RV Ownership Length – How Long Should You Keep Your Motorhome?

When you hear the term RV ownership length, the period you keep a motorhome before selling or retiring it. Also known as motorhome holding period, it drives many decisions from budgeting to how often you hit the road. A longer ownership length usually means slower depreciation, but it can also raise maintenance costs and affect financing plans.

One key factor tied to how long you own an RV is RV depreciation, the loss in value over time. The longer the ownership length, the flatter the depreciation curve becomes, which often improves resale value. Another linked concept is RV financing, the loans or lease terms used to purchase a motorhome. Shorter ownership lengths may push you toward higher‑interest short‑term loans, while longer ownership can justify lower‑rate, longer‑term financing. Finally, RV maintenance, routine service and repairs needed to keep the vehicle road‑worthy ramps up with age, so a longer holding period usually means budgeting for more frequent check‑ups.

Why ownership length matters for your road‑trip budget

Understanding the relationship between ownership length and these related entities helps you plan smarter. If you aim to keep your RV for five years or more, you’ll likely benefit from slower depreciation and a higher resale price, but you’ll also need a solid maintenance fund. Conversely, a three‑year ownership span might let you avoid long‑term repair headaches, yet you’ll face steeper depreciation and possibly higher financing rates. The 305‑day rule in Australia, for example, shows how rental limits can force owners to rethink how long they hold a vehicle before it becomes a tax or compliance issue.

Below you’ll find articles that break down each of these angles – from the true cost of buying versus renting, to how legal rules like the 36‑rule or 2‑2‑2 rule affect your stay length at campsites. Whether you’re debating a short‑term adventure or planning a decade of road‑tripping, the insights here will help you match your ownership length to your lifestyle and wallet.