Should I Buy a Warranty for My RV? 3 Things to Consider.

About me:

​Before buying my first recreational vehicle, I’d put in a lot (A LOT) of research. When I came across a sweet 2014 Lance travel trailer, I knew I’d found the perfect fit, even though it was priced considerably higher than my initial budget allowed. That being the case, I was for sure not going to spend even more money on a warranty. 

That’s how I felt - until I did a bit more research. This particular warranty actually covered most of the important things, many of the smaller items, and it didn’t exclude wear and tear! Best of all, it was super affordable. 

My decision was based on my own personal level of risk aversion, the value I place on having every little thing being covered, and the amount of money I was able to spend at the time. These factors will differ for everyone, so I’ve written up some quick and objective points for everyone to consider. ​

​A warranty on your recreational vehicle can provide:

​Confidence to hit the road - RVs are a significant purchase, so it’s not surprising to feel nervous about hitting the road for the first time, especially if this is your first RV. The support of a tow truck or just getting a hand changing a tire can be a big relief.

Ease of ownership - aside from roadside emergencies, things do simply break from time to time. I had some plumbing fixtures break; the $100 deductible I paid was a bit more expensive than the parts themselves, but for me, it was very worth it to be able to watch a professional do it correctly right off the bat. The problem was fixed, it was done quickly, and I got to learn a bit about how my rig was built. 

Value for now, value for later – any sort of even moderately priced repair will make your warranty worth it pretty quickly. Again, it’s not just the cost - don’t forget to factor professional labor into the equation. For me, that factors in heavily. For someone really handy, it’s potentially less important. But what about value for later? The warranty I purchased actually transferred to a new owner, which was a huge value when it comes to re-selling an RV on the private market. I can’t tell someone “I put my dealership’s name behind this sale!”, because I don’t own a dealership. But a transferrable warranty? That does the trick. 

​Like I said, everyone has different experience and circumstances that’ll affect their decision. Hopefully the above points will help you make the best choice for you. Thanks for reading!