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Bryanpark2's avatar
Bryanpark2
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013

How long will it last?

I have been on this forum for the last 9 months but I don't believe I have seen this question. I purchased a used 2006 5th wheel. It has had relatively few problems and I intend to keep it serviced as needed, but how long can I reasonably expect it to last. I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Bryanpark2 wrote:
    Thanks for the kind comments Eric. I feel that I am getting really close to going full time and did not know what to expect as far as the longevity of a typical unit. We are still looking at doing the seasonal time at MBTP and have found a place in N Ga. For possibly doing the summer. Are you coming back south this winter? Any suggestions as far as me taking this next step would certainly be appreciated.

    We're heading back to MBTP for the beginning of October (likely Oct 2 or 3) and will stay until mid-November. We'll head home for the holidays then back to the beach mid-January until sometime mid-March.

    I really can't help about going full time but there are many members here on the forums who are full timers and can no doubt can guide you. Sounds like a great adventure. :C

    Let me know if you end up at the beach while we're down there.

    ... Eric
  • Bryanpark2 wrote:
    I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.
    My coach is 19 years old and I have not been turned away from any yet. Thats from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. Most of those that will not allow any thing over 10 years are in California anyway, and there are still lots out there that will allow you. And if I do get turned away, that's okay, cause I've got wheels to take me down the highway to the next campground.
  • Thanks for the kind comments Eric. I feel that I am getting really close to going full time and did not know what to expect as far as the longevity of a typical unit. We are still looking at doing the seasonal time at MBTP and have found a place in N Ga. For possibly doing the summer. Are you coming back south this winter? Any suggestions as far as me taking this next step would certainly be appreciated.
  • Bryanpark2 wrote:
    I purchased a used 2006 5th wheel...how long can I reasonably expect it to last.


    There is no expiration date on your RV. In theory it will last forever. Parts of it will rear out or become non-functioning and will need replacement. If you own it long enough, you may face a repair that costs more then the RV is worth, but after that repair, the RV will be usable again. Therefore, it can last forever. There are covered wagons, the original RV, still serviceable today. Not practical, but still serviceable.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Having seen your 5er myself and the terrific shape it has been kept in, there's no reason that it shouldn't last for another 12-15 years. Other than cycling out tires, the only major issue might be the roofing material in another 8 years or so (my guess).
  • Bryanpark2 wrote:
    I have been on this forum for the last 9 months but I don't believe I have seen this question. I purchased a used 2006 5th wheel. It has had relatively few problems and I intend to keep it serviced as needed, but how long can I reasonably expect it to last. I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.


    There are some parks where nothing under ten years is allowed at all, regardless of condition!

    As to how long your rig will "last": That's usually a matter of maintenance/storage/use....there are lots of twenty/thirty/even forty year old rigs still on the road.
  • Properly cared for and maintained they can last (almost) forever. However the outside will eventually fade and get dull. Styles change, too. Sooner or later your unit will get dated and some "discerning" patrons won't want to look at it.
  • Bryanpark2 wrote:
    I have been on this forum for the last 9 months but I don't believe I have seen this question. I purchased a used 2006 5th wheel. It has had relatively few problems and I intend to keep it serviced as needed, but how long can I reasonably expect it to last. I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.


    our current MH is in it's 13th season and we kept it's predecessor for 14-seasons. if you take care of them...and that includes paying attention to the little things...they'll last quite a long time. as for the 10-year rule...while we have heard of it we have not yet run across it. I suspect it's a tool some parks use to keep the really beat up RVs out. and if we ever do run afoul of the 10-year rule, well, there's always another park down the road. enjoy your 5er and worry not.

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