Skip to content 
Key Takeaways
State-Specific Legislation: The RV lemon law varies significantly by state, with some states covering both the chassis and living quarters of the motorhome, while others may only cover the motorized components.
Consumer Protection: The lemon law is a consumer protection measure that mandates manufacturers to replace or refund vehicles, including RVs, that have substantial and unresolved defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Extended Service Agreements: These agreements offer additional repair and maintenance coverage and can complement the lemon law protections once the lemon law coverage period has expired or for issues not covered by the lemon law.
Legal Guidance: Due to the complexities and variations in lemon law legislation, consulting with a legal expert who specializes in lemon law is advisable for navigating the claims process and understanding your rights.
When it comes to the open road, nothing beats the freedom of traveling in a recreational vehicle (RV). However, the excitement can quickly turn sour if your home on wheels turns out to be a lemon.
The RV lemon law is a segment of consumer protection designed to help when your motorhome doesn’t meet quality and performance standards.
This article delves into the intricacies of the RV lemon law, focusing on how it varies from state to state and what aspects of your camper are covered.
RV Lemon Law? Is Your Camper Covered?
The Lemon Law commonly applies to motorhomes in many jurisdictions, but the extent of coverage can differ by state. Some states restrict Lemon Law protection to the motorized components of the motorhome, while others may encompass additional areas, including the living quarters.
It is advisable to seek guidance from a legal professional or conduct thorough research to ascertain the specific applicability of the law in your circumstances.
If your motorhome has experienced persistent issues that the manufacturer or dealership has failed to rectify, you may be eligible for protection under the Lemon Law.
This could potentially entitle you to either a replacement motorhome or a refund.
State-Specific RV Lemon Law Legislation
- California: Recognized for having one of the most comprehensive lemon laws, California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act includes protections for motorhomes, covering both the chassis and the living quarters.
- Florida: Florida’s RV lemon law covers the vehicle’s chassis and the living quarters, offering protection for 24 months following the delivery date.
- Texas: The Texas Lemon Law applies to motorhomes, but only to the parts of the vehicle that are used for propulsion, not including the living quarters.
- New York: New York’s lemon law extends to motorhomes, excluding the living quarters, for up to 18,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
- Ohio: Ohio’s lemon law extends to motorhomes, but only the vehicle’s chassis and drive train, not the living quarters or problems arising from substantial modification by the owner.
- Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers new motorhomes, including the living quarters, for defects that occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
- Michigan: Michigan’s lemon law applies to the motorized portion of RVs and requires manufacturers to fix defects within a reasonable number of attempts during the first year or the warranty period, whichever is shorter.
- Oregon: Oregon’s lemon law covers new motorhomes for the first 24,000 miles or two years, focusing on the chassis and powertrain.
- Indiana: Indiana’s lemon law includes protections for the chassis of motorhomes, but not the living quarters, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.
- North Carolina: The state’s lemon law covers motorhomes but excludes the living quarters, with protections in place for the first 24 months or 24,000 miles.
- Virginia: Virginia’s lemon law applies to the chassis of motorhomes, providing protection for 18 months following the date of original delivery.
- Minnesota: Minnesota’s lemon law covers the entire motorhome, including the living quarters, for the first two years or 24,000 miles.
- New Jersey: The New Jersey lemon law covers motorhomes, including the living quarters, for defects reported within the first 24,000 miles or two years.
- Washington: Washington’s lemon law applies to the chassis of new motorhomes, covering the owner for the first 24 months or the period of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is shorter.
What You Need to Get Started on Your Camper Claim
While the coverage details can differ, RV lemon laws generally address issues that:
- Substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the motorhome.
- Persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts by an authorized dealer.
If you suspect that your RV is a lemon, here are steps you can take:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all repairs and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
- Know Your State’s Law: Research your state’s specific lemon law provisions for RVs.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lemon law attorney who can guide you through the process in your state.
RV Extended Service Agreement and the Lemon Law
When purchasing an RV, many consumers opt for extended service agreements or warranties to safeguard their investment beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
While these service agreements provide additional coverage for repairs and maintenance, it’s important to understand how they interact with state lemon laws.
What Are RV Extended Service Agreements?
Extended service agreements, often referred to as extended warranties, are optional plans that provide repair and maintenance coverage for certain parts of your RV for a specified period.
These agreements can be purchased from the RV manufacturer, dealerships, or third-party providers and typically come into effect after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Coverage and Limitations
Extended service agreements vary widely in terms of coverage, duration, and exclusions. They generally cover major vehicle systems and may offer additional benefits like roadside assistance.
However, they often come with limitations such as deductibles, caps on the amount of coverage, and specific exclusions for certain types of repairs.
How They Relate to the Lemon Law
While extended service agreements can offer peace of mind, they do not replace the protections provided by the Lemon Law. Lemon laws are statutory protections that are in place to cover defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, typically within a certain timeframe after purchase.
If your RV is deemed a lemon, the manufacturer is obligated to provide a refund or replacement regardless of any extended service agreement.
However, extended service agreements can still be beneficial in cases where the Lemon Law coverage period has expired, or when dealing with issues that do not meet the Lemon Law criteria.
They can also provide additional coverage for components that may not be covered under the lemon law, such as the living quarters of an RV.
Considerations Before Purchasing an Extended Service Agreement
Before purchasing an extended service agreement, consider the following:
- Overlap with Lemon Law: Review the terms of the lemon law in your state to understand what is already covered and for how long.
- Cost vs. Benefit: Assess the cost of the agreement against the likelihood and cost of potential repairs.
- Reputation of Provider: Research the reputation of the provider, including customer reviews and ratings.
- Exclusions and Restrictions: Carefully read the fine print for any exclusions, restrictions, or conditions that could affect coverage.
Taking Action For Your Faulty Camper
Understanding the specifics of your state’s RV lemon law is crucial if you’re facing issues with your motorhome.
The RV lemon law is an extension of the broader lemon law that covers motor vehicles. It’s designed to protect consumers who unwittingly purchase defective motorhomes. These laws ensure that if your RV is plagued with significant, unresolved defects, you’re not left carrying the burden.
If your RV is a lemon, the law may entitle you to a replacement or refund. However, the process can be complex, and the qualifications for a lemon vary by state.
It’s often advisable to consult with a legal expert specializing in lemon law to navigate the claim process effectively. Call Consumer Lemon Law today and we will connect you with a lemon lawyer near you.
RV Lemon Law FAQs
Does the lemon law apply to both new and used RVs?
Lemon laws primarily cover new vehicles, including RVs. Some states may have protections for used vehicles, but these vary widely. It’s important to check the specific provisions in your state.
Are the living quarters of an RV covered under the lemon law?
Coverage for the living quarters of an RV under the lemon law depends on the state. Some states, like California and Florida, include the living quarters, while others, like Texas, do not.
What should I do if I believe my RV is a lemon?
Document all repairs and issues, communicate with the manufacturer or dealer about the problems, and consult with a legal professional who is knowledgeable about the lemon law in your state.
Can I still benefit from an extended service agreement if my RV is a lemon?
Yes, an extended service agreement can provide benefits for repairs and issues that may arise after the lemon law coverage period or for components not covered by the lemon law. However, it does not replace the protections offered by the lemon law during its applicable period.
About The Author
