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Article by: Steve Blume, Tiffin Ambassador
There are a lot of differing opinions on the perfect time to buy or sell a motorhome—but there just might be a better time. Sometimes the push to make a move comes from the market. Sometimes it comes from life. And once in a while, both happen at the same time. That’s where we are right now.
People enter the RV lifestyle for many reasons—retirement, travel, remote work, or a long-held dream. But as life changes, so do their needs. A couple that once traveled full-time may want something smaller. Others are drawn by new features or just want the latest and greatest.
On the flip side, some realize they’re not using their coach as much anymore. Whether it’s changes in family, health, or interests, many owners find themselves rethinking what fits.
Then there are those who plan to keep their coach long-term, driving it until the wheels fall off. That’s a valid choice, especially for owners who are mechanically inclined or simply love their rig. But it’s still worth understanding how value and financing shift over time—even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon.
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: the right coach should align with your lifestyle now. And waiting too long to make a change could mean leaving money on the table. And right now, there are several reasons why waiting could cost you more in the long run.
A recent analysis by National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) explains the changes that occurred between 2024 and 2025 for both buyers and sellers. The data, based on tracking thousands of motorhome purchases and sales over the past two decades, reveals clear market trends.
According to Brett Davis, CEO, the RV industry had nearly a 15-month inventory of motorhomes on dealer lots last year. But by spring of this year, that surplus was gone. Inventory levels have dropped, which means prices are stabilizing—and even climbing in some segments. Dealers aren’t discounting as heavily as they were in 2023, and there are fewer leftover units.
If you’re a seller, this can work in your favor. Low inventory and higher demand tend to raise trade-in values—especially for well-maintained Class A coaches.
If you’re a buyer, you may still have a window to purchase before price hikes or interest rate changes eat into affordability. As Brett explains, many manufacturers are already raising prices on 2025 models, and the cost of borrowing is still a factor.
One important factor to consider is the “cost of ownership”—the difference between what you paid and what you can sell your motorhome for down the road.
“Based on years of transaction data,” Brett explains, “we can compare coaches to project the cost of ownership over five years. Some brands hold value better than others, and Tiffin consistently ranks highest. All dealers know the selling prices, and when you subtract a model’s projected resale value from its original price, you can clearly see what it costs to own.”
That resale strength gives you more options. You can upgrade sooner, trade in with confidence, or sell outright and know you got more value out of your coach than most.
Depreciation also plays a critical role over time. Class A coaches tend to lose value steadily from year one through year six. Then, depreciation accelerates in years seven through nine. By year ten, the bottom drops out.
Why? Once a motorhome hits ten years old, banks often won’t finance it. Extended service contracts aren’t available. And the pool of buyers shrinks considerably. It’s not that the coach isn’t roadworthy—in fact, many are built on chassis designed to run for over a million miles. But the house portion—appliances, seals, electronics, interiors—has aged. Buyers and lenders both become more cautious.
Mileage also plays a role. Once you reach the 75,000-mile mark, trade-in values drop further, even if the coach is in perfect condition.
For owners approaching those thresholds, trading sooner rather than later can preserve thousands of dollars in value.
Motorhome prices are expected to increase significantly with 2027 models due to the introduction of a new Cummins engine designed to meet stricter EPA emissions standards. Industry sources estimate the new engine could add $30,000 to $40,000 to the cost of a motorhome. Cummins has invested over $1 billion in developing the engine and upgrading its factories. While the new model promises cleaner emissions and a future-ready platform, it also introduces additional cost, complexity, and potential maintenance unknowns.
Adding to the uncertainty, the EPA is currently reconsidering the 2027 rules, which may delay or alter the rollout of these regulations. For buyers, that makes 2024–2026 models especially attractive: proven, familiar, and more affordable.
If you’re on the fence about whether now is the time to make a move, these two helpful videos dive deeper into market trends, upcoming engine changes, dealer pricing, and cost-of-ownership comparisons across multiple brands. See below for links.
For readers who want to dig deeper:
If you’ve been considering a change, this might be the perfect moment. Market conditions are in your favor, trade-in values are holding strong, and you’re still ahead of rising prices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or just re-align your coach with your lifestyle, acting sooner could mean saving money—and enjoying more “Roughing It Smoothly” adventures ahead.
Steve first lives it, then colorfully writes about it, especially his passion for the RV lifestyle. A retired entrepreneur, he and his wife spend half the year traveling the country in their Tiffin Allegro RED 38 KA and the other half at home in Brentwood, TN with family. Married for almost 50 years, once you meet them he and Nancy are easily remembered – he is 6’4″ and she is 4’7″. His articles on business, personal development, faith, fundraising and running have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines over the years.
