popular call from April to May and September to October.
🛒 Purchase / Sale Delivery
Bought an RV or boat online, from a dealership, or through a private sale and need it delivered to your home, storage lot, or campsite.
🚤 Boat Launch / Marina
Towing your boat on its trailer to a launch ramp on the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal, or a cottage lake — and bringing it back at the end of the season.
📦 Relocation / Long Distance
Moving your RV or boat from Ottawa to another province, a new home, or a distant repair facility that specializes in your brand.
❌ No Tow Vehicle Available
You own a travel trailer or boat but do not own a truck capable of towing it. We become your tow vehicle for the day.
RV or Boat Needs Moving? We Handle It.
Motorhomes • Travel trailers • Fifth wheels • Boats • Local & long-distance
How Much Does RV & Boat Towing Cost in Ottawa?
RV and boat towing costs vary based on vehicle size, weight, distance, and whether specialized equipment (fifth-wheel hitch, oversized load permit) is needed. Here are typical Ottawa-area rates:
💡 Get an exact quote before we roll. RV and boat towing is always quoted based on your specific vehicle dimensions, weight, and destination. Call (613) 317-3924 or request a quote online — no surprises, no hidden fees.
How to Prepare Your RV for Towing
Proper preparation saves time, prevents damage, and may reduce your towing cost. Before the tow truck arrives:
📋 Secure all interior contents. Close and latch all cabinets, drawers, and the fridge. Stow loose items so they do not shift during transport.
💧 Drain water tanks. Empty the fresh water, grey water, and black water tanks. Full tanks add significant weight and can slosh during turns, destabilizing the trailer.
🔥 Turn off propane. Shut off all propane valves at the tank. This is a safety requirement for highway transport.
🔌 Disconnect shore power. Unplug any electrical hookups and stow the cord.
🛞 Check tire pressure and condition. Low or flat tires make loading harder and may require additional service. Ensure all tires hold air. See our mobile tire repair guide for roadside tire help.
🔋 Disconnect the battery (if applicable). For motorhomes being flatbed-towed, disconnecting the battery prevents electrical drain.
📸 Document the condition. Take photos of the exterior (all four sides) and any existing damage before transport. This protects both parties.
🔐 Lock all exterior compartments. Ensure awnings are retracted, slide-outs are in, antennas are down, and all access panels are closed.
How to Prepare Your Boat for Towing
Boat towing has its own preparation checklist. Whether heading to the launch ramp or winter storage, make sure:
⚓ Boat is properly secured to the trailer — bow strap, transom straps/chains, and safety chain all fastened and tight.
🔌 Trailer lights are functional — brake lights, turn signals, and running lights connected and working. Ontario law requires them.
🛞 Trailer tires and bearings are in good condition — check pressure, tread, and listen for grinding when wheels spin (bearing failure sign).
💧 Drain plug is removed — ensure no water is sitting in the hull, especially after the boat has been in the water.
🎣 Remove or secure loose items — fishing gear, coolers, life jackets, covers, and electronics that could fly out during transport.
📏 Know your dimensions — total length (boat + trailer + tongue), total height (boat on trailer), and approximate weight. Oversized loads may require permits.
⚠️ Ontario trailer law reminder: All trailers over 4,500 kg require commercial vehicle registration. All trailers must have functioning lights, safety chains, and a valid licence plate. Failure to comply can result in fines and your trailer being impounded.
Popular Ottawa-Area RV & Boat Destinations
We regularly tow recreational vehicles to and from these popular destinations in the Ottawa region, including Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans, Gatineau, and surrounding rural areas:
🏕️ Campgrounds & RV Parks
Wesley Clover Parks, Rideau River Provincial Park, Fitzroy Harbour, Bonnechere Park, Sharbot Lake, Murphy’s Point, Charleston Lake, Algonquin Park
🚤 Boat Launches & Marinas
Dick Bell Park (Ottawa River), Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, Petrie Island, Rideau Canal locks, Dow’s Lake, Manotick, Smiths Falls, Merrickville
🏗️ Storage & Dealerships
RV dealerships along Highway 17, indoor/outdoor storage lots in Stittsville, Carp, Embrun, winter storage facilities, marine dealers along the Rideau
What to Do If Your RV Breaks Down on the Road
An RV breakdown is more complex than a car breakdown due to size, weight, and road position. Follow these steps:
Pull as far off the road as possible. RVs are wider than cars — get fully onto the shoulder. Turn on hazards and deploy reflective triangles well behind the vehicle (at least 200 feet on a highway).
Call for help immediately. RV towing requires a heavy-duty truck — not every tow company has one. Call (613) 317-3924 and describe: your RV type, approximate length/weight, your exact GPS location, and what happened.
Stay safe while waiting. If on a highway, stay inside the RV — it provides more protection than standing outside near traffic. In good weather on a quiet road, you can exit safely. Read our complete breakdown survival guide for more details.
Know your rights. Under Ontario’s TSSEA, you always have the right to choose your own tow company. If an unsolicited tow truck appears, you are not obligated to use them.
Why Professional RV & Boat Towing Matters
It might be tempting to ask a friend with a truck to move your travel trailer or boat. But recreational vehicle towing involves risks and responsibilities that go beyond a simple favour:
❌ DIY / Friend with a Truck
Risk of mismatched tow ratings, improper hitch setup, no commercial insurance, potential for sway and jackknifing, personal liability if something goes wrong, and no experience backing large trailers into tight spaces.
✅ Professional Towing Service
Properly rated trucks and hitches for your exact vehicle weight, commercial insurance covering your RV during transport, experienced operators who can navigate tight campground roads, TSSEA-certified under Ontario’s towing regulations, and liability protection for you.
A recreational vehicle is a major investment — often $30,000 to $200,000+ for a motorhome or fifth wheel. Professional transport protects that investment with proper equipment, insurance, and expertise. The cost of a professional tow is a fraction of the repair bill from a towing accident caused by an undersized truck, wrong hitch, or inexperienced driver. For electric or hybrid RVs, specialized flatbed handling is essential to protect the drivetrain. And for motorcycle trailers combined with RV setups, we ensure every component is secured properly.
Other Towing & Roadside Services
Whether you are towing an RV or driving a car to the campground, we offer the full range of roadside services:
Frequently Asked Questions: RV & Boat Towing
How much does it cost to tow an RV in Ottawa?
Local RV towing (under 25 km) typically costs $150–$500 depending on the type and size. Travel trailers start around $150–$300, fifth wheels $200–$400, and motorhomes $250–$500+. Long-distance transport is quoted at approximately $1.30–$2.50 per kilometre based on vehicle weight and size.
Can you tow a fifth wheel without a fifth-wheel hitch truck?
No — fifth wheels require a truck equipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. We have trucks in our fleet specifically equipped for fifth-wheel towing. Let us know your fifth wheel’s dimensions and weight when you call so we send the right vehicle.
Do you tow boats on trailers?
Yes. We tow boats of all sizes on their trailers — fishing boats, pontoons, ski boats, sailboats, and personal watercraft. We can also tow boats without trailers using our own equipment. Just let us know the boat’s size and trailer type.
Can you move my RV from storage to a campground in spring?
Absolutely — this is one of our most common calls from April to May. We pick up from any storage lot in the Ottawa region and deliver to your campground, RV park, or seasonal site. Book early in spring as demand is high during the May long weekend rush.
Do I need to be present during the tow?
For scheduled transport (seasonal moves, purchase deliveries), you or a representative should be available at both the pickup and drop-off locations to provide access and inspect the vehicle. For emergency breakdowns, you will typically ride in the tow truck cab or arrange separate transportation.
How far in advance should I book seasonal RV transport?
For spring and fall seasonal moves, we recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance. The May long weekend and Thanksgiving weekend are the busiest periods. For emergency breakdowns, we dispatch 24/7 with no advance booking needed.
Does insurance cover RV towing?
Many comprehensive RV insurance policies include roadside assistance and towing coverage. CAA also offers RV Plus memberships with enhanced towing limits. Check your policy — and keep the tow receipt for reimbursement. Scheduled moves (storage to campground) are typically not covered by insurance as they are not emergencies. If the issue is just a dead battery, a battery boost may solve the problem without a tow.
Can you transport a motorhome that does not run?
Yes. Non-running motorhomes can be loaded onto a heavy-duty flatbed or low-boy trailer using a winch. This is common for used purchases, older motorhomes heading to a shop, or vehicles that have been in storage for extended periods. Additional loading equipment may affect the price.
Do you provide long-distance RV transport?
Yes. We offer long-distance RV and boat transport throughout Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. Common routes include Ottawa to Toronto, Ottawa to Montreal, Ottawa to Kingston, and Ottawa to Algonquin Park. Rates are based on distance, vehicle size, and route complexity. See our full service area for coverage details.
What information do you need for an RV towing quote?
To provide an accurate quote, we need: vehicle type (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, boat), approximate length and weight, pickup and drop-off addresses, preferred date/time, and whether the vehicle is in running/towable condition. Call (613) 317-3924 or use our online quote form.
RV & Boat Towing — Local or Long Distance
Motorhomes • Travel trailers • Fifth wheels • Boats • Campers • 24/7