RV Tips: Warranty 101
You’re going to be filled with excitement as you begin the search for your first, or maybe even your next, RV. Keep in mind, though, there are some important steps you’ll need to take as you shop for a new RV, like learning all about warranties. You’re probably asking yourself a long list of questions, like if you really need one, what are the different types, and what’s with all that fine print? Here at Razorback Camper Sales, we’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered some essential information on RV warranties to get you up to speed.
If you still have questions or you’re interested in browsing our RVs for sale, visit our dealership today! We’re conveniently located near Little Rock, Texarkana, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Do You Need a Warranty?
Warranties are not a requirement when you buy an RV, but they are worth considering. Many buyers choose to pass on warranties simply because of the added costs. Before you make any decisions, let’s discuss the reasons that RV warranties are a worthwhile investment. First off, a warranty often helps to cover the cost of repairs when you’re still paying off your camper. If you run into a major repair within the first few years of ownership, you might be looking at a whopping $300 an hour for repair work. Standard vehicle repairs are costly enough, but when you add in the unique expertise that is required for RV repairs plus the expensive parts, that is going to be one hefty bill.
In many cases, new owners miss an RV payment because they’re too caught up trying to pay off the repair bill they received because they didn’t have a warranty. There’s really no way around the fact that a warranty can save you a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. Wouldn’t you rather pay for a reliable warranty up front then weigh yourself down with a massive repair bill plus your RV payments? It’s going to be pretty hard to enjoy your camper if you’re strapped with monthly payments and repair bills.
Types of Warranties
Fortunately, you’ll have options when you choose your warranty. You’ll often find that warranties come directly from the manufacturer. One of the options will likely be an exclusionary warranty, which covers just about everything that the manufacturer built from the drivetrain down to the structure. These warranties usually last about a year or up to 12,000 miles.
There are also listed component warranties, which tend to cover specific items rather than the entire RV. This type of warranty comes in handy when it includes the most expensive parts of your camper, such as the frame and the structure. Another benefit of this warranty is that it can last longer than a year. In fact, some warranties of this nature last up to ten years.
Another option is third-party warranties, which are not affiliated with the manufacturer. If you’re looking for an extended warranty to keep you covered longer than the first year or so, this is where you’ll find it. It’s important to note these warranties often require more negotiation since the final price depends on what you want to be covered, what type of RV you have, and so on. Many owners find this option to be the best as it can be more tailored to their specific needs.
Read the Fine Print
Once you think you’ve found a warranty, be sure to read the fine print before you sign it. You’ll want to be entirely clear on what it does and does not cover. As mentioned, exclusionary warranties are great for covering manufacturer parts, but appliances and other parts not made by the manufacturer tend to not be covered. If you wind up in need of a repair and aren’t sure if it’s covered under warranty, you can reach out to the company who issued it to find out.
You should also know that not all warranties will hand you money right away. It might take a few months before you get the money for your repair, which means you’ll be expected to cover the charge and get reimbursed after the fact.
For more information on warranties or to check out the RVs we have for sale, stop by Razorback Camper Sales today! We are located just outside of Little Rock, Texarkana, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. If you find yourself in the market for storage, service, parts, financing, or truck covers, we can help with that, too!