Are Travel Trailer Warranties Worth It?

The whole RV-buying experience is exciting but a bit overwhelming too. You have to figure out your trailer’s size, manufacturer, class, and footprint. Plus, you will have to make decisions about protecting your investment. 

One thing that is stressful for many RVers is what if something breaks. How much will the repair cost? Appliances that stop working, mechanical failures, and breakdowns are parts of an “RV adventure.”

The best thing is to go for suitable travel trailer warranties.

Are These Warranties Worth Purchasing?

RV insurance is essential, and in several states, it is mandatory. If you buy a rig from a dealer, they will offer you an option of a recreational vehicle extended warranty. But should you invest in it? 

There are several warranties for recreational vehicles. Since you are already paying the hefty amount, it isn’t easy to throw your money like confetti for additional expenses. 

However, for several RVers, an extended warranty provides mental freedom because the camper’s repair can get stressful and expensive. 

These warranties save a lot of money and protect you from unknown damages and substantial repair bills. 

Furthermore, there is no clear information on whether an extended service contract is worth buying or not because there is no specific answer. 

While searching, you will find individuals who hate these warranties because they ended up wasting a lot of money on these. And you will see plenty of other negative comments. In contrast, you will also find people who love these warranties, and they have saved a considerable amount of money on repairs. 

Who is more accurate?

These RV policies, mainly an outstanding one, can cost astronomically. However, they can save you from a lot more. Instead of investing in a randomly picked company, do thorough research, read user reviews, and purchase the right policy from a prestigious company. 

These service warranties are worth considering because they protect your investment and manage your expenses. But, first, you have to do your detailed homework on extended warranties. 

So, Should I Purchase or Not? 

Every owner, situation, and RV is different. It is only you who can decide whether this warranty is right for you or not. Everyone goes through unique circumstances. 

If you feel like protecting yourself from unexpected damages and considerable repair costs – go for it! However, if you can afford RV repairs yourself, do not invest in a warranty and pay for your repairs as the problems arise.    

Do You Have to Buy an Extended Service Warranty for a Brand New RV?

You do not need an extended warranty for your new trailer because your manufacturer’s warranty covers several repairs. 

You can use these warranties for a year, and for some, they last for about two to three years. However, if you want to buy an RV service contract right away, you can, because there still is an advantage, i.e., convenience and cost-savings.  

On January first each year, the RV warranty cost increases. Therefore, it is better to have an RV warranty beforehand. 

Moreover, if you buy a used RV, you will save around $450 on inspection. The inspection is necessary for all the trailers unless you opt to buy a new one. 

Considering to Buy a Warranty for Your Used Trailer?

You can purchase an extended warranty if your camper is about one to fifteen years old. You need more repairs as the RV gets older. Plus, the manufacturer’s warranty no longer covers these repairs. 

After two years, 30% of the trailers and 80% of travel trailers require significant repairs in the initial five years. 

However, if you are buying an inexpensive or an older RV (around sixteen to twenty years old), an extended warranty is not worth it. This is because the coverage period is shorter, and the price is usually higher.  

If you worry that if some of your RV components will fail to work, you can purchase the powertrain warranty. This contract is quite limited, but it offers coverage for the essential parts. 

Can You Purchase Your Trailer’s Warranty From a Dealer?

It’s not a good idea. Why? Because some travel trailer dealers might treat you like a money machine. These warranties provide a massive profit for dealers. 

An extended warranty can provide more profit than the trailer sale itself. Recreational vehicles are expensive. An RV loan will let you enjoy the road trip – but you have to pay for it. 

Therefore, dealers convince and pressurize buyers to purchase a warranty and also pressurize them to include its cost in an RV financing. Dealers take interest with RV loans, and you end up spending more. 

Which Things Are Essential To Consider Before Buying a Camper’s Extended Warranty? 

If you think a camper’s service contract is ideal for you, these are the pointers you should keep in mind. This will help you understand which things are or aren’t covered by an extended warranty.

• Value 

The value of any product, even the expense of an extended warranty, is crucial. The stellar the policy, the higher the cost will be. 

Moreover, the prices vary among vendors. So whether you want to purchase from a dealer or an online broker, compare the prices in advance. 

• Coverage

Every different policy will offer a diverse range of coverage. Therefore, search for a trailer insurance that delivers maximum coverage at a minimum price. 

• Type of Warranty

The coverage and price will depend on the type of extended warranty you have chosen for yourself. For example, the powertrain policy has a low price; however, it only covers transmission, engine, and axle. In contrast, exclusionary policy costs more but has a few exclusions. 

• Specific Exclusion

If you worry that you will encounter a specific problem, make sure to search for coverage that does not exclude it. 

• Read Reviews

Never underestimate the user reviews! These RV extended service contract reviews can alert you about several issues. 

Hence, if you are unsure about the vendor or an extended warranty, look up others’ experiences. 

What to Search for in a Trailer’s Warranty Company

When choosing a warranty company, you should search for other things besides its price. These crucial points are as follows:

• Should Be Credible Company

There are several stories about the RV warranty company that went bankrupt, and people’s extended warranties went useless. 

Therefore, it is essential to purchasing your trailer’s extended warranty from the company whose policies are backed up by the A-Rated Insurance Carrier. Stay away from those trailer warranty programs that are offered through an RRG (Risk Retention Group).

• Know Where to Get Repair Done

While touring around different states and towns, you do not want to use limited facilities, networks, and RV shops. 

Hence, if you need flexibility and convenience everywhere you go, search your options to use various trailer repair centers.

• Look for “Cancel or Transfer Your Plan” Option

Buy easily transferable coverage. This kind of plan makes your RV attractive to the purchaser. Moreover, the company should offer a “cancellation option” with a partial refund. 

Before purchasing a warranty, do check the refund policy, terms and conditions, and other necessary information about the probation period. 

Ending Note

The best trailer extended warranty offers peacefulness and saves you from a lot of costly repairs. However, you must do thorough research on how to safeguard your investment and not have to pay extra money.