Do Motorhomes Hold Their Value? A Complete Guide
This guide explains how motorhomes retain value over time, covering resale factors, depreciation rates, and key considerations to help buyers and sellers make informed, cost-effective decisions about RV ownership.
Thinking about getting an RV or planning to purchase a motorhome? It’s smart to consider how well it will hold value over time. Many buyers wonder if motorhomes hold their value and what affects the long-term return.
Whether you’re aiming to keep your motorhome long term or sell your motorhome later, understanding resale value helps you make a confident, budget-friendly decision.
Motorhomes depreciate at different rates depending on model, brand, condition, maintenance history, mileage, and current market demand. If you plan to buy, learning what drives resale value will help you choose the right class and features.
If you’re selling, it can also help you set the right asking price. Either way, a clear view of depreciation and long-term value helps you avoid surprises and plan better.
Why Motorhome Resale Value Matters for Buyers, Owners, and Investment
Resale value isn’t just about numbers, it plays a direct role in how you buy, own, and potentially sell your motorhome later on. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning to upgrade your motorhome, understanding this metric helps you avoid surprises.
Resale Value and Financing/Loan Considerations
Lenders use projected resale value to assess how much they’re willing to finance. A unit expected to retain value, thanks to a strong brand, reliable build, or popular layout, often qualifies for better interest rates or higher loan amounts. That makes your asking price more justifiable both at the time of purchase and when you decide to sell.
Understanding this can also give you more flexibility later. If you want to sell your motorhome or trade up, strong resale value helps minimize negative equity and can cover a good portion of your next down payment. In this way, resale directly supports long-term affordability and planning.
How Depreciation Affects Motorhome Ownership Costs
Depreciation is one of the largest costs of owning a motorhome, and it’s often underestimated. The moment a new motorhome is registered, it begins to lose value. Most models depreciate quickly in the first two to three years, then more slowly afterward.
This matters whether you keep your motorhome long-term or plan to upgrade. If you buy at the peak of a depreciation curve, your resale return will be significantly lower. Smart buyers often look for used motorhome models that have already weathered their steepest drop, offering a more stable investment over time.
How Resale Value Impacts Long-Term Investment
A motorhome can serve as both a lifestyle asset and a financial tool. If you plan to own one for several years, resale value should be part of your overall return-on-investment calculation.
Motorhomes that depreciate slowly allow owners to recover more when it’s time to sell. Higher resale means more money back in your pocket, lower effective ownership costs, and better flexibility to reinvest or upgrade.
When you view your purchase as a long-hold asset, choosing a model with strong resale performance becomes a smart financial move, not just a travel decision.
How Fast Do Motorhomes Depreciate Compared to Other RVs?
Before you commit to a specific type of RV, it’s helpful to understand how motorhome depreciation compares to towable units like travel trailers or fifth wheels. Knowing the difference can help you make a more informed decision and set realistic expectations.
Typical Depreciation Rates for New Motorhomes
Motorhomes, like many vehicles, depreciate fastest in their first year. A brand-new motorhome can lose 15% to 20% of its value within the first 12 months. In years two and three, depreciation slows to around 5% to 10% combined.
From year four onward, depreciation typically stabilizes, especially if the motorhome is maintained well and used within reasonable mileage ranges. This pattern creates an opportunity for buyers to purchase a motorhome at a more favorable point in its value cycle, reducing long-term loss.
Motorhome depreciation trends show short-term and year-over-year declines.
| Motorhome Type | Short-Term Change (Mar–Apr 2024 vs Jan–Feb 2024) | Year-over-Year (First 4 Months 2024 vs 2023) |
| Type A | –2.2% | –6.4% |
| Type C | +1.0% | –8.6% |
This shows that Type A and Type C motorhomes both faced notable year-over-year depreciation, with Type C values dropping the most at 8.6%.
Differences Between Motorhomes and Towable RVs
Towable RVs, like travel trailers or pop-ups, often depreciate more rapidly than motorhomes. This is largely due to lower price points, lack of drivetrains, and broader availability in the market. In contrast, motorhomes retain value better when they feature fuel-efficient engines, popular floorplans, and high-end finishes.
The average lifespan of a motorhome typically ranges from 10 to 20 years with proper care, making long-term value retention an important consideration when comparing against towables.
Brand reputation also plays a huge role. A motorhome from a well-known manufacturer with strong customer satisfaction may have a higher asking price and hold that value longer, even compared to larger or newer towables.
First-Year vs. Long-Term Depreciation Curve
Motorhomes follow what’s known as a front-loaded depreciation curve. That means the steepest decline occurs right after purchase. But after a few years, the curve flattens and value retention improves.
If you’re planning to sell your motorhome within the first few years, you’ll likely face a greater value drop. But if you’re holding on to it longer you’re more likely to break even or even profit when demand is strong.
Understanding this curve allows buyers to better align their budget, expectations, and long-term travel goals.
Key Factors Affecting Motorhome Value Over Time
The motorhome ownership value doesn’t just change randomly; it’s shaped by a range of factors that buyers and sellers can plan around. If you’re thinking about buying, upgrading, or selling a unit down the line, understanding what affects value over time can help you make smarter, more profitable decisions.
Brand Reputation and Build Quality
Motorhomes built by trusted brands with strong resale markets tend to hold value better. These manufacturers often offer better construction standards, more durable components, and wider access to support or replacement parts.
Features like all-weather insulation, premium cabinetry, solid chassis foundations, and high-end interiors can significantly improve long-term appeal.
Buyers actively pay more for units with a reputation for reliability, and they often search for models that come from builders known for long-lasting builds and national service networks.
Mileage, Maintenance, and Service Records
Buyers look for signs of responsible ownership and nothing shows that better than low mileage and complete service records.
A well-maintained motorhome that’s had regular inspections, engine checks, tire replacements, and full system servicing will consistently command a higher asking price in the resale market.
Thorough logs show that the vehicle was cared for, not just driven. They remove uncertainty for buyers, improve lender confidence, and help you negotiate from a position of strength.
Below are the key maintenance items that boost resale value:
| Maintenance Item | Importance | Impact on Resale Value |
| Regular engine oil changes | High | Shows consistent engine care and longevity |
| Tire rotation and replacement | High | Enhances safety, drivability, and trust |
| Appliance and system checks | Medium | Confirms functionality of comfort systems |
Upgrades, Renovations, and Modern Features
While some customizations can hurt resale by limiting appeal, well-selected upgrades can enhance value, especially when they align with current buyer demand.
Think modern infotainment systems, solar panels, lithium battery setups, improved insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and mobile workspaces.
Buyers appreciate tech-forward features and anything that makes full-time travel or extended use easier. Just avoid ultra-specific aesthetics or layout changes that only appeal to a narrow set of people.
Fuel Type and Engine Condition
The engine remains one of the most scrutinized components in motorhome resale. A well-maintained, fuel-efficient engine that complies with modern emissions standards will appeal to a larger buyer pool and hold value longer.
Diesel engines typically last longer and are popular in Class A models, while gas engines are more common in smaller units.
Keeping up with regular servicing, emissions checks, and fuel system care can significantly improve your resale potential, especially if supported with a clean inspection report at sale time.
Which Motorhomes Hold Their Value the Best?
Not all motorhomes depreciate the same. Class, brand, and build quality all play a role in how well your unit retains value over time. If resale potential is important to you, it pays to compare how each type stacks up before making a purchase.
Class A vs. Class B vs. Class C Motorhomes
- Class B motorhomes (campervans) often retain the most value. They’re compact, fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and in high demand for solo or couple travelers, especially in the used market.
- Class C motorhomes also perform well in resale, particularly those with family-friendly layouts and dependable drivetrains. Their mid-size footprint and practicality appeal to a wide buyer base.
- Class A motorhomes, while luxurious and feature-rich, tend to depreciate more quickly due to their higher sticker prices and operating costs. However, well-maintained units from respected brands with desirable floorplans can still command strong resale values in the right market.
Popular Brands with Stronger Resale Markets
Some manufacturers consistently perform better in the resale arena due to brand trust, build quality, and service access. Examples include:
- Winnebago
- Thor Motor Coach
- Jayco
- Tiffin Motorhomes
- Newmar
These brands benefit from name recognition and easier parts availability, both of which can give buyers more confidence when shopping for a used motorhome.
Luxury vs. Budget Models
Luxury motorhomes often show larger depreciation in dollar terms, even if the percentage loss appears similar to lower-end models, simply because their starting prices are so high. That said, certain premium brands like Newmar, Tiffin, or Prevost conversions can buck this trend and hold value better than others.
Budget-friendly models, on the other hand, may seem to retain value more effectively since their overall dollar loss is less severe. Mid-range motorhomes frequently provide the best balance between purchase price, depreciation rate, and long-term livability.
Below is a table comparing model types by cost and resale trend:
| Model Type | Initial Cost | Resale Trend |
| Luxury motorhomes | High | Larger dollar-value depreciation, but top brands may hold value better |
| Mid-range motorhomes | Moderate | Balanced depreciation with good mix of affordability and livability |
| Budget motorhomes | Low | Lower dollar losses, higher % retention, but fewer features and limited amenities |
How Market Trends Affect Motorhome Resale Value
The motorhome resale market doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Broader trends in consumer behavior, seasonality, and economic conditions all play a role in shaping what buyers are willing to pay.
Knowing how these forces shift can help you plan both your purchase and your sale more effectively.
Seasonal Demand and Buyer Behavior
Motorhome sales follow a strong seasonal rhythm. Spring and early summer bring a surge of buyer activity, as travelers and families gear up for road trips, vacations, and camping season. This is when demand peaks, especially for newer, turn-key units that are ready to hit the road immediately.
Buyers during this period often prioritize updated tech, fresh service records, and cosmetic appeal. If you’re planning to sell your motorhome, listing it during the peak season, with a full clean-up and maintenance completed, can help you secure a higher asking price.
Market data from Black Book shows average motorhome prices climbing more than 15% month-over-month during the spring surge, reinforcing how seasonality directly affects resale value.
The Role of Economic Conditions and Fuel Prices
General economic health and confidence levels have a clear influence on the value of a motorhome in the resale market. When interest rates are low and consumer optimism is high, demand for RVs and motorhomes tends to rise, supporting stronger resale values.
In contrast, during recessions or periods of financial uncertainty, many buyers delay large purchases or scale back, which can soften the market and reduce the value of motorhome listings.
Depreciation is steep: RVs often lose a large portion of their value over time, especially in soft markets. Many RVs experience rapid depreciation within the first few years, which is exacerbated when economic conditions are weak.
Fuel prices are another major factor. When gas or diesel costs spike, buyers often shift toward more efficient Class B or compact Class C motorhomes. Larger, fuel-hungry Class A rigs may see slower resale during these times.
Savvy owners and sellers monitor both fuel trends and macroeconomic signals to better time their sale and position their unit toward active buyer segments.
How to Maximize Your Motorhome’s Resale Value
Improving your resale value isn’t just about waiting for the right market, it’s about stewarding your motorhome well over time.
By maintaining its physical condition, storing it properly, and organizing all ownership documentation, you increase its appeal and command stronger offers when you’re ready to sell.
Routine Maintenance and Cosmetic Care for Higher Resale
A well-maintained motorhome inspires confidence and sets the stage for a faster, more profitable sale. Given the cost of a decent motorhome, buyers expect evidence of proper care and upkeep. Start with regular servicing: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and system diagnostics should all be up to date.
Cosmetic upkeep matters, too. Exterior sealants and caulking should be refreshed to prevent leaks. Interior fabrics should be odor-free and clean. Cabinets, flooring, and surfaces should be free from cracks, stains, or signs of wear.
Before listing, invest in a pre-sale inspection and gather all recent service invoices. These small steps often justify a higher asking price and demonstrate that your RV was cared for properly throughout ownership.
Proper Storage Practices to Preserve Motorhome Value
Where and how you store your motorhome has a significant impact on long-term value. Exposure to UV rays, moisture, storms, and pests can cause interior fading, sealant breakdowns, water intrusion, and mechanical wear.
Choosing a covered or enclosed RV storage solution helps shield your unit from the elements. Better still, storing your vehicle at a secure facility like those offered by RecNation, with gated access, surveillance cameras, and wide drive aisles, helps reduce risk of damage, break-ins, or environmental exposure.
Long-term protection like this keeps your motorhome looking newer and functioning better for future resale.
Keeping Paperwork, Records, and Warranties Organized
Buyers today are savvy; they ask for service records, maintenance logs, and warranty documents as part of their due diligence. Being able to provide this information not only speeds up the sales process but also increases buyer trust and willingness to pay a premium.
Maintain a dedicated binder or digital folder that includes:
- Service history and mileage logs
- Receipts for parts and repairs
- Owner’s manuals and manufacturer documentation
- Photos of upgrades and installations
- Transferable warranties (if available)
Being organized gives your listing a professional edge. It shows that you’ve been a responsible owner, and that goes a long way toward closing the sale at your desired price.
Conclusion: Do Motorhomes Really Hold Their Value Over Time?
Understanding how motorhomes hold value helps you buy smarter, maintain better, and sell with confidence. From brand reputation to proper storage, every choice you make can influence your return down the road.
For long-term ownership or when it’s time to sell your motorhome, secure storage is essential. At RecNation, we provide clean, monitored, and professionally managed storage facilities that protect your investment and help preserve value.
Whether you’re planning to keep your motorhome for years or preparing to upgrade, RecNation’s secure motorhome storage helps ensure your unit stays in top condition, ready to hit the road or the resale market.
FAQ
How fast do motorhomes lose value after purchase?
New motorhomes lose 15–20% in the first year, with another 5–10% over years 2–3. After that, depreciation slows, especially with proper maintenance and care.
Do used motorhomes hold value better than new ones?
Yes. Used motorhomes have already gone through steep early depreciation, so resale values tend to stabilize, making them a good investment if well maintained.
When is the best time to sell your motorhome?
Spring to early summer is ideal. That’s when buyer demand peaks, prices rise, and listings move faster, especially if your motorhome is clean and road-ready.
What upgrades help improve a motorhome’s resale value?
Modern features like solar panels, lithium batteries, and updated electronics help. Avoid overly custom renovations that limit buyer interest or compatibility.
Can proper storage help retain a motorhome’s value?
Yes. Covered or enclosed storage reduces sun and weather damage. Facilities like RecNation offer added protection with security, lighting, and gated access.