RV Tips: Warranty 101

As you shop around for your first or next recreational vehicle, your mind is probably occupied with all the exciting adventures that await you. While you should certainly take the time to picture yourself camping in your new rig, it’s important not to overlook other key aspects of the buying process. For instance, more often than not, the dealer will suggest that you get a warranty. While it’s not mandatory, you’d be taking a risk by not getting one. Sumner RV has gathered some tips to help you decide if a warranty is right for you.

When you’re ready to start browsing your options, including some great trailers and campers for sale, stop in and see us. We’re conveniently located in Sumner and Poulsbo, WA. our dealership proudly offers parts, service, and financing.

Is It Necessary?

Although RV warranties are not required, it’s still a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Many people automatically decline a warranty due to the additional cost. What are the reasons to get one? First and foremost, a warranty will help cover the cost of a repair when you’re still paying off the camper. If you run into a major repair in the first year of ownership, which is actually quite common, you’ll be looking at a whopping $300 an hour for labor. Normal vehicle repairs are expensive enough, but when you add the expertise needed to fix an RV along with the pricey parts, you’ll be facing a pretty hefty bill.

Many people miss their financing payments because they get caught up paying repair bills that they don’t have a warranty for. Even if you feel confident in your ability to handle additional expenses, a warranty will save you money in the long run. You don’t want to become so buried in bills that you cannot afford to take any fun trips in your camper.

Types Of Warranties

There are various types of RV warranties you can look into and they can come from different places. The most commonly used warranties come from the manufacturer. One of the options you’ll most likely be considering is an exclusionary warranty, which covers just about everything the manufacturer made. This can include the structure, the drivetrain, and more. Typically, this type of warranty lasts for a year or 12,000 miles.

You can also think about listed component warranties that cover specific items rather than a catch-all for RV parts. This type of warranty is especially useful for the more expensive parts of the rig like the frame and the structure. Another benefit is that this type of warranty can last much longer than a year.

Another option is a third-party warranty. This is usually where you’ll find extended warranties to help you stay covered beyond the first and second year of ownership. These might take a bit more negotiating because the final price is determined by what you want to be covered and what type of vehicle you have, but many owners find this option to be worth it.

Read The Fine Print

Once you’ve decided on a particular warranty, you need to read the fine print. It’s critical that you understand what is covered and what’s not. For example, exclusionary warranties are ideal for parts of the RV that the manufacturer made but not so much when it comes to things made by other companies, like the appliances. If you end up needing a repair and you want to know if it’s covered under warranty, you can contact the company to find out or consult with an expert so they can take care of the details.

It’s also important to understand that not all warranties will hand the money over immediately. In some cases, you’ll get the money a few months down the line. This means you’ll be expected to cover the charges upfront and get reimbursed later instead of the warranty directly paying for the repair.

Ready to check out our campers and trailers for sale? Visit us at Sumner RV today! We’re located in Sumner and Poulsbo, WA. Don’t forget to ask about our parts, service, and financing options.