What is Considered High Mileage for an RV?

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Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Paul Clayton

What is Considered High Mileage for an RV?

As an RV owner or potential buyer, one critical question is “What is Considered High Mileage for an RV?” This factor plays a significant role in determining an RV’s overall condition and value.

• High mileage for an RV is typically 100,000 miles.
• Factors like type, age, and maintenance affect mileage.
• Motorhome-style RVs handle higher mileage better.
• Older, well-maintained RVs can still be reliable.
• Regular maintenance is critical for RV longevity.
• Mileage isn’t the sole factor when buying an RV.

The answer to that question depends on several factors. For example, how much you drive each year, what type of RV you have, and the environment where it is driven are all critical variables. However, one thing is sure: any RV will eventually need work done if it has high mileage.

What Is Considered High Mileage for an RV? Roughly speaking, any RV driven more than 100,000 miles could be considered high mileage. An RV in the higher mileage range will likely need more frequent maintenance.

Several factors can determine what is considered high mileage for a recreational vehicle. For example, how much you drive each year and what type of RV you have are crucial variables to consider when determining your annual average mileage rate (AMR).

However, one thing is sure: no matter what kind or size of RV you own–anyone who drives their RV over 100k miles per year should plan on doing periodic preventative maintenance checkups and repairs as needed.

How many Miles is Too many on an RV?

An RV that has exceeded 200,000 miles could be considered too many miles.

This could be a sign that the RV owner needs to have maintenance performed, such as brake work or transmission service. If an engine rebuild is required on these older RVs, it can be expensive and time-consuming because significant components are involved.

Mechanics may also want to discuss whether or not they should replace the timing belt to prevent future problems with the vehicle’s driving system.

How Do You know if your RV has Too many Miles?

If there are signs of mechanical failure, this might mean more frequent repairs and inspections will need to be done for safety.

It may also indicate that some parts are wearing down from excessive use, which takes away their lifespan, meaning replacement expenses will be higher.

If your RV is not running at its peak performance and you’ve noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency, it may also mean that some parts are wearing down from excessive use, which takes away from their lifespan over time.

The most common issue with high mileage on an RV is the tires having fewer treads left for traction to provide stability when traveling and braking capability.

This can result in unsafe driving conditions or even potential accidents if no precautionary measures have been taken beforehand, such as buying new tires or visiting a tire specialist for more information.

Another symptom of too much wear on tires might be how often they need air put into them; this means there could be punctures within the rubber that will likely need to be replaced.

How Long Do RV Trailers Last?

On average, expect an RV trailer to last at least 25 years.

Does that mean 25 years of use? The answer is not quite. It depends on how many miles you put on your RV trailer each year and the type of usage.

An RV trailer pulled once a year to one local spot for a holiday weekend and then put away for the rest of the year will not see much wear and tear.

A trailer used on fishing trips and weekends at friends’ houses all over the state or across the country annually would be expected to last significantly less than 25 years.

The exact number is hard to quantify because it varies so much by usage patterns, but anywhere from 18-25 years seems about right in most cases if you’re putting more than 15,000 miles per year on your RV with regular use.

Do RVs Break Down a Lot?

One of the most common misconceptions about RVs is that they break down a lot. I have spent time talking to our customers and partners and reviewing my own experience with an RV – and it’s not true at all!

The average person will need to replace their tires once every ~8,000 miles, less frequently than you would expect for your car.

In addition, engine oil changes are recommended around ten thousand miles but can vary depending on how much you drive daily.

Other parts like brakes and brake pads last considerably longer in an RV because we drive slower and don’t use them as often as cars.

What is the RV 10-Year Rule?

The Ten-Year Rule is a code enforced at many upscale RV parks nationwide. The rule implies that RVs older than ten years are too weathered and worn, which could damage property in those areas.

This is often seen as an unfair policy because it completely disregards how well-maintained and updated the vehicle might be; however, this type of regulation offers peace of mind to owners who may worry about their vehicles being vandalized or damaged by irresponsible campers.

Is a Used RV a Good Investment?

Used RVs are a popular option for consumers on the hunt. They don’t require you to put down as much money upfront and can be cheaper to maintain than purchasing new ones.

But how do you know if the mileage is high enough or too high? There’s no easy answer, but some guidelines may help when considering a used RV purchase.

The average miles driven per year varies depending on your driving habits; an all-city commuter may only drive 15,000 miles in a year, while someone with more rural travel will likely go over 30,000 miles annually.

But the term investment implies you might expect to make money on your RV purchase. This is rarely possible when buying any vehicle.

Your ROI (return on investment) is going to be low.

To recap, while there are no hard and fast guidelines when buying a used RV, knowing what kind of driver you are can help determine how much wear and tear your prospective purchase may have incurred over time.

And remember this one fundamental rule of thumb: the longer someone has owned the unit before selling it to you means

How Many Miles per Day Should You Drive an RV?

How many miles per day should you drive an RV? This question comes up often, and there isn’t a hard-set answer.

Some people want to maintain their trailers or motorhomes close to pristine condition, so they take it easy on the odometer reading.

Others are out for adventure and may put mileage like crazy! What’s suitable for your specific situation depends much on how you plan to use your RVs.

How Do You Maintain an RV?

Maintaining an RV requires a comprehensive approach, addressing the tires and the interior components. Knowing when to replace your RV tires is critical, as worn-out or damaged tires can compromise your vehicle’s stability.

Regularly repacking your bearings can extend their lifespan and ensure smooth operation. Regular checks of gas detectors are essential for preventing potential gas leaks.

Switching over to LED lights can help reduce energy consumption. Additionally, routine checks and cleaning of your RV roof and maintenance of your RV’s body seams and seals can prevent water leaks and structural damage.

Finally, learning how to winterize your RV correctly will help protect it from the harsh elements during the cold season. Hence, these are some of the top ways to maintain an RV effectively.

How Often Should I Run My RV?

Experts suggest running your RV generator for 5-10 minutes every month. This regular runtime not only helps to maintain the fuel in good condition, preventing it from getting stale but also serves as a functional check to ensure that your motorhome generator is working correctly.

It also helps keep the mechanical parts lubricated, preventing longer-term issues. Therefore, it is advisable to follow this monthly routine to ensure your RV’s longevity and reliable performance.

Wrapping Up

A general guideline is that anything over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage for an RV. However, this number is not absolute as several factors come into play.

The type of RV can significantly affect the mileage. For instance, motorhome-style RVs are built to handle higher mileage better than their counterparts.

The age of the RV also matters – older, well-maintained RVs can rack up more miles and remain reliable. Maintenance is indeed a critical factor in an RV’s longevity.

A regularly serviced and cared for rig can easily outlast one neglected, even if it has lower mileage. Therefore, prospective buyers should consider more than just the mileage when purchasing an RV.

Factors such as the type of RV, its age, and maintenance history should also be considered to make an informed decision.

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