New RV Warranty Tips
Shopping for a new RV is a ton of fun! However, there are some serious nuts-and-bolts considerations in the shopping process, and getting your warranty situation lined up is one of them. They aren’t mandatory, but most dealers recommend them, and many owners agree. We’ve created this brief guide to RV warranties, so read on to learn more!
Does Everyone Need a Warranty?
Like with most purchases, a warranty is optional and costs extra. So should you pay for one? Keep in mind that a warranty will help cover repair costs while you still have RV payments.
Will you need a repair? RVs are complicated — they have more systems and elements than a car. Sometimes newbies make costly mistakes. It’s also true that hourly RV repair rates are higher than usual mechanic rates due to the extra expertise required — about $300 an hour. If you face a major repair within the first five years of ownership, as 80% of RV owners do, you’ll be happy to have a warranty!
Types of Warranties
New RV buyers have a number of different warranties to choose from. Some of the most common warranties are from the new trailer manufacturer. One of these options is an exclusionary warranty, which typically lasts a year or 12,000 miles. These cover just about everything the manufacturer made, from the structure to the drivetrain and more.
Another type is the component warranty. This will cover specific items, rather than a catch-all for the whole motorhome or trailer. This type is useful for the more expensive parts of the RV such as structure and frame, and can last longer than a year, sometimes even up to ten years.
Lastly, there are third-party warranties. Third parties usually provide extended warranties covering your new RV after the first year or two. You can and should negotiate to make sure you have the coverage you want for the type of new trailer you have.
Always Read the Fine Print
Read the fine print, and ask as many questions as you need to fully understand what your warranty does and does not cover. For example, exclusionary warranties usually deal with the parts of the RV that the manufacturer is responsible for, but not things that were made by other companies such as appliances.
It’s also worth noting that some warranties will reimburse you for repairs instead of paying directly, which may take a few months.
This introduction to RV warranties is just the tip of the iceberg. We urge you to do your due diligence on this matter, as it can make a big difference in how much you enjoy RV ownership. Do your research, get expert advice, and talk to RV dealerships like ours and find out which warranty companies have a good reputation. Here at RV Outfitters of Texas, we’ve got the best selection of new campers and trailers for sale in Nacogdoches, TX, serving all those in Lufkin.