RV Warranties 101
There’s no denying that shopping for an RV can be a fun experience. It becomes even more exciting once you’ve found one worth investing in and you can start planning your adventures. Before you get too caught up in all the excitement, it’s important to remember some of the key aspects of the buying process. For example, most RV dealers are going to recommend that you get a warranty with your purchase. While RV warranties aren’t mandatory, you might be taking a risk by not getting one. We’ve gathered some critical information below to help you decide if a warranty is right for you.
When you’re ready to browse RVs near the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Walla Walla, WA, stop by Broadmoor RV. We also proudly serve our friends in Portland, Pendleton, and La Grande, OR. In addition to offering an array of RVs for sale, your local RV dealer is also able to assist with parts, service, and RV consignment.
Key Considerations
There are some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase a warranty. Many buyers choose to forgo it because of the added cost, so what are the reasons to get one? First, a warranty can be extremely useful in covering repair costs when you’re still paying off the rig. If you need repairs during the first five years of ownership, which is not uncommon, you’ll be glad you got a warranty. After all, it can be scary to learn that you’re facing around $300 an hour for repair costs. It’s stressful enough dealing with normal vehicle repairs, but when you add in the expertise that’s needed to repair a camper, it can be overwhelming.
It’s also not uncommon for owners to miss a payment on their RV because they’re preoccupied with repair bills that they didn’t have a warranty for. Even if you feel confident that you can manage unplanned expenses, a warranty will save you a lot of money in the long run. Why not spend a little more upfront so you have more spending flexibility for your next camping trip?
Different Types of Warranties
The next thing to remember is that there are different types of warranties to choose from. For instance, the most common types of warranties come from the RV manufacturer. One of the options you’ll probably be looking at is an exclusionary warranty, which tends to cover just about everything that was made by the manufacturer, from the structure down to the drivetrain. For the most part, these warranties will last for a year or 12,000 miles.
Another common type is a listed component warranty, which covers a specific list of items. This can come in handy for covering more expensive parts, like the frame and the structure. Plus, these warranties often last longer than a year.
Aside from manufacturer warranties, you can also look into third-party options. This is where you’ll find extended warranties that help you stay covered beyond the first and second year of ownership. While it might take more negotiation since the final cost is determined by what’s covered and what type of camper you have, many owners find this option to be worth it.
Read the Fine Print
Make sure you read the fine print carefully so you’re aware of what your warranty does and does not cover. Those exclusionary warranties we mentioned earlier are ideal for the parts of the rig that the manufacturer made but aren't so great for appliances made by other companies. If you’re in need of repairs and you want to know if it’s covered under your warranty, get in touch with the company for more information. You can also consult an expert who can handle the dirty work for you.
Don’t forget that not all warranties are going to give you the money for repairs right off the bat. In some cases, you’ll be reimbursed a couple of months later. You’ll need to be able to cover the repair charges up front and get paid back later.
Visit us at Broadmoor RV to check out RVs for sale near the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Walla Walla, WA. We also serve Portland, Pendleton, and La Grande, OR.