by Jim Thompson |
Last Updated: February 5, 2021 Buying an RV is a big expense, and that investment should be protected by a comprehensive warranty. An RV warranty not only protects your purchase but your peace of mind. There are two main warranty options available for an RV, and each is worth consideration.
The Options
New RV purchases come with a manufacturer’s warranty at no charge. Like the manufacturer’s warranty on a car or truck, this warranty protects the vehicle’s major components and offers to pay for repair costs for common problems.
Extended warranties are also available for RVs and can be purchased at the time of sale or after the manufacturer warranty has expired. An extended warranty may not only lengthen the time of coverage, but it may also offer protections not addressed by the manufacturer’s warranty. What’s the difference between these warranties?
The Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer warranty comes standard with most RV purchases and provides basic coverage to the vehicle for a designated period of time. The covered components and the term of coverage are listed in the warranty document. Below is an example of what’s included with a typical manufacturer warranty.
- Delamination Protection—Protects the fiberglass walls and roof and covers repair costs to both
- Construction Protection—Offers protection for structural defects, such as poor frame welding or a bent chassis
- Roadside Assistance—Offers protection in emergencies, including services like towing, tire inflation, and battery charging
- Exclusionary Coverage—Protects nearly every part of the vehicle, including repairs to the following:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Fuel system
- Brakes
- Body and frame
- Electrical system
Coverages Excluded from Manufacturer Warranties
- Maintenance items—Brake pads, lubricants, fluids, and sealants
- Components not produced by the manufacturer—Refrigerators, microwaves, TVs, etc.
- Parts that suffer standard wear
- Damage caused by misuse or failure to maintain the vehicle
The Extended Warranty
An extended warranty is an additional service agreement you can purchase to enhance the manufacturer’s warranty. It offers longer protection and sometimes works in additional coverage on top of the base warranty. Most manufacturer warranties only provide comprehensive bumper-to-bumper coverage for a year or two after their purchase, but an extended warranty can more than double that period.
The warranty’s total cost depends on the length of term, the type of RV protected, and the desired types of coverage. As would be expected, higher RV value and more comprehensive options result in higher warranty costs. Be sure to shop around, as many companies offer this type of third party warranty.
Maintaining an Extended Warranty
To remain in effect, extended warranties require certain conditions to be met. Such conditions may include:
- A deductible on repairs
- Claims submission for any repairs done
- Pre-authorization of repairs
- Restrictions on facilities where repairs may be done
- Post-repair documentation process
Again, an RV represents an enormous financial commitment. Do your research and decide on the warranty that brings you the most confidence as you prepare to set off on years of adventure.
More questions about RVs? Check out our guide to all things RV.