Nothing can ruin your next RV trip like needing an unexpected repair. If you’re having problems with your RV on the road, you need to fix the issue as quickly as possible—but we all know that emergency repairs can get expensive. Unfortunately, breakdowns, mechanical trouble, broken appliances, and other problems are part of the overall RV experience. An RV extended warranty is a common strategy to prepare for emergencies. Learn more about extended warranties to see how these packages can protect your RV and keep you heading down the road.
An RV extended warranty is like extra insurance for your camper. When you purchase an RV extended warranty, you’re buying a policy that will cover most repair bills for almost every component on your RV. You’re responsible for paying a deductible for each claim, but the warranty company handles the rest of the charges.
Extended warranties go beyond a manufacturer or dealer warranty. For example, your RV Wholesalers warranty already offers robust coverage at thousands of dealerships across the country. An extended warranty gives you even more peace of mind. Extended warranties also help protect you from unexpected repair and replacement costs, no matter where your RV is serviced.
An RV extended warranty isn’t required the way RV insurance is. Everyone can make their own decision about whether an extended warranty is right for them. It all depends on how much risk you’re willing to accept. A warranty guards your RV against uncertainty and can help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
RVs are complicated systems with many components. Think about all the utilities, appliances, and systems that keep people comfortable in traditional homes. Now add extra wear and tear from life on the road. An RV combines all the weak points of a home with the vulnerabilities of a car. Friction, wind, road vibration, and other risks make repairs a fact of the traveling lifestyle.
These repairs can be expensive and stressful, too. Mechanical breakdowns, system failures, appliance problems, and other concerns are urgent when you’re on the road. It can be hard to make a financial plan to cover these expenses on your own.
An RV extended warranty covers most of the financial cost of repairing your RV. When you face a covered expense, you’re only responsible for meeting the deductible. You know your deductible ahead of time when you work with a trustworthy company like RVing Solutions, which makes it easier to budget. You’ll feel much better paying a planned deductible cost instead of the entire repair bill.
Your RV extended warranty plan focuses on breakdowns and repairs. Warranties usually cover mechanical breakdowns, electrical breakdowns, and other general repairs. Here are some examples of repairs your RV extended warranty should cover:
-Furnace -Air conditioner -Slide-outs -Water heater -Engine components -Other appliances
RV extended warranties are often described as being Inclusionary or Exclusionary policies. These names refer to the different kinds of coverage you can expect.
Inclusionary policies cover everything that’s listed in the policy contract. Insurance companies will give you a specific list of repairs that are covered. You’re responsible for anything else on your own. Inclusionary policies are also known as Listed Component or Limited RV warranties.
Exclusionary policies, on the other hand, cover everything that’s not listed in the contract. These policies include a list of repairs that aren’t covered. You’ll need to pay for any repairs on the list. The warranty company will cover everything else. Exclusionary policies are the most comprehensive coverage you can purchase for your RV.
No matter what kind of RV extended warranty you purchase, you should remember that this coverage isn’t insurance. This distinction means that extended warranties don’t cover physical damage caused by collisions or anything else. Your standard RV insurance policy should cover these costs instead.
RV warranties don’t pay for regular preventative maintenance. You’re responsible for changing the oil, buying new tires, cleaning the interior, and performing other standard tasks.
Finally, an RV extended warranty only covers electrical and mechanical systems and appliances. Decorative elements, seating, and furniture aren’t covered. If your floor, door, windows, furniture, awnings, upholstering, or other fixtures are damaged, you’re directly responsible for the costs.
You’d never need to use your RV extended warranty in a perfect world. Unfortunately, most people aren’t that lucky. You can count on making RV warranty claims at some point on your travels. You’ll get the most value out of this service when you understand your options ahead of time.
Make sure you’re clear on your coverage before signing a contract. You can avoid confusion and stress down the road when you understand exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Companies like RVing Solutions are happy to explain your plan, so you know just what to expect.
You should also prepare by learning how to make a claim. RV breakdowns seem to happen in inconvenient places, such as out in the country or on the side of a mountain. You can streamline the claims process with a little preparation.
Find out how to make a claim. For example, look up your company’s claims phone number or online claims form ahead of time. Save this information in your RV’s maintenance log, so it’s easy to find when you need it.
Finally, try to keep your RV in great condition, so you’re less likely to have an emergency. Some RV problems are caused by pure bad luck, but others can be avoided with preventative maintenance. Keep your RV well-maintained so it can work its best.
An RV extended warranty is optional, but you’re exposing yourself to expensive risks if you pass on this coverage. Remember that every RV is a giant vehicle full of complicated, expensive moving parts. Life on the road causes RV components to shake, vibrate, and rattle. Sooner or later, something in your RV will break.
Warranty claims show that almost one-third of all RVs need a major repair in their first two years. Four out of five RVs need large-scale repairs by the fifth year, and nearly all RVs require extensive work by their eighth year on the road. Repairs are almost unavoidable.
Looking at these statistics, you might be tempted just to put money away for a rainy day. Saving for unexpected events is always a good idea, but it’s hard to predict when your RV will face its first major expense. If your RV needs repair in its first or second year, your nest egg might not be big enough to cover the cost.
An RV extended warranty also protects you from cascading costs. RVs are complex machines with many overlapping systems. A problem in one area might lead to damage in other parts of the RV. For example, a malfunctioning generator can put all your electrical systems and appliances at risk for further damage. Extended warranties give you some financial breathing room, so you’re not responsible for multiple expensive repairs at once.
With so many different types of RV on the road, it can be hard to nail down the most frequent kinds of repair. Various RV classes have different needs. For example, a Class A or Super C motorhome has a range of weaknesses that are different from a Class B, travel trailer, or 5th wheel. Towable RVs and drivable motorhomes also have unique challenges.
However, some types of breakdowns and repairs are seen across all RV models. The most common types of RV repair include:
-Air conditioners -Slide-outs -Leveling jacks -Generators -Inverters
These systems are all vital to the RV experience. Air conditioners can seem like a luxury in some climates, but they’re necessary for many desert, southern, or summer trips. Slide-outs contain valuable living and sleeping space you need to access to make the most of your RV. Leveling jacks are necessary for safely and evenly parking your RV. Generators and inverters both play a crucial role in your RV’s electrical system.
These parts are also expensive to repair or replace. For example, a new air conditioner or generator can easily cost thousands of dollars. You may also need to see an expert RV technician to handle repairs. RV maintenance and repair is a specialized field, with labor costs often topping $100 an hour. An RV extended warranty helps you avoid these expenses while still getting you back on the road as quickly as possible.
An RV extended warranty provides valuable coverage to keep your RV in its best condition. Warranty coverage is a great addition to your RV insurance, manufacturer’s coverage, and dealership plans. Explore an RV extended warranty from RVing Solutions to learn more about your options.
Published November 10, 2021