Are you wondering if an RV extended warranty is worth the investment? If you’ve recently purchased an RV or your manufacturer’s warranty is approaching its end, you’re likely asking yourself this question. RV extended warranties can provide peace of mind on the road, but they also require careful consideration of costs, coverage, and providers.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about RV extended warranties to help you make the right choice for your situation. We’ll cover what these warranties actually are, how much they cost, what they cover, and how to choose the best option for your specific RV.
What Are RV Extended Warranties?
RV extended warranties aren’t actually warranties at all – they’re service contracts. These agreements are typically offered by third-party companies (not RV manufacturers) and are designed to cover mechanical and electrical repairs after your original manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Think of an extended warranty as an insurance policy against expensive future repairs. You pay a premium upfront, and in return, the warranty company agrees to pay for covered repairs during the contract period.
There are three main types of RV extended warranties:
- Exclusionary warranties: Often called “bumper-to-bumper” coverage, these protect almost everything except specific items listed as exclusions in the contract. This is the most comprehensive type of coverage.
- Inclusionary warranties: These only cover the specific components explicitly listed in the contract. They’re typically less expensive but offer more limited protection.
- Powertrain-only warranties: These focus exclusively on major mechanical components like the engine, transmission, and drive systems.
How Much Do RV Extended Warranties Cost?
The cost of an RV extended warranty can vary significantly based on several factors:
- RV type: Motorhomes typically cost more to cover than towable RVs due to their more complex mechanical systems
- RV age and condition: Newer RVs usually qualify for better rates
- Coverage level: Exclusionary policies cost more than inclusionary or powertrain-only options
- Contract length: Policies typically range from 1 to 7 years
- Deductible choice: Lower deductibles (typically $100-$200 per repair) result in higher premiums
While specific pricing examples vary widely, comprehensive coverage can range from approximately $4,000 to $10,000 depending on these factors. Many providers offer free quotes tailored to your specific RV and usage patterns.
2025 Pricing Considerations
An important note for 2025: the industry is seeing price increases across the board. Many major providers, including Wholesale Warranties, have announced that when 2025 begins, all RV models will be considered one year older, effectively raising prices for warranty policies.
What Does an RV Extended Warranty Cover?
Extended warranties typically cover both major mechanical components and electrical systems, focusing on the most crucial and expensive-to-repair parts of your RV.
Typically Covered Components:
- Engine and transmission (for motorized RVs)
- Electrical systems
- Heating and cooling systems
- Refrigerators and other appliances
- Slide-outs and leveling systems
- Plumbing systems
Many premium plans also include additional benefits such as:
- Roadside assistance
- Technical support services
- Trip interruption coverage
What’s Not Covered:
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered:
- Regular maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, fluid replacements)
- Structural damages
- Collision or weather damage
- Pre-existing conditions
- Modifications not approved by the manufacturer
- Damage from owner negligence
Major Warranty Providers Comparison
Not all warranty providers offer the same level of service or coverage. Here’s a breakdown of some leading providers:
| Provider | Key Features | Customer Service Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| Good Sam Extended Warranty | Wide range of coverage options, flexible claims filing (phone, email, online) | Well-established in the RV community |
| Wholesale Warranties | Personalized service, transparent pricing, A+ BBB rating | Highly recommended by RV experts and community leaders |
| Global Warranty (Canada) | Wear-and-tear coverage, up to 1,000,000 km coverage, tire and rim protection | Notable for unique coverage features |
Recent Changes and 2025 Updates
The RV extended warranty landscape is changing significantly in 2025, with important implications for RV owners:
- Beginning January 1, 2025, motorhomes manufactured in 2005 or earlier will no longer qualify for any RV warranty protection
- Motorhomes from 2009 or earlier will lose eligibility for comprehensive coverage
- All towable RVs manufactured in 2009 or earlier will no longer qualify for extended warranty coverage of any kind
These eligibility restrictions represent a substantial tightening of the market, leaving owners of older RVs with fewer protection options.
Additionally, some manufacturers are implementing significant changes to their warranty terms. Thor Industries, one of North America’s largest RV manufacturers, is implementing changes to their RV warranty terms for 2025 models that have been described as “not good news for RV owners.”
The Claims Process: What to Expect
Understanding how claims work is crucial for evaluating a warranty’s practical value:
- Pre-authorization requirement: Most warranty providers require you to contact them before any repairs are performed
- Claim submission process: Some companies, like Good Sam, offer multiple contact channels including phone, email, and online scheduling
- Payment methods: Some warranties offer direct payment to service facilities, while others require you to pay first and submit for reimbursement
User experiences with claims processes vary considerably. While some RV owners report smooth experiences, others describe frustrating battles to get legitimate repairs covered. This highlights the importance of researching a provider’s claims reputation before purchase.
Is an RV Extended Warranty Worth It?
This is the question most RV owners struggle with. The answer depends on several factors:
When It Might Be Worth It:
- For newer, more complex RVs with expensive components
- For full-time RVers who depend on their vehicles
- For those who travel to remote areas where breakdowns would be especially problematic
- For owners who prefer predictable expenses over unexpected repair costs
- For those with low risk tolerance who value peace of mind
When It Might Not Be Worth It:
- For older RVs that may not qualify for comprehensive coverage
- For occasional RVers who don’t put many miles on their vehicles
- For those with mechanical expertise who can handle many repairs themselves
- For those who prefer to self-insure by setting aside funds for potential repairs
Alternatives to Extended Warranties
Some RV owners advocate for self-insurance as an alternative to purchasing warranty coverage. This approach involves systematically setting aside funds that would otherwise go toward warranty premiums.
As one RV owner calculated, “Why buy an extended warranty for $4000-10000 when I can deposit, save or invest $200/month? After one year I’ll have minimum 2400. That’ll cover just about any failure that would have been covered in the now expired 12-month RV warranty.”
This strategy provides greater financial flexibility but requires disciplined saving and acceptance of repair cost risk.
When to Purchase Extended Coverage
Timing the purchase of an extended warranty involves important strategic considerations:
- Many industry experts recommend purchasing extended coverage while the manufacturer’s warranty is still active, even though this creates overlapping protection
- This approach typically secures better pricing and more comprehensive coverage options
- For used RVs, obtaining coverage promptly after purchase is advisable since costs increase as vehicles age
Expert Opinions
Industry experts offer varying perspectives on RV extended warranties:
Ray from “Love Your RV” strongly endorses extended warranties based on personal experience: “After spending the last three years traveling around the country in our RV I’m now a big believer in a solid extended RV warranty.”
Eric Stark, in his February 2025 analysis, takes a middle ground: “In 2025, RV Extended Warranties are still a great way to get that peace of mind you desire after making a large purchase for a Travel Trailer or Motorhome.” He emphasizes the importance of selecting a reputable provider with transparent policies.
Key Questions to Ask Before Purchasing
Before buying an RV extended warranty, ask yourself:
- How long do I plan to keep this RV?
- What is my risk tolerance for unexpected repairs?
- What is my RV’s reliability history?
- Do I travel to remote areas where repairs would be difficult?
- Have I compared multiple quotes and providers?
- Have I thoroughly read and understood the contract?
Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision
Choosing whether to purchase an RV extended warranty ultimately comes down to your personal situation, risk tolerance, and travel habits. While these service contracts can provide valuable protection and peace of mind, they’re not right for everyone.
Take time to research different providers, understand exactly what’s covered and excluded, and consider how you’ll use your RV in the coming years. Get multiple quotes, read customer reviews, and talk to other RV owners about their experiences.
Remember, the best warranty is one that meets your specific needs, comes from a reputable provider, and gives you the confidence to enjoy your RV adventures without worrying about unexpected repair costs.
Have you had experience with RV extended warranties? Share your story in the comments below!
