Depreciation, why so much with RV's

Because it's a vehicle so it goes down not up. Because there are a lot of "parts" that go bad. Because those "parts" can be very expensive to fix. And because someone else has used the toilet and slept in the bed.

Oh, and because so many are poorly made to begin with that after a couple years on the road with an owner who doesn't do any maintenance like sealing, the whole rig can be falling apart.

Autos are the same way.

Most probably pay too much.
I hate these RV shows on tv when a buyer has a certain budget and they basically quote them retail price.
If you’re not getting 25-30% off sticker you’re paying too much.
But they still depreciate quickly.

Just remember that if you like to travel, going by RV is the ONLY way that you can at least recoup some of your expenses, even with the depreciation.
Travel by car, train, boat, or airplane, and buying all meals at restaurants, and staying in hotels, are all money that is 100% gone.
If you add up all of the cost to travel, you will find that RV travel is still the most cost effective, not to mention all of the places you experience on the way to any destinations.
Having the total freedom to travel on your own schedule is priceless in my opinion.

Because there will always be a segment of RV buyers who will pay a premium for a new rig. The comment about the bed and the toilet is probably the biggest reason.

Of course, these same people will walk into a public bathroom or stay in a hotel with no compunction...

It is a luxury item, not everyone wants one, few need one many change their mind after a year or two....basics of supply and demand. Look at the depreciation of luxury cars like an S class or a 7 series, a 5 year old one is worth about 45% of original MSRP, similar to a MH.

"Of course, these same people will walk into a public bathroom or stay in a hotel with no compunction... "

Exactly.

Where perhaps thousands of people have used the toilet and the bed, instead of just a couple of owners of a gently used rv.

Ahh we humans are a strange bunch. It's a crazy world and I fit right in :)

We've kept each of RVs through the years for a minimum of 16 years. Our current RV is 22 years old. The enjoyment we have received using our RVs far outweigh any associated costs.

Good research to find the RV that best fits your current and future needs will help provide many years of useful life for your selected RV.

Precentage wise, do they really depreciate anymore than a car?
It's bad enough as it is with even buying used, so except for for one new PU truck (shouldn't have, but did keep it for 18yrs) and one new boat in my whole lifetime, I've always bought used. Some were the same as new, with factory warranties included, but still used and at a considerable savings.

rgatijnet1 wrote:

Travel by car, train, boat, or airplane, and buying all meals at restaurants, and staying in hotels, are all money that is 100% gone.
Depends on how you travel. By car I can save quite a bit versus pulling my 5er. Just in fuel. Plus being able to go 800 miles a day instead of at most 400 saves on accommodations and food.

I can also fly round trip to DC for $225 and I can not drive there and back for less than $2500 in fuel alone. So I can spend the other 2200 on lodging and food.

If you add up all of the cost to travel, you will find that RV travel is still the most cost effective, not to mention all of the places you experience on the way to any destinations. Again a car can give you the same experience for less money and I guess you are saying the value of the RV is not lost money. Well neither is the cost of the car.

Having the total freedom to travel on your own schedule is priceless in my opinion.

You have freedom to travel regardless of the mode or you are not free to travel for job, family, etc. reasons with or without an RV.