Many RV owners wonder: how long do campers last? The short answer is that the average lifespan of an RV is around 20 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first. That said, those numbers can vary a great deal depending on the class of your motorhome, how well you take care of it, and a few other factors. Here’s what you need to know.
What impacts RV longevity?
| RV Type | Lifespan | Factors Impacting Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 10-30 years | – Maintenance: Regular maintenance can extend lifespan. |
| – Usage: Heavy usage may lead to quicker wear and tear. | ||
| – Environment: Exposure to harsh climates can degrade materials faster. | ||
| – Mileage: On average, an RV will last 200,000 miles depending on other factors. | ||
| Class B | 10-20 years | – Maintenance: Diligent upkeep can prolong lifespan. |
| – Usage: Moderate usage typically results in longer lifespan. | ||
| – Environment: Well-protected from extreme weather conditions may help. | ||
| – Mileage: Their easier nature can get them 200,000-300,000 miles if well cared for. | ||
| Class C | 10-25 years | – Maintenance: Proper care can enhance longevity. |
| – Usage: Regular but not excessive usage is ideal. | ||
| – Environment: Sheltered storage when not in use can prevent deterioration. | ||
| – Mileage: On average, an RV will last 200,000+ miles depending on other factors. |
Of course, these lifespans and factors are general estimates and can vary depending on individual circumstances and how well the RV is cared for.
Class A Motorhome Lifespan
The average life of a Class A motorhome should be around 200,000 miles with good upkeep. If you take good care of the rig and perform regular maintenance, you may even see as many as 300,000 miles, but this would be pushing the limits. It is important to note that class A motorhome maintenance can get really pricey thanks to their larger-sized diesel engines.
Class B Motorhome Lifespan
Like Class As, a Class B rig should be good for twenty years or 200,000 miles, but many of them can go longer if you take good care of them. Fortunately, this upkeep is easy enough to do if you have basic car maintenance skills, since these are essentially the same as any other van, mechanically speaking.
Class C Motorhome Lifespan
Class C RVs can also last about 200,000 miles if you perform regular maintenance and get problems fixed quickly. We appreciate that fixing problems is pretty straightforward on gas class C motorhomes in particular, because they are built on a van chassis that is quite common.
All that said, it is important to be aware that gas-powered class C motorhomes also have a relatively low cargo carrying capacity (CCC). If the CCC is exceeded, it puts extra strain on the engine and can cause it to die prematurely.
Should I Consider Mileage When Purchasing a Used RV?
Honestly, it’s impossible to advise someone on whether or not to buy a used RV based purely on how many miles it has. You see, although you’ll definitely want to consider the mileage before buying a used RV, it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. An RV with low mileage that hasn’t been cared for well could be a worse purchase than a well-maintained RV with more miles on it.
An engine that is left sitting for long periods of time will see damage from weather, rodents, UV rays, and other unavoidable factors. Additionally, the “house” portion of the rig also needs to be well-maintained, and all it takes is a failed seal or two for some serious and costly water damage to occur. Be wary of older rigs with very few miles, as they have likely spent a lot of time sitting unmaintained.
Of course, this isn’t always the case, so go investigate in person if you find an RV that might suit your needs. Do a thorough inspection of any RV you’re interested in buying and bring in a professional inspector. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request to see maintenance records.
RV Maintenance to Increase Longevity
The answer to how long do campers last depends a lot on how well the camper in question is cared for. Because an RV is part vehicle, part house, you’ll have to maintain both of those systems to ensure a long life. This can be time consuming and does require some effort on your part, but it must be done in order to protect your investment and optimize your RV’s trade-in value when the time comes.
Vehicle Maintenance
Just like with your car or other vehicle, you need to do routine maintenance on your motorhome. This will keep the engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems in tip-top shape so the RV can keep running and will continue taking you wherever you wish to roam, whenever you wish to go there.
You’ll want to check your owner’s manual so you know when to schedule regular check-ups for the following:
- Oil changes
- Tire air pressure checks, rotation, and replacement when needed
- Brake pads checked, changed, or replaced when needed
- Engine cleaning
- Fluid replacement
- Re-alignment
- Fuel injections
Living Area Maintenance
Unlike your car, you’ll also need to check the areas of your motorhome dedicated to your living space.
Here are a few things you’ll want to make sure are in good working condition:
- Regularly lubricate slide-outs to keep them working smoothly.
- Apply UV protectant spray on rubber weather sealing around slide-outs.
- Inspect the roof and side seams every few months and reseal as needed or at least once a year.
- Keep an RV roof patch kit on hand for leaks.
- Use a surge guard between your rig and the shore power connection to prevent appliance damage.
- Use motorhome toilet chemicals every week or two to break down toilet paper and waste while minimizing odors.
- Empty the black tank when it’s at least 3/4 full.
- Wipe and dry shower area after use to prevent mildew.
- Clean the shower and sink after each trip and look for leaks or cracks. Repair those immediately to prevent bigger leaks!
- Wash your RV regularly after a trip (or during, if it’s a long one) and wax your RV regularly to protect the exterior.
- Repair broken parts and pieces right away. Some broken parts can lead to bigger problems down the line.
Preparing for RV Storage
Unless you live in your RV full time, the rig will likely be in storage for a good chunk of its life. You will need to take some steps before leaving the RV in storage in order to prevent damage that could shorten the life of your motorhome. Some of these tasks will only need to be done during the cold months. Others should be carried out no matter the weather.
All Year Long
No matter when you’re putting your rig in storage, you will want to take care of these things:
- Disconnect the battery and store it somewhere above freezing to prevent discharging and preserve its longevity. Placing it on a trickle charger is an even better move.
- Inspect your RV for holes and broken seals. Seal up all of them in order to prevent rodents and/or water damage.
- Remove all food and consider using pest repellent to ensure mice and bugs don’t take over while you’re gone.
- If you’re storing your RV outside, consider covering it to protect it from the elements.
During the Winter
If you’re storing your RV during the winter months, be sure to do the following:
- Drain all tanks and use the low-point drains to empty water lines and prevent them from bursting during freezing weather.
- Once all tanks and water lines are drained, add RV antifreeze to all tanks, lines, and drains (don’t forget the toilet).
Get More from Your RV: Rent It Out
Since RVs can last a long time and hundreds of thousands of miles, you may have it for periods when you’re not using it. Don’t let it sit in storage that whole time – rent it out!
Renting your RV allows another family to experience exciting adventures and create memories just as you have. You’ll meet new people, and your RV will be working for you. You can earn back the money you’ll need for maintenance and upkeep of your rig, and you may even earn more that can go towards your own next vacation.
Another major benefit of renting your RV? It won’t be sitting for long periods of time. We mentioned above how bad it can be to leave an RV sitting unused for extended periods. Renting ensures the rig is used regularly, giving you reason to keep the engine in tip-top shape and stay on top of sealing the roof, fixing broken parts, and keeping things in good working order. In the long run, this could be what keeps your RV up and running for 200,000 miles or more!
