Travel trailers are stylish, spacious, and versatile recreational vehicles, and they are often the first choice of travel enthusiasts searching for a reliable camper for their vacations. Although these trailers are built to last for years, shoddy maintenance and poor upkeep can render a model unusable in just a few years. Many budget-focused buyers often wonder if they should purchase a used travel trailer, and if they did, how long can they expect their model to last.
As your local camper dealer, we at Clear Creek RVs know a thing or two about the life expectancy of used travel trailers. Our experts have created this guide to give you an overview of the expected lifespan of pre-owned campers so you can make a more informed decision.
The Average Lifespan
Most travel trailers are likely to last for around ten years at least. If you take care of your model regularly, it might even last for 20 years. But that’s not the only factor affecting the lifespan of a travel trailer—there are various others, such as the frequency at which you travel, the terrain you regularly traverse, and so on.
The Materials That Last Longer
As you may know, aluminum and fiberglass are the two most common materials used to construct travel trailers.
Aluminum is lighter in weight and more affordable than fiberglass. However, it is more prone to damage, and you will want to work hard to maintain it. On the other hand, fiberglass is resistant to scratching and denting and can hold itself well in extreme weather conditions. Although fiberglass travel trailers can be more expensive, you get the value for every penny you pay. Think about the destinations you intend to visit and the weather conditions in those areas, and then pick a durable and reliable travel trailer for those environments.
The Parts That Wear Out Faster
Although travel trailers don’t feature an engine, they feature various critical parts and components that keep your rig safe and functional and make your camping experiences more memorable. Some of these parts tend to wear out sooner than others, and you will want to maintain them regularly to keep them working smoothly.
To boost the lifespan and performance of your camper, ensure that you maintain and replace your weather seals, service your awnings and roof, and fix any faulty water or electrical lines.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Rig
Here are a few ways to add more years to your used travel trailer.
- Make sure that the electrical and water systems function smoothly.
- Monitor the condition of your tires and replace any bad tires before you hit the road.
- Inspect the roof and replace the seals to prevent leakage from damaging your model.
- Wash your rig to deter dirt and grime from ruining the rig’s aesthetics and damaging its finish.
Even after regularly maintaining your used travel trailer, you might sometimes run into problems that are too complex for you to handle. Consult our service experts for assistance to keep your rig in tip-top shape. If you want to buy a used RV for your family, visit Clear Creek RVs. We have a fine selection of pre-owned campers for sale, and we can help you select the perfect model for you. Our dealership is in Abilene, TX, and we proudly serve Lubbock and Midland.
