Without question, everyone wants RV protection. However, not many RVers know what most of these RV coverage plans entail. Scroll through any RV forum, and you’ll always find someone asking, “Is an RV extended warranty worth it?”
Read on for a deep dive into an extended RV warranty. Learn what it covers, how much it costs, and explore some pros and cons. In the end, you’ll be able to figure out whether an RV extended warranty worth the money. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an Extended RV Warranty?
An RV extended warranty, also referred to as an extended service contract, is protection that is intended to cover the cost of major repairs after your original manufacturer’s warranty expires. It will step in to pay for repairs to some of the most common mechanical and electrical failures your RV is going to face. This type of warranty is often sold by dealers, but you can also buy it from third-party sellers. It typically lasts from one to seven years.
RV Insurance vs. RV Extended Warranty
RV insurance is designed to cover costs associated with incidences like collisions, natural disasters, and theft. On the other hand, an RV warranty will foot the repair bill for all the components that make your RV move, as long as those breakdowns are not related to a collision or physical damage.
What Does an Extended RV Warranty Cover?
What an RV Extended Warranty covers will depend on what you purchase. Here are four main categories to be aware of:
- Exclusionary RV Extended Warranty – If you want total peace of mind, this is the highest level of coverage available. It will cover every mechanical aspect of your RV except what is specifically listed under the “What is Not Covered” section.
- Comprehensive Coverage or Listed Component – This contract will precisely list what will be covered by the policy, and if what breaks down is not on this list, it will not be covered. Always read this warranty carefully to make sure it lists everything you want to cover.
- Powertrain Only RV Warranty – If you’re only worried about the most expensive potential failures on your rig: engine and transmission, this is the policy you should go for. It will only pay for breakdowns in your engine, transmission, and drive axle.
- Coach Only RV Warranty – This type of warranty doesn’t offer the greatest protection, as it only covers items that are part of the coach and excludes the engine. It pays for things like appliances, heating and cooling components, and leveling systems.
Keep in mind there are things all these types of warranty don’t cover, yet many people may assume they are covered. For instance, the extended warranty doesn’t pay for anything that’s covered by your collision insurance. Aesthetics, physical damage, accidents, weather, vandalism, and maintenance tasks, such as fluid changes, are also excluded.
How Much Does an RV Extended Warranty Cost?
RV extended warranty prices vary wildly. Expect to pay anything starting from $1,000 for a short-term, lower-priced camper to $20,000 for a posh motorhome that you use more often. Usually, several major factors affect the price of an RV extended service contract. They include:
- Type of Warranty – An exclusionary contract will cost more than other warranties, as it offers the highest level of coverage.
- Type of RV – An RV warranty for a motorhome will be more costly than for a towable. So, expect to pay more for a Class A, B, or C and less for travel trailers, pop-ups, and teardrops.
- RV Make and Model – Generally, the more expensive the RV, the more costly the coverage. Likewise, coverage for a luxury RV will be more costly than for a regular RV.
- Length of Coverage – Longer plans tend to have a lower annual rate.
- Where You Buy – You’ll pay more when purchasing the service contract from RV dealers, especially when you’re financing the cost.
Best RV Extended Warranty Reviews
Below, we will look at some well-known RV extended warranty companies. They include America’s RV Warranty, Good Sam Extended Service Plan, and Wholesale Warranties.
Good Sam Extended Service Plan
This warranty is provided by the Good Sam Club, which is an RV owners community that many RVers are familiar with. Many RV owners rank it among the top extended warranties. It has flexible deductibles and no yearly mileage restrictions. Also, it covers parts and labor and is transferable without fees — plus, you have the freedom to pick an RV repair center.
America’s RV Warranty
This is another top extended warranty company with great reviews amongst the RV community. The provider has four plans to meet any coverage needs, accepts mobile mechanic repairs, and has 24/7 claims and customer service reps. Their plans cover a wide range of mechanical components, from engines and freshwater systems to air conditioners.
Wholesale Warranties
A trusted provider, Wholesale Warranties offers RV Extended Warranties direct to consumers. They have three competitively priced protection plans for different RV types. If you have a motorhome, you can opt for the exclusionary, comprehensive, or coach-only package. The company has consistent positive online reviews, in-house support is available, plans are transferrable and cancellable, and A-rated insurance carriers back their warranties.
Pros and Cons of Getting an Extended RV Warranty
Extended warranties have their upsides and downsides. The next section takes a look at a few benefits and disadvantages.
Why Get an Extended RV Warranty?
- Peace of Mind – One of the biggest pros of an extended warranty is the peace of mind it offers. You no longer have to worry about costly surprise expenses.
- Budget Control – An RV extended service contract allows you to have better control of your budget since you’ll never be hit with an unexpected repair bill that forces you to use funds meant for travel or something else.
- High RV Resale Value – Extended warranties help increase the resale value of your RV, as the warranty indicates that the rig was properly maintained.
- Protection from Specialists Who Overcharge – The warranty administrator will ensure RV repair facilities are not overcharging.
Reasons Not To Purchase an RV Extended Warranty
- It Doesn’t Cover Some Things – You’ll be disappointed if you want an extended warranty to cover regular maintenance, pre-existing defects, weather damage, theft, or gaps in your RV collision insurance.
- It’s Not Always Available for Older RVs – You may not be able to purchase the extended coverage if your rig has too many miles or if your RV is older than 10 years. And if you can, you won’t get the best price.
- It’s Expensive – For many RVers, it can be hard to swallow the high cost of purchasing the warranty without being 100% sure that your RV will ever need a big repair.
- Repair Approval Delays – Depending on the company you choose, your RV may spend a lot of time at the repair shop due to delays in the approval process.
So, Is an Extended RV Warranty Worth the Money?
Well, it depends. If you want the ultimate peace of mind when owning an RV and want to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills, then it is definitely worth it. But before you sign on the dotted line, do lots of research. Read extended warranty reviews on different sites, consult your local RVing community to see what they recommend and why, and get at least two quote comparisons.
About the author:
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.