This is a pretty easy decision, if you step back and think rationally. Will a multi-thousand dollar repair bill cripple you finacially? Will it force you to keep your RV, which you are paying for each month, in your driveway, instead of camping? If yes, consider an extended warranty. If no, forget it.
We just took delivery of our 2003 Executive. While we did our due dilligence and the rig looks to have been babied for all of it's 8 years, nobody really knows the truth. We decided on taking a two year Xtra-Ride Platinum policy out on it. Not cheap, but a lot less than a majoor breakdown would be on this beast! After the two years are up, we will have a much better handle on the true condition of our rig and can make a better informed decision on renewal.
That's our take on this issue and as others have said, you'll get all kinds of widely differing opinions! YOU need to decide what best fits your risk tolerence. It's all about what makes you feel most comfortable.
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
2003 Monaco Executive M43 DS2
Well...Stay away from American Guardian!! Crooks for sure!! Had a leaking hydraulic "line" to one of the levelers and figured its covered (Contract stated it covered "Leveling Systems") so took it to the dealer. Dealer said, no problem...two weeks later, dealer says American wont cover because it is classified as a "hose" not a "line" and hoses are not covered (this was the week of Thanksgiving and I needed it to be done, so I paid the stealership $500 to replace. Also, (same trip the back up camera has intermittent problem, the dealer was actually patient on this and saw the problem, they spoke to the camera MFG and this unit is not longer made. So American's response was to only pay for the value of the replacement.....not replace.....it still would have cost me another $280 for the fix/upgrade!! After all said and done....American Guardian has refunded me the balance (pro-rated) of the contract at my request and now I am a 100% self-repairer! They will do EVERYTHING to not pay!! This has been MY experience. If you are at all handy, there are alot of knowledgeable people here and seem very willing to help.
I bought a service contract with our new rv in 04. Never needed it till last weekend when fuel pump died. Wouldn't you know it, when the tech called the service administrator, my contract had expired last December 4th 2010. The service contract people never contacted me to see if I wanted to renew it either. I think they knew parts were going to start going out about the time their contract obligation expires so they don't worry about reminding you.
I am currently looking into an extended 6 year warranty that includes tires/wheels. Even with a $250 deductible the total cost per year is almost what a new tire might cost me on the road without a policy. As already mentioned, it is a risk venture. If your RV holds up 'forever' so be it. I have a great relationship with the RV repair shop I deal with as I do not work with the dealer I bought it from. I have seen many units coming in and their issues. When I learn the total cost to repair/replace in those units I do believe an extended warranty will work for me, unless of course there is a smoke and mirrors scenario.
Scott
2011 Sunseeker 3170DSF
2 great sons, Scott & Alex (23 & 20)
"Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes."
Thanks again for the advice. It seems as though there are many good and not so good warranties out there. Guess at the end of the day it is a risk either way you look at it...risk paying the price and not needing it or the warranty company not paying what they should OR a risk not getting a warranty at all and hoping your RV holds up like it is supposed to.
2012 Tiffin Phaeton 40QKH
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
our dog Annabelle (2 year old Siberian Husky)
Go to your favorite RV repair shop and ask them who is the easiest to deal with. They kno who will be a hassle and who won't . My place suggested good SAMs . Just make sure to get the policy that has the least exclusions. I had their policy a few years but like most people said, if your coach is in decent shape and not too old you are better to self insure. Most repairs are barely over the deductible unless you have a major disaster. Me, I am taking the odds and self insuring my 2004 coach. Had it since new and take care of it. Can do most minor stuff anyhow.
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