During our years on the road, we have made countless repairs to our trailers and our motorhome. Some of them have been minor enough, but others have been insanely expensive. One even resulted in the loss of our home-on-wheels. An extended RV warranty may have helped in all of these cases and might have helped us hold onto our motorhome when it broke down in California.
What is an RV Extended Warranty?
The purpose of an RV warranty is to cover the bill when something breaks on your RV. Different warranties cover different things, but they might foot the bill for mechanical failures, appliances issues, and electrical problems. Things that are never covered by RV warranties include common maintenance items, aesthetic damages, and any issues caused by collisions or natural disasters.
It is important to note that RV warranty policies always come with a deductible as well as a term based on the eligibility of your specific vehicle. I recommend reading over the contract carefully before signing on, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
What Does an RV Warranty Cover?
As mentioned above, warranties and what they cover will vary from one to the next. I’ve seen friends use warranties to cover everything from your diesel engine and transmission to your slide-outs, leveling systems, appliances, heating and cooling, and more.
The two most common levels of coverage you will find are known as comprehensive and exclusionary policies.
Comprehensive Policies
A comprehensive policy will list everything that is covered. This type of coverage is defined so that if something fails in your rig and isn’t listed in the contract, it isn’t covered under the warranty.
Exclusionary Policies
On the other hand, an exclusionary policy will do the opposite. It will list every component that’s excluded from coverage. If something fails and it’s not directly listed as an exclusion, it’s covered. Basic or powertrain only coverage is also an option for RVers. This will cover only the most catastrophic failures such as the transmission, engine, and drive axle and is what I wished I had when our motorhome engine died completely.
An exclusionary policy is the most extensive type of warranty you can purchase, as it truly weeds out any gray areas in coverage.
What Isn’t Covered by an RV Warranty?
An RV warranty can cover a lot of things. That said, it is important to note that such a warranty will never cover the following.
- Pre-existing issues
- Components that are damaged due to an accident or physical damage (many of these will be covered by insurance)
- Issues caused by lack of maintenance (keep maintenance records)
- Problems caused by natural disasters
- Upholstery and bedding
- Mirrors and glass
- Cabinetry
What’s the Difference Between RV Insurance and an RV Warranty?
We’ve never had a warranty on any of our RVs, but we’ve always had insurance. Some people might think the two are pretty much the same thing, but that just isn’t true. There are many key differences between the two, and a huge number of RVers choose to have both simultaneously because they both serve a purpose. I have, at times, wished we had a warranty and will definitely look into one the next time we purchase a rig.
Insurance
The law requires you to have comp and collision insurance on your motorhome in the United States. For towables, coverage can be optional depending on your state of residence, but we’ve always had it anyway just in case of an accident. Besides, some campgrounds require that campers have insurance, regardless of the type of RV they own.
Insurance is designed to cover repairs needed due to collision, physical damage, natural disaster, and theft.
Warranty
A warranty is never required by law. These policies are optional protection for components that insurance won’t cover, such as appliance, electrical components, or mechanical failure. An RV warranty is especially good to have if your RV is particularly valuable, as it will add an extra layer of protection.
Having both types of policies in place is the best one-two punch for protection against damages that occur on the road. Throw in a good roadside assistance plan and you can travel with complete peace-of-mind.
RV Warranty Benefits
With an RV warranty, you can protect your budget from the costs of unexpected RV repairs. This is especially handy if you live in your RV, as repairs cannot be put off and things are more likely to break from frequent use. That said, even those who use their RVs part time will appreciate the ability to have repairs made without spending a fortune.
I also think it’s good to note that an extended RV warranty will continue to benefit your wallet if you decide to sell your rig. This is because when you have an RV warranty on your rig, it suggests the vehicle was well maintained and repaired in a timely fashion. On top of that, there are cases where warranty coverage can be transferred to the buyer, adding to the value of the rig.
Choosing a Warranty
You can purchase an RV warranty from a few different places. There are third party warranties, warranty brokers, manufacturer warranties, and dealer warranty programs.
So, how do you choose?
Dealership Warranties
Dealership warranties often come with convenience on their side. Dealers will bundle the paperwork, may allow repairs at any authorized service center, and sometimes offer manufacturer-backed extended coverage that echoes the original factory warranty. But they also tend to be more expensive, and sales teams may push higher-commission plans that don’t align with your actual needs.
Third-Party Warranties
Third-party warranties and online service contracts can be cheaper, and because you’re shopping independently, you can compare multiple plans side-by-side. That said, not all third-party providers are created equal — some restrict where repairs can be done, have narrow coverage, or impose cumbersome claim processes. This is where doing research and checking reviews really pays off.
Manufacturer Warranties
Manufacturer warranties — and extended versions sold by the maker of your RV — generally offer the strongest peace of mind. They’re backed by companies with a stake in keeping their brand reputation strong, and they often correspond to the type of failures RV owners are most worried about. If the manufacturer offers extended coverage that matches your travel plans and usage, it’s often a good place to start.
Warranty Brokers
Finally, warranty brokers can act as middlemen to help you navigate these options. A good broker should explain differences in coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and service networks rather than simply selling you the most profitable plan. The goal is to match the right level of protection with your RV’s age, mileage, and how you intend to use it.
How to Pick
At the end of the day, choosing a warranty isn’t just about price — it’s about fit. Read the contract thoroughly and look at the following details:
- What’s covered (and what’s not)
- Service locations
- Claim procedures
Remember that you don’t get to choose where your RV breaks, so nationwide coverage is a good thing, especially if you travel full time. Additionally, simple claim procedures are important for making the repair process go as quickly as possible.
How Much Will My Extended RV Warranty cost?
Ultimately, there are a few factors that determine how much your warranty will cost you. These include:
- Where you purchase the warranty
- Your vehicle year, make, and model
- The RV’s mileage, value, and class
Not every RVer is in the same stage of their purchase. When you speak to your warranty specialist, they should ask you questions to determine things like:
- The amount of manufacturer warranty remaining
- When and where you purchased your unit
- How you use your rig
- What your desired level of risk is
Knowing these things will help the salesperson ensure you get the right coverage for your situation.
As you can see, an RV warranty can be a great way to protect your budget, so you can travel with peace-of-mind. Just make sure you do your research so you can buy the right policy for you from a reputable company and you’ll be good to go.
