May 27 2008
RVs and the lemon law
Owning a car is expensive; owning a recreational vehicle is even more so. Despite gasoline prices that are hovering around $3 per gallon, the growth in RV sales continues to increase. And sales aren’t limited to trailers; motor homes, with prices up to $1 million are also growing in popularity.
It’s certainly nice to see technology in motor homes improving to the point where you can sell your house and live in one, but before you shell out six or seven figures to buy, make sure you check the vehicle’s reliability carefully. Despite the fact that these motor homes are motor vehicles, they are not protected under the lemon laws of most states.
How is that possible? Motor homes are seen as different sorts of vehicles from cars. They aren’t mass produced like cars or pickup trucks; they are hand assembled in small quantities. That being the case, some defects are going to be present. And they are made by a number of different companies. One company (usually auto manufacturer) makes the drive train. Other companies make the body, and other items, such as electronics and appliances are made by companies that specialize in those devices.
Of the fifty states’ lemon laws, only a dozen or so cover recreational vehicles at all. Those that do usually restrict them to those that meet certain weight restrictions. If you’re a buyer of an amphibious Terrawind, for instance, you are probably on your own if something goes wrong. Another twenty states cover them, but only the drive portion of the vehicle. If your engine fails, you are probably covered. If your toilet fails or your windows fall out, you’re out of luck.
Anyone considering the purchase of an expensive RV should first consider the following:
• The lemon laws in your state. Check to see if your state covers the vehicle you wish to purchase. It may be covered completely, partially, or not at all. It’s best to find out upfront if you will be taking a risk.
• Consult with the individual manufacturer about their warranties. Different makers have warranties that cover different components and run for different amounts of time. You want, obviously, to have the best coverage possible.
• Check to see if you can buy an extended warranty. If so, check to see how much it costs and what it covers.
• Do some Internet research to see what the reliability history is of the make and model you want to buy. If you are buying a used one, try to find out about the history of that vehicle in particular.
• Look for the seal of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association one the vehicle. This would suggest that the manufacturer belongs to an industry association that requires its members to comply with more than 500 safety specifications.
Owning an RV is great, when it runs. Before buying one, make sure that you will be able to get the most out of it and to make sure that you are covered, in some way, if something goes wrong. Then you can hit the road without any worries. Otherwise, you had best sign up for a roadside assistance plan.
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