When it comes to RVs, many different things can go wrong. And, just like with any other type of vehicle, those things can get expensive to fix. As a result, some people choose to purchase an RV extended warranty, or extended service contract, to help protect themselves financially if something goes wrong.
An RV extended warranty’s primary purpose is to cover mechanical problems with your RV that are not covered by your insurance policy. It covers repairs and replacements for a set time, usually one to five years. And, it can save you a lot of money if something goes wrong with your RV.
But do you really need an RV extended warranty? That’s a question that only you can answer. Let’s look at some of the RV extended warranty pros and cons.
PROS:
– Peace of mind: An RV extended warranty can give you peace of mind with the knowledge that you’ll be financially covered when something happens.
– Coverage: RV extended warranties can cover a wide range of issues, from mechanical problems to appliance repairs.
– Save money: In some cases, an RV extended warranty can save you money by covering repairs that would otherwise be expensive.
CONS:
– Cost: RV extended warranties can be expensive, so you’ll need to weigh the cost against the potential savings.
– Exclusions: RV extended warranties typically have a lot of exclusions, so it’s essential to read the fine print before purchasing one.
– Limited coverage: RV extended warranties usually only cover repairs for a certain period, after which you’re on your own.
Extended Warranty vs. Insurance
We recently read comments on a popular social media site that encouraged people to avoid an extended warranty on the RV. If there was any significant damage, a person was better off submitting a claim to their insurance company. It is important to remember the distinct difference in the protection provided by an extended warranty versus insurance.
An RV extended warranty is not the same as RV insurance. Insurance protects you from accidents, while an extended warranty covers repairs due to normal wear and tear. For example, if your onboard generator fails from a parts failure and requires a repair, it would get covered under an extended warranty and not an insurance claim. However, if a drunk driver ran into your RV and hit the generator requiring it to get repaired, it would be an insurance claim.
There are also similarities between the two, extended warranty and insurance. For example, both probably will require a deductible before coverage kicks in. In addition, both will likely require following some rules, such as contacting the company before initiating any repairs. When it comes to the coverage do not confuse the two.
Most Common Repairs
Most of the problems that require repair come from moving down the road and vibrating. A person with some DIY skills can keep up with preventive maintenance and troubleshoot minor repairs. However, professionals will have to perform some repairs. Here are some of the top areas requiring repairs that RV extended warranty companies see claims for.
Slide-Outs – This is a very common component to cause problems at the worst time. Common problems with the slideouts are gears being out of alignment, bad motors, electrical connections, and water damage in the RV because of bad seals around the slide slideout. Sometimes the owner causes the problem, and sometimes it is just a mechanical failure.
Air Conditioners – These also have a habit of breaking at the wrong time. I had one go out in Florida in the summer and another break in the summer while we were in Texas. A roof mount RV air conditioner costs in the range of $700 – $1500, and that does not include installation.
RV Leveling System – You never know these are not working until you are ready to leave or arrive at a location. The hydraulic leveling systems are a big mess to repair. I know this from experience. One tip for the hydraulic leveling systems is to replace the ends of the lines with higher pressure fittings as they break. The lines always seem to have problems at the ends.
Plumbing – Water pumps are a common item needing replacement. There are also chances of leaks, especially where there are connections because of all the vibrations from riding down the road. In addition, holding tanks, toilets, and showers can all develop problems or leaks.
How Much Are RV Repairs
The average labor rate for an RV tech is somewhere in the range of $150-$170 an hour. This can vary depending on if the tech is in a repair facility or is mobile. Also, where you are also plays a factor in the cost. It will be more expensive than standard auto mechanics’ charge most of the time. There are several factors for this, but the main one is supply and demand. RV sales are breaking records every year, but the growth of service technicians is not keeping up with the industry’s growth. This means two things for the RV owner. The first is it takes time to get the repair. The second is that it is going to be expensive.
Common Repairs
Good Sam published the average repair costs, parts, and labor, for common RV repairs. Using the list above of the most common repairs seen across motorhomes and towables, the costs can get expensive. For example, a slideout repair can be $1500 to $5000. The cost of a roof-mounted AC unit can range between $1500 and $8000. The cost to repair leveling jacks can be as low as $800 on a towable up to $12000 on a high-end motorhome. Lastly, considering the black tank part of the plumbing system, an RV owner can expect to pay between $1400 and $5000 for a repair. An extended warranty limits your out-of-pocket risk to whatever your deductible is. That is good peace of mind for many.
Example of Getting Stuck
We have friends who had an RV breakdown in Texas and were unable to make it back to Florida. They did not have the money to repair and did not have any extended service contract. They had to set up a GoFundMe account and work some side hustles before they could afford the repair and transport the RV back to Florida. We did not like seeing them in that situation, or anyone else, knowing there are solutions out there to avoid being in that predicament.
RV Extended Warranty Companies
There are several RV extended warranty or extended service contract companies. Wholesale Warranties that impresses us. They are a great place to get an RV extended warranty. They offer a variety of plans that will fit your needs and budget. And they have a team of experts who can help you choose the right plan for your RV. So, if you’re in the market for an RV extended warranty, be sure to check them out.
Wholesale Warranties
They are different from the extended warranties that you will be offered at a dealership. The main difference is that they are not selling just one extended service plan like a dealer. They know that RV travelers have different needs. Wholesale Warranties is a broker with relationships with many different companies so that they can offer extended warranties tailored to your needs. The other great thing about them is there is no waiting period before the warranty takes effect, and, as of this writing, all of their warranties come with roadside assistance. I would never travel in an RV without roadside assistance. It has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions for me.
We interviewed Wholesale Warranties on the podcast and really liked what they had to say. Click this link to listen to the episode and read the show notes.
So, if you’re thinking about buying an RV, new or used, be sure to explore extended warranty options. It could save you a lot of money in the long run. Using this link, you can get a free quote from Wholesale Warranties to start your extended warranty showing. There is no cost to you to get a quote, and you may be pleasantly surprised at the affordability, especially now that you know how expensive an RV repair can be.
Safe travels, and we look forward to meeting you on the road!
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