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Are Older RVs Worth Buying?
Many people have discovered that older RVs are worthwhile investments if you’re wanting to find the ideal RV with the ideal features, length, price, and weight. There is conjecture that once the backlog is cleared up, RV manufacturers may continue to create specific models of RVs on a special order basis, much like molded fiberglass RV makers have done for decades. With several advantages, used RVs allow you to get the RV you want when you want it.
How old is too old for an RV?
That depends on a few factors. You’ll need to locate a coach that is more affordable if the required maintenance is outside the scope of your time and finances. Few of us can afford to spend more than $4 million when one of the lucky 12 1939 GM Futurliner cars goes up for auction, even if many of us would love to be one of them.
RVs from the Antique (1910–1944) and Vintage (1945–1970) Eras require a lot of TLC, in all honesty. However, many RVs and travel trailers from the Classic (1971-1989), Neo-Classic (1990-2007), and Modern Era (2008-Present) periods are still safe to drive. In recent years, the blogosphere and YouTube have developed into fantastic how-to resource hubs for RV maintenance and repairs.
What are the main factors that make an RV a poor investment for you?
A better question to ask yourself? The following significant repairs that most people deem either too expensive to fix or render a coach beyond repair include:
- Black mold infestation
- Destroyed from fire
- Holding tank corruption
- Vandalism to the interior or exterior
- Serious water damage
- Faulty engines or transmissions
- Badly harmed frame
- A chassis that is twisted, bent, or fractured.
An RV typically lasts between 20 and 30 years. Fifth wheels and travel trailers made of molded fiberglass have a substantially longer lifespan. Rec-Vee World, a division of Uhaul, manufactured molded fiberglass travel trailers for the industry leader in rental equipment from 1984 until 1992. People are purchasing and restoring them today. The fiberglass casings are in fantastic shape. The majority of the restoration involves removing and replacing the features.
Like all drivable vehicles, motorhomes have a suggested mileage limit. RVs powered by gasoline will last 200,000 miles, whereas diesels often last 300,000. However, if you keep the engine tuned and maintained, you might see those motors traveling beyond those distances.
Do RVs and campers retain their value?
RVs lose value much like vehicles. Once you’ve completed the purchase procedure, new RVs lose 20% of their value.
What Is the Resale Value of RVs?
Some RVs have a good resale value compared to others. Age isn’t the only factor used to figure out an older RV’s actual value. Like any big purchase, there are other variables thrown into the mix.
- Brand Strength: Based on their reputation, some RV brands retain their value better. Resale values are typically higher for products made by manufacturers like Airstream, Coachmen, Forest River, Grand Design, and Winnebago.
- Damage:It is impossible to find a used RV free of small dings, but serious exterior, interior, or water damage can reduce an RV’s value.
- Features and Upgrades: RVs with more upgrades typically have a lower resale value than those with mainly standard amenities. – Features and Upgrades Because they adapt better to more lifestyles, those with the essential elements get larger audiences.
- Maintenance and Repair Records: We counsel sellers to maintain thorough records of the upkeep and repairs they carry out on their RV. All buyers want proof that the coach was kept up and is in the best condition. There are apps out there to help you manage this. Also, keep your RV preventive maintenance checklists filed, so they can see what you’ve done and when you did it.
- The environment of Storage: How was the RV stored during the off-season or in between vacations? Was it parked in an indoor RV facility, a covered storage area, or an outdoor RV storage lot? The weather, regular fluid cycling, and prolonged sun exposure can all have a significant impact.
How Much Can You Borrow for an Old RV?
An older RV can be financed similarly to a second home. For prime, secondary, and sub-prime borrowing applicants, banks and other lenders provided great rates in the early Remote Period of the Modern Era (2020–the time this article was produced).
You can find financing for older RVs with higher ages and miles if you hunt around. Finding the best lender and obtaining a pre-approval letter from them before visiting a dealer may be advantageous to you. Dealers work with a variety of lenders, but if you already have a pre-approval letter, request that they use it.
The following are some essential details about financing for RVs. Before signing the document, be sure you understand everything:
- RV lenders use the coach as collateral, so it’s a secured loan.
- The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) can be fixed or variable.
- You can’t finance the warranty or sales tax, so your down payment may include them or be a different amount you must pay in full.
- Coaches less than 10 years old, gas motorhomes under 60,000 miles, and diesel RVs below 100,000 miles can get financed but be ready for a higher down payment and an increased APR.
- Units between 10-15 years old, gassers above 60k, or diesels over 100k may be eligible for 50% financing of the total price. Anything after that, lenders won’t consider.
What Oldest RV Should I Purchase?
You should purchase the oldest RV that still meets your needs and is still in good condition. Many RVs between the ages of 3 and 5 are in excellent condition and only need routine maintenance. The majority of RVs and travel trailers between five and ten years old may require some maintenance, but there might be a gem in the rough that you can “hot rod” with modern conveniences and features.
Is Purchasing an Old RV a Smart Move?
It makes financial sense to purchase an older RV so you can still have the newest technologies while saving money. Additionally, a used RV has already undergone its shake-down phase, meaning the previous owner has found and fixed any initial problems.
Consider finding a 2019 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 264BH that is in outstanding condition. Many Jay Flight SLX 264BH reviews make reference to dripping faucets. The previous owner might have already fixed the issue.
There are some differences between the 2022 new model and the 2019 used unit. However, the price increase is not justified by the adjustments. Consequently, the used 2019 model contains everything you require and desire.
Is Purchasing an Old RV a Smart Move?
Is It Advisable to Purchase an RV With 100,000 Miles.With 100,000 miles on it, an RV still has plenty of life remaining in it. The majority of the time, motorhomes have between 25,000 and 60,000 miles on them. If you come across an antique RV with minimal miles. It has to be assumed that it spent the majority of its time parked.
The gaskets and hoses may be faulty. Because they dried out if the owner neglected to properly maintain the plumbing and automotive systems.
On the other hand. If the prior owner started the RV each month and winterized the plumbing, the gaskets ought to be fine. In order to know what you’re buying, it’s a good idea to perform an RV inspection or have a professional RV inspector look at it.
Are Parts for Older RVs and Motorhomes Hard to Find?
If you can’t locate the part number on a sticker or in an owner’s handbook, get in touch with the RV manufacturer to begin your search. A heritage department houses the blueprints, brochures, manuals, and part numbers for many wellknown brands. Once you have the part number, you might discover that the original vendor switched out the part with a newer, more effective version.
Older RVs may be difficult to find components for, depending on the Era from which it hails. Original Vintage Era and forward parts may be available in an RV salvage/scrap yard near you, but original Antique Era parts are nearly impossible to locate. The savvy hot rod RVer sees a huge megastore full of opportunities where most folks see a junkyard.
There may be better options for vintage RVs. If you’re looking for the original Coleman PopUp camper parts. Fleetwood sold off all of the surplus parts that are still circulating today when they had to make financial cuts in the 1990s. It could be a good idea to start with numerous online marketplaces like Craiglist, eBay, and Amazon.
The parts you require can be available at three of the Big 4 Dealers: Camping World, General RV, and Lazydays. The replacement water control unit, for example, was readily available for his 20-year-old RV when the water tank needed to be replaced.
Finding Information.
You may find helpful information on RV forums, camping clubs that specialize in particular RVs or eras, and other organizations in the RV Community. Don’t think it will be difficult before you’ve started the research process. Before you get that cashier’s check, find out how tough it will be to acquire new components for an RV that is more than 5 to 10 years old.
Should I Purchase an Extended Warranty for a More Aged RV?
No, not from a dealership, though. Unfortunately, the likelihood that you may experience a significant mechanical failure increases with time. According to records of RV Warranty claims, more than three out of every ten RVs will require significant repairs after just two years of use. In their fifth year, this soars to 8 out of 10, and in their eighth year, nearly ALL of them! As RVs get more complicated and there are more potential problems, it is more crucial than ever to protect your investment.
