Life Span

Most RV's in the desert SW that are not under cover look pretty dull and bleached after 10 years. That sun and heat can take a dramatic toll on the roof and sealants (more prone to leaks), rubber/plastic trim, paint, not to mention the cooked decals.

Most trailers I've seen that spend most or all of their time near saltwater have noticeable amounts of rust and corrosion on the frame/chassis, metal trim and attachments, and the exposed a/c roof components after only 2-3 years.

IMO, RV's located in the mid-west, or more northern climes, away from the coast, tend not to deteriorate nearly as fast.

Our 1997 Golden Falcon hasn't needed any replacement appliances etc. Sure we have replaced some parts here and there but definitely nothing major. Biggest thing is keeping them sealed. Ours sits outside year round.

Our Cedar Creek Daydreamer is now 10 years old and is still 100% inside and out, of the many good comments already said keeping the water out is very true! The one thing to point put however is the manufacturer's commitment to their product over the years. Our Daydreamer hasn't been without it problems, such as having to replace the AC units or water heater or awning motor and such which are "parts" made by other companies that Cedar Creek has no real control over the quality and design like the absolute piece of garbage drainmaster electric dump valves (I wouldn't wish those on my worst enemy!) that they had a very short relationship with but several years ago the clear-coat started flaking off and Cedar Creek gladly had the whole fiver re-done at their expense or last fall when they repaired the frame-flexing problem we had again at their expense,,, in my opinion have a manufacturer that cares that much about it's reputation and it's outright commitment to it's customers is why our Daydreamer is still going strong, Thanks Cedar Creek!!!

Red Green: There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys.

Gotta love that "feels" data. Seems real popular and why not? Just say it and never have to back it up.

Comparing a fifth wheel to a boat is your first clue and if you need more than that then I'm sorry.

mtofell1 wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

mtofell1 wrote:
It sounds kind of like boats. 10 years and statistically things can start to spiral to a large extent. A good indicator is to look at what banks are willing to loan on.

You'll get plenty of stories of folks that have had things last longer but any one experience is what is called statistically insignificant.

Without data your post is meaningless to prove others wrong. Do you have access to data on boats and RV'S?

I'm a guy on my couch.... no, I don't have "data". This is the internet. Everyone's post is meaningless according to your criteria. A post is an opinion.... feel free to skip any you don't like or agree with.

:) Gotta agree with you.

If one is meticulous about preventative maintenance then an RV can last well past 10 years. My guess is however, that most owners are not. At 10 years the roof is ready for a reseal/replacement and the running gear is shot too if it still has the original shackles and bushings. Probably a lot of rust too. Today's built RV's are even worse than those built 10 years ago as more price cutting has taken place and the build quality is certainly not there as it once was(and that's saying a lot as build quality on the average RV was never great to being with).

Our last trailer was 12 when we sold it for a new one.

It was in perfect condition both visually and mechanically sound, someone will get a really good 5th wheel, we can only hope they take as good of care as we did and it will last another 12.

We sold ours because WE went to a RV show an got that dreaded disease as well:
the new trailer disease.

Unfortunately, most RVs are kept in outdoor storage and after 10 years the hot sun eventually takes it toll on the finish. If you are the type that really takes care of his stuff, they'll last longer than that.

When buying used just remember that without a good roof (5k to replace) it goes downhill quick.

We have slept in our alpenlite 8 years, half of it's age. Still a great fifth for us.

chevman