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RV Depreciation Calculator — Project Your RV Value Over Time

Project your RV value year by year with type-specific depreciation rates

Projected Value

$35,388

Current Value

$85,000

Total Loss

$49,612

Depreciation

58.4%

Projected Value

$35,388

Lost $49,612 (58.4%)

20%

Year 1 Rate

7%

Annual Rate

Depreciation Schedule

Year 1
$68,000-$17,000
Year 2
$63,240-$4,760
Year 3
$58,813-$4,427
Year 4
$54,696-$4,117
Year 5
$50,868-$3,829
Year 6
$47,307-$3,561
Year 7
$43,995-$3,311
Year 8
$40,916-$3,080
Year 9
$38,052-$2,864
Year 10
$35,388-$2,664

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How fast do RVs depreciate?

RVs lose 18–23% of their value in the first year and 6–8% annually after that. An $85,000 Class A motorhome is worth about $68,000 after year one and roughly $45,000 after five years. Depreciation slows significantly after year 10.

  • Year 1: 18–23% depreciation (the steepest single-year loss)
  • Years 2–5: 6–8% annual depreciation on remaining value
  • Years 6–10: 5–7% annual depreciation
  • After year 10: 3–5% annual depreciation (flattening curve)
  • 5-year total depreciation: typically 45–55% of purchase price
RV TypeYear 1 LossAnnual After5-Year Value (of $100K)
Class A Motorhome20%7%$53,500
Class B Camper Van18%6%$57,400
Class C Motorhome20%8%$49,600
Travel Trailer22%8%$47,100
Fifth Wheel21%7%$51,200
Q

Which RV type holds value best?

Class B camper vans hold value best, retaining 55–60% of their value after 5 years due to high demand and limited supply. Airstream travel trailers are the exception among towables, holding value better than any other brand due to their aluminum construction and brand prestige.

  • Class B vans: best retention (55–60% at 5 years) due to crossover appeal
  • Airstream trailers: premium brand holds 50–60% at 5 years vs 40–45% for other trailers
  • Class A diesel pushers: better than gas models (50–55% vs 45–50% at 5 years)
  • Toy haulers: highest initial depreciation (23%) but stabilize after year 3
  • Well-maintained RVs with service records sell for 10–15% more than average
Q

When is the best time to buy a used RV?

The best time to buy a used RV is in fall (October–December) when sellers want to avoid winter storage costs. RVs that are 3–5 years old offer the best value, having absorbed the steepest depreciation while still being modern enough for reliable use.

  • October–December: lowest prices, sellers avoiding winter storage ($500–$2,000 savings)
  • 3–5 year old RVs: past the steep depreciation curve, still modern and reliable
  • End of model year (August–September): dealers discount current year for new inventory
  • January–February: private sellers list at lower prices before spring demand
  • Avoid buying May–July: peak demand inflates prices 10–15%
Q

How can I slow RV depreciation?

The top factors that slow RV depreciation are indoor or covered storage, detailed maintenance records, low mileage, and avoiding sun and water damage. An RV stored indoors retains 5–10% more value than one exposed to elements.

  • Covered or indoor storage: prevents UV damage and retains 5–10% more value
  • Regular roof maintenance: seal seams annually to prevent water intrusion
  • Keep detailed service records: adds 10–15% to resale value
  • Low mileage (under 10,000/year): buyers strongly prefer lower odometer readings
  • Address recalls and repairs promptly: deferred maintenance compounds depreciation

Example Calculations

1New Class A Motorhome — 10-Year Projection

Inputs

RV TypeClass A Motorhome
Purchase Price$85,000
Current Age0 years
Project10 years

Result

Value at Year 10$35,000
Year 1 Value$68,000
Total Depreciation$50,000
Depreciation %58.8%

Year 1: $85,000 × (1 – 0.20) = $68,000. Years 2–10: compound at 7% annual. Year 10 value: $68,000 × (1 – 0.07)^9 = $68,000 × 0.5168 ≈ $35,139. Total loss: ~$50,000 (58.8%).

23-Year-Old Class B Camper Van

Inputs

RV TypeClass B (Camper Van)
Purchase Price$120,000
Current Age3 years
Project5 years

Result

Value at Year 8$61,800
Current Value (Year 3)$86,946
Total Depreciation$58,200
Depreciation %48.5%

Year 1: $120,000 × 0.82 = $98,400. Year 2: $98,400 × 0.94 = $92,496. Year 3: $92,496 × 0.94 = $86,946 ≈ $83,100 (adjusted). Projecting 5 more years at 6%: $83,100 × 0.94^5 ≈ $61,800.

Formulas Used

Declining Balance Depreciation

Value = Purchase Price × (1 – Rate)^Years

Calculates RV value using declining balance method where each year’s depreciation is a percentage of the remaining value, not the original price.

Where:

Purchase Price= Original purchase price of the RV
Rate= Annual depreciation rate (20% year 1, 7–8% subsequent)
Years= Number of years since purchase

Year 1 Value

Year 1 Value = Purchase Price × (1 – Year1Rate)

The first year has a higher depreciation rate than subsequent years, reflecting the new-to-used transition.

Where:

Purchase Price= Original MSRP or purchase price
Year1Rate= First-year depreciation rate (18–23% depending on RV type)

Understanding RV Depreciation and Resale Value

RV depreciation follows a steep curve in the first year, losing 18–23% depending on the type. This mirrors the new car depreciation pattern but is often more severe because RVs are luxury purchases with higher price points. An $85,000 Class A motorhome loses $17,000–$20,000 the moment it leaves the lot.

After the initial drop, depreciation settles into a more predictable 6–8% annual decline. Class B camper vans depreciate the slowest because demand consistently outpaces supply. Travel trailers depreciate fastest initially but have lower absolute dollar losses due to their lower price points.

Buying a 3–5 year old RV is the most cost-effective strategy. At that age, 35–45% of the depreciation has already occurred, but the RV still has modern amenities and years of reliable service ahead. Pair this with fall purchasing and you can save 40–50% compared to buying new in spring.

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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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