RV Depreciation Calculator
See how much value your RV loses over time. Choose your RV type and purchase price to get the first-year drop, 5-year projection, and a full 20-year depreciation schedule. Add loan details to see when you cross from underwater to positive equity.
Depreciation Analysis: Travel Trailer
20-Year Depreciation Schedule
| Year | RV Age | Est. Value | Annual Loss | Annual % | Cumulative Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 yrs | $45,000 | - | - | - |
| 1 | 1 yr | $37,800 | −$7,200 | 16.0% | −$7,200 (16.0%) |
| 2 | 2 yrs | $34,398 | −$3,402 | 9.0% | −$10,602 (23.6%) |
| 3 | 3 yrs | $31,646 | −$2,752 | 8.0% | −$13,354 (29.7%) |
| 4 | 4 yrs | $29,431 | −$2,215 | 7.0% | −$15,569 (34.6%) |
| 5 | 5 yrs | $27,665 | −$1,766 | 6.0% | −$17,335 (38.5%) |
| 6 | 6 yrs | $26,005 | −$1,660 | 6.0% | −$18,995 (42.2%) |
| 7 | 7 yrs | $24,705 | −$1,300 | 5.0% | −$20,295 (45.1%) |
| 8 | 8 yrs | $23,470 | −$1,235 | 5.0% | −$21,530 (47.8%) |
| 9 | 9 yrs | $22,531 | −$939 | 4.0% | −$22,469 (49.9%) |
| 10 | 10 yrs | $21,630 | −$901 | 4.0% | −$23,370 (51.9%) |
| 11 | 11 yrs | $20,981 | −$649 | 3.0% | −$24,019 (53.4%) |
| 12 | 12 yrs | $20,351 | −$629 | 3.0% | −$24,649 (54.8%) |
| 13 | 13 yrs | $19,741 | −$611 | 3.0% | −$25,259 (56.1%) |
| 14 | 14 yrs | $19,149 | −$592 | 3.0% | −$25,851 (57.4%) |
| 15 | 15 yrs | $18,574 | −$574 | 3.0% | −$26,426 (58.7%) |
| 16 | 16 yrs | $18,017 | −$557 | 3.0% | −$26,983 (60.0%) |
| 17 | 17 yrs | $17,476 | −$541 | 3.0% | −$27,524 (61.2%) |
| 18 | 18 yrs | $16,952 | −$524 | 3.0% | −$28,048 (62.3%) |
| 19 | 19 yrs | $16,444 | −$509 | 3.0% | −$28,556 (63.5%) |
| 20 | 20 yrs | $15,950 | −$493 | 3.0% | −$29,050 (64.6%) |
How the Math Works
This calculator applies industry-average annual depreciation rates that vary by RV type, age, and mileage:
- Year 1 sees the steepest drop: 15-19% depending on RV type at average mileage.
- Years 2-5 slow to roughly 4-10% per year as the "new" premium fades.
- Years 6-10 average 2-6% annually. The RV retains value more consistently.
- Years 11+ settle at 2-4% per year. Used-market demand, condition, and brand reputation become the main drivers.
For motorized RVs (Class A, B, C), annual mileage adjusts the depreciation rate. Low-mileage units depreciate more slowly; high-mileage units faster. Towable RVs are not affected by the mileage input.
When you add loan details, the calculator compares the declining RV value against your remaining loan balance month by month. The crossover point where value exceeds balance is when you move from underwater to positive equity.
Worked Examples
Example 1: New Class A Motorhome
- Purchase Price: $120,000
- Age at Purchase: 0 (new)
- RV Type: Class A Motorhome
First-year drop: $27,600 (23%). After 5 years the estimated value is about $63,000 - nearly half the original price. With a $110,000 loan at 6.9% over 15 years, the owner is underwater for roughly 5 years.
Example 2: 3-Year-Old Travel Trailer
- Purchase Price: $28,000
- Age at Purchase: 3 years
- RV Type: Travel Trailer
First-year drop (from your purchase price): $1,960 (7%). Because the steepest depreciation already happened, the 5-year value from purchase is roughly $19,900 - a much gentler curve.
Learn More
Dig deeper into depreciation and how it affects your RV financing:
- RV depreciation rates by type, age, and brand tier
- Negative Equity Trade-In Calculator - see the cost when depreciation puts you underwater
- RV Loan Payoff Calculator - check your remaining balance against your RV's current value
- Refinance Break-Even Calculator - see if refinancing saves you money before value drops further
- Is GAP insurance worth it? - protection against the depreciation gap
- How RV loan interest works - why rate and term matter for equity
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do RVs depreciate?
Most RVs lose 15-19% of their value in the first year at average mileage. Motorized RVs are also affected by annual miles driven - low-mileage units depreciate slower, high-mileage units faster. After year one, depreciation slows to roughly 4-10% per year through year five, then 2-4% per year after that.
Which RV type holds its value best?
Truck campers and Class B camper vans tend to hold their value best, with first-year depreciation around 15%. Class A motorhomes lose about 17% in year one at average mileage, but low-mileage units retain significantly more value.
How long am I underwater on an RV loan?
With a typical 15-year loan and 10% down, most RV buyers are underwater for 3 to 6 years. A larger down payment, shorter loan term, or lower interest rate reduces the time you spend owing more than the RV is worth.
Does buying a used RV reduce depreciation loss?
Yes. The steepest depreciation happens in year one. Buying a 2-3 year old RV lets the first owner absorb that initial drop, so your annual depreciation rate is lower from day one.
How does RV depreciation compare to cars?
RVs and cars follow a similar curve, but RVs hold value slightly better in percentage terms after the first year. Cars average about 20% first-year depreciation while RV towables average 15-18%. However, because RV purchase prices are higher, the dollar amount lost can be larger.