Expected life of RV

My wife and I are in the very beginning stages of planning to be full time RV people upon retirement. It sounds so exciting! Our current thinking is going with a fifth wheel. Since we will be on a fairly tight budget going forward I was wondering just how long a life these vehicles have (assuming of course excellent maintenance). Our budget issues will constrain us from replacing that vehicle at least for a long time. We will likely be moving infrequently during the winter months and will not be living in the vehicle during the summer months. I know it is a tough question to answer but I would appreciate any insight you might have.

As previously stated it all depends on what you purchase, how you maintain it and where it is used. There are typically two types of RV's. Those made for occasional weekend recreatonal usage and those made for full time living. Full time living models are better insulated, better at dealing with condensation, typically have a much better carrying capacity and usually are heavier. And lastly, more expensive. Many of the recreational models will make it to the end of the payments if the owners are lucky. Many of the full time living models can last many more years with over 70 percent of Airstream trailers that go back as far as the mid 1930's as an example still on the road. Quality is not expensive in an RV, it is priceless if you live in it and want it to last.

Get into the owners forums for the models you are looking at and see what they as owners are experiencing. Also look into webpages like Escapees, LoveYourRV, Technomadia, and other full time RVers blogs. Lots of great information there.