RV Resale Values — Which Brands are Worth the Investment?
An interesting analysis of the market tells us which RVs hold their value the most.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Jayco
We all know that when you buy a new vehicle—be it a car, truck, or SUV—it immediately depreciates in value as soon as you drive it off the lot. But some brands and models tend to hold their value better than others, offering higher resale prices down the line. The same holds true for the RV market, where preowned motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels drop in value over time. But which brands offer the best RV resale values? A recent study provides some insight into that very question.
Roamly, a company that offers insurance for adventure-focused vehicles like boats, ATVs, and RVs, recently took a look at the RV resale market to determine which manufacturers best hold their value. The results weren’t exactly surprising to anyone who follows the industry closely, but they did offer good insights to anyone considering buying a new camper. Roamly’s report on the subject provides good guidance for buyers, spotlighting the brands that consistently rank among the best in resale value, which is also often a reflection of overall quality.
Photo Credit: Zack Wittman
So which brand came out on top? According to the report, Jayco consistently holds the top spot when it comes to RV resale values. Roamly says this is due to its long 50+ years of building towables and motorized campers, but also because the company offers one of the best warranties in the industry. That includes a three-year structural warranty, which isn’t matched by any other major manufacturer.
There were several other manufacturers that earned the nod of approval from Roamly, as well. Both Airstream and Winnebago were lauded for their long tenures in the RV industry, with both earning legendary status for their customer service, build quality, and excellent towables and motorhomes. And despite being a relative newcomer to the market, Grand Design makes the cut on the strength of its high-quality travel trailers and fifth wheels. And lest you think the Roamly report only recognizes larger brands, Oliver Travel Trailers also earns high marks for its double-hulled fiberglass construction and upscale features, furnishings, and materials.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
As for which types of RVs hold their value the most, Roamly has some data to share there, too. It seems Class B camper vans are currently the best option overall, retaining 50%-53% of their value after five years. That’s due, in part, to continued strong demand for this style of vehicle, which outperforms larger Class A and C models in resale. The report says that travel trailers from top brands, like those listed above, also do well, with a total depreciation of about 36%-38% over their initial five years.
Roamly offers sound advice for anyone currently shopping for a new RV. The insurance company advises buyers to focus on brands like the ones listed above because they have a proven track record for delivering quality vehicles. As noted in the report, when you’re buying an RV, you’re making a substantial investment, so it pays to do your research, shop around for the best deals, and look for the model that is right for you. Talk to dealers, check out industry trends, and take note of the brands that are earning awards not just for their designs, but also for their customer service. Chances are, those manufacturers are the ones that are going to hold their value the most over time.
Image Courtesy of Oliver Travel Trailers
If you’re looking for further insights into RV resale values and the current market, you can read all of Roamly’s insights here. The report delves into how fast recreational vehicles depreciate over time and how to maximize your resale value when it comes time to upgrade to a new model. There is plenty of great information found in the report, which is worth a look by RV owners and potential buyers alike.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
