How to Handle RV Warranty Disputes
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This week on Episode 526 of the RV Podcast: How to Deal with RV Warranty Disputes – perhaps the industry's best-kept secret.
You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.
If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below. Click the CC logo on the right side of the player, and you can follow along in a word-for-word transcript of the podcast as it plays.
Mike & Jen's Florida RV Supershow Meet-Up Dates and Times
As usual, we'll be attending this year's Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, Florida, January 15-19, 2024.
Also, as usual, we've booked some time to meet our friends and followers. This year, we have two on the schedule:
Meet us Thursday, Jan 16, and Friday, Jan 17 at Booth 770, the Montana Display at the show.
We can't wait to take some photos and get to know everyone.
We’ve got something exciting to share about RVCommunity.com – the online space we created to bring RVers like YOU together! Over the past year, it’s become the go-to hub for trip ideas, tips, and troubleshooting advice. Now, we’re making it even better! ????
Our Big Announcement!
Starting January 1, 2025, RVCommunity.com will become private, ad-free, and spam-free – a premium, members-only experience for RV lovers. Think of it like a gated campground online, where you can connect without distractions.
And here’s what’s new:
???? “Mastering the RV Lifestyle” at-home study course – exclusive to members!
???? Exclusive campout gatherings – we’re hosting THREE next year, each 5 days long!
???? A clean, ad-free space to explore, learn, and connect with other RVers.
Here's a video explaining it all:
Membership plans start at less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month! ☕
Learn more and join now at ???? RVCommunity.com
And if you are already a member of our Community, explore your options at RVCommunity.com/plans
Join us today and make sure you’re part of the ultimate RVing experience in 2025! ????✨ Don’t miss out on all the perks, events, and fun waiting for you.
Tag a friend who loves RVing and let them know!
RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK
How to Handle RV Warranty Disputes
We regularly hear warranty repair horror stories from our audience, be it someone writing to us or sharing on our social media platforms like Facebook or our RVCommunity.com.
Our hearts break for these people who dream for years of RVing, pour their savings into a new unit, only to find their camping season interrupted by things breaking constantly under warranty, long waits for those repairs, and worse.
Recently, we learned of a program that may be the industry's best-kept secret: The RV Warranty Dispute Program.
This FREE program provides an avenue for any RV owner whose unit is constantly breaking while under manufacturer warranty. This program matches RVers with attorneys specialized in RVs to mediate disputes so RV owners can get their rigs fixed and maybe even get a whole new unit if warranted.
This is a conversation you don't want to miss. Be sure and listen or watch the interview in the players up above.
The RV Warranty Dispute Program is managed by the Texas-based firm DeMars & Associates, and to tell us more we welcome on our show today Kyle Morris, president and owner of DeMars & Associates, Ltd. & Amanda Martinez, Director of Process & Compliance.
It is a free service for owners of recreational vehicles with lemon law claims and warranty disputes. The RV Warranty Dispute Program currently provides services to owners who purchased their RV in the United States and Canada. The Program provides a mediation component and allows RV owners and manufacturers an avenue for a timely resolution of disputes.
In the mediation, the parties are invited to discuss the dispute and to jointly develop a resolution with the assistance of a neutral third party. Mediators are attorney-mediators trained on the specific rules and guidelines of the RV Warranty Dispute Program. If you have a warranty-related issue with your RV, they are here to assist.
Most of the major RV manufacturers participate in the program and pay its expenses.
SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer
Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.
In the RVLifestyle Community Campgrounds Space Rita and Jeff asked: “Anyone ever camped at Hocking Hills in Ohio? Just wondering about the location of the campground in the park and how close the trails are to it since we have a Class C without a toad.” It sounds like Rita and Jeff were trying to figure out if they should bring their bikes, rent a car, what to do.
What I loved about this question is sometimes we all have questions like this when booking at a new campground, and you just need a little guidance from someone who has been there, and Rita and Jeff got that.
Carol shared that Hocking Hills is a beautiful place in Ohio! Lots of cliffs and hills – not the normal flat Ohio landscape at all. She also talked about how Old Man's Cave, the Rock House, Cedar Falls are maybe a mile or so from the campground.
And then Cindy added that she had camped at the very place Rita and Jeff were considering. She added that the roads can be very hilly and windy – so relying on a bike to get around will be challenging, and she suggested they instead consider renting a car for a few days.
Loved the helpful input.
Also in our Community, we have spaces for RVers who like to enjoy their hobby on camping trips, and one of those spaces that has been extra busy lately is Crafters Corner. Doreen shared she just finished some Christmas potholders and is starting a new quilting project, Becky just finished a winter quilt and many were cheering her on asking to see pictures, and Melissa is looking for a pattern to make a baby quilt for her soon-arriving grandson. It was so much fun to see people jumping in, sharing ideas and tips.
Then in our RVLifestyle Facebook Group, Ken and his wife will be spending Christmas in their fifth wheel this year so Ken asked, “What are you all doing for trees, decorations, etc.” and he asked for pictures.
Many people were happy to oblige and it was really fun to see!
Aaron said his wife has three tubs of Christmas decorations and he shared an image of her getting it out and creating the mood.
Many chose a minimalistic style of decorating with narrow trees and limited decorations.
But others of you went all out! We're talking fully decorated trees, stockings hanging over the fireplace, Christmas blankets, Christmas pillows, wall hangings, garland and knick knacks on the counter.
Some even decorated the outside with Christmas lights on the awning, blow-up holiday-themed inflatables and so much more.
If any of you are going to be RVing this holiday season and are trying to figure out decorations, you need to check out this post for inspiration.
RV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Wholesale RV shipments are expected to climb slightly this year to 324,100 units then rise to the mid-300,000 range in 2025.
The estimate was in a forecast prepared for the RV Industry Association.
The average selling price for motor homes was $54,243, down 17.8% from the previous month, while the average selling price for towables was $19,062, up 1.7% from the previous month.
An RV battery charger is believed to be the source of a devastating fire in Virginia that started in the RV and spread to the home. Thankfully no one died in the blaze.
Mark your calendars! The National Parks Service announced the dates for six free-entrance days for 2025. They are: Jan. 20, April 19, June 19, Aug. 4, Sept. 27 and Nov. 11.
RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK
QUESTION: We have a 25 Forest River 2608BS travel trailer. I’m not sure if I empty the tanks and blow them out do I need to add RV antifreeze? We’re both new so we’re getting a crash course in RVing – Albert
ANSWER: Start by thoroughly reading the specific instructions in the manual that came with your RV. Then, do a YouTube search on the antifreeze method (which is usually the best recommendation) and the compressed air method (which is not recommended in really cold climates) so you can see how it's done.
Personally, I would suggest that you use antifreeze. But if you are not handy or unsure, call your closest dealer and see if they do a winterizing service. For a hundred bucks or so, that's peace of mind knowing it's done right.
You can also call a mobile RV tech, who could come to you and do the work. Ask them if you can observe and take notes so you can do it yourself next year. Whatever you decide, do it soon as there is no putting off winter, and you don't want to deal with blown plumbing come spring.
Are You an RV Newbie? Or Thinking of Joining the RV Lifestyle?
THIS is the ebook to get first – before you purchase anything- to make sure you are heading in the right direction with the right RV and plans.
So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life. Consider this not just a guide—but an invitation to discover the joy of RV travel and the freedom of the open road.
You’ll find it all in this 64-page ebook (digital PDF – NOT a print book) The Newbies Guide to the RV Lifestyle
