Do Class C Motorhomes Hold Their Value? (Checked)

It’s natural to want to ensure you are making a good investment when you buy an RV, especially when considering the rate at which motorhomes depreciate.

Fortunately, one class of RVs holds their value well. If you’re concerned about depreciation and want an RV that will give you the best investment, you need to consider a Class C motorhome.

We’ve discussed everything you should know about how well Class C motorhomes hold their value, and we’re going to speak about a few Class C RVs that are known to hold their value exceptionally well.

Here’s The Answer To How Quickly Do Class C RVs Depreciate:

Out of all the RV types, Class Cs are known to hold their value the best. These motorhomes have the best rate of depreciation. After three years, a Class C motorhome only loses about 26% of its value which is impressive when considering the depreciation rates for the other classes. 

Do Class C RVs Hold Their Value Longer Than Other RVs?

As we mentioned earlier, Class C Rvs hold their value significantly longer than other motorhome types. For example, a Class C RV will depreciate at 26% after three years, 49% after five years, and 61% after ten years.

In contrast, a Class A motorhome will depreciate at 43% after three years, 66% after five years, and 75% after 10 years. On the other hand, a Class B motorhome will depreciate at 33% after three years, 49% after five years, and 62% after 10 years.

Although slightly better than Class A, a Class B is still worse than a Class C, and a Class A depreciates much faster than a Class B and Class C motorhome. However, you should know that many factors affect how quickly a motorhome depreciates or holds its value.

If you buy a motorhome and maintain it by ensuring it is routinely repaired, it will hold its value longer. Additionally, if you drive it less often and are careful about where you drive it and in what weather conditions you expose it, it will hold its value longer.

Ultimately, if you have a Class C motorhome and care for it, it’s likely to hold its value well and last upwards of two decades.

What Types Of RVs Hold Their Value Best?

As you can tell, Class A RVs usually hold their value the worst. Besides Class C RVs (that hold their value the best), a few classes hold their value reasonably well.

However, many RVs begin depreciating at an accelerated rate after three years, so it’s generally best to conduct a trade-in at or before the three-year mark.

Yet, there are always exceptions to this rule, especially if an RV has been well taken care of by its owners.

In second place for holding their value well are Class B RVs. As mentioned before, at the three-year mark, they depreciate at a rate of 33% and 49% at the five-year mark.

Pop-up campers and fifth wheels are tied for third place with a depreciation rate of 38% after three years.

Unfortunately, after five years, a pop-up camper depreciates by 75% and a fifth wheel by 52%.

How Can You Make A Class C RV Hold Its Value Longer?

When you buy a Class C motorhome, you’re making a significant investment, especially if you have purchased a brand new model.

These motorhomes can cost anywhere between $50,000 and $150,000, with many models costing more if you want more space or premium quality features.

Since you’re paying so much, it’s unlikely that you want to have to buy a new one within the first few years of owning your Class C. Luckily, there are ways that you can protect your motorhome investment and ensure your Class C RV holds its value longer.

Here are a few of the things you can do to ensure it retains its value as long as possible:

• Ensure that you routinely lubricate your Class Cs slideouts for smooth operation.
• Periodically, apply UV protectant spray on the rubber selling around your slideouts so that they don’t crack and get damaged by the weather.
• To prevent mildew and mold from developing, always wipe and dry your motorhome’s shower area.
• To prevent appliance damage inside your Class C, always utilize a surge guard between the power outtake and your rig.
• Ensure you keep a motorhome roof patch kit with you during your travels if you develop leaks.
• Don’t forget to wash your Class C after every trip or while on a trip if it’s longer than a few days to prevent scratches and damaging dirt buildup.
• Try to routinely wax your motorhome to ensure the exterior remains protected against the elements.
• Use chemicals and soups that are friendly to your Class Cs plumbing.
• When storing your Class C for several months, make sure you drain all tanks so that burst pipes don’t occur.
• If you store your motorhome outside, cover it to protect it against the weather.

What Class C’s Hold Their Value The Longest?

Now that you know how long Class Cs typically hold their value and how to ensure they retain their value for longer, you’re likely wondering which Class C motorhomes hold their value the longest.

A few RV manufacturers produce Class C RVs that hold their value the longest.

Below we’re discussing two models from Thor Motor Coach and Winnebago that have proven to hold their value exceptionally well:

2016 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds 31W

If you need a Class C motorhome that can sleep up to eight people and has many modern features despite its age, you might want to consider the 2016 Thor Motorcoach Four Winds 31W.

This motorhome has a private bedroom at the rear and two convertible sleeping areas alongside a bed over a cab. Additionally, this motorhome is incredibly spacious and has an estimated retail price of $80,000 and $110,000.

The 2016 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds 31W has an overall length of 32 feet and 1 inch, an exterior height of 11 feet, an interior height of 7 feet, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 pounds with a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.

This Class C is built on an E450 Ford chassis and is equipped with an 8.8 liter Triton V10 gas-powered engine that can produce a horsepower rating of 305 and a torque rating of 420 pounds per foot.

Although the water holding tanks are not as large as some motorhomes, the tank capacities in this model are reasonable for the number of occupants it caters to. It has a 40-gallon freshwater tank, a 28-gallon grey water tank, and a 28-gallon black water tank.

This Class C that holds its value well is equipped with a 30,000 BTU furnace, a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a 6 gallon electric and propane water, and a power-retractable 16-foot-long awning.

Yet, this Class C desirable is its full wall slide, a spacious entertainment area, an outdoor television, and a large closet. The Thor Motorcoach Four Winds 31W also features modern appliances that include a residential-sized refrigerator, a full-sized three-burner stovetop with an oven, and a microwave.

Moreover, this Class C is also equipped with comfortable furnishings, plenty of storage and countertop space, and a fully equipped bathroom. It’s certainly worth considering!

2016 Winnebago View 24G

Not many motorhomes can claim to have a rear cargo extension, but the 2016 Winnebago View 24G can.

This Class C motorhome slideout rear cargo area acts as a convenient closet. Best of all, an owner doesn’t need to move the slideout if they want to rest between trips because there is enough space on the bed with the slide pulled in.

According to estimates, this motorhome has a retail price of between $85,000 and $118,000.

The 2016 Winnebago View 24G has an overall length of 25 feet and 6 inches, an exterior height of 11 feet and 1 inch, and an interior height of 6 feet and 6 inches, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,030 pounds, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

This Class C has been built on a 3500 Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and is equipped with a 3.0 liter Mercedes V6 turbocharged diesel engine. The engine can produce a horsepower rating of 188 and a torque rating of 325 pounds per foot.

Although this motorhome has lower water holding tank capacities than the other model we spoke about, it’s more than enough for the four people this motorhome can accommodate. The Winnebago View 24G is equipped 31-gallon freshwater tank, a 36-gallon grey water tank, and a 36-gallon black water tank.

In addition, this Class C has a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, a 20,000 BTU furnace, and a 16-foot-long awning.

Since this is a Winnebago model, it’s unsurprising that this model has a few impressive features. Some of the most notable include a 3.2 kW Cummins diesel generator, a comfortable queen-sized bed, and a fully equipped bathroom with a spacious shower and a porcelain flushing toilet.

There is also a generously sized kitchen with various modern appliances that include a mid-size refrigerator, a microwave, a two-burner stove, a slew of safety features, and cable pre-wiring.

Ultimately, although this motorhome is compact, it sure packs a punch.

Citations:

How To Ensure Your Motorhome Lasts Longer

The Best RVs For Holding Value

RV Depreciation Guide

Class C RV Pricing