We all know that a car drops in value as soon as you drive it off the lot, which is known as depreciation. If you’ve ever wondered if the same is true of RVs, the answer is, usually, yes, but there are ways to mitigate the impact. RV depreciation is one of the biggest factors in ownership cost, but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Below, we explain what RV depreciation is, how much to expect depending on the type of RV you’re buying (and how many years you own it), as well as why depreciation occurs and, perhaps most importantly for many RV owners, how to slow it down.
What Is RV Depreciation?
RV depreciation is the process by which an RV loses monetary value over time. You may already be familiar with depreciation because the same happens to cars and trucks: the vehicle is worth less over time, though some retain their value better than others.
Depreciation is the opposite of what happens with most real estate, which tends to gain value over time, a process known as appreciation.
RV depreciation, like any depreciation, is calculated as a percentage drop in value over time. (For instance, if your $20,000 trailer depreciates by 5%, it’s now worth $19,000.)
How Much Do RVs Depreciate Each Year?
While almost all RVs depreciate, different types depreciate at different rates. There’s further variability based on specific make and model, as well, but below, we’ve listed the general trends based on type:
- Class A motorhomes: These large, luxurious vehicles tend to depreciate by 20–30% in the first year.
- Class B campervans: These sporty, easier-to-maneuver vehicles tend to depreciate a bit more slowly thanks to high demand.
- Travel trailers and fifth wheels: These depreciate at a moderate rate: Less quickly than Class A motorhomes, but perhaps more quickly than Class B campervans.
Another important factor is that RV depreciation tends to slow over time, with the majority of it occurring in the first five years of the vehicle’s life. For most RVs, the largest depreciation will occur in the first year after it’s manufactured, and then slow in the subsequent years. For example, that might look like:
- Year one: 25% depreciation ($50,000 down to $37,500)
- Years two through five: 10% depreciation year over year ($37,500 down to $33,750 on year two; $33,750 down to $30,375 on year three; down to $27,337.50 on year four; down to 24603.75 on year five)
- Years five and beyond: About 5% depreciation year over year, depending on maintenance level, condition, and brand
Again, the specifics will vary greatly depending on what type of RV you have, what make and model you’ve purchased, and how well you maintain the vehicle. Keep in mind, too, that buying an RV used, rather than new, can help slow down the total amount of RV depreciation you see as an owner.
Why RVs Depreciate (and What Affects Value)
Now that you understand that RVs depreciate, let’s talk about why. Because it’s not just down to the passage of time.
One of the main reasons RVs depreciate over time is because, like any vehicle, they see wear and tear as they take on mileage and usage. That means that a four-year-old RV with 60,000 miles on it is going to have depreciated more than one with just 20,000 miles.
Other factors that affect depreciation include:
- The RV’s condition and maintenance history (keeping up with maintenance goes a long way toward slowing depreciation down!)
- The RV’s brand reputation and model popularity (a better-known brand with more demand may depreciate more slowly)
- Market demand and seasonality (everything is supply and demand, so if there’s more demand for your rig, its value will stay higher)
- Upgrades or modifications (Warning: These can be either helpful or harmful depending on whether buyers find them attractive or off-putting!)
- Economic trends (fuel prices, supply chain, and even global events like the pandemic can all affect the saleability and value of your RV)
RV values don’t drop at the same rate for everyone, how often you use it, where you store it, and even the brand can all make a difference.
Some parts of depreciation are outside of an owner’s control, but many other factors can be controlled. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Slow Down RV Depreciation
Since you do have control over some parts of RV depreciation, chances are you want to learn how to channel it. If you do resell your RV in the future, slowing the depreciation can help you get more back from your investment (and a bigger nest egg for your next rig, or whatever else you might choose to buy).
Some actionable steps you can take to maintain or protect the value of your RV, and slow RV depreciation, include:
- Storing your RV properly. Indoor RV storage or keeping it covered can help reduce the chance of water leaks due to debris or long-term dirt and staining on the rig’s exterior.
- Keeping up with maintenance—and keeping a record! The regular maintenance items that are listed in your owner’s manual as well as any one-offs that come up are all worthwhile in terms of keeping your RV’s value high. Just make sure to maintain a record so you know what’s been done.
- Deep cleaning and performing minor repairs after each and every trip. It may be tempting to leave your RV in “go mode” once you’re back at home and getting back into the swing of things, but taking the extra time helps keep everything in good working order for longer.
- Limiting mileage, when possible. Of course, exploration is the whole point of RV ownership, but if there are ways to limit your mileage even a little bit without sacrificing your destination, everything helps!
- Strategically upgrading. Adding solar panels, awnings, and tech features can all help bump up the value of your RV, while other types of modifications (like bright interior paint or non-traditional fixtures) could lower it in the long run.
Tip: Rent out your RV when not in use to offset depreciation
Most RV owners only use their rig a few days of every year. Renting it out during its off time can help you earn back your RV’s value, even as it depreciates. Doing so also helps keep your RV active, which can help you get ahead of maintenance items that come up when an RV sits still too long. (It can also help alert you to any running issues as early as possible!)
Thinking about offsetting your RV’s depreciation? List your RV on RVshare and earn when you’re not on the road.
When Does It Make Sense to Sell or Trade In Your RV?
RV depreciation has an effect on when it makes most financial sense to sell or trade in your RV, although of course these aren’t the only considerations you’ll have in mind when you make such a decision.
The sweet spot, for many owners, tends to be between years 3–5, before steep depreciation hits. (Of course, most depreciation happens in the very first year of ownership, so it’s also helpful to buy used in the first place.)
Keep in mind that private resale values often tend to be higher than what you might expect to get through a trade-in at the dealership. Also, there are factors that can temporarily increase your RV’s resale value, even in the midst of depreciation. (For example, the post-pandemic travel rush pushed many RVs’ values higher.)
Either way, you’ll want to know your RV’s value before you list it for sale, to ensure you’re getting what it’s worth. You can opt to invest in a professional RV appraisal, or you can use online databases like NADA’s RV values to get an estimate.
How to Find Your RV’s Current Value
Finding your RV’s value online isn’t hard. Start by:
- Checking the NADA Guides (basically the RV equivalent of Blue Book value)
- Looking through comparable listings on RVshare or RVTrader
- Consider upgrading to a professional appraisal for the most accurate resale estimates
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting your RV’s value:
- Gather details such as the RV’s year, make, model and mileage
- Insert the appropriate details into the NADA value database online
- Once you have that estimate, cross-check with market listings for rigs similar to your own
- Make sure to adjust the value of your RV for any upgrades and condition level to get the most accurate value.
FAQs About RV Depreciation
No. Smaller and high-demand models like campervans tend to hold value longer than large motorhomes, for example. Additionally, certain makes, such as Airstream and Casita, tend to hold onto their value for longer.
Yes, high mileage can lower value, especially for motorhomes. The good news is, condition is just as important—so even if you’re using your RV a lot, you may be able to mitigate some of the mileage by keeping it in good repair.
After about 10 years, depreciation levels off. In fact, older, well-maintained RVs can even gain collector value.
Most RV owners see the best resale value between years 3 and 5—before major depreciation and wear-and-tear take hold.
RV depreciation is how much your RV’s value decreases over time due to age, wear, and market demand. It’s just like the depreciation that happens to a vehicle or other asset.
RV depreciation is normal, but manageable, too, especially if you go in armed with knowledge. (And since you read this article, you are!) Keeping up with regular maintenance and other smart ownership habits, like storing your RV inside, can help you slow depreciation and maintain your RV’s value.
And don’t forget: Another way to get the most out of your investment is to rent your rig on RVshare, so you can earn passive income even while you’re not traveling.
