Imagine a car that fits the description of a lemon: old, worn-out, with a faded paint job and tires barely holding together. Starting it is a struggle, requiring multiple attempts before the engine finally turns over, each successful start feeling like a minor miracle.
When it comes to shopping for RVs, especially new ones, you might assume there are no lemons in the bunch. After all, these vehicles are expected to meet rigorous factory standards and exceed them. Right?
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Just like cars and trucks, RVs can also turn out to be lemons. While there are lemon laws that protect consumers from defective vehicles like cars and trucks, do these laws extend to RVs?
In this article, I’ll provide answers to that question and offer valuable tips for savvy shopping, ensuring you don’t end up with a lemon of your own!
Understanding Lemon Laws
To start off, let’s define what a lemon law is. Lemon laws are legal protections primarily applicable in the United States. If you reside outside the US or purchase your RV in another country, these laws may not be applicable to you.
Lemon laws are designed to safeguard consumers from persistent issues with vehicle performance and quality. They cover various types of vehicles, including motorcycles, SUVs, trucks, and cars. Each state in the US has its own version of the lemon law, which you can find detailed on the DMV’s website. While I won’t delve into every state’s specifics, it’s important to note that there are notable variations from state to state.
For example, let’s consider Kansas’ lemon law. Their criteria for defining a lemon are stringent: you must have owned the vehicle for at least a year, and while it’s preferable if it’s still under warranty, it’s not mandatory. The vehicle must have undergone unsuccessful repair attempts ranging from four to 10 times. Alternatively, if the vehicle is out of service for more than a month due to issues, it qualifies as a lemon.
In contrast, New Jersey’s lemon law differs significantly. It doesn’t require the vehicle to be brand new; even leased vehicles can qualify. In this state, a vehicle can be deemed a lemon if it fails to be repaired successfully three times, or if it’s out of service for a cumulative total of 20 days and has been driven for 24,000 miles or owned for two years.
These examples highlight the variations from state to state. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the lemon law in your state and any states you frequently travel to. Knowledge of these laws empowers consumers to protect their rights effectively.
Understanding RV Lemon Laws
I previously mentioned how lemon laws apply to various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and others on wheels. But what about RVs? Do they fall under the jurisdiction of state-specific lemon laws as discussed earlier?
The answer is: it depends! Similar to how each state has its own version of the lemon law for traditional vehicles, some states also provide lemon law coverage for RVs, while others do not. National coverage for RVs under lemon laws is not a given.
For instance, Florida offers lemon law protection for RVs. Specific rules are outlined in the Consumer Guide to the Florida Lemon Law, which you should receive upon purchasing your RV in Florida. However, certain living facilities within the RV, such as windows (excluding front passenger and driver’s windows and the windshield), exterior components, side entrance door, electrical systems, generator, furnace, roof air conditioner, plumbing system, and flooring, are not covered. If these components malfunction, you’re responsible for repairs.
Under Florida’s lemon law, if you’ve owned your RV for at least 24 months and unsuccessfully attempted to repair it three times, you may be eligible for protection. In such cases, liability falls on the manufacturer, and you can request warranty coverage for the RV issues in writing.
Texas is another state that extends lemon law coverage to RVs, including travel trailers registered and titled in the state. To qualify, you must have made unsuccessful repair attempts before your vehicle reaches 24,000 miles or two years of age. Alternatively, if you’ve tried to repair the same issue unsuccessfully four times, you may also be protected under Texas lemon law.
Additionally, Texas lemon law may apply if your RV has been out of service for 30 consecutive days and has not yet reached 24,000 miles or two years of ownership. There’s also a serious safety hazard provision, where the issue must pose a risk of explosions or fires if not addressed, ideally before 24,000 miles or within two years of ownership.
As demonstrated by the differences between Florida and Texas lemon laws, there are significant variations among states. It’s important to research your home state’s lemon law provisions to understand what is covered. Remember, while some states provide lemon law protections for RVs, it’s not guaranteed everywhere, so it’s crucial to be informed.
Why Careful Shopping is Essential
Regardless of which state you reside in, if your state has an RV lemon law, it typically applies only to new vehicles. Purchasing a used motorhome means you won’t benefit from lemon law protections. Whether you recently bought a 2017 RV in 2018, once a vehicle is used, the lemon law no longer applies—it’s that straightforward.
Opting for a used RV often stems from the desire to save money. However, without a warranty or lemon law coverage, any issues that arise will require you to cover repair costs out of pocket.
This isn’t to discourage purchasing a used RV entirely. For many first-time motorhome buyers, buying used is a prudent financial decision. Saving money while still acquiring a quality vehicle is the main advantage.
When considering a used RV, it’s crucial to personally inspect the vehicle rather than relying solely on online images or videos. Take the time to thoroughly examine it.
Additionally, don’t skip the test drive. Some issues only become apparent when you’re driving the RV yourself.
Remember, with a used RV, any repair costs fall squarely on your shoulders—neither the seller nor the manufacturer is obligated to cover them. By conducting thorough due diligence, you can minimize the chances of encountering issues with your used RV.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to walk away if the used RV exhibits significant issues like water damage, structural problems with the walls or roof, or major electrical and plumbing issues. While politeness is important, safeguarding yourself from a bad deal should take precedence.
Understanding and Maximizing Your Warranty Coverage
When purchasing a new RV, it typically comes with a warranty, although the length and coverage can vary based on the manufacturer. While there may be an additional cost for the warranty, I strongly advise against forgoing it entirely.
Warranties, whether they span four years or a lifetime, are essential for new RV owners. I understand that after investing in your new vehicle, the thought of paying extra for a warranty might seem excessive. However, encountering issues with your RV within the first few years of ownership can quickly change that perspective. Having repairs partially or fully covered can provide significant financial relief. Just as you’re recovering from the substantial initial purchase cost of your RV, unexpected repair bills can strain your budget.
There are two primary types of basic warranties to consider. The first is a listed component contract, covering every part and component that the manufacturer would pay for in case of malfunction or breakage. The second is an exclusionary contract, often referred to as a bumper-to-bumper contract, which specifies what is not covered.
For those interested in extended protection beyond the original warranty period, extended RV warranties are available. These third-party warranties typically extend coverage well beyond the initial few years, offering peace of mind against RV parts defects.
It’s worth noting that extended warranties are usually administered through third-party providers, often affiliated with your insurance provider. While it’s uncommon for RV manufacturers to offer extended coverage directly, it doesn’t hurt to inquire.
Like any warranty, filing a claim under an extended warranty requires submitting a claim and providing proof of maintenance and supporting documentation. Additionally, be aware that extended warranties may not cover 100% of expenses all the time, as deductibles may apply.
Understanding your warranty options and maximizing their benefits can significantly mitigate potential financial burdens associated with RV ownership.
Is It Normal for a New RV to Have Problems?
It’s not uncommon to purchase a brand-new RV, hit the road, and encounter issues within the first month or two. Perhaps it’s a minor inconvenience like a clogged pipe or something more concerning such as electrical or transmission issues.
Before you start feeling swindled after spending a substantial amount on your new vehicle, take a moment to understand a harsh reality: new RVs often come with a range of problems. Many new RV owners can attest to this, including Jim from Camper Report, who has experienced multiple repair visits with his new RV.
This isn’t to say you’ve been duped. Unfortunately, it’s a widespread issue. Most RVs, regardless of brand or price point, leave the factory with some level of imperfections. It’s a result of inconsistent quality control practices across the industry. Vehicles often pass through quality checks quickly, without thorough inspections for optimal performance and durability.
RV manufacturers acknowledge these challenges by offering extensive warranties, sometimes covering repairs for the vehicle’s lifetime. They understand the likelihood of initial issues and provide warranties to offset repair costs incurred by owners.
So, if your shiny new RV starts showing signs of trouble shortly after purchase, don’t blame yourself. It’s typically a manufacturing issue, and the manufacturer will often cover the costs of initial repairs under warranty. This is why it’s crucial to keep some extra funds handy even after buying a new RV—to address these early challenges swiftly and smoothly.
Conclusion
Lemon laws are widely recognized for providing protection against problematic vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs, ensuring that consumers aren’t burdened with excessive repairs.
However, when it comes to RVs, the landscape changes. Lemon laws specific to RVs are less common across states in the US, meaning your protection can vary significantly depending on where you reside. If your state doesn’t extend lemon law coverage to RVs, you assume full responsibility for any issues that arise.
Moreover, there’s no lemon law coverage for used RVs at all, underscoring the importance of thorough research and inspection when purchasing pre-owned vehicles. Even with new RVs, quality control issues are prevalent, making manufacturer warranties invaluable. Opting for a warranty can save you from unexpected repair costs during the initial years of ownership.
Armed with this knowledge, take proactive steps to ensure you don’t end up with a lemon. Whether buying new or used, diligent research and consideration of warranty options can safeguard your investment and enhance your RVing experience.