When you buy a RV trailer, you want it to last you for the long haul. Nothing is worse than a vehicle that kicks the bucket before anticipated, especially when you have not put many miles on it. So how long can you expect a trailer for your motorhome to last?
Most trailers have a pretty good life expectancy – about 10 years. However, this will depend on how well you maintain your trailer and how often you use it. Some manufacturer’s trailers just have longer life expectancies, while others have shorter ones. Just like with other vehicles, sometimes it just depends on what model you go with.
So let’s get into how long you can expect your trailer to last, and how you can get the most out of it.
How Long Will An Average Travel Trailer Last?
10 years is a pretty nice, round number for a vehicle’s life expectancy. But this number is not necessarily how long your trailer will last.
Rather, this is more along the line of how much time it will take to get your money’s worth out of your trailer. Keep in mind this is an average. If you are hauling with your trailer every day, or even for several months out of every camping season, then you will hit that point much sooner.
By the same token, if you are not using your trailer consistently or are using it infrequently, then it will take longer than 10 years to get the full value out of your trailer.
That 10-year “lifespan” will also be determined by how well you maintain your trailer. An RV trailer requires quite a bit of upkeep, since they often get towed into tough climates and are totally exposed to the elements.
They can break down pretty quickly if they are not routinely maintained. But, if you take care of it, your camper trailer has the potential to go on adventures with you for 25 years or more. Not a bad return on investment, especially if you are camping consistently for a quarter of a century.
What Trailer Has The Longest Lifespan?
Fiberglass Travel Trailers
The answer to that question is pretty easy. It is fiberglass trailers.
When it comes to trailers, you are really dealing with two options: aluminum and fiberglass. Sure, they both have their pros and cons, so what you choose will depend on what you want out of a trailer, whether that be life expectancy, towing capacity, or something else.
Aluminum trailers have panels that are easy to replace, and they are lighter, and lighter materials increase your towing capacity. They tend to have more breathability as well which can help reduce mildew and condensation inside the trailer.
Meanwhile, fiberglass trailers are more durable. They handle severe weather like rain and hail better, and are resistant to denting. They also provide better insulation in hot and cold climates.
So, if you are looking for a durable material, it is better to go with fiberglass. If you want something that is easy to repair, then aluminum is your best option.
What Trailer Brands Last The Longest?
So you know what to watch out for in a trailer, and how long a trailer will ideally last. But how to tell which brand makes them best?
Typically, a trailer brand will not last long in the RV game if they produce inferior materials. One great example of a manufacturer who has withstood the test of time is Airstream. They have been in the business for a long time because they produce travel trailers that are durable and will last you for several long-distance trips.
Forest River and Keystone also do a great job of making durable trailers that get the job done while allowing you to travel in style.
There are certainly other options out there, but these three brands are among the best of the best when it comes to long-lasting travel trailers.
What Parts Of A Travel Trailer Wear Out?
The parts of a trailer you really need to keep an eye on are the weather seals, water tanks, and awning.
The weather seals are around the doors and windows and make sure there are no leaks in the trailer. The water tanks need to be maintained or else you might find an unpleasant sewage or waste-water smell leaking into your living space.
Finally, the awning. This is the most replaced part on an RV because it is the most exposed part during storms, freezing temperatures, and scorching summers. All that wears down on the material, so storing this piece of equipment is a must for a well-maintained trailer.
What Kind Of Preventative Maintenance Can I Do To Make Sure My Trailer Lasts?
There are several quick and easy things you can do around the motorhome to make sure it lasts as long as possible, even more than the usual 10 years.
First, inspect the roof seals and seams regularly to prevent any water damage. Tighten wheel lug nuts and check the tire pressure, and also check your battery health to make sure the trailer is functioning as it should.
Keep your tanks in good health, and replace both water and air filters regularly. Cleaning the experior will add to your trailer’s life expectancy and will also help you stay on top of any paint or rust damage.
Basically, maintain your trailer similarly to how you would maintain your car, and it will keep on running for years to come.
In Summary
You want to pick a travel trailer that will go the distance and won’t let you down when the going gets tough. Be on the lookout for trailers that are durable and will be able to put in the miles for years to come.
However, just because a travel trailer is durable does not mean it will last forever. Be sure to maintain your trailer regularly and you will be in for years of highway rolling.
