Are you asking yourself, “Are motorhomes a good investment?” or “Are motorhomes worth it?” We’re here to help. This blog will answer common questions about owning an Australian motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) and break down its nuances to help you make an informed, long-term buying decision.
Embrace the freedom and flexibility that come with owning an RV. It’s not just a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle choice that offers you the independence to travel anywhere in Australia, whenever you want. Making a careful decision will help you reap the benefits before embarking on this exciting journey.
Are Motorhomes Worth It?
According to a 2018 RV consumer report, one of every 13 Australians has a motorhome. That isn’t surprising, considering an RV gives individuals a new lease on life. A motorhome can help you fulfil your dreams of travelling in Australia and exploring uncharted territories,
While an RV is a significant investment, the long-term rewards are substantial. If you love to travel and explore the great outdoors, you will enjoy it for a long time. Driving a motorhome around the country gives you and your family more flexibility— you no longer need to book flights or hotel reservations. Plus, you can sell your motorhome sometime in the future and use the recouped investment for retirement funds.
RVs come in many shapes and sizes, including Toyota Hiace and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter motorhomes. Nowadays, manufacturers equip modern motorhomes with every amenity for Australian travellers. Renting a motorhome is the better option for people who prefer frequent international travel—they can save money and avoid maintenance and repair expenses.
If you require more clarification about owning a motorhome, renting gives you a feel of operating one. Check with your local motorhome dealer for their offers, including Elite RV motorhome deals. You can buy an Elite RV within three months of leasing.
Are motorhomes a good investment? Yes, they can become an excellent investment if they align with your lifestyle. Investing in an RV is also worth it if you know how to maintain one.
Before making this pivotal buying decision, you must know the advantages and disadvantages of owning a motorhome.
The Advantages of Owning A Motorhome
Motorhome ownership is a way of life—you can travel anywhere in Australia whenever the travel bug bites. A recreational vehicle has many unique advantages.
- Convenient travel: Owning an RV allows you to travel anywhere in the country anytime. Venture into the great outdoors whenever you feel like it and say goodbye to flights, hotel bookings, and public transportation. When you drive your motorhome, spontaneity is the name of the game—you can make pit stops at unanticipated scenic routes or explore further.
- Accessibility: Your RV is your home on wheels. Figuring out your motorhome’s RV plan can take time and effort. However, with the guidance of an experienced industry professional, you can settle on a layout that fits your lifestyle. Ensure your RV has the basic amenities, including an oven, a television, storage, and heating and cooling systems. While you’re at it, add a decorative touch to your motorhome for a traditional home feel.
- Long-term cost-effectiveness: We recommend thinking long-term before buying a motorhome. You can recoup a motorhome’s upfront cost over time. Cost-effective RV camping and cooking alternatives help save expenses incurred from flights, public transportation, and lodging.
Maintaining your motorhome is critical if you plan to sell it sometime in the future. In contrast, you cannot recover expenses if you’re a frequent flyer. Sure, you get rewards points for flying often, but you receive a heftier amount for reselling your RV. You can stash that lump sum in your retirement savings account.
Leasing options: You can earn additional income by renting out your motorhome. For an extra income stream, lease your RV to other travellers whenever you’re not using it. These people flock to popular RV leasing websites such as ShareaCamper. We recommend you use this to your advantage.
The Disadvantages of Owning A Motorhome
Purchasing a motorhome is similar to owning a traditional house. Although living and travelling in a motorhome has perks, you must consider several disadvantages.
- Upfront expenses: A motorhome’s upfront cost is typically a hefty investment. If you’re serious about owning an RV, you must break the bank. Although an RV’s upfront expenses can be intimidating, seeing things from a cost-per-use perspective helps. You will get great value for money when you use your RV frequently to explore the great outdoors.
- Storage fees: If you plan to become a full-time RV adventurer, you must consider motorhome storage alternatives. These are safe and secure parking areas where owners can store their RVs when not using them. A motorhome storage helps protect your motorhome from criminal activity and harsh weather. Some storage centres offer unique services, including maintenance and cleaning. These solutions considerably reduce your motorhome’s depreciation rate. Storage fees can strain your wallet. We recommend comparing service provider prices before committing to one. Doing online research and using an RV storage fee calculator are excellent ways to narrow down your motorhome storage shortlist.
- Depreciation: All vehicles depreciate, and motorhomes are no exception. Whether you purchase a brand-new or used recreational vehicle, its value will decrease. Regular maintenance and proper care can slow down your motorhome’s depreciation rate.
What Are The Depreciation Rates of Motorhomes?
Australian motorhomes depreciate roughly 22% yearly. However, this rate depends on several factors, including:
- Existing market conditions
- The RV’s structural framework
- Internal and external wear and tear
- Mileage
- Brand
A professional evaluator can help you determine the precise motorhome depreciation rate. We recommend meeting with our in-house team at Elite RV.
Which Motorhome Are The Most Valuable?
Proper care and maintenance of a reliable motorhome brand endures the test of time and gives you the best value for money. Regardless of its model, make, and chassis, no Australian RV brand stands out from the rest of the pack. We recommend selecting a trusted brand and regularly caring for and maintaining your motorhome. Taking these steps ensures you will maximise your RV’s long-term value.
How Can You Safeguard Your Motorhome’s Investment?
Investing in a motorhome entails precautionary measures that slow its depreciation rate and optimise its long-term value. These include the following:
- Utilise reliable motorhome storage facilities: A reliable storage facility helps protect your RV’s chassis, eliminate criminal activity, prevent wear and tear, and safeguard it from harsh weather. Clean your motorhome’s exterior and interior, and empty the water tanks before parking in the storage area. Taking these steps will maximise your RV’s value.
- Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance checks ensure your motorhome optimises its long-term value. Ensure a professional fixes minor issues before they become serious. RVs, like cars and houses, need proper care and maintenance to minimise depreciation.
Elite RV provides two unique motorhome maintenance service packages at its Gold Coast and Melbourne RV Sales Centres.
- Minor service: This service covers 20-point inspection, oil, filter, brakes, house, and exterior check.
- Major service: This package includes an upgrade to a 30-point inspection and additional services such as fluid, air filter, and fuel filter change.
Reasons to Invest In An Auto-Trail RV Motorhome
Whether investing in a brand-new or used motorhome, purchase a proven brand such as Auto-Trail to ensure you optimise its long-term value. An Auto-Trail RV has several inclusions:
- Dependability: Auto-Trail has manufactured comfortable, reliable motorhomes since 1982.
- Parts availability: Auto-Trail is a respected brand that provides high-quality RV parts to customers.
- Warranty: all new Auto-Trail vehicles come with a 10 year Body Construction Integrity Warranty, 5 Year/300,000km Fiat Australia Warranty, 3 Year Fiat Australia Roadside Assist
- Service centres: world class service centres at Elite RV’s Gold Coast and Melbourne locations ensure consistent, peak motorhome performance.
Your Motorhome Journey Starts Now
An Australian motorhome offers ultimate freedom. Proper care and maintenance ensure that your RV becomes a significant, long-term investment.
At Elite RV, we sell high-quality RV motorhome Melbourne and used motorhomes Gold Coast to Australian customers. Please contact us to discuss your unique motorhome requirements. One of our staff members will assist you immediately.
