I'm sure you're not the only one with a 12 year loan and some go the 15 year route. If you can squeeze an extra payment or even a few dollars more each month it will reduce the overall length on your loan a bit. RVs depreciate at a higher rate as compared to automobiles and generally it's difficult to recoup these large losses. If you enjoy the RV lifestyle it is easier to digest such a dramatic drop in value, either way it's a losing proposition as it pertains to return of investment.
Properly maintained an RV can last well beyond it's financial obligations to the bank, and since you primarily use it for seasonal camping there is significantly less wear and tear to boot. We've had our current rig for 6+ years and have been all over this great country and thus far it is holding up well.
Newcomers to this recreational endeavor would be better served to purchase a used unit or a smaller new rig and see if this pastime is indeed their cup of tea, thereby reducing the chance and/or degree of buyer's remorse. After all these years we still love RVing and have discovered many ways to use our rig other than camping in nature.
