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whicotom's avatar
whicotom
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015

used rv mileage

I have never done anything with a RV and I am considering purchasing a rv for using as part of light treatment(ability to be away from light at night) Looking at ads for motor homes/rvs it seems that the mileage is very low ie 30,000-50,000 miles on rv's older than 5 years. That is not even 10,000 miles/year and on some less than 1,000/year. I keep reading about people with rvs traveling. Am I not reading in the right places? Is the mileage bogus? I am interested in buying used if this therapy works for me and would be out in it 4x/year for 3 weeks at a time minimum. I would want to travel more than a few miles away from town in those circumstances. We travel @6,000-10,000 miles/year now on road trips staying at hotels.
I would appreciate any insight you could give me.
Thanks! whicotom

18 Replies

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  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2015
    We know a couple that go out about 6-8 weekends a year never more than 150 miles away that works out to 2400 miles a year.
  • Parrothead_Mike's avatar
    Parrothead_Mike
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    We've taken a few long trips with our different 5th wheels. From Michigan through the Rockies and back was about 5,500 miles. Our trips to Florida and back for the past 3 winters were in the 4,000/year range. Many RVers don't take those kinds of trips ever, preferring to keep it within their own state or within a couple of hundred miles max.

    As jplante4 mentioned, RVs need to be used. If you're looking for a motorhome low mileage is still an important issue, but that's for the motor only. The other mechanicals (furnace, fridge, AC, water heater, etc.) are really important too, especially if you plan to spend time living in it. Those items should be checked and be in good working order.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    My previous 12 year old motorhome had 80k miles, the previous 11 year old motorhome had 70k miles. My current 1 year old motorhome has 7k miles. All loving well cared for miles loaded with memories and fun.
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    Ours has only about 6500 miles on it and it's over 2 years old. Not everyone full times in them. There are some of us weekend warriors out there that do a couple weeks a year in addition.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2015
    Unlike cars where low mileage is good, extremely low miles (1000/year or less) on a motorhome is a red flag. Things need to be run and if they're not they rust or break.
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    Most RV's will have low mileage as they spend the majority of their lives stationary (storage or camp-ground); As an example, I've camped 20 nights this year and have traveled less than 2,000 miles.

    Condition is more important; The mechanical stuff is relatively easy to replace/repair but leaks in the structure will be a nightmare.

    Gerry
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    Welcome to the forum.
    Yes, the mileage is correct. Most RV's average around 4500 miles a year, according to what I've read.
    I have a 96 Southwind with around 25,000 miles. No, I don't drive it enough. We usually travel in the local area.

    When buying used, condition is the important factor. Don't just focus on the mileage.

    Take your time looking for for a RV. Don't be in a hurry to buy.
    And, ask lots of questions on the forum. Someone will know the answer.

    Good luck with your light therapy treatments.
  • Sport45's avatar
    Sport45
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2015
    I'm not surprised that many motorhomes and RV's have lower miles than you would expect to see on a used car of the same age. Many spend most of their time parked; either in storage or in a campground.

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