I realize there are infinite variables, but let's say a 34 foot mid-priced fifth wheel, well taken care of, used for full-timing - what is the general life expectancy? We have owned a few campers, but for various reasons have never kept them for longer than 4 or 5 years. We are getting ready to full-time and are wondering how many years we can expect to get out of a camper. Thanks!

Heck, there are plenty of folks that prefer antique/ancient rigs. Of course that means more work.I also read here about some RV parks limiting access to rigs older than some arbitrary age, but I yet to encounter it.

It all depends on the amount of maintainence effort expended, how much it is used, and where it is used/ stored.Our trailer is 10 years old this year, gets used 8 months out of the year including fulltime living for 3 -4 of those months, sits outside for 9 months and inside a barn for 3 months, but it still looks new inside and out. Everything works as it should and there are no water leaks.The above is possible because we purchased a quality product to begin with and have been very careful and persistant in maintaining the rig. I would not trade our trailer for any of the newer rigs out there. Instead, I look for ways to keep it current and up to date. Pride of ownership goes a long way in being satisfied with the rig you have, in my opinion.Purchase a decent rig and maintain it well and you should be fine with almost any brand. Barney

It will last until you get water damage in the wall. So recoat the the roof ever few years with liquid rubber roof material.

Not full time by any means, but it's always outside year round and it's a 2003 model year Fleetwood Prowler, but I bought it in July of 2002 and it's still dry, solid and all mechanical's functional..Maintenance is ongoing and keeping it clean, serviced and happy makes me happy.. :)Mine specifically said in it's manual that it's not meant to be a "full time" use RV, so there you go there... But, it's only a $14,000, 22', #5000 RV too, so there you go right there... I'll bet your 5ver cost a bit more, is bigger and heavier.. ;)Good luck!Mitch

TenOC wrote:It will last until you get water damage in the wall. So recoat the the roof ever few years with liquid rubber roof material.Very true. Our camper is a 1998 Nash. We are the fourth owners, the wife's uncle was the third owner. We doubt it was ever covered. Our 4 years of ownership and the uncles 6 years of ownership we know it wasn't covered. Everything was great until we got a leak. Now a once great little trailer is quickly rotting away.Full timing will put more wear and tear on fabrics and whatnot. If you are gentle with closing doors and cabinets, they will last a good long time. Most travel trailers don't have great quality fabrics, so that will wear out sooner. A fiver or class A will usually have better fabrics and last longer.

RV life expectancy | Good Sam Community

47 Replies

westend
Explorer
Jul 12, 2014
tbred wrote:
westend wrote:
Good thing nobody told Starcraft about that 10 year rule. Mine is 43 years old and will last another 40, at least.

Glad we purchased a 2013 Starcraft tt, we should be good until at least 2056!
Yup, there you go!:)
tbred
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2014
westend wrote:
Good thing nobody told Starcraft about that 10 year rule. Mine is 43 years old and will last another 40, at least.

Glad we purchased a 2013 Starcraft tt, we should be good until at least 2056!
BUB1988
Explorer
Jul 12, 2014
We purchased a 1988 Class Fleetwood Southwind 5 years ago and drove it over 20,000 miles before upgrading to a much newer DP last year. As many have mentioned water is the killer, ours had very bad delamination but mechanically sound. We replaced the interior walls and sealed the leaks. Maintained the should last a long, long time. We were still able to trade the 88 Southwind for a 1994 Corvette.
69_Avion
Explorer
Jul 07, 2014
My Avion has been in the family since new and will be coming up on 50 years old in a few short years. I did rebuild the interior with some new appliances, lights, tanks, upholstery, etc. I figure, if it is taken care of, it will last another 50 years.
westend
Explorer
Jul 07, 2014
Good thing nobody told Starcraft about that 10 year rule. Mine is 43 years old and will last another 40, at least.
John___Angela
Explorer
Jul 07, 2014
Damdifino wrote:
Generally speaking, you should consider any RV a disposable item. If you store it outside and do reasonable, but not obsessive, maintenance, it might last about 10 years. Another way to look at it is...buy a cheap model and throw it away after five years. Replace it with another cheapo.

Good morning

wow. I mean like WOW. Just curious how you use your rig. How often, what setting etc. We use ours 9 to 10 months of the year, its 11 years old owned by us thd shole tim? totally up to date and in nice shape. Hasnt been expensive to maintain.and thinking its probably still good for another 15 to 20 years. Just curious on your usage for a 5 to 10 year life span.
Sea_Dog
Explorer
Jul 07, 2014
Ten years?
Five years?

You are not serious?

Do you burn down your house every twenty years?
Damdifino
Explorer
Jul 06, 2014
Generally speaking, you should consider any RV a disposable item. If you store it outside and do reasonable, but not obsessive, maintenance, it might last about 10 years. Another way to look at it is...buy a cheap model and throw it away after five years. Replace it with another cheapo.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2014
Start with a quality unit. Take care of maintenance issues as they appear. Treat it with respect. Keep the wild door & drawer slamming kids out. Keep the smokers & the dogs out of it. Drive the roads at appropriate speeds & it will last for many many years.

Abuse it & it can be trash in a year.
JEBar
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
funpilot wrote:
JEBar, good advice. I am lucky and have access to a RV repair shop that is not a dealer that will do that service for around $100.00. I confirmed that you do not have to take it back to the dealer just a licensed repair shop. Is that too much in your opinion?

if you can find a licensed repair shop to inspect and certify all of the required items for $100 that would be an exceptional price .... per their website :

"On an annual basis, you must perform the following maintenance

1. Inspect roof and seal where necessary

2. Axle and hub lube

3. Furnace - annually inspect and clean blower and combustion chamber. Control compartment, remove any dust, lint, and obstructions. Test for gas line leaks.

4. Hot water heater - flush holding tank, manually operate pressure temperature relief valve, and clean burner tube as outlined by the manufacturer. "

$100 will cover about an hour's labor at the RV service facilities I know of and checking the things listed above as outlined by the component manufacture should take much longer .... if the $100 proves to be correct, that would make it easier to participate in their program

Jim