How Long Do RV Last - Average Lifespan for Each Class
01/29/2024

How Long Do RV Last - Average Lifespan for Each Class

Purchasing an RV is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Understanding the great benefits this motor brings to your life is reason enough for investing in it. Imagine being able to tour various states and enjoy camping whenever you can without worrying about paying the mortgage or other expenses associated with leasing a house. Sounds great, right?

Now, as good as an RV is, you should do proper research before getting one. One of the most essential aspects you should look out for when buying one is the average lifespan of the RV. How long will the Class you buy last, what factors will make the RV last this long, and are there some tips to ensure it stays in good shape for as long?

To answer this and any other question you might have related to the lifespan of your RV, read through this guide!

Average Lifespan of Class A RVs/Class B/Class C

To begin with, the average lifespan of a camper is 20 years or 200000 miles. You should note that this is just a number, and they widely vary depending on the Class of your motorhome. Additionally, how well you take care of the camper will determine how long it will last you.

Let's take a look at the average lifespan of each class camper:

Class A RVs Lifespan

Class A RV is the largest of the three main classes of motorhomes. These are usually in the form of tour bus style, which is homey and comfortable. Their amenities are extensive, have more space, and are a perfect option for those looking to live in a camper full-time.

The average lifespan of a Class A RV comes to about 2000000 miles, especially when well kept. In other cases, the RV can go up to 3000000 miles with proper and regular maintenance. In short, if you purchase this RV and keep it in mint condition, expect it to serve you for an average of 10 to 20 years or slightly above this.

Class B RVs Lifespan

Also known as the campervans, Class B RV tend to last slightly longer than Class A RVs. These are just bigger than a regular van, and they are easy to maintain and pretty affordable. The only downside with these RVs is that they need to be more significant to fit many people in. So, they are perfect for solo travel or with a small family.

A Class B RV's average lifespan can be between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, 10 to 20 years.

Class C RVs Lifespan

The Class C RV provides the perfect balance in a motorhome because it is neither too big nor too small. It falls between Class A and Class B RV, ranging from 20 to 30 feet. These RVs are perfect if you want a less expensive RV with more features than a Class B RV.

Now, as for the lifespan, the average for Class C RV is about 200000 miles, mainly if you perform regular maintenance and fix issues in the RV as they arise.

The weight of these RVs and their less powerful engine can make this motorhome last for fewer years than mentioned. This is because it's easy to exceed the low cargo carrying capacity when carrying people, therefore straining the engine. This can cause it to reduce its effectiveness prematurely.

As seen, most RV classes will last between 10 and 20 years. Class B will last longer than Class A and C RVs. Also, the lifespan of each motorhome largely depends on whether you have performed regular maintenance on the RV and whether you do the right thing to keep it in good shape. Currently, 11% of US households are RV owners, and the number will continue to increase, but how long each home holds onto this investment will depend on how well they take care of the RVs.

Factors Influencing RV Longevity

Whether your RV will last for 10, 20 years, or even less depends on the following factors:

The Number of Miles the RV can travel

The miles the RV can travel can shorten the RV's lifespan. This is because of the wear and tear and sometimes accidents that happen in the process that might reduce the lifespan.

How Long You Are on the Road

If you use your RV occasionally, you won't use up so many miles, unlike when you last longer. This way, your RV will last for a longer time, unlike when you choose to spend long periods on the road.

The Road Terrain

The kind of road you travel will also determine the average lifespan of the RV. For instance, if you drive on rough terrains, they might spoil some parts of the RV, reducing its years of service.

Issues with the RV

Suppose your RV suffers from various malfunctions like sewage clogs and constant roof leaks. Due to electrical issues, you might have it for fewer years than initially anticipated.

Maintenance and Care Tips for RV

Here are some top tips that will help extend the life of your RV:

  • Always cover the RV so that it is not exposed to elements

  • Check the plumbing fixtures and make sure you maintain, repair, and replace them regularly

  • Check on the tires and make sure you return them in case of damage or accident

  • Schedule oil changes after about 4000 to 6000 miles

  • Treat the rubber roofs annually and check your tire pressure regularly

  • Change the oil and oil filter, and replace air filters regularly

Factors Beyond Lifespan Influencing RV Longevity

Apart from RV lifespan, here are other factors that influence the longevity of the RV:

  • The number of times you use the RV

  • The quality of materials used in the RV can either enhance the durability or diminish it.

  • Sheltering the RV from harsh weather conditions helps preserve the vehicle for a long

  • Upgrading the components of the RV helps improve its overall resilience.

Conclusion

An RV's lifespan can average between 10 to 20 years, depending on the Class. Of course, factors such as road conditions, mileage, and maintenance play crucial roles in determining how long the RV will last.

If you are an aspiring RV owner and want to get the most out of your vehicle and don't want to see this investment go down the drain in the next few years, following the care tips to extend the RV's longevity is vital. However, the journey starts with getting the perfect RV in good condition. Check out RV Postings for the best RVs to kickstart your motorhome ownership journey.

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