Everything You Need to Know About RV Warranties

Once you’ve got the perfect RV picked out, it’s time to start going through the paperwork. So. Much. Paperwork. But it’s all worth it, we promise. Once everything is said and done, you’ll be able to drive off the lot with your very own camper and start preparing for your first trip. 

As you’re going through paperwork and making your final purchase, you’ll want to think about whether you’ll want a warranty, and what that warranty will look like. If you’re already feeling hesitant, don’t worry. We’ve broken everything down for you so you can make a confident decision. You can also speak with one of our experienced staff members and see what they recommend. To learn more, stop by Pete’s RV Center Indiana, located in Schererville, serving Indianapolis, as well as travel enthusiasts from Champaign and Decatur, Illinois.

They’re Optional, but Should You Get One Anyway?

No one will force you to buy a warranty. It’s not a required part of the purchase process, and it’s important to note that if you do get a one, it will cost extra. 

However, for many, it can be a life-saver. RV warranties cover most major maintenance and repair issues associated with the RV. Think of it this way: if you buy an RV, blowing through most of your savings for initial costs, and then suddenly something breaks, will you be able to cover this unwelcome surprise? 

You’re not the only one. 80% of all RV owners experience a major break within the first five years of ownership, and servicing costs on campers can easily run at $300 an hour between labor and the actual repair. Even if you don’t end up needing the coverage or using it, can be a lot better to have, just in case.

Your Options

If you choose to buy the warranty, you could actually be looking at a few options:

• Exclusionary Manufacturer Warranties ‒ Supplied by the RV manufacturer
  • Pros ‒ Usually covers everything made by the manufacturer, including the bigger design components
  • Cons ‒ Usually only lasts a year and generally doesn’t apply to used RVs
• Listed Component Warranties ‒ Often supplied by the manufacturer and covers only specific, listed features
  • Pros ‒ Often less expensive than more comprehensive warranties
  • Cons ‒ Only covers the specific items listed
• Third-Party Warranties ‒ Specialized warranties from a third party
  • Pros ‒ Can be more tailored to your needs and are often offered for longer periods of time
  • Cons ‒ Requires more negotiation and can be more expensive

Pro Tip: Consult an Expert

If you’re not sure which one is right for you, consider reaching out to a warranty specialist. They can walk you through these options in more detail and make informed recommendations on which option is right for you.

Read the Fine Print

No matter what you choose, make sure you understand the ins and outs of your warranty. At the very least, you’ll want to know:

• What it covers
• What it doesn’t cover
• Who covers the initial cost
• How funds are transferred

Along with any other important conditions that the warranty comes with. You don’t want to be fumbling with the details of coverage while you’re in the midst of a maintenance crisis. 

These are only some of the most basic tips we can give you about the best RV warranty for you, but as we mentioned earlier, the best way to know if you should buy a warranty, as well as which one is right for you, is to consult an expert. Just like the best way to find the perfect RV is to consult Pete’s RV Center Indiana. We have a massive inventory and we’re sure the camper you’ve been looking for is somewhere on our lot. Contact us today about the RVs for sale at our dealership, and let us help you take the next step toward ownership. We welcome all those from Schererville and Indianapolis, as well as those from Champaign and Decatur, Illinois.