From working in a service center I know it is explained to every customer, by sales and finance, they have a bumper to bumper warranty and everything is covered. This is NOT true. You, as the owner of the RV you purchased, are responsible for routine RV maintenance on YOUR trailer, motor home or fold down (pop up) trailer from the day you take delivery of it. Maintaining your RV is the most important thing you can do.
Every trailer, motor home or pop up should come to you with an owners manual, therefore you need to read that manual, especially the maintenance section. Every time you take your RV in for service, the manufacturer’s first question to a dealership is, “Has the customer maintained their trailer?” They will then request pictures from the dealership showing them different areas to see if in fact maintenance has been performed. If you can’t prove you have done the maintenance it can result in warranty claims being denied and considered customer pay.
This is just a small list, but you should follow the maintenance schedules in the trailer/motor home manufactures manuals and chassis manufacturer manuals.
- Motor Homes need the oil and filters changed on regular intervals to keep the engine running properly. Don’t forget the air, fuel, coolant and hydraulic filters either.
- Generators need to be serviced also. Oil and filters should be changed on the manufactures recommended intervals. Run the generator regularly when the RV is stored also and this will cut down on build up on the generator’s carburetor.
- Roof inspections are a must. It is recommended to check your roof every six months. From experience living in a hot, sunny climate, my recommendation would be to check it every three months. Water getting into opened sealants, can cause thousands of dollars to repair. If you have a rubber roof you should look into having your roof treated once a year. This will cut down on sun damage.
- Your brakes should be checked and maintained for your safety and others safety that are on the road with you.
- Check your tire pressure and lug nuts, before every trip.
- Check your battery/batteries, before every trip. Keep tabs on the life cycle of the battery. Deep cycle has a 3-5 year life cycle. If your battery is to the end of its life cycle replace it. Watch your batteries in the winter months. If you can store them in a warm place this could cut down on them freezing and cracking.
- Check the sealant around windows, doors, and moldings. If you see gaps or voids seal them.
- If you develop a leak it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to keep further damage from occurring, while waiting for a service appointment. Manufacturers will ask what steps were taken to prevent damage.
- Lubrication is customer maintenance
- Adjustments after 90 days of ownership are maintenance. This is for drawers, cabinet doors, hinges, catches, latches etc.
If you feel you have a warranty issue, call the dealership and set an appointment. You have to understand the dealership you take your RV to for service is only a service center. They did not build the RV, they do not own the RV and they repair your RV under the guidelines put forth to them from the manufacturer who holds the warranty. If they ask you for payment for a service concern, that means the manufacturer did not consider that a warranty concern. You should pay that bill and then call your manufacturer to discuss why they felt it is not covered and if they change their decision you will be reimbursed.
So make sure you are reading your owners manual and following their recommendations.
