Is An RV Extended Warranty Protection Plan Really Needed?

by Shirley
(California)

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing an RV and there is an extended warranty protection that the dealer wants to sell to us. We're buying an RV that was on consignment and has approximately 7,800 miles and a 2008.

As a new owner, we aren't sure if we should pay the 6 years left on a 7 year warranty to protect us from high repair costs. We are seeking advice on this since this is our first time purchasing an RV.

ANSWER Greetings Shirley thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I am going to assume that the RV you are looking at is no longer covered by the new RV warranty. If the sales people are asking you to sign a contract for the remaining 6 years, I would highly recommend that you do not do it.

You do not say what company this extended warranty is from. Not all Extended Service Plans (extended warranties) are the same. Locking yourself into a 6 year extended warranty contract is not a good thing. Once you drive your RV off of the lot; you can go out and purchase an Extended Service Plan yourself (if you want) and you do not have to sign a 6 year contract to do it.

If you decide that an Extended Service Plan is right for you, I would highly recommend you purchase the Good Sam Extended Service Plan. The Good Sam Extended Service Plan is a mechanical breakdown plan for your RV, 5th Wheel, Trailer, and Tow Vehicle! FREE Quote. Listed below are the reasons I recommend the Good Sam Extended Service Plan.

* Covers parts and labor
* Charges deductible per occurrence (versus per item)
* Transferable (without fees)
* Duration of coverage controlled by the customer
* Customized Plans with Deductible Options
* Freedom to Choose RV Repair Center
* Regulated by insurance industry
* Travel Expenses Covered
* Backed by the Good Sam Club the world's largest RV owner's community

Whether you should purchase an Extended Service Plan or not is totally up to you. Some RVer's swear by these plans because the plan has saved them hundreds of dollars in repair bills, others say they do not need them. The one thing I would not do is sign a multi-year extended service plan contract at an RV dealership.

One thing I do recommend all RVers get whether they have a new or used RV is an Emergency Road Service Plan. Again I recommend the RV Emergency Road Service from the Good Sam Club.

This is the plan that I have used for all of my RVs over the years. Here is why:

*Unlimited Distance Towing Services 24/7

*Flat Tire Service

*Minor Roadside Mechanical Repairs

*Protection for all Household Vehicles which would include your towed vehicle or your towing vehicle

*Free Battery Jump-Starts, Emergency Fuel Delivery, Lost Key / Lock-out Service

*$1,200 Trip Interruption Assistance

*They have had Over 1,500,000 successful roadside rescues—Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service.


I hope that all of this information has been helpful to you. I also hope that you enjoy your new RV. You will never regret becoming an RVer.

Happy RVing

RVing Al