Is my trailer’s condition typical after 8 years? AND… what can YOU expect from your RV Camper over 8 years of full time use? Underlying theme: RV Maintenance!
The answer is: It depends upon how well built your camper is. IF it is well built, an 8 year old camper that has been well maintained will STILL be in very good shape. In fact, it will likely provide you with many more years of travel and enjoyment!
My Story after 8 Years in an Outdoors RV (ORV) Glacier Peak 5th wheel
I can’t believe it’s been over 8 years since I picked up my 2018 Glacier Peak 30RLS ORV 5th wheel in October 2017! I was so happy to be moving into a quality camper. In fact, I have not regretted my purchase for even ONE day since.
It has also been an economical decision. The camper cost me about $60,000. Even if I value it at zero dollars today and I walked away from it, that’s less than $8000. per year to live in it full time. Remember, I pay NO property taxes and make NO mortgage payments.
In all reality, I’d estimate the current value of my camper at $25,000. I base this upon the fact that it’s been full timed in (a net negative), the market is VERY soft (a net negative), and the camper’s quality of build (a net positive.)
All considered, I can say as an RV Consultant (<– click the link to learn more about what I do for RV buyers and sellers), there are VERY few campers worth nearly 50% of their purchase cost after 8 years of full time living.
When a potential client contacts me to sell their camper I always give them a realistic idea of what they can expect to receive for it. In most cases with campers of the same age and usage as mine, we’re looking at well under 40% of the original purchase price. Perhaps even closer to 30%.
A point I wish to emphasize here: There ARE manufacturers who build a camper where it STILL has value and is worth owning, even after years of full time use. Outdoors RV is one such manufacturer, but they’re not the only one.
How is my Outdoors RV Glacier Peak 5th Wheel trailer holding up?
Quite well actually! But, I’ll leave that to you as you review my video (above.) Please be kind and click on the YouTube logo to get directly to the video. Once there, please do like, comment upon and share the video. I respond to all comments and your participate helps YouTube to want to spread it to a wider audience.
Compared to when my Outdoors RV Glacier Peak was new
At less than 1 month old, I prepared two posts highlighting the exterior and interior of the camper. In those posts, I explain in great detail what attracted me to this manufacturer. Eight years later, the condition of this trailer speaks for itself.
Perhaps more importantly, my two posts from November 2017 detail what I believed then and continue to believe. Specifically, what design and engineering is worth looking for in a camper. When working with a Concierge RV Client, I always look for campers that employ some (or all) of these aspects. This applies to all types of campers. The posts I’m referring to (made in succession) can be found here: True 4 Season.
What repairs have been needed along the way?
I’ve performed routine maintenance. Repacking the bearings about every 18 months. Replacing the tires at 5 years. Change the anode in the hot water heater annually. New water pump about 2 years ago. Water pumps do not last forever and cost less than $100 (plus labor.) I keep one on hand along with some furnace parts.
There’s been regular roof maintenance. In fact, due to an incident in early 2021 when I drove under low hanging tree branches (I’m bad at judging heights), I needed to replace the roof. Thanks to Progressive Insurance, they paid for the entire job (over $10,000.) save for $500. deductible AND allowed me to upgrade it by installing a PVC roof. Since then, I’ve been up there to apply dicor as needed. Recently, I paid a tech $200. to restore my interior steps (the wood was worn) and to completely seal all exterior seams. As with any maintenance, it is money well spent.
There have been a few other minor things, but nothing related to the structure of the camper. In 2020, the toilet’s inflow of water was clogged (too much scale), I had a tech remove it, scrape the scale and it hasn’t been an issue since. I also burned out my converter – a completely self inflicted wound. It occurred when I blocked the converter’s heat sinks!
The pleather peeled and cracked on the recliner I regularly used. I decided to remove it and replace it with a piece of furniture that provides a stand for my Aero-Garden’s and storage for more food and supplies. When the second recliner fails, I am leaning towards replacing it with a Moon Pod!
Equipment I highlighted in my walk-around (click links to learn more)
Champion 2500 Watt Generator – a dual fuel (gasoline/propane) that can be paralleled to provide 30A service for under $1500. (2 gens + the parallel kit)
Portable Solar Panels (400watts) – “what you need” – I prefer portable as you can move them and point to the sun AND not worry about camping under a tree!
No Freeze Water Hose – ready for this? Guaranteed (and TESTED) to -40 F!
ProOne Countertop Water Filter – given the condition of our water supply, I would not be without this
Aerogardens – indoor edible food – nice to have some backup “on hand” and its healthy!
Looking Ahead
After 14 years, I’m still truly enjoying the RV life and the RV lifestyle as I travel from place to place. This winter, I’m in the Silver Valley of North Idaho., Thus far, my camper has been tested by copious rainfall almost every day since arriving on November 1st. I’m writing the majority of this post on Nov. 29th. The interior is 100% dry so the maintenance earlier this autumn was truly money well spent.
Quick update: December arrived with a wet, sloppy 4 inches of snow that will be washed away by LOTS of rain later this week. The good news is, snow levels are falling to below the ski area’s base (4500 ft.) but not to where my camper is (2100 ft.) This means no snow to shovel but lots of snow on the ski slopes (soon.)
Upcoming Repairs to Expect
I do expect I will need to replace the hot water heater and shocks eventually. Neither is known to last forever! If I stay on the road another 7 years or so (at least) and remain in this camper, its value will probably bottom out at about $15,000 by then. My “housing expense” would then have been about $3000 per year to own and live in my camper (clearly plus campsite costs.)
Frankly, if something were to happen to it now, there is NOTHING on the market I’d want as a replacement. ORV (Outdoors RV) is no longer making a “full profile” 5th wheel trailer that would provide the living space and storage I like. They do however still make outstanding trailers!
The closest thing to what I’m living in is its cousin the Arctic Fox. As such, Arctic Fox would clearly be my choice should I need to change at this time. I hope that will not become necessary, but the future is guaranteed to none of us. At 67, my health is still excellent and I do what I can reasonably do to ensure that remains the case for the foreseeable future.
Last Thoughts…
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