Depreciation in recreational vehicles is virtually unavoidable. For instance, travel trailers lose a quarter of their value by the third year. Fortunately, some brands hold their value better for many years and can fetch a tidy sum when you decide to sell. In other words, they are travel trailers with the best resale value.
We have used data from RVInsider to create this list of travel trailers with the best resale value. It’s the largest library for gathering actual RV reviews written by RV owners. That means you can rely on its information to make an informed decision.
Travel Trailers With the Best Resale Value
Travel trailers with a good resale value are those that retain the highest percentage of their original sticker price. This will help you recoup a significant portion of the money you paid. Notably, travel trailers and smaller fifth wheels hold their value more steadily between 5 and 15 years. Motorhomes, on the other hand, depreciate sharply from the moment you drive them off the lot.
The following camping trailer brands have an impressive resale value whether you buy a new RV or something that’s gently used, according to RVInsider.
Airstream Trailers
- Overall Score – 4.5 out of 5 stars from 125 reviews
- Quality Control – 4.6/5
- Livability and Comfort – 4.6/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.7/5
- Towing Experience – 4.8/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 3.9/5 (3-year limited)
- Lifespan – 20 to 40+ years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 9
- Best Model in the Lineup – Flying Cloud
Airstream travel trailers are not only iconic and luxurious, but also highly valuable in the long term. This Ohio-based company sets itself apart from other manufacturers due to its sophisticated construction process. Their silver bullet campers have a super strong aircraft-grade aluminum shell riveted over a steel frame.
Every unit is carefully built by hand, taking an average of 350 hours to complete, compared to 50 hours for a typical trailer. An Airstream travel trailer undergoes numerous quality control checks, last longer among all brands, and has the best factory warranty you can get — 3 years transferable.
Oliver Travel Trailers
- Overall Score – 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review
- Quality Control – 5/5
- Livability and Comfort – 4.0/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.5/5
- Towing Experience – 4.9/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 2.7/5 (1-year limited)
- Lifespan – 20 to 30+ years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 2
- Best Model in the Lineup – Legacy Elite
Oliver is a Tennessee-based company that specializes in high-end molded fiberglass travel trailers. Although relatively new to the RV manufacturing world, it has gained the trust of RVers because it focuses on quality over quantity. Oliver trailers hold their value really well, making it one of the most popular brands of RVs.
Each unit has two inner shells and two outer shells, as well as tough marine-grade components throughout. Expect four-season living, an enclosed plumbing system and tanks, a safe and balanced towing experience, as well as an aerodynamic design.
Scamp Travel Trailers
- Overall Score – 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews
- Quality Control – 4.0/5
- Livability and Comfort – 4.3/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.3/5
- Towing Experience – 4.3/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 4.7/5 (1-year limited)
- Lifespan – 20 to 30+ years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 3
- Best Model in the Lineup – Scamp 19
Scamp units are another good choice for RVs with the highest resale value. They are made from hard shell fiberglass encasing a steel frame, but they are still lightweight and easy to tow. Thanks to the meticulous details, solid construction process, and adorable aesthetic, owners can rest assured that they can resell without losing too much money.
Plus, there’s a strong demand for used Scamps due to their immense popularity. In fact, some of the trailers built in the early 1970s are still rolling down the road today! This Minnesota RV brand is a family-owned and operated business, and they have a parts department to supply what you need to maintain your unit.
Winnebago Travel Trailers
- Overall Score – 3.7 out of 5 stars from 165 reviews
- Quality Control – 3.1/5
- Livability and Comfort – 3.7/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.4/5
- Towing Experience – 4.3/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 3.0/5 (1 year limited)
- Lifespan – 10 to 20 years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 8
- Best Model in the Lineup – Micro Minnie
Winnebago is a respected name in the RV industry. They handcraft their RVs from the Iowa facility, which has an assembly-line floor the size of eight football fields. Over the years, they’ve honed their skill of building top-quality travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers that hold their value.
Their units have some of the most enticing features, such as multilayered walls with high-density foam and high-grade fiberglass. Each trailer has a power awning with lighting, power stabilizing jacks, and a 2-inch receiver to install a rack or storage box. The HIKE series also comes with gear-hauling capabilities.
Casita Travel Trailers
- Overall Score – 4.9 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews
- Quality Control – 5.0/5
- Livability and Comfort – 4.6/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.8/5
- Towing Experience – 5.0/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 5.0/5 (1 year limited)
- Lifespan – 15 to 25+ years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 5
- Best Model in the Lineup – Casita Spirit Deluxe
Headquartered in Texas, Casita creates remarkably high-quality fiberglass trailers. The brand’s commitment to using superior quality materials and skilled employees is what makes its campers stand out. Plus, the exceptional after-sale service only adds to the appeal.
Expect a double-shell construction, a 3-inch channel-steel frame, 15-inch tires, plus premium fiberglass finishes. These towables are lightweight, aerodynamic, and easy to pull with a standard tow vehicle.
Outdoors RV Trailers
- Overall Score – 4.3 out of 5 stars from 95 reviews
- Quality Control – 4.0/5
- Livability and Comfort – 4.3/5
- Floor Plan Efficiency – 4.6/5
- Towing Experience – 4.6/5
- Manufacturer Warranty – 3.9/5 (1 year limited and 3 years for chassis)
- Lifespan – 10 to 25+ years
- No. of Travel Trailer Models – 4
- Best Model in the Lineup – BackCountry Series
Born in 2009, Outdoors RV consistently receives rave reviews from its customers. Their facility is in Oregon, and they are known for taking climate readiness very seriously. Expect a camper that’s packed with features ideal for year-round camping in any backcountry terrain.
The mountain-tough rigs have a custom chassis, heavy-duty axles, a sturdy body, rugged fiberglass front cap, armored rock guard, great ground clearance, fully enclosed underbelly, 24-inch X-Trail power tongue jack, and an off-road brake system. With such thoughtful construction, this brand has one of the lowest depreciation rates and best RV values.
Other RV Brands With Quality Construction and Higher Resale Values
Here are some other RV manufacturers with respectable construction procedures that will help maintain the value of your RV (we’ve also included their RV Insider ratings):
- Other Towable Campers With Best Resale Value – Northwood (4.0 from 166 reviews), nuCamp (4.4 from 26 reviews), Lance (3.9 from 184 reviews), Grand Design, (3.8 from 873 reviews), New Horizons (4.4 from 9 reviews), Carriage (4.4 from 40 reviews), and Nuwa (4.3 from 31 reviews).
Are you considering a motorhome?
- Motorhome Brands With Best Resale Value– Tiffin (4.4 from 565 reviews), Newmar (4.3 from 372 reviews), Leisure Travel Vans (4.8 from 27 reviews), Monaco (4.3 from 236 reviews), American Coach (4.3 from 57 reviews), Country Coach (4.5 from 62 reviews), Lazydaze (4.3 from 14 reviews), and Phoenix Cruisers (4.5 from 23 reviews).
Top Tip: Newer models of RVs don’t always offer the best value. As an RV tech, Joe receives negative owner feedback from some of his customers about their newer-model RVs that he doesn’t hear from customers the same models of RVs that are older. This suggests that quality may have taken a dive, even in some brands with a solid reputation. The point is that “used” isn’t a bad thing when it comes to buying an RV. You just want to make sure that you have the RV thoroughly inspected by a trusted professional before you buy to ensure that there are no major issues with it.
Biggest Factors That Affect a Travel Trailer’s Resale Value
Below are factors that can impact a travel trailer’s resale value in the used RV market.
- Brand – Quality and long-lasting brands have better rates of return.
- Model – Trailers with thoughtful layouts, modern appliances, and superior construction materials fetch more.
- Age – In most instances, the older the camper, the lower the resale value. Notably, some brands will last decades without significant depreciation.
- Interior and Exterior Condition – Rigs that are kept in pristine shape have a better resale value.
- Service Records – Proper documentation of maintenance, repairs, damages, and updates gives buyers confidence, increasing the chances of a higher sale price.
- Luxury Features – Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for campers with more creature comforts like an infotainment system and leather seats.
- Custom Modifications – RV renovations that add functional upgrades like safety features, solar panels, suspensions, cameras, and storage racks lead to a better resale value.
- Location – RVs that are in coastal areas may have a lower resale value due to metal corrosion caused by the salt air.
Importance of Buying a Travel Trailer with a Good Resale Value
Here are a few reasons why a good resale value matters.
- A travel trailer with a good resale value indicates that the unit is reliable, meaning you’ll face very few ownership problems.
- A rig with great resale value is considered durable, helping you rely on it for many years.
- The trailer will be worth more when it’s time to trade.
- Such trailers are easier to sell because they are in demand.
Travel Trailers With Best Resale Value FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions about towable RVs with high resale value.
What Brand of Towable RV is Considered the Best?
Airstream, Oliver, Outdoor RV, Scamp, Casita, Winnebago, and Northwood are considered some of the best camper trailer brands.
What Do I Look for When Buying an RV That I Plan to Resell in the Future?
Look for an RV with a good brand reputation, proven construction practices, a reliable warranty, flexible layouts, sizeable holding tanks, high insulation value, residential appliances, a solar system, and long-lasting features like fiberglass skin, hardwood materials, and a rugged custom frame.
Pick Your Next Travel Trailer Wisely
The brands above have the best rates of return among all trailer manufacturers. Their rigs are designed to last a long time and have functional features like a tough exoskeleton, great insulation, nice aerodynamics, and thoughtful floor plans. Buy any of their models, and you’ll have a better chance at being happier with the return when it’s time to sell.
More From RV Top Tips
- Do RVs Have Good Resale Value? 6 Things You Should Know
- 10 Reasons You Will Regret an RV in Retirement
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.