Extended Warranties

[Newf026]

Need some advice about what people have done with extended warranties.

In the past we have purchased them from the dealer. Is it better to pass on it at the dealer and then add it on at a later date? Does it cost more to add it later?

If not, any recommendations on good companies to use?

Thanks

[EA37TS]

Depends on the pl.
an the dealer offers, the cost and what it covers. More importantly is what does the plan not cover or exclude.

Also make sure you check for 'gotchas" such as "Annual roof inspection required". If it include tire and wheel protection check for gotcha such as on roadways only. Some plans do not cover tires or wheels if the damage or incident occurs in a campground, parking lot or driveway.

[TxTig]

I would definitely recommend passing on the warranty from the dealer and purchase one from a third party instead. When I bought my 2017 Challenger, the dealer quoted me around $5,000 for a five year service contract. I declined. When my factory warranty was about to expire, I shopped around and found a six year service contract for $2,700. I’m 2-1/2 years into this contract and I’ve had several major repairs covered, including a new hydraulic leveler pump, slide motor replacement, stair motor replacement, water heater repair, and roof a/c replacement. All of these were covered, with a $100 deductible. I have more than gotten my money back on the warranty. I’m usually not the kind of guy who purchases extended warranties, but really glad I have one for my motorhome.

[Travelin' Texans]

My advice is PASS!
You can purchase extended warranty at any time. If after the initial warranty has expired if you have think you still want or need it buy it then, possibly cheaper as the dealers commission won't be included.
The chassis of your motorhome should be warrantied just as any vehicle you've owned by the manufacturer, be it Ford, Freightliner or whomever, you don't need or want to take your chassis to your rv dealer for work, take it to a dealer selling that chassis brand. Also the appliances & other equipment onboard are warrantied through each of their manufacturers usually for longer periods of time than the rv is through Thor.
If you get out your magnifying glass & read the extended warranty you'll likely find that the list of "exclusions" is longer than what it may cover, along with a statement that it "must be inspected annually by an authorized agent" which means you're going to pay your dealer to walk around it couple times while talking on the phone, charge you their hourly rate for doing so, then say your roof needs recaulking (which should be done 2-3 times a year) and that cost another several hours + material that won't be covered by the warranty as it's "required maintenance" & all of this you could/should do yourself, yes including the roof if your physically able to climb up there, all for about $20-30 & a hour of your time.
If you're somewhat handy, have tools & know how to use them, & not afraid to try fix something you'll be far ahead to fix what you can rather than let your rv sit at the dealership for months waiting it's turn in line for a repair that you may be able to take of for a couple $ & a few minutes, even during break the initial warranty period.
Just my .02 cents!

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by TxTig

I would definitely recommend passing on the warranty from the dealer and purchase one from a third party instead. When I bought my 2017 Challenger, the dealer quoted me around $5,000 for a five year service contract. I declined. When my factory warranty was about to expire, I shopped around and found a six year service contract for $2,700. I’m 2-1/2 years into this contract and I’ve had several major repairs covered, including a new hydraulic leveler pump, slide motor replacement, stair motor replacement, water heater repair, and roof a/c replacement. All of these were covered, with a $100 deductible. I have more than gotten my money back on the warranty. I’m usually not the kind of guy who purchases extended warranties, but really glad I have one for my motorhome.

But you should also note that dealership quotes are highly negotiable. CW offered a 7 year plan for nearly $7,000. By selecting options and negotiating I got it down to $3000. I’m still not sure it is worth it but DW was very insistent and, as they say; “happy wife, happy life”. So there it is. I’ve never seen a plan that covers leaks so you’ll be responsible for the roof and wall structure regardless. It doesn’t take many slide, generator or AC repairs to eat up a few thousand dollars. Like most insurance it’s a total and complete waste of money - unless it isn’t. It’s up to you to decide how much risk you want to bear.

[Newf026]

Thanks all.

I was leaning towards passing on it. This advice really helped.