Wow!

A lot more than we expected. But for all the years we have been camping,we keep our campers a long time. So in 40 years we have had 2 tents, 2 pop ups and one TT and then this 5th wheel.

Interesting, I've never tried to sell a trailer (yet). I had read 5K a year for the first few years and then it slows down. You're experience is way higher than that.

We bought new in 2001. Still using it 6 months each year. We will not really care the value when we are done rving and it is coming fast for us. Never had a reason for wanting to trade.

chevman and happy chevlady here

Buying new is fine as long as you plan to keep it long term. Trade sell in 2 years you will get screwed. Keep it for 15 years and depreciation does not come into play.
Buying used is not the cure all for buying an RV. It does reduce depreciation however it has its own set of pitfalls.
Buying new you can have the exact RV you want equipped exactly how you want it.
Buying used you must settle for what someone else selected.
Buying used you inherit someone else's problems, you have to sort RV out and figure out what has been neglected. There is currently a thread concerning dump valves on a used unit that had been altered.
Lastly there is very little warranty buying used vs. a full bumper to bumper warranty on a new unit. New units warranties can be for up to 2 years.
I'm not suggesting buying new is better than buying used. Buying used can be beneficial just beware buying used comes with its own set of pitfalls.

To the OP the mousetrap is constantly evolving. At some point you have to do your research figure out the features you want and be happy. Next years model will always have a new gizmo. Most cannot afford to constantly trade in to have the latest feature. YOu mentioned you liked the 2017 models. What happens in 2018/2019 you will be lacking features again.
Keep what you have. Don't be afraid to modify it to your liking. Once you get a fews mods done you won't be so quick to trade it in.

Thanks everyone for ur comments. We got about 24% off msrp. We learned a lesson about buying new! We never buy a vehicle new,always a year or 2 old. Well we love this unit so hubby is just going to do all the upgrades himself. Automatic leveling system will be the pain to do his self but is very doable! Thanks again! Tara:)

How much off MSRP did you buy it for? If you paid near MSRP then yeah the 1st year hit is huge. If you got a killer deal then maybe they're just jacking you around. Another good reason to buy a 1-2 year old RV.

There is always a ton of depreciation on these things. You can lessen it a bit depending on how well you do at the negotiating table. Many people leave money on the table when they buy and it makes the pain worse if you try to get out in a couple of years.

No matter how well you do at the table though you will almost always lose money on these things.

Veebyes, I guess it depends on where you are from, but surprising that you describe Searay as average and yet you didn't consider your Alpenlite to be. BTW, I think both Searay and Alpenlite are very good although not the most expensive out there.

I do like buying used. I bought my current RV new only because the older models were not at all comparable.

I treated my selection like I did boats. I would not settle for anything average or entry level. No Sea Rays or Bayliners. Did not have to be absolute top shelf. Often you pay alot just for the name.

It had to be a better than average well respected but not necessarily well known builder. It also had to have some absolute must haves such as a very high capacity freshwater tank for anticipated dry camping at festivals if we wished.

When we were ready to buy there were only 3 possible models that we were prepared to look at. No compromises. 11 seasons later we are still very happy with our rig & have not seen anything we would consider trading it for. No 2 foot itis.

Steep depreciation, it's God's way of saying "keep this one until the wheels fall off."