Do some RV brands really hold their value better—or is it more complicated?

On paper, some RV brands appear to hold their value far better than others. But resale rankings often blend together brand reputation, market demand, RV type, and price point. That sometimes produces results that don’t square with longtime owner experience. A closer look shows that “holding value” can mean very different things depending on how the numbers are crunched.

The discussion was sparked by a recent piece published by Jalopnik that revisited which RV brands are said to hold their value best.

That article points to resale rankings compiled by Roamly, an RV insurance provider that also publishes research meant to help buyers understand RV depreciation. The results make for an eye-catching list—but they also raise a familiar question for experienced RVers: What’s really behind the numbers?

Where the rankings come from—and what they reflect

According to Roamly’s analysis, brands such as Airstream and Winnebago rank near the top when it comes to resale value. That likely won’t surprise many readers. Both brands have long histories, strong name recognition, and active used markets even when overall RV sales slow.

More controversial is Jayco’s spot near the top of the list. Jayco moves a lot of units and has a huge dealer network, but its reputation among longtime owners is mixed. For readers with firsthand experience, that gap is hard to ignore.

And that tension underscores an important point: Resale rankings often reward market familiarity just as much as build quality.

“Holding value” isn’t a single measurement

One of the biggest problems with resale lists is that “holds its value” can mean different things depending on how the data is calculated. Some rankings focus on the percentage of the original sticker price retained over time. Others look at average resale prices, or how quickly units sell once they hit the used market.

Those different approaches don’t always lead to the same conclusions. Lower-priced RVs, for example, may lose fewer dollars even if they depreciate at a similar rate as more expensive rigs. Brands with large installed bases often benefit from name recognition alone—buyers know the brand, dealers know how to service it, and used units move faster as a result.

That doesn’t necessarily mean those RVs are better built. It often just means they’re easier to sell.

RV type often matters more than brand

Another factor that gets lost in brand rankings is how much resale value depends on the type of RV.

Smaller, simpler rigs tend to hold value better than large, complex ones. Class B camper vans typically depreciate more slowly than Class A motorhomes. Lightweight travel trailers often fare better than luxury fifth wheels loaded with residential appliances and high-end systems that can be costly to maintain or repair.

In many cases, a modest RV from a brand without a premium reputation will outperform a higher-end model simply because demand for that type of rig stays stronger over time.

What actually helps an RV hold its value

• Condition beats brand. A clean, dry, well-maintained RV almost always outsells a neglected one.
• Roof and water damage matter most. Nothing kills resale faster.
• Simpler rigs age better. Fewer complex systems usually mean fewer expensive failures.
• Maintenance records help. Documentation builds buyer confidence.
• Demand matters. Popular sizes and floorplans sell faster—and often for more.

Market timing muddies the picture

There’s also the issue of timing. RV values surged during the pandemic buying boom, then softened as inventories rebounded and interest rates climbed. In a cooling market, “holds value best” often just means “loses less than the competition.”

That’s an important distinction for buyers who assume resale rankings imply stability—or, worse, appreciation.

How experienced RVers should use resale rankings

Resale data isn’t useless, but it works best as a starting point rather than a verdict. Most longtime RVers know what really drives value on the used market: condition, maintenance history, roof integrity, and water damage—or the lack of it. A clean, well-maintained RV with solid records will almost always outperform a neglected unit, regardless of the badge on the front.

Checking real-world asking prices for the exact model and year you’re considering—and seeing how long those rigs sit unsold—will usually tell you far more than any top-five list.

The bottom line

Yes, some RV brands do tend to hold their value better than others. But brand reputation, RV type, market conditions, and individual care all play major roles—and they often matter more than a ranking headline suggests.

For buyers thinking ahead to resale, the smartest move isn’t chasing a list. It’s choosing a rig that fits ongoing demand, taking care of it, and understanding how depreciation actually works in the RV world.

Before putting too much stock in resale rankings, look up real-world comps for the exact model you’re considering. Condition, maintenance, and demand usually matter more than where a brand lands on a list.

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