Camper Depreciation Calculator

Campers have been know to depreciate fast and as soon as you take it off the dealers lot. Our camper depreciation calculator helps you find out how much your RV, travel trailer, or truck camper is worth right now. It includes every type of camper, including Class A, B, and C motorhomes, fifth wheels, teardrops, toy haulers, pop-ups, and slide-in truck campers. Enter the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and options to get a detailed estimate of current value, yearly depreciation, and resale price. The results show how your camper’s value changes over time, including cost per mile, per night, and overall usage cost.

How to Use the Camper Depreciation Calculator

Using this camper depreciation calculator is simple and gives real results that match what buyers and dealers actually pay. Start by entering your camper type (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop-up, truck camper, etc.), along with the make, model year, and price you paid. Add details like condition, mileage, generator hours, nights used per year, and any extras such as solar, slide-outs, or four-season packages.

Once everything’s entered, hit the calculate button. The calculator shows:

• The current value of your camper
• How much it’s depreciated since you bought it
• The projected value if you sell it in future years
• The average yearly value loss
• The cost per mile and per night of use

For example, if you bought a 2019 Lance truck camper for $47,000, used it around 25 nights a year, and kept it in excellent condition, the calculator might show it’s worth around $36,500 today — meaning a depreciation of roughly $10,500 over six years. Add in storage and insurance costs, and you’ll see the real cost of ownership.

Camper Depreciation Formula

The formula behind this calculator is based on real-world RV market data and usage trends. It adjusts for brand reputation, type, mileage, and condition to give accurate resale estimates.

Basic Depreciation Formula:
Value = Purchase Price × (1 – Depreciation Rate) ^ Years Owned

Most campers lose:

• 20–25% of their value in the first year
• Around 10–15% per year for the next four years
• After year five, depreciation slows to about 5–7% yearly

The calculator also adjusts for condition, mileage, and features:

• Excellent condition: +5%
• Fair condition: -10%
• Water or frame damage: -15% to -25%
• Popular brands like Airstream or Lance hold value longer
• Basic or low-demand models drop faster

Example:
A 2020 Airstream Basecamp bought for $54,000 might still be worth $41,000 today, while a similar 2020 trailer from a lesser-known brand could be closer to $34,000.

Why Use the Camper Depreciation Calculator

Most people focus on fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs — but depreciation is usually the biggest expense in owning a camper, similar to a vehicle. This calculator gives you a real idea of how your camper’s value changes over time.

I used it before selling my 2017 fifth wheel. It showed my trailer’s value around $29,500, while I was thinking of listing it for $25,000. That extra check helped me price it more accurately, and it sold within a week for $29,000 flat.

You can also use the tool to plan your next purchase. For example, if you’re comparing a 2021 motorhome against a 2018 truck camper, the calculator shows which one will hold value better. It’s an easy way to spot long-term savings and avoid overpaying. Truck slide-in campers tend to have a higher value per square foot then other campers.

Camper Depreciation FAQ

How much does a camper depreciate each year?
On average, campers lose about 20% of their value in the first year and 10–15% each year after that. High-end models and quality brands hold value longer.

Which campers hold their value best?
Brands like Airstream, Lance, Winnebago, and Grand Design tend to keep value better due to build quality and resale demand.

Does mileage affect RV depreciation?
Yes. Motorhomes with high mileage lose value faster, while towables like travel trailers and fifth wheels are affected less.

Do upgrades like solar or lithium batteries help?
Yes. Modern upgrades such as solar systems, lithium batteries, or four-season packages can raise resale value by $500–$2,000, depending on setup.

How much value does water damage reduce?
Water leaks or soft floors can reduce value by 15–25%, even if repaired. Buyers often see this as a long-term risk.

What about campers kept in storage most of the year?
Campers stored indoors or under cover usually hold 5–10% more value compared to those stored outside year-round.

Can this calculator work for truck campers and pop-ups?
Yes. It’s built for all RV types including truck campers, pop-ups, and teardrops. Just select the right type and enter your details.

Tips to Slow Down Camper Depreciation

1. Keep it covered or indoors – Sun and rain destroy seals and paint fast. A covered storage spot or indoor facility slows aging and helps resale.
2. Seal the roof yearly – A small leak can cut your value in half. Check seams, vents, and skylights every season.
3. Clean and wax twice a year – UV damage is one of the biggest value killers, especially on fiberglass campers.
4. Log maintenance and upgrades – Keep receipts for tires, brakes, and upgrades. Buyers trust clean records.
5. Use it regularly but gently – Sitting too long causes more wear than light use. Running systems keeps things from seizing or cracking.
6. Upgrade smartly – Add solar, lithium batteries, or a four-season kit. These pay back later at resale.
7. Avoid major modifications – Custom paint or interior changes hurt resale value unless done professionally.

Example: I once sold a 2008 Arctic Fox truck camper that had always been stored indoors and resealed yearly. It was 12 years old but sold for over half of what I paid new, because the condition was excellent. I am very fond of my property and so should everyone else.

Final Thoughts

Campers lose value faster than most people expect, but knowing exactly how much helps you make smarter choices. Our calculator gives a clear, data-based look at your camper’s worth today and in the years ahead. Use it before selling, trading, or upgrading — and follow the maintenance tips to protect your investment for the long run.

Campers can be a smart choice if you’re working away from home and need a place to stay, but they are generally not meant to live in full time which can decrease their value, but if you do decide to live in it full time, keeping the humidify down is the number one priority to get the most value out of your camper in the end.