Expected life of RV

I have just ordered a stainless steel
exhaust system for my /93 class C.
That should last me for a while!

If you start with a gently used RV and take really good care of it, who knows, it could last you the rest of your life.

Our first fiver was a 2008. We were full time and I kept it washed and put a complete wax job on it at least twice a year. When something broke it was fixed.

As folks find out though, as your RV ages some private CG's have a 10 year age limit and won't let you in.

I just bought the '75 in my signature. It has been stored inside most of it's life. My Roadtrek was always indoors also and that is where I keep both of them. My previous '03 Mountain Aire was also always stored inside and looked like new when I sold it a month ago.

Thanks everyone for your sage advise. All the information is appreciated and will be put to good use as we enter into this phase of our lives. I didn't think of or know about buying a park model rv as suggested but right now we are thinking we want to see various places during our winter months and not be tied down to one spot. We have a cabin in northern Minnesota we own and will be staying at in the summer months so staying in the RV doesn't make sense economically during that time. We are very early in the process so we have time to research and use information gathered for good decisions going forward.

As many have indicated doing preventive maintenance is a key. Don't wait until something goes wrong to,fix. Get up on the roof and look around every so often. Check caulking, for cracks, tears etc. Caulking needs replacing after time, don't wait until it leaks.

Keep steel areas painted. Keep things lubricated including any slide out seals and gears. Keep it clean and waxed. Cover your tires. When you buy one get a travel trailer or fiver that is made well and has positive feedback. Paying a little more up front for a good RV goes a long way.

You'll have issues but many times you can avoid bigger issues being pro-active. Well taken care of they will last decades.

If you can buy a quality 5th wheel a few years old and keep it in good mechanical repair and lots of wax jobs, it can last many, many years. There are differences in the manufacturing process. Some are assembled with staples. Some are done with good craftsmanship. Cabinets and drawers will give you an idea of quality or not. The roof fit needs to be perfect to protect from leaks.

However, you stated you will only use it during winter so it's not going to get a full-timer's heavy use.

I assume you'll go someplace warmer in winter. Why not consider a Park Model trailer that's set up in one of the many snowbirding areas? When you're ready to go, turn the key and you're out of there. You can purchase one much cheaper than you can a good quality 5th wheel and a truck to pull it.

I agree... The key to keeping it a long time is to store it in doors and good maintains... One other thought. We have friends who bought a 5th wheel years ago and now as they are getting older it just to hard for them so they bought a 25 foot travel trailer and said its much easier on them. Eather way enjoy your travels

This OP wants to live full time in an RV. If there is minimal travel and the coach will be stored inside most of the time why not just get a house? The RV needs to be out on the road and in nice campgrounds in different places all the time. If that takes away from the longevity of the RV so be it, it adds more to memories and experiences than anything it takes away from an RV's life. Wally Byam led caravans with Airstreams all over the world often on dirt or muddy roads in Africa or Asia and nobody complained about if that shortened the life of the RV; but rather added entire chapters of adventure to their lives via the RV. That is what RVing is all about.

In the Army its called PMCS. Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services.

Just like a house, lack of use of an extended period of time seems to accelerate the aging process.

My 2008 fiver was in perfect condition when we bought it in 2011. We have eight kiddo’s and regularly camp with the five boys. Children… will age the camper a lot!

If its just you and the Boss Lady, and you take care of it.. it will last you a LONG time.

I agree... The key to keeping it a long time is to store it in doors and good maintains... One other thought. We have friends who bought a 5th wheel years ago and now as they are getting older it just to hard for them so they bought a 25 foot travel trailer and said its much easier on them. Eather way enjoy your travels

They can be immortal with excellent maintenance and repair. Mine is 44 yrs. old.