5 Questions to Ask a Dealer Before Buying a New RV
Being new to the RV lifestyle should not put you at a disadvantage.
Ask an RV dealer these five questions before buying a new RV.
1. How Long has the RV Been Sitting on Your Lot?
You may be surprised to know that brand new RVs sometimes spend months on a dealer’s lot before actually being sold. The longer an RV sits on the dealer’s lot, the greater risk there is that the RV has “lot rot”. Basically, when an RV sits on a dealer’s lot for months on end, it may sit unchecked while exposed to the elements. For example, an RV may have prematurely weathered tires, due to exposure to the hot sun while sitting on the asphalt covered lot. Or the batteries may be left running, or run dead, and not be charged for days. This can do a number on the tires and house battery. Also, if an unknown water leak in a brand new RV is left unattended on the lot, extensive damage could result as the RV sits waiting to be sold. Another risk is cannibalization. This can occur when parts are unavailable from an manufacturer, scarce, or delayed. Instead of waiting for the part or taking it from inventory, an RV dealer may take the part from another RV sitting on the lot in order to complete repairs.
2. Can I See a Copy of the RV's Repair History?
Depending how long the RV has been on the lot, there is a good chance it has a repair history before it has ever even been sold. What repairs were done to the RV when it arrived from the factory to get it ready for sale? What repairs have been done since its arrival on the lot? Even if the problems have been repaired, it is good to know what those problems were so that you can verify the repairs before you agree to purchase the RV, or ask the dealer to do so. This way you at least know what you are walking into.
3. Can I See a Copy of the Manufacturer's Warranty?
Most people think that RV manufacturer warranties are just like car warranties. They’re not. Not only do RV manufacturer warranties exclude many items from coverage, but they also may limit your use of the RV, prohibit titling the RV in a business name, limit or shorten your legal rights, or require you to jump through a series of hoops before you have any legal rights. For instance, most RV warranties prohibit full time use, and some limit the time you can spend in the RV even if it is for purely recreational use. Other warranties are void if you purchase or title an RV in a business name, even if the RV is used purely for your own personal use. Still yet, many warranties limit the time that you have to sue in Court if the RV company fails to timely repair defects in your RV. Finally, some warranties even have what they call a “back up remedy” – another set of hoops you have to jump through before you have any legal rights. Since most RV dealers leave the manufacturer’s warranty sitting in the RV with all of the other warranty manuals, you aren’t likely to see the manufacturer’s warranty until after you purchase the RV unless you ask. Make sure to ask to see the manufacturer’s warranty so that you know what you are getting in to. And, since RV warranties can often feel like a maze, ask your dealer or call the manufacturer if you have any questions.
4. What Problems Can I Expect to Have With My New RV in the First Few Months? The First Year?
An RV is a house on wheels and typically has what they call in the industry a “shake down period”. Most people who are new to RVing don’t realize that you can and should expect to have a list of minor problems that need fixed with your RV in the first few months during that “shake down period”. Opening the line of dialog with your RV dealer is a good idea from the very beginning. In fact, if you are buying an RV from a local RV dealer, you may want to schedule a time to get the RV in for repairs a month or two down the line in order to minimize your wait for scheduling and any trip interruption.
5. Where Can I Have My New RV Repaired Under Warranty?
If you are buying an RV from an RV dealership which is not local to you, or plan to take an extended cross country trip, make sure you know the manufacturer’s rules on where you can get your RV repaired. Many manufacturers prefer that you have repairs performed at the selling dealer, and many RV dealers will put you at the end of line in scheduling repairs if you did not purchase your RV from them. In fact, some RV dealers may not even be willing to work on your RV if you did not buy the RV from them and they are booked solid for months. You may also want to consult your manufacturer’s warranty on this issue, as some warranties include language regarding this issue. This way you can have a plan in place in the unfortunate event that immediate repairs are necessary.
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