How long does a motorhome last?

Nothing lasts forever. But when you buy a motorhome, you expect to get a few solid years out of it. So, exactly how long does a motorhome last?

In this article, we’ll tell you how long you can expect your motorhome to last and explain how you can maximise the longevity of your vehicle. Plus, we’ll reveal the depreciation rate of motorhomes in New Zealand.

But there’s no need to stress about your motorhome depreciating in value. In fact, there’s a way you can start earning a return on your motorhome without selling - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use! Stick around to the end to find out how to hire out a motorhome and earn up to $10,000 per year.

How long does a motorhome last?

The average motorhome will last for around 20 years or 300,000km. However, some motorhomes may only last for as little as 10 years whilst others will last for as long as 30 years.

The longevity of your motorhome depends on how often it is maintained and serviced and whether it is damaged or involved in an accident. If you are in the market for a second-hand motorhome, make sure you know what to look for in a used motorhome so that you can avoid problems and make a smart investment.

How to maximise motorhome longevity

There are maintenance and service routines that you should follow regularly in order to minimise problems and maximise the lifespan of your motorhome. Below, we have provided our top 5 tips for boosting your motorhome’s lifespan.

1. Stay on top of maintenance

Whenever you return from a holiday in your motorhome and plan on storing the vehicle away for a long period of time (particularly over winter), you should make sure to give it some maintenance.

Start by draining all of the water out of the water heater, tanks, pumps, pipes and lines. If your motorhome is left in cold conditions, any water that is left in the motorhome may expand and potentially crack or break the fittings. Turn on every tap in the motorhome and run the pump until no more water comes out.

Once the motorhome has been drained of all water, turn off the taps and add antifreeze to the motorhomes’ tanks, lines, drains and toilet. Follow this video for guidance.

Disconnect the battery or batteries from the motorhomes. Carry the batteries inside and store them in a warm and dry place. Leaving the battery connected or out in the cold will drain the battery and potentially damage it.

Inspect the roof and undercarriage of your motorhome for any holes or leaks, keeping an eye out for water damage, rust, flickering lights or a short-circuiting electrical system. If you do find serious damage, have it repaired by a professional specialising in motorhome repair. Otherwise, simply apply a fresh coat of motorhome roof sealant before storing away.

Once the roof sealant has dried, cover the motorhome in a waterproof and UV-resistant motorhome cover before storing it away in a garage or shed if possible.

2. Fix problems when they arise

Don’t ignore small problems with your motorhome when they arise. Doing so will only make things worse and reduce the lifespan of your motorhome.

Most common motorhome problems have simple solutions:

• Leaky or constantly running toilet - shut off the water and replace the rubber seals and valves in the toilet.

• Cracked or chipped windows - unscrew the window frame, replace the window and the rubber seal before screwing the frame back in again.

• Clogs in the waste water tanks - pour hot water down the sink and toilet before flushing or follow this simple instructional video.

3. Change and rotate your tyres

Before taking your motorhome on any major road trip, you should always ensure that the tyres are set to the right pressure and that the tread is not too thin.

Check the air pressure in each tyre on the motorhome and compare it with the suggested tyre pressure. You can find the suggested pressure by looking in your drivers manual or finding the small metal tyre pressure plate (usually on the inside of the driver's door frame).

However, during hot summer days, you may want to lower your tyre pressure slightly because the air in the tyres will expand and can potentially cause a blowout.

Similarly, you should regularly check how worn the tread is on each tyre and keep an eye out for any damage like punctures or cuts. Replace old tyres with new tyres every few years, when the tread is wearing thin. This will help you avoid flat tyres, which can damage the wheels, suspension and steering on your motorhome.

When you have the tyres changed, ask the professionals to also perform a tyre rotation. This will balance out the wear and tear across all the tyres so that they last longer.

4. Don’t forget about your waste water tanks

On your motorhome, you will likely have two waste water tanks. The grey water tank collects all the waste water from the sinks and showers. The black water tank collects the waste from the toilet.

It’s important to clean the grey and black water tanks frequently to prevent foul smells and clogs that can cause the wastewater to back up and flood your motorhome. Many camping stores sell detergents and treatments that are specifically used for cleaning waste water tanks on motorhomes.

Alternatively, you can use more common household products like dishwashing liquid.

For detailed instructions, please see our motorhome grey water tank cleaning guide.

5. Regularly clean your motorhome and service the motor

One of the easiest ways to maximise the longevity of your motorhome is to keep it clean, inside and out.

Start with the exterior of the motorhome, using a bucket and sponge to wash the roof and sides of the vehicle. Use a wash and wax cleaning product before rinsing with fresh water to give your motorhome some shine. Avoid spraying water into the vents or exhaust. Consider using a power washer on a low pressure to wash the underside of the motorhome before spraying it with a rust prevention spray.

Wash the windows with glass cleaner and rinse with fresh water. Once a year, lubricate the window latches with a light oil or powdered graphite. Also, use a vacuum to suck debris out of window weep holes so that condensation and moisture can escape.

Once you’ve washed the exterior, head inside the motorhome and give it a thorough vacuum and clean.

Depreciation: do motorhomes hold their value?

Like any vehicle, motorhomes depreciate in value over time, regardless of how well they are cared for. However, regularly maintaining your motorhome will slow the rate of depreciation. The more you care for your motorhome, the more value it is likely to retain over time.

The reason why motorhomes depreciate in value is that manufacturers regularly produce new models with updated features. As such, there is less demand for older models and people are willing to pay less for them.

In New Zealand, the average depreciation rate of a new motorhome is as follows:

• 1 year after purchase = 15% depreciation in value

• 5 years after purchase = 25% depreciation in value

• 10 years after purchase = 40% depreciation in value

But don’t fret just yet! Buying a motorhome can still be a solid investment with the right approach.

Make a return on your motorhome

Worried that your motorhome won’t hold it’s value when you go to sell? But not quite ready to part ways with it just yet? There’s another way to earn a return on your investment - when your motorhome’s not in use, rent it out on Camplify for some extra income!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhomes through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your motorhome, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused motorhome!

Not sure where to begin? Learn how to rent out your motorhome_._