How long will it last?

[Bryanpark2]

I have been on this forum for the last 9 months but I don't believe I have seen this question. I purchased a used 2006 5th wheel. It has had relatively few problems and I intend to keep it serviced as needed, but how long can I reasonably expect it to last. I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.

[Bryanpark2]

Thanks to all that responded to my question. I'm not really sure I knew that the life expectancy of these units could be as long you indicate. I look forward to many years of enjoyment with the 5ver we have now.

[tatest]

I've regularly seen RVs from the late 1960s and early 1970s in use, original, and restorations from as far back as the 1940s, but mostly late 50s and early 60s. A lot depends on care, but also conditions of storage and use, part of that being climate. Just as with cars and trucks, e.g. here at 20 years old we might be dealing with faded paint and dried out rubber and plastics, where my family in Detroit has to be watching out for rust on a car that old used in winter.

But the is also the issue of materials and construction methods. The really old RVs I'm seeing in use have framed construction and metal covering, 21st century is a lot more laminated panel wall, petroleum-based synthetics and adhesives for materials, I don't know how long that stuff lasts. I do know that some manufacturers have had problems with early adhesive failure ( i.e. between delivery and sale), and I've had to deal with galvanic corrosion problems caused by two different metals held together by incompatible sheet metal screws, leading to the sidewalls on one of these laminated plastic boxes separating from either roof or floor. Problems like that will also depend on climate.

[JIMNLIN]

My neighbor has a '73 Nomad TT that has never leaked. Sure its dated and colors are a bit faded. He bought it from the original owner who had a trailer shed (one end of a open hay barn).

Our first 5er was a 2 month old 26' 1984 Aljo by Skyline. Sold it to neighbors friends in '91'ish. I see it a couple of times a year and it still looks like a 1984 RV.

Our current 5er is a '97 model and looks like it did the first day we bought it.

Our last stay was in Branson, MO. The guy at the counter asked for the trailers date. He looked out the window and commented it looks new. All of my RV's were kept in the tractor shed of the trailer shed out of the sun.
I do my own twice a year check up on the roof and exterior and all maintenance.

Neglect them and they don't last long.

[joelc]

If they don't allow it, then post it. Maybe if we campers don't go there they will change the rules. I don't mind a old camper being in a camp ground, but you don't want your neighbor's rig looking like it just was hauled through a mound of road kill either. Keep it clean.

[wa8yxm]

A well maintained trailer will outlast you. That said, the 10 year campgrounds ..

Well my theory is they have too much business and thus they do not need mine. NOTE: my RV is only eight years old.

[jerem0621]

My TT looks great on the inside, faded on the outside. I intend to use it until it is totally dead. I can't seem to kill it though.

I keep fixing what goes wrong and it just keeps working. I'm looking at painting it and replacing/repairing the fender skirts, etc. next year I may replace the rubber roof.

It doesn't leak, and it doesn't stink, it's comfortable and tows good.

Just celebrated its 19th year. I may even get something to park it under in the next year.

Maintain it, use it, clean it, and it will likely last as long as you can stand it.

Thanks,

Jeremiah

[path1]

How long will it last

Till something falls apart more than what it takes to keep it.
See sig

[ScottG]

I think a RV will last indefinitely if you can keep water, and to a lesser degree sunlight, away of it.

[stetwood]

Ever so often I see some one posting with a 5ver built in the early 90 & even a few in the late 80s. Keep it clean, inside and out, maintained inside and out and 25 or 30 years should be doable. It would also help when not in use to be stored under cover. Ours is 14 years old, looks very good and should last until we can't handle it anymore.

[Fishinghat]

Our coach is 20 years old, and when we are asked as to the age, the park management just takes a quick look and proceeds with the check in. We've never been questioned or closely inspected. I'm assuming the 10 year rule just gives them an "out" when a unit that is in disrepair comes in. It would be easier to just say they have a 10 year rule rather than try and explain discrimination due to condition.

[Community Alumni]

Bryanpark2 wrote:
Thanks for the kind comments Eric. I feel that I am getting really close to going full time and did not know what to expect as far as the longevity of a typical unit. We are still looking at doing the seasonal time at MBTP and have found a place in N Ga. For possibly doing the summer. Are you coming back south this winter? Any suggestions as far as me taking this next step would certainly be appreciated.

We're heading back to MBTP for the beginning of October (likely Oct 2 or 3) and will stay until mid-November. We'll head home for the holidays then back to the beach mid-January until sometime mid-March.

I really can't help about going full time but there are many members here on the forums who are full timers and can no doubt can guide you. Sounds like a great adventure. :C

Let me know if you end up at the beach while we're down there.

... Eric

[Bryanpark2]

Excellent point as far as wheels to move on down the road.

[wny_pat1]

Bryanpark2 wrote:
I have seen several campgrounds that will not allow anything older than ten years old in without an inspection.

My coach is 19 years old and I have not been turned away from any yet. Thats from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. Most of those that will not allow any thing over 10 years are in California anyway, and there are still lots out there that will allow you. And if I do get turned away, that's okay, cause I've got wheels to take me down the highway to the next campground.

[Bryanpark2]

Thanks for the kind comments Eric. I feel that I am getting really close to going full time and did not know what to expect as far as the longevity of a typical unit. We are still looking at doing the seasonal time at MBTP and have found a place in N Ga. For possibly doing the summer. Are you coming back south this winter? Any suggestions as far as me taking this next step would certainly be appreciated.