RV Depreciation: How Motorhome Value Changes Over Time

When talking about RV depreciation, the gradual loss of a motorhome’s monetary worth as it ages and accumulates mileage. Also known as vehicle value decline, it matters to anyone planning to sell, trade, or simply budget for future expenses. Alongside this, motorhome resale value, the price you can fetch on the second‑hand market hinges directly on how quickly the unit depreciates. The used RV market, the broader ecosystem of buyers, sellers, and dealers dealing in pre‑owned motorhomes reflects those depreciation trends in real‑time prices, inventory turnover, and regional demand. Understanding these three pieces gives you a solid base for making smarter buying or selling decisions.

Key Factors Behind Depreciation

First, the age‑to‑mileage ratio drives the biggest hit—most models lose about 15‑20% in the first three years, then level off. RV depreciation isn’t just a number; it’s a signal that tells you when a motorhome might hit peak resale value. Second, vehicle valuation methods such as the British Vehicle Valuation (BVV) grid or independent appraisal tools translate age, mileage, condition, and optional extras into a market price. Third, tax write‑off rules let owners deduct a portion of depreciation each year, turning a financial loss into a partial gain on tax returns. Fourth, fleet accounting practices used by rental companies or corporate fleets treat depreciation as an expense, influencing how they price rentals and decide when to replace units. Finally, market dynamics—like fuel price spikes, new model releases, or shifts in consumer preferences for eco‑friendly rigs—can accelerate or slow down the value drop across the used RV market.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dig into the practical side of these concepts. From figuring out how the 2‑2‑2 rule affects weight distribution (and indirectly your vehicle’s wear) to learning the ins and outs of campsite electricity so you can avoid costly upgrades that hurt resale, the collection covers the everyday factors that shape your motorhome’s financial life. Browse the posts to see how depreciation interacts with real‑world decisions, and pick up tips you can apply right now to protect your investment.