When you’re out shopping for your new RV, understanding the details of your warranty could make a big impact on which manufacturer’s camper you go with. Some manufacturers offer a one-year warranty, while others go up to three years. In addition some warranties will be voided if you plan to live in your RV full-time. Having a better understanding of the terms and conditions of RV warranties can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing your new RV.
Understanding RV Warranty Basics
The purpose of an RV warranty is to protect you from costly repairs if, and when, something breaks on your RV. Unlike your personal vehicle, RVs are built differently, depending on the type. Towable RVs (like travel trailers and fifth wheels) don’t have a motorized chassis. They are built using frame systems from manufacturers like Lippert or BAL. Motorhomes are essentially two things in one: the chassis, most commonly built on a Freightliner, Ford, RAM, or Mercedes Sprinter, and then the “house” or construction part built on top of that. Because motorized RVs are built this way, they usually have multiple warranties to cover the different components: a powertrain warranty and a coach/house warranty.
The coach warranty covers issues like a malfunctioning slide-out, roof, and appliance issues. The powertrain, or drivetrain, warranty handles issues with the transmission, engine, and drive train. Standard manufacturer warranties typically last 1 to 3 years, with some structural warranties extending up to 5 years from the purchase date. Most motorized warranties will be based on miles and years and meant to cover failure and defects in the materials or workmanship, not typical wear-and-tear damage.
This distinction is important because it’s one that many people get confused about. Warranty coverage isn’t insurance – it doesn’t mean that anything that goes wrong in the first year of ownership is covered, only certain aspects. No matter what type of warranty you have, it’s important to pay attention to:
- What services or repairs are covered under warranty
- The length of the warranty
- Any service or repair that would void the warranty
- Who can handle repairs
- The claims process
- Who you should contact if something happens
There are several popular RV brands like Grand Design, Keystone, Winnebago, Coachmen, and Forest River – each of them have their own specific warranty terms, and we always encourage our customers to compare them side by side when shopping for an RV.
What’s Typically Covered by RV Warranties?
Warranty coverage will typically include issues like faulty wiring, appliance issues, or malfunctioning slide-outs – things that can be traced back to manufacturing issues. Any of the following is not typically covered by warranty:
- Any damage caused by an accident
- Any damage caused by severe weather
- Issues caused by poor maintenance
- Normal wear-and-tear
Common RV Warranty Limits to Be Aware Of
One thing many people don’t realize about RV warranties is that many were written for weekend or seasonal use, not full-time RVing. Of course that doesn’t mean that you can’t live in your RV full-time, just that you need to know if your warranty will be voided or limited if you choose to do so.
Another limit to be aware of is that some manufacturers have non-transferable warranties. That means if you decide to sell your RV, the remaining warranty coverage could be voided. It’s not a make-or-break issue for some people, but you should at least be aware if you plan on selling or buying a pre-owned RV.
Quick Tip When Shopping: When you’re getting ready to purchase an RV, don’t forget to ask about warranty questions! Ask the “what if” questions; ask if there are any current manufacturer promotions on extended coverage.
Choosing the Right RV Dealership Matters
If you ever need warranty-related service or repair, it must be done by an authorized warranty center, and we’re proud to offer that to our customers. Our RV service center is an authorized warranty center for many popular RV manufacturers, including Winnebago, Grand Design, Keystone, Forest River, Coachmen, and others. We also have a Certified RV Warranty Administrator on staff who can accommodate your warranty and recall needs.
Make an Informed Decision
When you’re thinking about purchasing an RV, it can be easy to get caught up in the fun details like the number of beds, storage space, the size of the kitchen, or theater seating options, but being informed about your RV’s warranty can save you so much headache and even money in the long run.
If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned RV and want to compare RV warranties, stop by Bullyan RV Center. We offer hundreds of options, and you can even compare models and warranties, side by side, right on our lot. Visit us today.
