Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
The Open Road Is Calling: But Is It Worth It? Winding highways, wild landscapes, and a sunset parked beside a remote lake—the RV lifestyle has always evoked a deep sense of freedom.
Yet a question persists for those contemplating RV ownership: Is a motorhome a good investment, or just an expensive dream on wheels?
The decision to buy an RV should not be made on impulse.
But for those searching for smarter alternatives to rising airfare, hotel fees, and vacation home costs, platforms like a car auction BC offer access to great deals on RVs that could significantly lower your initial purchasing cost.
RVs, or recreational vehicles, are not like stocks or real estate.
Yet for many, they deliver returns that are less about interest rates and more about lifestyle transformation, family bonding, and freedom from the 9-to-5.
When we speak of a financial investment, we typically expect future returns. But owning an RV redefines the concept.
While it may not appreciate like a house, the value comes from how it changes your life.
Every investment has its price. The costs of maintaining an RV include:
But let’s flip that. What about the benefits?
Yes, new RVs are depreciating assets. The depreciation rate can be high—up to 30% in the first year alone.
That’s why buying used at the right price (from auctions or private sales) makes financial sense.
A new motorhome offers warranties, technology, and peace of mind. But used RVs—especially those well-maintained—offer better value and lower upfront cost.
RV lifestyle isn’t about camping anymore. It's about remote work. Multi-generational living.
Extended road trips with the two kids. It’s about saying no to routine and yes to exploration.
Remote work has allowed thousands to shift their home office to a table inside a camper.
This trend is fueling RV ownership as a sound investment for lifestyle seekers.
Is it a vehicle? Is it a home? An RV blurs the line—giving owners more freedom in both function and purpose.
You’re not booking rooms anymore—you’re parking your lifestyle.
For some, owning an RV is about reconnecting with life. Eating breakfast with mountain views. Making new friends at RV parks. Living fully—not someday, but now.
Two common paths:
If well-maintained, RVs hold decent resale value—especially in peak travel seasons.
Regular maintenance and clean records help. A well-kept camper can become a future traveler's first RV.
Renting hotels. Eating out every night. Booking flights for four family members.
These are recurring expenses. Owning an RV can slash these costs long-term.
Don’t rush. Start by renting. Learn what works for your family.
Then watch car auction BC listings and explore buying options smartly. Avoid new models unless you're confident.
Absolutely. For retirees, RVs offer travel, comfort, and autonomy. Downsizing from a house into a mobile lifestyle reduces overhead and boosts flexibility.
After selling their Vancouver condo, a couple in their 60s bought a gently used Class B RV.
They now tour national parks, host their grandchildren for weekend getaways, and claim they’ve never felt richer—despite spending less money than ever before.
It’s true—not everyone will find RV ownership ideal. But for those who crave flexible travel, more independence, and a deep connection with nature, it makes financial and lifestyle sense.
RV parks vary by region in price and availability. Add in fuel, propane, and upkeep—and you've got a new routine.
But compared to air tickets, dining out, or renting beach houses, many find it more cost effective.
For some, the camper becomes more than a vehicle. It's a place where family bonds grow. Where stories are told. Where road trips happen under starry skies.
What surprises many first owners of RV is how refined the interiors can be.
Think of air conditioning, induction cooktops, Wi-Fi boosters, queen beds—creature comforts that transform the experience from rustic to refined.
Savvy shoppers buy an RV at auction, during off-seasons, or from private sellers needing to offload quickly.
A little research saves a lot of money—especially if your financial considerations include other debts or obligations.
An RV can be a vehicle, but it also becomes a second home. Many owners say it’s where their family reconnects—far from screens, closer to nature.
Even with two kids, space inside an RV can feel more intimate than cramped.
For many, the RV lifestyle means choosing experiences over things. Morning coffee near Banff. A hike after breakfast. Conversations under redwoods.
These are moments that add value in ways stock dividends can’t.
RV ownership changes how people think. Instead of waiting for vacation time, you're always halfway there.
Instead of worrying about bookings, you focus on spontaneity. That mindset shift is priceless.
Unlike traditional investments, an RV’s return comes through memory-making.
Camping at national parks, hosting friends on the road, or simply sleeping under new skies each week—these are returns measured by fulfillment.
Yes. You can rent your RV on peer platforms. Some owners offset monthly payments this way.
But there are conditions: insurance, cleaning, and mileage limits. Still, it can turn your vehicle into a cost-effective asset.
Idle RVs can generate income. Short-term renting through platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare has helped thousands offset costs, especially if your travel plans are seasonal.
A typical vacation may cost:
A road trip in an RV might cut those costs in half—or better—while delivering a deeper, more flexible experience.
Even if you're starting with little money, an older camper from auction can be refurbished for much less than a brand-new unit. Sweat equity counts here.
Ask owners of RV about ROI, and you’ll rarely hear numbers. You’ll hear about laughter during lightning storms.
About falling asleep in forests. About feeling alive again. That’s the hidden dividend of owning.
For outdoor-loving, adventure-seeking people, a motorhome isn’t just a purchase—it’s a great investment.
For those who won’t use it often, it may not make financial sense. The key is to know your lifestyle.
Mid-life career change? Remote worker seeking inspiration? Retired couple downsizing?
The RV becomes more than a vehicle. It becomes a rebirth. A chance to start again—on your terms.
No. Some people hate driving long distances. Others want room service.
Some prefer cities to trails. But for those drawn to road maps and the open air, owning an RV will always be worth it.
Imagine this: A road trip across Canada, stopping wherever the trees whisper loudest. Every argument dissolves by the next sunrise.
No deadlines. No alarms. Just movement, silence, stories. The RV lifestyle deepens the connection.
There are motorhomes, and there are dream machines. Some people name them. Some paint them. Some even write blogs about life on the road.
RV culture runs deep—and offers a sense of belonging to those who embrace it.
You won’t get rich by flipping RVs. But you will gain something else—flexibility, peace, more freedom, and control over your time.
And that, perhaps, is the rarest investment return of all.
It depends. If you seek passive gains, probably not. If you seek an active, fulfilling lifestyle built around adventure and connection, then yes. In that case, buy an RV, and don’t look back.
RVs are not stocks. They don’t send you statements or dividends. But they offer something more precious: autonomy, joy, time well spent.
If you’re contemplating RV ownership, ask not what you’ll earn—but how you’ll live.
In some cases—yes. If you use the RV for business travel, client meetings, or remote work, portions may qualify. Always consult a tax professional.
Not exactly. RVs have a high depreciation rate, especially new ones. But Class B motorhomes tend to depreciate slower. A well-maintained used motorhome may hold value longer than an SUV.
Yes, if you understand what to look for. Buying through car auction bc can reduce your purchasing costs significantly. But inspect carefully to avoid hidden repairs.
Not enough prep. From forgetting insurance paperwork to skipping tire checks, many regrets come from rushing in without a checklist.
For many, yes. Van life, digital nomads, retirees—all live full-time in RVs. But zoning laws, RV storage, and internet access can be hurdles.
