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What is the Life Expectancy of a Travel Trailer?

What is the Life Expectancy of a Travel Trailer?

A travel trailer is no small investment, so it’s only natural that you consider the lifespan before sinking a good chunk of cash into one. The average travel trailer will last around 10 years.

However, you can prolong its life expectancy with regular maintenance and care. Today, we’ll address how long a travel trailer can really last and what you can do to lengthen that time period, and much more!

So, what exactly is the life expectancy of a travel trailer?

The short answer:

A quality travel trailer that is well maintained will have a life expectancy between 10 and 25 years.

We gave you a ballpark of 10 years, but it doesn’t mean that your trailer will be rendered completely useless after a decade. Let’s put it this way, 10 years will get your money’s worth because those are a travel trailer’s prime years.

Like we said, with proper maintenance, it could last longer, but they do need a lot of TLC. Trailers have to withstand the harshest heat and cold. If you store it properly and keep up with the regular upkeep, then you can hope to get up to 25 years out of your investment. 

What are the Longest Lasting Travel Trailers?

We’ll let you in on a little secret – the brand and the material can impact the lifespan of your travel trailer. It’s unfortunate but it’s true, what you choose will matter and determine how long your travel trailer lasts.

We’ll start by suggesting the toughest materials around followed by reliable brands.

Types of Travel Trailer Construction Material

You will get to choose between aluminum and fiberglass, which are the only two that deserve your attention. There are other materials as well, each with benefits and drawbacks. 

Wood

Yes, trailers can be made of wood, but we don’t usually see these options as much as metals. You may have the conception that wooden trailers are weaker, and more susceptible to rot and moisture.

You are right, but only if the trailer is not well constructed. Travel trailers that are well-built will not have these issues.

Pros

  • Affordable option
  • Repairs are easy
  • Durable for what it is
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Maybe more prone to damage if not built well

Aluminum

Aluminum trailers have a lot of benefits and aluminum is a material favored by builders in many construction fields for its properties. You may also find a mix of aluminum frames and fiberglass exterior trailers that give you excellent durability.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to clean
  • Strong and durable 
  • Not prone to denting

Cons

  • Delamination 

Fiberglass

You could find a hybrid of aluminum and fiberglass or just fiberglass trailers. Fiberglass options do very well in harsh weather, and they provide better insulation.

Pros

  • More weather-resistant
  • Better insulation
  • Durable 
  • Lightweight 
  • Simple maintenance

Cons

  • Costly repairs

Steel

Stainless steel is heavier than aluminum, that’s for sure, so why would anyone choose this option? The primary reason is that steel trailers are much more rigid and tough than other types. It holds up well against rugged terrain and won’t cave under heavy stress.

Pros

  • Perhaps the toughest type of trailer
  • Can handle heavy loads
  • Cheaper price

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Requires more maintenance 

Don’t just weigh the number of pros against the cons, really take a look at what each type of trailer material can offer. 

Wooden trailers are a great choice for those who want an affordable option that won’t cost much to repair down the line. It’s worth it to note that wooden trailers tend not to be as tough as the other types.

Aluminum is always a great choice if you want a lightweight, strong and easy-to-maintain trailer. Fiberglass is trendy and stylish, but it’s also super weather-resistant.

Then you have the trusty steel versions that are the strongest and come at a cheap price. However, they are quite heavy.

Choosing a Quality Travel Trailer Brand

As we said before, the brand you pick also matters. 

Airstream

Not to play favorites, but Airstream travel trailers are excellent. They prove to last a good long while (over 10 years with proper maintenance). Is longevity the only thing Airstream travel trailers can offer? Of course not!

airstream.com

Aside from the excellent construction, Airstream travel trailers have a wide selection of floor plans and sizes so you can definitely find one that suits your style.

Grand Design RV

Grand Design RV has excellent products and even more stellar customer service. You don’t have quite as big a selection as Airstream, but out of the 11-floor plans, we’re pretty sure you can find one to your liking. Grand Design is a brand that uses fiberglass exteriors.

granddesignrv.com

Oliver

Travel trailers from Oliver look very normal and understated, which is what makes them so great. The unassuming exterior hides its high-quality fiberglass exterior, expensive truck tires, and not regular trailer wheels, and it hits all the basic features. 

olivertraveltrailers.com

Forest River

Forest River is a popular trailer manufacturer in the US, and it’s no wonder they made it onto our list. The company branches out further than just travel trailers and they also create motor coaches, motorhomes, toy haulers, and more.

forestriverinc.com

As one of the largest RV manufacturers in the country, Forest River is just one part of the Forest River Owner Group, which encompasses Shasta, and Dynamax among others. 

Jayco

Jayco is a brand that’s been around for a good 50 years and they don’t only specialize in travel trailers. Like Forest River, Jayco also produces Class A and C motorhomes, camping trailers, and toy haulers.

jayco.com

Over the years, the brand has gained a loyal following that raves about its customer service. 

Final Thoughts

We all expect our trailers to last, and so they should! The onus is on us to find the ones with a long life expectancy by carefully selecting the brand and the material.

Many of the brands we listed have multiple floor plans, features, and furnishings you can customize to your needs (although it may cost extra).

Remember that aside from the build, your maintenance schedule and care for your travel trailer can make the difference between a 10-year lifespan and one that lasts 25 years.

 

Up Next:

Why You Shouldn’t Buy An Airstream? (Top 11 Reasons)

What is Better – Fiberglass or Aluminum Travel Trailers?

Can You Live Year Round in a Travel Trailer?

 

(featured image: airstream.com)

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