RVs lose value. That’s not news. But how fast and how much depends heavily on the type of RV you buy and how old it is when you buy it. Understanding the depreciation curve helps you make better decisions about what to buy, when to sell, and how to structure your financing.
The General Shape of RV Depreciation
All RVs follow a similar pattern: a steep first-year drop, a moderate decline through year five, and a slow flattening after that. The specific numbers vary by type, but the shape is consistent.
- Year 1: The steepest single-year loss. New RVs lose 15-19% of purchase price depending on type, with mileage further adjusting motorized units.
- Years 2-5: Depreciation slows to roughly 4-10% per year. The “new” premium is gone, and value is driven by condition, mileage, and market demand.
- Years 6-10: Around 2-6% per year. The RV has settled into its used-market value range.
- Years 11+: 2-4% per year. Brand reputation, maintenance history, and floor plan desirability matter more than age alone.
Depreciation Rates by RV Type
Not all RVs depreciate at the same pace. Motorized units lose value faster because they have engines, transmissions, and drivetrains that age and require costly maintenance. Towables depreciate more gently because they’re mechanically simpler.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A units are the most expensive RVs to buy and the largest depreciators in dollar terms. At average mileage (~8,000 mi/yr), a new Class A loses about 17% in year one. A $150,000 Class A would drop roughly $25,500 in that first year. After five years it’s worth about 65% of its purchase price at average mileage - but low-mileage units (under 5,000 mi/yr) retain significantly more.
The chassis, engine, and complex house systems (generators, hydraulic leveling, slide mechanisms) all factor into depreciation. Higher-mileage units depreciate faster because buyers shopping used know those components will need earlier attention.
Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans)
Class B vans depreciate at about 15% in year one at average mileage (~7,000 mi/yr). They hold value well thanks to their dual-use appeal - many owners use them as daily drivers, which keeps demand strong in the used market. Low-mileage Class B vans are among the best value holders in the motorized category.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C units lose about 16% in the first year at average mileage (~7,000 mi/yr). They share the motorized-depreciation factor of engine and drivetrain aging, but their lower price point means the absolute dollar loss is smaller than a Class A. Like all motorized RVs, mileage meaningfully affects the rate.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels depreciate more slowly than motorized units, losing about 18% in year one. They benefit from having no engine or transmission, which means fewer expensive mechanical systems to degrade. High-end fifth wheels with residential features can hold value particularly well.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are the best value-holders among common RV types, with first-year depreciation around 16%. Their mechanical simplicity, wide price range, and broad buyer pool all help. A well-maintained travel trailer from a reputable brand can retain 55-60% of its value after five years.
Toy Haulers
Toy haulers depreciate similarly to fifth wheels and travel trailers, losing about 19% in year one. The niche appeal (buyers specifically need the garage space) can work for or against resale value depending on local market demand.
Truck Campers
Truck campers hold their value the best of any RV type, with first-year depreciation around 15%. Low supply relative to demand, a loyal niche audience, and mechanical simplicity all contribute. A truck camper purchased for $25,000 might still be worth $18,000-$19,000 after three years.
Pop-Up / Folding Trailers
Pop-ups depreciate at about 18% in year one. Their lower absolute price means the dollar loss is modest, but the percentage decline is in line with other towables. Canvas condition is the wildcard - a pop-up with worn or leaking canvas drops in value much faster than one with solid fabric.
Five-Year Value Comparison
Here’s what a $45,000 RV purchased new would be worth after five years, by type. Motorized figures assume average annual mileage:
| RV Type | Year 1 | Year 3 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | $37,350 | $32,300 | $29,460 |
| Class B | $38,250 | $33,790 | $30,820 |
| Class C | $37,800 | $33,040 | $30,140 |
| Fifth Wheel | $36,900 | $30,220 | $25,860 |
| Travel Trailer | $37,800 | $31,650 | $27,670 |
| Toy Hauler | $36,450 | $29,850 | $25,540 |
| Truck Camper | $38,250 | $32,730 | $28,920 |
| Pop-Up | $36,900 | $30,220 | $25,860 |
These are estimates based on industry-average curves at average mileage. Actual values depend on brand, condition, annual mileage (for motorized), and local market conditions. Run your own numbers in the depreciation calculator to see projections for your specific purchase, including a mileage adjustment for Class A, B, and C units.
What Drives Faster or Slower Depreciation
Several factors push depreciation above or below the averages:
Faster depreciation: - Buying from a dealer with heavy markup (you lose the retail-to-wholesale spread immediately) - Poor maintenance or visible wear - Unpopular floor plans or discontinued models - Water damage or structural issues - High mileage on motorized units
Slower depreciation: - Strong brand reputation (Airstream, Winnebago, Grand Design, and similar) - Low mileage or light-use history - Popular floor plans with broad appeal - Well-documented maintenance records - Aftermarket upgrades that add genuine utility (solar, lithium batteries, suspension improvements)
How Mileage Affects Motorized RV Depreciation
For Class A, B, and C motorhomes, annual mileage is one of the strongest depreciation factors after age. Towable RVs don’t have odometers in the traditional sense, so mileage isn’t a factor for trailers and fifth wheels.
The average annual mileage for a Class A motorhome is roughly 8,000 miles; for Class B and C units, about 7,000 miles. Owners who drive significantly less than average see slower depreciation, while high-mileage units lose value faster.
As a rough rule of thumb:
- Low mileage (under 5,000 mi/yr): Depreciation rates are about 10-15% lower than average. A Class A driven 4,000 miles per year might lose 14-15% in year one instead of 17%.
- Average mileage (7,000-8,000 mi/yr): Depreciation matches the baseline curves.
- High mileage (over 12,000 mi/yr): Depreciation rates run 15-20% higher than average. A Class A driven 15,000 miles per year could lose 20%+ in year one.
This matters most for buyers shopping used motorhomes. A 5-year-old Class A with 20,000 miles is a very different proposition than one with 60,000 miles, and the resale price reflects it. Our depreciation calculator lets you enter your expected annual mileage to see how it shifts the curve.
The Negative-Equity Problem
Depreciation is the root cause of negative equity on RV trade-ins. When the RV’s value drops faster than you pay down the loan, you’re underwater - you owe more than the RV is worth.
This is especially dangerous with: - Low down payments - starting the loan at 100% LTV means you’re underwater from day one - Long loan terms - a 20-year loan pays down principal very slowly in the early years while depreciation is at its steepest - Rolled-in costs - tax, fees, warranty, and GAP insurance added to the loan increase the balance without increasing the RV’s value
Our depreciation calculator’s equity-risk panel shows exactly when your loan balance crosses the value curve. If you’re financing, add your loan details to see how many years you’ll be underwater.
Buying Used to Beat the Curve
One of the most effective strategies for managing depreciation is buying used. A 2-3 year old RV has already absorbed the steepest part of the curve:
- A new $45,000 travel trailer loses about $7,200 in year one (16%)
- That same trailer at age 3 (purchased for ~$31,000) loses about $2,170 in its next year of your ownership (7%)
You pay less, lose less per year, and reach positive equity faster if financing. The trade-off is no factory warranty on most units (though extended warranties are available) and limited floor plan selection.
For older units, financing an RV over 10 years old has its own set of lender requirements and rate considerations.
How to Use This Information
- Before buying: Run the depreciation calculator with your target RV type, price, and age. See the projected value at the point you might want to sell or trade.
- When financing: Add your loan details to the calculator to check your equity timeline. If you’re underwater for more than 5 years, consider a larger down payment or shorter term.
- When trading in: Check the negative equity calculator to see the true cost of rolling any gap into a new loan.
- When insuring: If you’ll be underwater for several years, GAP insurance may be worth it to cover the difference between insurance payout and loan balance if the RV is totaled.
Sources
- NADA Guides - RV Values - Industry-standard RV valuation data used by lenders and dealers.
- J.D. Power - RV Depreciation Trends - Market data on RV resale values across segments.
- RVIA - RV Industry Overview - Shipment data and industry statistics that influence supply-side pricing.
FAQ
How fast do RVs depreciate?
Most RVs lose 15-19% of their value in the first year and roughly 30-45% within five years depending on type and mileage. Towables like fifth wheels and toy haulers tend to lose a higher percentage in year one, while motorized units with low mileage depreciate more gradually. After year five, the rate slows to 2-4% per year. The exact rate depends on type, brand, condition, mileage (for motorized), and market demand. Use the depreciation calculator to see projections for your specific RV.
Which RV type holds its value best?
Truck campers and Class B camper vans typically hold 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. Brand reputation also plays a role - premium brands like Airstream, Tiffin, and Winnebago tend to retain more value than budget brands.
Does buying a used RV avoid the steepest depreciation?
Yes. The biggest value drop happens in the first one to two years. Buying a 2-3 year old RV lets the original owner absorb that initial hit, so your annual percentage loss is lower from day one. You also get a lower purchase price, which means less to finance and faster equity buildup.
How long does an RV owner stay underwater on a loan?
With a typical 15-year loan and 10% down payment, most RV buyers are underwater for 3 to 6 years. The exact window depends on the RV type (motorized units stay underwater longer), interest rate, down payment size, and loan term. A larger down payment or shorter term reduces your time underwater. Check your equity timeline by adding loan details to the depreciation calculator.