What's the Life Expectancy of an RV?
What's the Life Expectancy of an RV?
Posted on September 10, 2022
How Long Does An RV Really Last?
A whopping 15% of Canadians own an RV. Camping is extremely popular across the country, thanks to our abundance of parks and wilderness areas.
Most Canadians dream of owning an RV, so they can camp in comfort and style. The good news is that you can take steps to ensure your new RV lasts as long as possible, for decades of memories with your family.
The bad news is that RV life expectancy doesn't go on forever. Just like a car or a boat, an RV can only last so long.
So how long does an RV last? Keep reading below to discover important information before you purchase an RV.
RV Lifespan?
What is the average lifespan of an RV? You can expect a new RV to last upwards of 20 years. As long as the RV is properly maintained, and stored in a safe location when not in use, you can expect nearly two decades of adventures.
Unfortunately, many RV owners get lazy. They leave their RV out in the sun or snow when not in use, which can expedite wear and tear. Also, avoiding routine maintenance can degrade an RV fast. If you want to get the most out of your investment, it pays to learn how to keep it in tip-top shape.
What Type of RV Lasts the Longest?
Want to maximize the life of your investment? Certain types of RVs, and certain brands, and well-known for the longevity of their campers.
In general, trailers have the potential of lasting a lot longer than motorhomes. Travel trailers and 5th wheels don't have an engine, which means there's a lot less to fix.
What Is Considered High Mileage for an RV?
Thinking about buying an RV that needs a little work? Generally speaking, anything over 160,000 km is considered high for an RV. Buying a used RV can save a ton of money upfront. And if you buy from a certified dealer, you can expect it to be in great condition.
Do Diesel or Gas RVs Last Longer?
Diesel engines are known to last a lot longer than gas engines. The more you drive in a given year, the more a diesel engine will benefit you. If you don't travel far, the benefits might not be worth the added expense.
What Reduces RV Life Expectancy?
Whether you are moving into an RV full time, or just taking it out on the weekends, there's a lot that can wear your camper down prematurely. Here's what to keep in mind when using and storing your RV.
Tire Blowouts
Not only are tire blowouts dangerous when operating a large vehicle, but they can also lead to high levels of damage to your RV. Count yourself lucky if the only thing damaged is your axel.
Water damage
Water damage is one of the worst offenders when it comes to RV life expectancy. If there are leaks, water can get behind walls or under the floor. It can cause structural issues if not addressed quickly.
Electrical Issues
Without electricity, many of the amenities offered by RVs disappear. Electrical issues can end up damaging appliances, lighting, or your engine.
Roof Wear
The roof is your first line of protection. It fights everything from UV rays, rain, snow, ice, hail, and even critters.
It's vital that you keep your roof clean, sealed, and free from any holes or cracks that could lead to bigger issues.
Bad Maintenance
DIY RV maintenance is almost never a good idea. While you might be saving money in the short term, a poor-quality repair can lead to more expensive problems later on. Not to mention, it can be dangerous to work on engines, wiring, or flooring if you aren't qualified to do so.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual, or listen to your dealer's advice. Different RV manufacturers do not necessarily use the same components, so your RV might require maintenance specific to the components and materials used.
Can an RV Last Forever?
RVs, like cars, aren't designed to last forever. Following the best practices can certainly prolong the life of an RV, but all campers eventually need to retire.
So how can you get the most out of your RV? Here are the most important tips.
Check Your Roof Regularly
To protect the rest of the RV, your roof needs to remain in pristine condition. The roof needs to be sealed at all times to prevent moisture and debris from getting in and causing residual damage.
The sooner you notice a hole or crack, the better.
Maintain The Vehicle
Just like you need to maintain a car on a regular basis, so too do you need to maintain an RV. On all models, you'll want to check your tire tread and pressure and ensure proper alignment.
On motorhomes, you'll want to change the oil periodically, maintain the engine, flush and replace fluids. Preventative maintenance is always more effective and affordable.
Take Care of the Inside
Most RVs feature slideouts to increase usable space inside. To keep these working, they need regular lubrication.
If your RV has a bathroom, you'll want to use RV-specific cleaning chemicals to keep pipes clean and free from blockages.
When you are using your RV, one of the simplest things you can do is empty the black and grey water tanks before they are full. Don't wait too long.
If you ever notice a leak, either from the kitchen, bathroom, roof, or window, find the source and repair it immediately
Proper Storage
When you aren't camping, your RV needs to be stored. If you are using it regularly, you may be tempted to keep it at home.
But the elements can expedite the breakdown of your vehicle. Keeping your RV covered, and ideally indoors, is the best method of maximizing life span.
An indoor, temperature-controlled storage unit will keep away harmful UV radiation, all forms of moisture, dust, debris, and pests.
What Is the Easiest RV to Maintain?
Travel trailers and 5th wheels are the easiest types of RVs to maintain. Without an engine, most of the larger RV problems can be avoided. You don't need to be a mechanic to maintain a travel trailer of the 5th wheel.
Living the RV Life Canada Is Famous For
Because RVs require regular maintenance, they aren't for everyone. But those who enjoy camping on a regular basis, or taking long trips in the summer will benefit from owning their own RV.
You can take the necessary precautions to maximize your RV life expectancy with some regular effort.
Are you ready to buy your dream camper, so you can make countless memories each year? We have one of the largest RV selections in Quebec. Check out our current inventory to find the perfect RV for you.