RV warranty or pay for repairs
In a closed thread, the OP complains of an RV manufacturer being non-responsive to warranty repairs. Much of the problem seems to be related to frame problems. The OP may have a valid point. However there are some issues he may not understand, too.
The manufacturer may warranty the unit. But it is really Lippert that guarrantee's the frame. The RV builder cannot authorize any one to repair the frame. Lippert needs to do that. Because Lippert is responsible for the frame manufacturing, repair, and future warranty. Same as for the fridge, microwave, tires, roof, furnace, water heater, etc. The component manufacturer is really the responsible party for the warranty. The RV manufacturer is merely the agent. Not saying that a RV manufacturer does not have responsibility to the buyer. They need to and should make it happen. But the component manufacturer can stymie them with non-response, and foot dragging.
There are some differences by manufacturers. Some 5th wheel manufacturers warranty's the RV for 2 years. While his component manufacturers may only warranty a component for 1 year. This issue can be handled in different ways by the RV manufacturers.
Either the RV manufacturer may pay a higher price for the component, to support a component manufacturer for the added year of warranty value. Or the RV manufacturer pays the same price for the component with a one year warranty. And then if the component breaks after the one year period, then the RV manufacturer pays for the repair/replacement costs. Either way the RV manufacturer has the responsibility to authorize any warranty repair before the work is done. But in some cases may communicate with the component manufacturer before authorizing or refusing warranty repairs.
Generally speaking RV warranties are not like automobile warranties. Where the manufacturer carries full responsibility. RV warranties are more like new home warranties.
But when you are stuck somewhere for a long period trying to get your RV repaired under warranty, this whole issue does little to reduce the frustration factor. And sometimes you are better off (and money ahead) to just find a local authorized repair service that you can pay to get you up and running.
Just tossing this up here for others to comment. Lets keep it civil.
The manufacturer may warranty the unit. But it is really Lippert that guarrantee's the frame. The RV builder cannot authorize any one to repair the frame. Lippert needs to do that. Because Lippert is responsible for the frame manufacturing, repair, and future warranty. Same as for the fridge, microwave, tires, roof, furnace, water heater, etc. The component manufacturer is really the responsible party for the warranty. The RV manufacturer is merely the agent. Not saying that a RV manufacturer does not have responsibility to the buyer. They need to and should make it happen. But the component manufacturer can stymie them with non-response, and foot dragging.
There are some differences by manufacturers. Some 5th wheel manufacturers warranty's the RV for 2 years. While his component manufacturers may only warranty a component for 1 year. This issue can be handled in different ways by the RV manufacturers.
Either the RV manufacturer may pay a higher price for the component, to support a component manufacturer for the added year of warranty value. Or the RV manufacturer pays the same price for the component with a one year warranty. And then if the component breaks after the one year period, then the RV manufacturer pays for the repair/replacement costs. Either way the RV manufacturer has the responsibility to authorize any warranty repair before the work is done. But in some cases may communicate with the component manufacturer before authorizing or refusing warranty repairs.
Generally speaking RV warranties are not like automobile warranties. Where the manufacturer carries full responsibility. RV warranties are more like new home warranties.
But when you are stuck somewhere for a long period trying to get your RV repaired under warranty, this whole issue does little to reduce the frustration factor. And sometimes you are better off (and money ahead) to just find a local authorized repair service that you can pay to get you up and running.
Just tossing this up here for others to comment. Lets keep it civil.
