RVs lose value fastest in their first few years. A J.D. Power shopping guide estimates a new RV can lose about 20% of its value as soon as it's driven off the lot. It also estimates that a Class C motorhome loses roughly 38% after five years and a fifth wheel about 45%. Your RV's actual rate depends on its type, brand, condition, mileage and the used market when you sell.
“RV depreciation” also means two different things. One is the drop in what your RV is worth. The other is the tax deduction a business can take for wear on an asset it uses to earn income. This guide covers both: how fast RVs typically lose value, what slows it down, and what to know about tax depreciation if you rent your RV out.
How much does an RV depreciate per year?
Depreciation is steepest early and slows as the RV ages. J.D. Power's estimates by RV type look like this. They come from a 2019 guide, so treat them as rough benchmarks rather than current market values.
| RV type | Estimated value lost | Over what period |
|---|---|---|
| Any new RV | About 20% | Driving off the lot |
| Class A motorhome | About 30% | After 3 years |
| Class C motorhome | About 38% | After 5 years |
| Travel trailer | About 40% | After 5 years |
| Fifth wheel | About 45%, and about 71% | After 5 years, and after 10 years |
The same guide ranks fifth wheels as losing value fastest, followed closely by Class A and Class B motorhomes, with Class C motorhomes depreciating the slowest of the motorized types. For your specific RV, look up its current value with J.D. Power's RV values and compare it with what you paid.
What makes an RV lose value faster or slower?
Some factors you control, and some you don't:
- Type and size. Larger and towable units often drop faster, based on J.D. Power's ranking.
- Condition. Water damage, roof leaks and worn interiors pull value down quickly.
- Mileage and hours. More use means more wear on engines, generators and chassis.
- Maintenance records. A documented service history reassures buyers.
- Brand and floorplan. Popular, well-regarded models tend to hold value better.
- The used market. Prices rise and fall with supply and demand, which you can't control.
Does renting out your RV make it depreciate faster?
It can add wear, because a rented RV covers more miles and hosts more guests than one in storage. Ordinary wear from use is part of the trade-off of renting. Regular inspections and maintenance can catch small problems before they become big ones, and rental damage should be handled through the renter's deposit and the rental insurance rather than coming out of your RV's value.
Many owners weigh that extra wear against rental income that helps cover the loan, insurance and storage the RV costs either way. Whether the trade is worth it depends on your RV and how long you plan to keep it. Our article on the pros and cons of RV rental management covers that decision.
Can you take a tax depreciation deduction on a rental RV?
Possibly, if the RV is used in a rental business, but the rules are detailed and depend on your situation. The IRS explains how business property is depreciated, including recovery periods, special depreciation and listed property rules, in Publication 946. The 2025 edition says recent legislation reinstated a 100% special depreciation allowance for certain qualified property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025.
Whether your RV qualifies, which recovery period applies, and how personal use affects the deduction are questions for a tax professional. Personal use matters in particular: the IRS's Topic 415 explains how personal-use days affect rental deductions for dwelling units. Bring your purchase records, rental income and a log of personal-use days to that conversation. Our overview of RV rental tax considerations and the RV tax benefits calculator can help you prepare.
How can you slow down your RV's depreciation?
You can't stop it, but you can protect resale value:
- Keep every service record, receipt and inspection report.
- Fix roof and seal issues early, since water damage is costly.
- Store it out of harsh sun when you can, and keep tires covered.
- Use it or have it used regularly, so seals, tires and systems don't sit idle for months.
- Keep the interior clean and the original equipment with the RV.
RV depreciation: frequently asked questions
Is there a standard RV depreciation schedule?
Not for market value. Each RV's value depends on its type, condition and the market, so the best schedule is your own: check its value with J.D. Power each year. For tax purposes, recovery periods come from IRS rules in Publication 946, and a tax professional can tell you which applies to your RV.
Which type of RV holds its value best?
J.D. Power's guide says Class C motorhomes depreciate the slowest of the motorized RVs, while fifth wheels lose value fastest. Individual models and condition matter more than type alone, so compare specific values before you buy.
Can I write off an RV as a business expense?
Some owners who use an RV in a rental business may be able to deduct depreciation and expenses, but it depends on how the RV is used, how much you use it personally, and current tax rules. Talk with a tax professional before you count on a deduction. Our post on which RV rental expenses may be tax deductible lists the questions to ask.
Does rental income offset depreciation?
It can help. Rental income doesn't stop your RV from losing value, but it can cover ownership costs while the RV ages. Most owners in the RV Management USA program earn between $500 and $2,000 a month, which many use toward their loan, insurance and storage.
Make your RV earn while it ages
Your RV loses value whether it's parked or rented. If you'd like it to bring in income along the way, tell us about your RV. A Fleet Manager and the RV Management USA team will review your RV and location and give you a realistic estimate. You can also read how much owners can make renting out an RV.
