Mechanical breakdown protection is a sound investment for an RV. One way to safeguard your investment is opting for the dealer RV warranty.

Choosing the right extended coverage matters. Here’s what you need to know about the warranty programs offered by RV dealers.

What Is a Dealership RV Warranty?

There is often a lot of confusion surrounding the extended warranty at the dealership, and for good reason. The dealer itself does not administer the warranty. Instead, dealerships and third-party companies partner with warranty administrators to sell coverage plans to consumers.

The warranty offered by the dealer is an extended service contract and not to be confused with the vehicle manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer warranty is administered by the vehicle maker to protect new RV buyers from defects resulting from poor construction and manufacturing.

Manufacturer warranties typically last one to three years or up to 50,000 miles, whereas extended service contracts range up to eight years. The “dealer warranty”—that is, the warranty being sold by the dealer—is sold through the finance office at time of vehicle purchase. Buyers are typically presented with the option to bundle the warranty into financing, thereby increasing the total ownership cost.

RV Warranty Administrators: What You Should Know

RV extended warranties are typically purchased from a dealer or third-party company, like Wholesale Warranties. However, few people realize that it is the warranty administrator that underwrites and manages claims.

Dealers and brokers essentially function as resellers, as administrators do not usually sell directly to consumers. There are pros and cons to purchasing a warranty from a broker versus a dealer, but RV buyers should know that prices are typically marked up significantly higher at the dealership. 

Major Dealer RV Warranty Administrators

Dealer warranty information is hard to find, which is why we’ve compiled a list of common but little-known companies that partner with RV dealers.

These RV service contract providers do have websites; however, you won’t find coverage details there, nor can you purchase directly from them.  

As established industry experts, we have unique access to their coverage plans. Below are five warranty plans frequently sold by RV dealers:

EasyCare by APCO

EasyCare is a leading provider of automotive aftermarket services sold in the U.S. After 40 years in operation, this company has established reputability. EasyCare has accreditation and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company partners with over 8,000 dealers nationwide.

EasyCare’s portfolio of dealer-sold RV service contracts include both stated component and exclusionary coverage for new and used RVs. Their exclusionary policy covers all components and parts except those excluded in Section E of the contract’s terms and conditions. These exclusions include insurance items, maintenance negligence, rental or commercial use, and wheel damage.

EasyCare policies are administered and backed by the Automobile Protection Corporation, or APCO.

CornerStone United

CornerStone United offers listed-component and exclusionary extended warranties through select RV dealerships throughout the U.S. and Canada. They offer four levels of coverage, listed from highest, or most comprehensive, to lowest, or most catastrophic, respectively:

• TOTALCare (exclusionary)
• STATEDCare (stated component/comprehensive)
• PRIMARYCare (powertrain components, HVAC & systems)
• POWERCare (powertrain components)

Rental reimbursement can be included at an additional cost.

Although they are not formally accredited by the BBB, CornerStone currently holds an A+ rating. With over 50 years of experience, CornerStone provides dependable coverage.

CornerStone United policies are insured and underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc (VSC). VSC is a major underwriter of insured service plans and warranty products. It is unclear whether they have FDIC backing.

TotalCare by DriveQuest

DriveQuest Vehicle Protection offers an RV service contract for new and used vehicles. Their TotalCare exclusionary motorhome plan covers all components and parts, including the drivetrain and chassis, except those outlined under Section D of the terms and conditions.

The vehicle is not covered when repairs are performed without prior authorization, tire damage, or damages are caused by negligence, misuse, abuse or physical damage, or external conditions, such as a natural disaster or collision.

DriveQuest offers an exclusionary plan for towable RVs as well, along with stated component plans specifically listed in the terms and conditions.

Portfolio One

Portfolio One is administered by Portfolio, which has been operating in various capacities since 1989. Portfolio partners with RV dealers to sell their extended service contract, Portfolio One. Basic add-ons include roadside assistance reimbursement, substitute transportation, and trip interruption.

Portfolio One offers three levels of coverage for motorized RVs: an exclusionary plan, a coach exclusionary plan, and a coach stated plan. The contract features a “Supplemental Coverage” section, which is an additional purchase under either exclusionary contract. These coverages include various appliances and their working components, leveling systems and slide-outs, electronic systems, and solar panels. Note that other exclusionary plans may automatically include these “supplemental” items.

Another key element of this contract to highlight is that coverage will not begin until surpassing a 30-day Waiting Period and 500 miles.

Portfolio One is managed and backed by Portfolio Services Limited, Inc.

CampersEdge

CampersEdge does not have a website of the same name, so much online discussion is limited to forums and reviews. Warrantech is the company that administers the Campers Edge service contracts. They are insured by a subsidiary of The Amynta Group, which also owns Warrantech.

According to the Warrantech products web page, CampersEdge encompasses two levels of coverage: their exclusionary plan, called “Ultimate Coverage,” and their stated component plan, called “Preferred Coverage,” which is available for motorhomes. The exclusionary plan covers all parts listed in the Schedule of Coverages section of the contract and any other parts except for those listed in the Limitations Section (exclusions).

CampersEdge covers motorhomes with up to 100,000 miles on the odometer, which is the typical cap, as well as roadside assistance. At this time, Warrantech does not appear to have programs available for towable units.

Dealer Warranty Limitations

Restrictive Repair Network

There are often limitations to warranty plans offered by dealers. The dealership is incentivized to require RV owners to bring their vehicles in for repair work at the dealer. As a result, RV dealer warranties tend to have a restrictive repair network.

Limited Coverage Options

Dealers typically partner exclusively with one warranty administrator, leaving buyers with fewer coverage options than a broker would.

Time Sensitive Purchase Requirement  

The dealer warranty is only available at time of purchase. This stipulation increases sales pressure.

Third-Party RV Warranty Providers

Another option available to RV buyers is purchasing an extended warranty directly from a third-party provider. Third-party sellers, or brokers, typically offer programs from multiple administrators. These warranty programs are purchased independently of the dealership, meaning you are not required to buy it at the time of purchase.

Third-party warranty providers offer a broader range of comparison options than dealer counterparts and a more extensive repair network. At Wholesale Warranties, our customers can use their warranty at any licensed repair facility in the US or Canada—including mobile techs.  

Choosing the Right RV Warranty

Choosing the right RV warranty doesn’t have to be a high-pressure decision, but it does require a bit of research. Here are some important questions to ask when considering your options:

Key Questions to Ask

• What components are covered?
• Is coverage exclusionary or stated?
• Can I choose any repair shop?
• What are the deductibles?
• Is the administrator reputable?

When a Dealer Warranty Makes Sense

A dealer warranty can be the right choice if RV buyer prioritizes convenience over anything, especially if financial bundling is an option. Defaulting to the dealer option requires little research but greater potential for dissatisfaction as a result.

When to Consider Third-Party Options

Budget-conscious RVers should consider opting for a warranty from a third-party company. Although this requires some research, being selective will prove worthwhile. This option allows the buyer to compare pricing and reviews, avoid pressure sales at the dealership, and access greater flexibility with both coverage and repair facilities.

Don’t Wait Until You’re at the Dealership

The dealership can be a high-pressure environment. An RV sale is a lengthy process, and tacking a warranty on at the end can catch buyers off guard. Research dealer warranty options and third parties prior to your trip to the dealership. Arrive prepared and knowledgeable so you can make a financial decision that gives you the greatest peace of mind.