New Travel Trailer extended warranty/service agreements

[7mmfan]

So I pulled the trigger on a new trailer. We pick it up next weekend. I've never owned one before. The consensus I get from people I know that own them is that there absolutely will be warranty claims in the first 2 years of ownership. Not if, but how many. The dealer is offering an extended warranty/service agreement, and I'm curious if those of you that own trailers feel these are worthwhile. I'm usually not an extended warranty guy but I'm in uncharted waters here. So, those of you that own trailers, do you feel that an extended service agreement is a worthwhile investment?

[ironbuck]

  Didn't buy any when we bought our TT so sorry can't  help ya there. What did you pick up make and model?

[7mmfan]

Here is what we settled on.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/no-boundaries/NB19.8/4680

[jackelope]

I have zero experience with travel trailer service contracts, but assuming they're not too far from vehicle service contracts, I'd assume they're probably worth having, but I would read the fine print and the brochure or info on the contract and don't listen to the person who's trying to sell it to you because they're probably blowing smoke up your skirt to one degree or another. There's no such thing as bumper to bumper, there's no such thing as "everything is covered," etc. In other words, take it upon yourself to know and fully understand what you're getting.
Also, if the manufacturer offers a service contract, I'd buy from the manufacturer over any 3rd party company. That's a vehicle service contract thing...not sure if the manufacturers offer TT contracts or not.

[JKEEN33]

I had an old trailer I rebuilt for about 12 years before buying a new one last year. They are pretty simple to work on, so I didn’t buy the extended warranty. Use it soon and try to find the bugs early. It usually takes them 1-2 months just to fit you in for warranty work, so be prepared for that. The small stuff is just easier to do yourself. If you go into it expecting maintenance and repairs, they can be a lot of fun.

[medic6]

Don’t buy the extended warranty. You will get a one year bumper to bumper warranty covering absolutely everything from the manufacture. Take a spiral notepad and start a list of items that need fixed, replaced, adjusted, repaired, looks or sounds funny and write it down. Avoid taking it in to the dealership until month 8-9 (not summer time) Then schedule your appointment. They will ask for your list of issues you wrote down. They will make a note everything u want checked on their paperwork which u will keep as a record. There may be repairs that need to be address before the end of the first year like if the heat, water issues or AC. Have those items fixed immediately.  When I mean everything it covers everything. Cabinet door look off color have them change it, door not adjusted perfectly have them adjust it. Squeaky suspension have it looked at. After one year you are on your own so check absolutely everything before dropping it off.   I am on my 5 trailer (toy hauler) and the process has been the same for all.   Just my 2 cents.

[Zardoz]

Don’t buy the extended warranty. You will get a one year bumper to bumper warranty covering absolutely everything from the manufacture. Take a spiral notepad and start a list of items that need fixed, replaced, adjusted, repaired, looks or sounds funny and write it down. Avoid taking it in to the dealership until month 8-9 (not summer time) Then schedule your appointment. They will ask for your list of issues you wrote down. They will make a note everything u want checked on their paperwork which u will keep as a record. There may be repairs that need to be address before the end of the first year like if the heat, water issues or AC. Have those items fixed immediately.  When I mean everything it covers everything. Cabinet door look off color have them change it, door not adjusted perfectly have them adjust it. Squeaky suspension have it looked at. After one year you are on your own so check absolutely everything before dropping it off.   I am on my 5 trailer (toy hauler) and the process has been the same for all.   Just my 2 cents.

With the money a person spends on these RV's, today..How is any of this acceptable?? I've owned two used older trailers, and had minimal issues, mostly my fault for being lazy. Why would anyone spend thousands of dollars for these Headaches??  Would you accept this level of quality for your new vehicle or new house?? I don't understand it. Information and some insight would be helpful. Am I missing something? 

[lee]

Hi,

I can only comment on Keystone manufactured TT's as that is what I currently own.

First thing I would recommend is find a forum group for Forest River RV's and research there. Keystone owner's have an EXCEPTIONAL one.

For Keystone,... everyone and there Brother recommend NOT getting the extended warrantee for a host of reasons..... some being that only the dealer you buy the RV from will/can warrantee it. Next is the crazy wait times to get warrantee work accomplished (months). Then, servicing department will find any and all excuses to deny a warrantee claim. For instance, Keystone recommends a semi-annual roof cleaning and inspection.  Say, Then you get a roof leak and schedule warrantee repair..... they ask for proof of semi-annual maintenance of the roof. Since you perform this yourself it's a case of he said / she said and claim is denied.  Also, If you perform ANY modifications to the RV... voids warrantee.

As others here have stated... RV's are not that hard to work on so I just perform all work myself. Also remember that most of the major components in the RV (Fridge, A/C, water heater, stove) are covered by a manufacture's warrantee that is longer than the sellers 1yr warrantee.

Best advice I can give to you is: The semi-annual roof cleaning and inspection is VITAL!!!!!! Touch up any suspected spots with the appropriate product. For me it is Dicor self-leveling sealer. Do not use a silicone based RTV product.

Take care and enjoy yer new TT.!!!!

Lee

[7mmfan]

I'm handy enough to handle most issues that would pop up, (and motivated to save as much money as possible  ) so I had already felt like it would be a waste of money. I'll read through it thoroughly though and make a decision at the time.