Don’t get burned with an RV extended warranty!
No one likes to pay for RV repairs. That's where an RV extended warranty can save a lot of headaches. But signing up for one at the dealership at the time of the purchase is seldom a wise decision.
If you have ever bought an RV from a dealer, your salesman probably told you you should add on an extended warranty at a hefty price. But what exactly does an extended warranty cover and do you really need to get one from your dealer?
We get this question weekly, it seems, on our RV Lifestyle community, usually from newbies trying to figure out if an extended warranty is worth it.
So, in Episode 449 of the RV Podcast, we dug into the intricacies of an RV extended warranty and how to get the best deal. We summarize the key points in this article, or you can watch or listen to the interview…
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. The interview begins at 14:26.
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RV Extended Warranty Advice from a Pro
Those who have been following us for a while know we are fans of Wholesale Warranties, a warranty broker that helps you get the best price for an extended warranty, cares about its customers, and frankly, really knows their stuff.
You can learn why we recommend Wholesale Warranties here.
To help us better understand extended warranties, we invited Jim Hoffman, the VPO of Wholesale Warranties, to walk us through the basics and share with us some new things happening at Wholesale Warranties.
Below, we summarize what we talked about, from what's covered to typical costs and more…
What Is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty for RVs, sometimes referred to as a service contract, is essentially an extension of the manufacturer's warranty once it expires. With an extended warranty, you secure additional coverage for significant appliance or system failures that might occur after the standard manufacturer’s warranty period ends. This type of warranty can help manage repair costs and ensure peace of mind during your travels.
What are the Typical Things an Extended Warranty Covers?
Extended warranties generally cover the cost of repairs for various components of the RV that could break down due to normal usage. These typically include big-ticket items and essential systems such as engine components, plumbing, electrical systems, and slide-outs.
The coverage focuses mainly on the mechanical and electronic aspects, ensuring that the fundamental operations of the RV are covered.
What are the Main Things that Break in an RV?
Common items that tend to break in an RV and are often covered under extended warranties include slide-outs, leveling systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances like air condidtioners and refrigerators. These areas endure a lot of use and are prone to wear and tear.
We have a full article on Extended RV Warranties: What parts break the most?
Typical Costs to Repair Parts
Repair costs for RVs can be quite high, making extended warranties valuable. For instance, slide-out repairs, leveling systems, and plumbing issues present substantial repair bills that often start in the thousands.
These high repair costs highlight the importance of having an extended service contract to mitigate unexpected expenses.
Can Old RVs be Covered?
Yes, older RVs can indeed be covered by extended warranties. Companies like Wholesale Warranties provide options for RVs that are up to 15 to 20 years old, offering a range of plans that suit both older and newer models.
This makes extended warranties an excellent option for individuals who buy used RVs, ensuring they are protected even if purchasing from a private party.
Before Finalizing a Sale, What Should New Buyers Do to Ensure They Get the Most Coverage at the Best Price?
Before finalizing the purchase of an RV, especially with a dealer, it's beneficial to research and compare different extended warranty options. Prospective buyers should avoid integrating the warranty cost into their RV financing to dodge additional interest charges.
Consulting with warranty specialists like those at Wholesale Warranties can provide buyers with the necessary information to choose the appropriate coverage that fits their needs and budget.
Special Offer for Our Audience
For our audience, there is a great opportunity to gain additional benefits when opting for an extended warranty. By visiting Wholesale Warranties through our exclusive link, customers can take advantage of special offers such as free roadside assistance for a year.
Listen or watch the podcast interview above, use your favorite podcast player, or watch it over on YouTube!
RV Tip of the Week from Brenda of Queen Bee RV
Time now for the RV Tip of the week from certified RV Inspector Brenda of Queen Bee RV.
Brenda’s focus is on educating RVers on how to care for their RVs – especially women RVers – and she is a regular contributor to the podcast, sharing her expertise with our entire audience.
Here’s Brenda.. The RV Queen Bee… with this podcast’s RV Tip.
Step by step guide for prepping, pricing and selling your RV
Are you an RV seller who is overwhelmed with the thought of getting your current RV ready to sell? Or, excited and just need to know where to start? As a Certified RV Inspector, you can bet I see all kinds of rigs in various conditions throughout the sales process.
Here is some helpful advice for prepping and pricing your RV for sale:
Info gathering:
- Start by gathering all of the service records and improvements that you have done, as well as from previous owners, including repairs, routine maintenance, oil changes, generator servicing, and new tires.
- Even if you did some of these yourself, include any receipts or records of the process.
Scrub a dub
- Wash the roof and all of the RV exterior, and clean the windows. Shine the tires. Clean out the cargo bins and if it’s motorized, consider an engine cleaning.
- Dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, and sanitize the interior.
- Confirm proper function of ALL appliances, the water system, propane system, electrical systems, holding tanks, lights, and electronics.
- You might even consider a “pre-sale” inspection by a Certified RV Inspector! This can be a great selling tool.
Pricing
- I suggest to start with the NADA website when gathering data to price your RV. Simply input your year make and model plus features and options into the pricing tool to receive some preliminary numbers. Compare that data to other RV marketing websites to see how the competition is lining up.
- Next, decide if you want to sell the RV privately or to a wholesaler or dealership. Keep in mind that if you trade your RV in at a dealership, they are going to offer you wholesale pricing so they can make a profit when they sell it. Consider consigning with one of them instead and decide if that makes it worthwhile for you since the dealership will be handling showings, negotiations, and the paperwork. They might even take on some repairs.
Marketing for private sale
- Take some good-looking color photos – this is a must. Buyers are shopping on-line first and need lots of photos.
- Prepare the listing for uploading to on-line RV sales websites and social media. Things to include in your description will be the year built, manufacturer and model number, VIN number, 50 or 30 amp service, any improvements and upgrades, mileage, plus all of the details you would see in a manufacturer’s brochure. The more the better.
- Some popular websites for RV sales include www.rvtrader.com, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, Ebay and various manufacturer forums. Some of these websites charge a fee, some are free.
Showing and negotiating
- Safety first when it comes to meeting potential buyers. Consider meeting in a public place like a shopping center or church parking lot, a campground, or other public space. If it is motorized, decide if you will allow them to take it on a test drive (with you riding along, of course) or if you want to drive and let the Buyer be a passenger.
- Choose whether or not you will be willing to hold the RV for a period of time with a deposit.
- Be prepared for lowballs. If you decide to sell privately, you will still get calls from wholesalers and dealers. Have your bottom dollar in mind.
- Talk with your bank about who holds the lien and the proper way to transfer title. If there is no loan, decide how you will exchange title with the new owner once payment has been received.
- Next decide how you are willing to receive payment: cash, bank check, payment apps like PayPal or Venmo, Zelle or even wire transfer.
- Finally, be honest. Think about the Golden Rule! Treat others as you would want to be treated.
App of the Week – PictureThis
Time now for the RV App of the Week segment, taken from the pages of NewTravelTech.com – our sister blog that celebrates the many ways technology enhances the travel experience.
This week's app is called PictureThis and it is an awesome tool that lets you instantly identify different plant and tree species you encounter on your outdoor adventures.
Not sure what the plant is? Open the app and take a picture, and instantly it scans its database of 10,000 North American species and tells you what the plant or tree is, giving its scientific name and its common name.
The app works on iOS and Android and it's free, though premium versions are available at an extra cost that unlock more features.
RV Recipe to Try – Homemade Sauerkraut & New York Style Hot Dogs
Here's the editor of CampingFoodRecipes.com, outdoor enthusiast and lifelong foodie enthusiast Jerrica Mah:
Hey, Mike and Jennifer and Camping Foodies! Jerrica here with CampingFoodRecipes.com. This week for our recipe of the week, I actually have two recipes for you because they kind of go hand in hand. The first is homemade German-style sauerkraut. And if you're wondering what that goes hand in hand with, I bet you jump straight to New York style hot dogs. At least I hope you did, because that's the other recipe that we have this week!
So if you go to our website and see the homemade sauerkraut, you will be amazed at how easy it is to make. I didn't realize that you can make sauerkraut with only two ingredients. And just some patience, really, while you wait for it to ferment. But we have a couple tips on that and even to add even more flavor to that, which makes your New York style hot dogs even better.
And of course, New York style hot dogs have the sauerkraut and onion sauce, and all the other goodies that let you enjoy those authentic, Big Apple hot dogs wherever you travel.
So be sure to check out both those recipes at the same time. Just keep in mind that the homemade sauerkraut, you need at least two weeks to make it because you really want to give it time to ferment and to get that nice flavor, the perfect flavor for your own taste. And we tell you, you know, how to monitor it to make sure it's exactly how you like it. And then of course the easy recipe for the New York style hot dogs.
And don't forget to also go to the website to submit your own favorite camping recipe at the top of the website. You'll just see a tab that says submit a recipe. You click on that, send in your recipe information, and hopefully, you'll get to see it featured on CampingFoodRecipes.com.
Where are you RVing next? How about…
Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Shoreline Tour (U.S. Side)
Instead of the usual 7 Days that some of our other guides can be done in, with this one, we’re suggesting that you budget more time. This is why we are calling it a “Tour” instead of a 7-Day Guide! There are 86 pages in this new ebook.
In this new Great Lakes Shoreline Tour we cover in detail:
- Notable U.S. Cities/Towns along each Great Lake (US side) like Watertown, Grand Island, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Vermillion, Mackinaw City, and so many more!
- What to See/Do Around EACH Lake: Ocqueoc Falls Scenic Site, Les Cheneaux Islands, Antique Boat Museum, and many, many more places, including BONUS side trips!
- And good Campgrounds for each Lake (US side) – at least 4 or 5 for EACH Lake! With all the info you need to set up reservations.
Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?
On this RV Lifestyle Travel blog, our RV Podcast and our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel, we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time. CLICK HERE to go to it directly. Have you caught one of our Amazon LIVE events yet? Just go here and Follow us – to be notified every time we go live.
