How Long Does the Average RV Owner Keep Their RV: Life Expectancy of the RVs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long someone keeps an RV. For some, it’s a long-term companion for family road trips and weekend escapes. For others, it’s a stepping stone, owned for a few years and then swapped for something better suited to their lifestyle.
How long you hold onto an RV says a lot about how you use it, how well you maintain it, and what you expect from it. Whether you are new to RVing or just rethinking your setup, understanding the average ownership timeline can help you plan smarter, both financially and practically.
Why RV Ownership Duration Matters
RVs, including fifth wheels and campers, are not cheap. Depending on the type, a new RV can cost anywhere from $10,000 for a basic travel trailer to over $300,000 for a luxury Class A motorhome. With that kind of investment, it’s important to think ahead. How long you plan to keep your RV affects everything from how much you spend upfront to how much you will eventually get back when you sell.
If you expect to own your RV for just a few years, you’ll want to focus on resale value. That means buying a brand with a strong reputation, keeping mileage low, staying up to date on maintenance, and avoiding heavy customization. A well-cared-for RV is much easier to sell and commands a better price in the used market.
On the flip side, if you are planning for long-term use, you should prioritize durability and comfort. That means investing in solid construction, reliable appliances, and storage options that make full-time or seasonal travel more manageable. Long-term owners also benefit more from added services like covered storage, routine maintenance, and upgrades extending the RV’s life.
Ownership duration also affects how you manage upkeep and budgeting. Short-term owners might spend less on major upgrades but will need to keep records and maintenance logs ready for the next buyer.
Long-term owners, meanwhile, should expect to invest steadily in their RV over time, including roof resealing every few years, new tires around every 5 to 6 years, and routine appliance servicing.
Storing your RV properly plays a big role in how long you can comfortably keep it. RecNation offers secure, covered, and even climate-controlled storage facilities specifically designed for RVs. By protecting your vehicle from weather, sun damage, and pests, you reduce wear and extend its lifespan, making it easier to hold onto your RV longer or get a better price when you sell.
How Long Do Most RV Owners Keep Their RV?
Most RV owners hold on to their rigs for about five to seven years. This is the general sweet spot where the balance between usability, value, and lifestyle changes often comes into play. It’s long enough to enjoy years of travel and adventure but short enough to avoid major wear and tear or steep maintenance costs.
According to our research, around 30% to 35% of RV owners upgrade or sell within the first five years. These are typically first-time owners who either outgrow their space or discover they want a different type of RV. Life changes, like retirement, growing families, or shifting travel goals, often drive this early turnover.
On the flip side, about 40% of RV owners keep their vehicle for more than seven years. These tend to be seasoned owners who’ve found the right fit and are willing to invest in long-term maintenance. Many in this group use their RVs for extended travel or part-time living, making them more attached to their setup.
Ownership length also depends on the type of RV. Class B vans and travel trailers are often kept longer due to their lower maintenance needs and ease of use. Larger motorhomes, like Class A units, may be traded in sooner because of higher upkeep costs and shifting lifestyle demands.
Mileage, storage conditions, and how often the RV is used all influence how long someone keeps it. Well-maintained RVs stored in protected facilities tend to last longer and hold their value better. That makes it easier for owners to justify keeping them beyond the average timeline.
Key Factors That Influence RV Ownership Longevity
How long someone keeps their RV often depends on more than the vehicle itself. Personal lifestyle, family needs, financial responsibilities, and even storage access all shape the ownership journey.
Personal Lifestyle and Travel Preferences
Your travel style greatly affects how long an RV, whether a camper or a Class C, stays a good fit. Someone who uses their RV a few weekends a year for short getaways may comfortably keep the same rig for over a decade. With light use and minimal wear, there’s often no strong reason to upgrade.
However, needs can shift quickly for full-timers or frequent travelers. Long road trips, cross-country travel, or remote camping often reveal space, storage, or comfort gaps. For example, if you start with a compact travel trailer and begin traveling full-time, you might find yourself needing a motorhome with better insulation, a larger freshwater tank, or more living space.
Lifestyle also includes how much downtime you want to manage. Owners who enjoy tinkering with their RV may be more willing to keep it longer and perform upgrades. Those who prefer plug-and-play convenience may switch sooner to avoid the hassle of repairs and modifications.
Family and Life Stage Changes
Family growth, retirement, or even an empty nest can all prompt a change in the type or size of RV that makes sense. For example, a young couple might start with a modest campervan. As their family grows, they may need bunk space, a larger kitchen, or a separate sleeping area, leading to an upgrade within three to five years. Later in life, when kids move out or travel preferences shift, downsizing to a smaller, more fuel-efficient RV often becomes the next step.
These changes are often unavoidable, but being aware of them helps you choose an RV that can adapt or hold value when it’s time to move on. If you’re at a major life stage shift, like starting a family, retiring, or entering a remote work lifestyle, you should consider how flexible your current RV is before committing to long-term ownership.
Budget, Repairs, and Running Costs
Cost is always part of the equation, no matter how much you love the RV lifestyle. Owning an RV can add up quickly between fuel, insurance, regular servicing, and unexpected repairs. For many people, ongoing costs are the tipping point for when to sell or upgrade.
Smaller travel trailers and Class B vans generally have lower maintenance costs, while Class A motorhomes come with higher upkeep due to their size, complexity, and engine type. After about five years, maintenance costs rise significantly, especially if the RV has not been stored or maintained properly.
Unexpected issues, like roof leaks, appliance failures, or engine repairs, can also influence ownership decisions. Some owners prefer to sell before these costs appear, while others budget for them and keep the RV longer.
If you are on a tight budget or planning to use your RV heavily, factor in ongoing costs before deciding how long to keep it. A well-maintained RV can be cost-effective for a long time, but neglecting routine care often leads to earlier turnover.
Storage Access and Seasonal Use
Where and how you store your RV affects its lifespan more than most people realize. Exposure to the elements, like sun, snow, rain, and temperature swings, can wear down seals, fade paint, and create moisture problems. RVs stored in open driveways or uncovered lots tend to age faster and require more frequent repairs.
On the other hand, storing your RV in a covered or climate-controlled facility offers real interior and exterior protection. In fact, RVs stored properly can retain up to 10 to 15 percent more value over five years, according to storage industry data. That means less depreciation and fewer repairs, which can easily extend your ownership timeline and reduce RV maintenance costs.
Seasonal use also plays a role. If you only use your RV a few months a year, you will likely want a safe, convenient place to store it. Lack of access to reliable storage can be a deciding factor for many owners. If RV storage becomes too expensive or inconvenient, some sell earlier than planned.
When budgeting for your RV, include storage in your cost estimates. This will protect your investment and give you the flexibility to keep the RV longer and enjoy it on your own schedule.
When Do Most RV Owners Decide to Sell or Upgrade Their RVs?
Most RV owners don’t wait for a set number of years—they act when something shifts in their experience. Below are the most common reasons people decide it’s time to sell or upgrade their RV:
- The RV isn’t getting used enough: If your RV is sitting in storage more than it’s on the road, it may no longer be worth the ongoing costs. Lack of use is often a sign your travel habits or priorities have changed.
- Maintenance and repair costs are starting to pile up: Around year five, expenses can grow quickly, including roof resealing, appliance failures, or diesel tank maintenance, or worn tires. These repairs can cost thousands if not addressed early, especially regarding wear and tear on your RV. Many owners choose to sell while the RV is still in good condition rather than pay for large upgrades with limited returns.
- Life changes make the RV no longer a good fit. A growing family might need more sleeping space. Retirees may want a smaller, easier-to-manage RV. Work, health, or lifestyle shifts often push owners toward different models.
- There’s an opportunity to get strong resale value: Some owners time their sales around high-demand seasons like spring or early summer when buyers are actively shopping. Others act when the used RV market is especially hot. Selling during these windows can lead to a better return and faster sales.
- You’re ready for something newer, easier, or more comfortable: RV technology continues to improve with better solar setups, lighter materials, and smarter interiors. Even if your current rig still works fine, you might want something with upgraded features, better fuel economy, or more space for long-term travel.
- The ownership experience starts to feel like a burden: For some, the fun starts to fade. Regular cleaning, seasonal storage, and repairs can wear people down over time. When owning an RV feels more like a chore than a joy, that’s often the clearest signal it’s time to move on.
RecNation can help you avoid the hassles of doing it yourself if you’ve decided it’s time to sell. Their RV consignment program is designed to take the pressure off owners. They handle everything, from professionally photographing your RV and writing the listing to answering buyer questions and completing the final paperwork.
That means you can move on with confidence without spending weekends dealing with online listings and uncertain negotiations, allowing you to focus on regular maintenance of your RV.
Final Verdict
There’s no perfect timeline for RV ownership. Some people hold on to their rigs for over a decade, while others upgrade every few years. What matters most is how well your RV continues to match your lifestyle, travel habits, and budget.
By understanding the average ownership range, the key decision points, and the factors that influence longevity, you can plan ahead and avoid costly surprises. When the time comes to upgrade or say goodbye to your RV, RecNation is ready to support you with secure storage and a stress-free consignment program. Whether you’re looking to protect your investment or pass it on, they help make the transition smooth, simple, and worth it.
FAQ
What’s the best time of year to sell an RV?
Spring and early summer are ideal times to sell an RV. Buyer demand increases during warmer months as people plan vacations and outdoor trips. Listing during this window can lead to faster sales and better offers.
How do I know if my RV still has good resale value?
Resale value depends on your RV’s age, mileage, condition, and market demand. If your RV has been well-maintained, stored properly, and hasn’t needed major repairs, it likely still holds good value. Online valuation tools or consignment experts like RecNation can give you a realistic estimate.
Can I rent out my RV if I’m not ready to sell it yet?
Renting your RV through peer-to-peer platforms can offset storage and maintenance costs during idle months. Just make sure your insurance policy covers rental use and that you’re comfortable with wear from frequent use.