Owning an RV is your dream, but there’s this fear that keeps you from getting it. You wonder, “how long do RVs last?” Are they a good investment or just another money pit?
Traveling in an RV is a beautiful way to travel. And there’s a lot of potential for saving money while traveling in an RV.
No expensive hotel rates. No need to eat out when vacationing. No losing bags. No canceled fights
When taking a family trip, the savings on non-essential travel expenses will really start to rack up, but only if your RV lasts. So how do you keep your RV from becoming a money pit?
Let’s talk about the life expectancy of your RV and what you can do to increase that life expectancy, so you can confidently drop a down payment on your dream.
Types of RVs and Their Average Lifespans
If you’re thinking of buying an RV, different types of RVs have varying average lifespans. Travel trailers and fifth wheels tend to last longer than motorhomes because there are fewer moving parts to malfunction.
Key Takeaways
Your RV’s lifespan can range from 10-30 years, depending on the frequency of usage and how diligently you perform maintenance tasks. Note that weather patterns in your home base (and frequent travel destinations) will also play a role in your RV’s lifespan.
Life Expectancy by RV Type
Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
Airstream travel trailers tend to last the longest (about 30 years) because their design is watertight and durable. With an Airstream, you won’t have to worry about leaky bump-outs or easily penetrated roofing material.
For travel trailers with bump outs, a bump-out (also known as a “slide out,” “tip out,” or slide room”) is a common culprit of the water damage that can lead to RV deterioration.
Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes and class C motorhomes typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years, with some reaching up to 300,000 miles if well-maintained. Regular maintenance, also known as routine maintenance, on your motorhome is imperative for its longevity.
These classes of motorhomes don’t last as long because they have more parts that can fail.
What Kills the Life Expectancy of Your RV or Travel Trailer?
Just like any other vehicle, though, RVs run best when they’re used often, well-maintained, and adequately protected from the elements. Proper care and attention can significantly impact how long your RV lasts.
The average life of an RV can range from 10 to 30 years or 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
But here’s what kills your RV’s life expectancy and how to prevent it.
Ignoring Proper Care and Maintenance
Fundamental to the function of any vehicle is maintenance. But how easy is it to skip an oil change here and forget about the tire pressure there? I’m sure we’ve all done that with our own vehicles. But think about this.
If your car breaks down as you’re driving around town, you call a buddy to come get you. You have it towed to your mechanic, and they fix it.
If your RV breaks down while you’re traveling, you can’t just phone a friend. Now you have to find a mechanic. Find a hotel to stay in while it gets fixed. Hopefully, it doesn’t take too long.
So don’t skip the oil change or use the cheap oil. Your RV will thank you.
Keeping maintenance records is another smart practice. By documenting your regular maintenance, you know what needs to be done, and when it’s time to sell your RV, you can show buyers a clear record of the vehicle’s condition.
Leaving Your RV to Sit in Storage
Machines need to move regularly to maintain optimal performance. Regular use helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. But, if you’re a full-time RVer, then your RV will accrue more wear and tear the more miles it travels.
The balance lies in diligent care and maintenance. Along with regular oil changes (with high-quality oil), you’ll also need to choose your mode of RV storage carefully. To minimize weather-related exterior damage (UV damage, rain-induced rust, etc.), you’ll want to opt for enclosed RV storage—or at least covered RV storage.
Leaving Your Camper in the Elements
Leaving your camper in the elements significantly impacts its lifespan. Exposure to salt air accelerates rusting. Extreme heat and UV rays dry out rubber seals that prevent water damage. Even leaving your RV parked under trees encourages leaves to gather and pests to make homes.
Using an RV cover protects your RV from environmental factors and keeps your camper clean of mildew and leaves. Keeping your RV under cover minimizes the risk of storm damage.
But the best way to store your RV is under a carport with a custom-fit RV cover. If you don’t have a carport on your property (and can’t construct one of your own), you can find covered RV storage through marketplaces like Neighbor.com.
Common RV Issues with Travel Trailers and Solutions
Common RV issues include tire maintenance, water damage, and electrical system problems. All need proper care and attention to keep your camper moving.
Tire Maintenance
Tire inspections help prevent blowouts. Before each journey, check the air pressure in each tire. Check the recommended tire pressure on the tire pressure plate. Also, check for any signs of wear and tear on the tires.
While you’re traveling long distances (say, a cross-country road trip), it’s likely you’ll drive through drastically different weather conditions. The air inside your tire expands with extreme heat and contracts in the cold. So always double-check your tires after each pit stop.
But the most important part of tire maintenance is how you store your camper. Always store it with the stabilizers down to take the weight off the tires.
Water Damage Prevention
The most common issue that affects your living area is leaky bump-outs. If left alone, water damage invites mold and rot to feast away on your several-thousand-dollar RV.
Checking for broken seals helps protect your RV. Regular roof inspections and cleaning are crucial to prevent water damage.
Electrical System Care
The main threats to your electrical system are moisture and pests. Moisture and pests can cause severe damage to electrical wiring, leading to electrical surges and other problems.
Make sure food is in sealed plastic containers — not just Ziplock bags — so that it doesn’t attract rats or mice.
Bathroom Maintenance
One overlooked area is bathroom maintenance. Be sure you’re using chemicals that are safe for your motorhome’s sewage system, along with RV-safe toilet paper to prevent clogs, smells, and grubs from populating your motorhome’s toilet.
And, when you store your RV, don’t forget to clean out your tank.
Extending Your RV’s Life: Proper Maintenance Tips
Extending your RV’s life is less about what you do when you’re traveling than what you do when you’re not traveling. Here are some good maintenance habits to get into at home.
Regular Roof Inspections
Regular inspections identify minor issues before they escalate. Conduct regular roof inspections every 60 to 90 days or after a storm. Inspect the seals and seams for leaks and reseal as needed.
Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal tasks include winterizing your RV, checking the batteries, and measuring the tire pressure. To winterize, drain the tanks and add anti-freeze to protect them from freezing.
Always check tire pressure when there’s a wide swing in temperature.
Exterior Care
Exterior care includes routine cleaning, the use of a protective cover, routine checks for water leaks, and the use of motorhome-friendly toilet chemicals in the holding tanks.
Staying on top of these tasks keeps your RV in top condition and ready for many adventures to come.
Summary
It’s not what you do when you’re away traveling but what you do when you’re home that significantly impacts the life expectancy of your RV.
As long as you store and maintain your RV properly, you can have a beautiful home-on-wheels that saves you money when you travel.
