Did you buy an extended warranty? Should I?

Michark0906

Advanced Member
Joined
May 22, 2021
Messages
30
Location
San Diego, CA
We are excited to be taking delivery of our new Imagine XLS 23bhe later this week. We just got an email from the finance person about extended warranties (see below). I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle before, and not sure if they are worth it on a TT.

Any advice on what is outlined below and if anyone has purchased a similar plan for their TT and believe it was worth the money.

Extended service agreement ( ESA) see attached brochure ( RETAIL $7,495.00.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $3,625.00)
1. Exclusionary that covers repairs to the RV for 5 years due to failed parts that water, electricity or a fossil fuel moves through ( 100 deductible anywhere in the US and Canada or $50 at Mike Thompson Rv)
2. Will pay up to $125.00 for a mobile tech to do the repair on site
3. No preferred dealer to go to, you get to pick where to go
4. Is transferable and only you can cancel the coverage.

Tire and rim ( repair or replacement )NSD see attached brochure (RETAIL $1,000.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $560.00
1. 7 years of Repairs or replaces whatever tires and rims are on the RV due to any road hazard that causes the damage or loss of air
2. Covers 100% of the cost

Exterior / interior protective coating for 7 years ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $5,995 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUN$2,134.00
1. Protects the exterior from the environment
2. Protects the interior from accidental spills of anything but acid
3. Protects your resell value
4. Protects the exterior from fading and build up until you can wash it.
5. Repairs interior rips up to 6” , burns up to size of a quarter and punchers.

Gps tracking / theft deterrent is life time ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $2,495 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $1,285.00
1. Monitor the location of your RV anytime and battery level
2. Can recover the theft of your RV within 26 minutes ( if settings is activated )
3. Tracks trips, speeds and is good for the life with no additional monthly fees
4. Another way to identify they RV if stolen and recovery tracking is not active


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I don’t normally consider ESAs unless they come in enough under a percentage of the purchase cost to be “interesting”. For example, my used Toyota purchase had an ESA price that was cheap enough to get just on principle. It more than paid for itself.

My recent used Imagine purchase was the same way. My Exclusionary coverage for 7 years was $1962. Your numbers are high enough that I wouldn’t be interested.
 
I don’t normally consider ESAs unless they come in enough under a percentage of the purchase cost to be “interesting”. For example, my used Toyota purchase had an ESA price that was cheap enough to get just on principle. It more than paid for itself.

My recent used Imagine purchase was the same way. My Exclusionary coverage for 7 years was $1962. Your numbers are high enough that I wouldn’t be interested.

Appreciate you sharing.

What percentage are referring to? Less than 5%, 3%, 1%?


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What percentage are referring to? Less than 5%, 3%, 1%?

I don’t have a set limit. 10% (I’ve seen that), instant no. 3% pretty much a yes. Anywhere in between is mix of judgement, fear, emotion, and all that about my purchase. :)

It also depends on if the ESA looks like it tries to actually cover things, or if there are silly loopholes that give them an out.

Lifetime Warranty. Guaranteed for the life of the product….

ETA:
I saw one person write that he divides the ESA cost into years of coverage to compare with the purchase price. (Easier to evaluate if it’s a simple gadget warrant that replaces on failure. I recognize the vehicles and RVs aren’t like that). 1/50th of purchase price per year is like a bet that the mean time to failure is 50 years. OTOH, 1/4th the price is like betting it will fail in 4 years. That might be their statement on the reliability of the gadget. That write up influenced my ESA attitude ever since.
 
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We are excited to be taking delivery of our new Imagine XLS 23bhe later this week. We just got an email from the finance person about extended warranties (see below). I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle before, and not sure if they are worth it on a TT.

Any advice on what is outlined below and if anyone has purchased a similar plan for their TT and believe it was worth the money.

Extended service agreement ( ESA) see attached brochure ( RETAIL $7,495.00.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $3,625.00)
1. Exclusionary that covers repairs to the RV for 5 years due to failed parts that water, electricity or a fossil fuel moves through ( 100 deductible anywhere in the US and Canada or $50 at Mike Thompson Rv)
2. Will pay up to $125.00 for a mobile tech to do the repair on site
3. No preferred dealer to go to, you get to pick where to go
4. Is transferable and only you can cancel the coverage.

Tire and rim ( repair or replacement )NSD see attached brochure (RETAIL $1,000.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $560.00
1. 7 years of Repairs or replaces whatever tires and rims are on the RV due to any road hazard that causes the damage or loss of air
2. Covers 100% of the cost

Exterior / interior protective coating for 7 years ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $5,995 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUN$2,134.00
1. Protects the exterior from the environment
2. Protects the interior from accidental spills of anything but acid
3. Protects your resell value
4. Protects the exterior from fading and build up until you can wash it.
5. Repairs interior rips up to 6” , burns up to size of a quarter and punchers.

Gps tracking / theft deterrent is life time ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $2,495 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $1,285.00
1. Monitor the location of your RV anytime and battery level
2. Can recover the theft of your RV within 26 minutes ( if settings is activated )
3. Tracks trips, speeds and is good for the life with no additional monthly fees
4. Another way to identify they RV if stolen and recovery tracking is not active


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just the "price discounts" on all these items should be sending up red flags about what their worth and the gimmicks used to get people to buy ESAs.

I don't buy ESAs except for my smartphone because when I drop it and it breaks I can't fix it.

If you're half way handy you can fix most things yourself. The standard warranty will get you through all the early life failures. After than what you send is most likely to much less than the cost of an ESA; and getting someone to repair something will likely be quicker and less of a hassle.

I've never heard of a rim ESA. And in 30+ years of RVing (including a few blowouts and flats) I have NEVER heard of a bad rim. For tires EMS, wait until you replace your tires and get coverage from Discount Tire or Big-O or a national company (along with free rotations) - on you tow vehicle and your RV.

Exterior and interior protection? Over $2,000???!!!!! Yowzers! RUN AWAY! I get my rig washed and wax by hand twice a year for about $315 each time. And whatever exterior protection they are offering, short of a few professional coats of automotive clear seal won't keep you rig looking good.

Save your money. Spend it when you have to. Heck - you may not even own the rig for 7 years.
 
We are excited to be taking delivery of our new Imagine XLS 23bhe later this week. We just got an email from the finance person about extended warranties (see below). I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle before, and not sure if they are worth it on a TT.

Any advice on what is outlined below and if anyone has purchased a similar plan for their TT and believe it was worth the money.

Extended service agreement ( ESA) see attached brochure ( RETAIL $7,495.00.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $3,625.00)
1. Exclusionary that covers repairs to the RV for 5 years due to failed parts that water, electricity or a fossil fuel moves through ( 100 deductible anywhere in the US and Canada or $50 at Mike Thompson Rv)
2. Will pay up to $125.00 for a mobile tech to do the repair on site
3. No preferred dealer to go to, you get to pick where to go
4. Is transferable and only you can cancel the coverage.

Tire and rim ( repair or replacement )NSD see attached brochure (RETAIL $1,000.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $560.00
1. 7 years of Repairs or replaces whatever tires and rims are on the RV due to any road hazard that causes the damage or loss of air
2. Covers 100% of the cost

Exterior / interior protective coating for 7 years ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $5,995 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUN$2,134.00
1. Protects the exterior from the environment
2. Protects the interior from accidental spills of anything but acid
3. Protects your resell value
4. Protects the exterior from fading and build up until you can wash it.
5. Repairs interior rips up to 6” , burns up to size of a quarter and punchers.

Gps tracking / theft deterrent is life time ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $2,495 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $1,285.00
1. Monitor the location of your RV anytime and battery level
2. Can recover the theft of your RV within 26 minutes ( if settings is activated )
3. Tracks trips, speeds and is good for the life with no additional monthly fees
4. Another way to identify they RV if stolen and recovery tracking is not active


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would be interested in what the small print says on these. Most will have something about a required inspection every year ($$$, and they will find something to fix at a cost). If it is not a factory warranty, it is an insurance policy that will have a lot of exclusions, so be careful. You can take that money and put it aside for any repairs that you may not be able to do, and most likely will be money ahead.

I just looked up GPS trackers for trailers, and found a number of them for under $200, and no service fee for several years. There are a couple well under $100 also. The claim of recovery, is only after you discover that the trailer is missing, so not checking it for a week, it will be gone for a week, unless they have some geo fencing system where you tell them it should not move until you call them.
 
There are several threads about this. When I was researching earlier this year, the general opinion of all the full timers and experienced RVers is no, it's not worth it.
If you have it, take that money and put it in the bank for your own warranty coverage. As said above, most of the big items that might break in the first few years are covered under the standard warranty. Think of it like gambling; the house always wins.

My one caveat is I did purchase the internal/eternal sealant - that feels like a worthwhile investment to me but the other items are more of a gimmick than helpful. Don't fall for the "everyone else is doing it" BS.
 
There are several threads about this. When I was researching earlier this year, the general opinion of all the full timers and experienced RVers is no, it's not worth it.
If you have it, take that money and put it in the bank for your own warranty coverage. As said above, most of the big items that might break in the first few years are covered under the standard warranty. Think of it like gambling; the house always wins.

My one caveat is I did purchase the internal/eternal sealant - that feels like a worthwhile investment to me but the other items are more of a gimmick than helpful. Don't fall for the "everyone else is doing it" BS.

I am glad this topic came up. I am picking up a new 311BHS tomorrow.
I never thought about the Contracts when I purchased my 29 RS, I spent 2,000.00 on brakes and a black tank removal for a new valve.
Because of the new tankless hot water heater and another slide I really was concerned about not having extended warranty.
After looking at the numbers I won’t purchase one.
I will put the 2,990.00 away, and roll the dice.
My quotes were:
NAC vehicle service contract $2,990.00
Paint fabric $1,695.00
Coach Net $895.00
Multi seal for tires $795.00

Thanks for the discussion
Will change my signature soon!
Paul
 
Thank you all. Exactly what I was thinking. These always seem “to good to be true” in what they cover and likely will end up costing me money down the road as well( on top of what they want me to pay for the warranty). Rather set my money aside in a rainy day fund when something does happen (it will) and bet that I will still be ahead.


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Just one data point - my trailer is a 2017 model. Since the beginning, the only thing I have had to fix that would have been covered by an ESA would be two leveling jacks, damaged due to a really bad campsite. Out of pocket was $120 for far better ones that would have been used as replacements. Sure, I've spent a LOT more, and it has been in for service a number of times. But it was all either warranty work, upgrades, recalls, or normal maintenance. None of which would have been covered. Note that some ESA's have VERY strict service/inspection schedules required, at the selling dealer. Another money maker for them.

Coatings? Can't bad mouth them - but mine never got one, and I am one of those bad people that hardly ever wax mine. Yet after 5 years, a basic wash still has it looking like new. Florida or Texas sun might be another matter, though.....

Coach-Net - Yikes! I have 3 yrs of Basic coverage, for a total of $219. Premium coverage for a towable is $429, for 3 years. My original "subscription" was a freebie from the dealer many years ago, and I just transferred it to the current trailer. Used them once (just this year), and was very pleased with the road side service. They were diligent in working to make sure I was taken care of. Sounds like the dealer is also making money off of something you can get directly cheaper!

If you want any of these add-on items, they generally can be negotiated way down. Harder to do during these times, since there is less threat to the dealer that you will just walk away, if it comes to it.
 
Thank you all. Exactly what I was thinking. These always seem “to good to be true” in what they cover and likely will end up costing me money down the road as well( on top of what they want me to pay for the warranty). Rather set my money aside in a rainy day fund when something does happen (it will) and bet that I will still be ahead.


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Forum hint: If you're replying to a particular member, use the “Reply With Quote” next to “Reply” (as I have done here). The person to whom you are replying will receive a notification and it helps others know whom you are addressing. You can also tag using their user name and the "@" sign: [MENTION=40561]Michark0906[/MENTION]. That will also generate a notification.

Now... As mentioned, this has been discussed any number of times on the forum - the search function is your friend. My wife found a very good description of extended service plans a while back (they are not warranties, but rather insurance policies with lots of fine print). They are another form of legalized gambling. The company is betting that nothing breaks that would cause them to pay out more than you paid for the policy; you're betting it will. As in all forms of legalized gambling, the house usually wins. Otherwise, these companies wouldn't be in business or make a profit. We prefer to set money aside regularly (earning interest) and pay for repairs as they come up.

Rob
 
Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard have commented on these plans many, many times.

The de-facto standard seems to be that 80% of extended warranty Revenue goes towards commissions and marketing. Only 20% goes towards paying for actual repairs, which means most people are getting a really bad deal.

My Ramsey inspired advice is to take that money you would have put into a service contract, and start a repair accrual account. Continue to put at least $100 a month into the account, and at the end of 48 months you will have $4,800 (or more) that will be yours until you spend it for repairs, as opposed to expiring and evaporating into the insurance companies pockets at the end of the plan.

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exactly what [MENTION=32802]Lane Hog[/MENTION] just said. Plus, a lot of these repairs are minor and can easily be done ourselves. No waiting months for an appointment at the dealer and then leaving your rig there for weeks. If its something major or outside your comfort zone then you have the option of calling a mobile tech.
 
Forum hint: If you're replying to a particular member, use the “Reply With Quote” next to “Reply” (as I have done here). The person to whom you are replying will receive a notification and it helps others know whom you are addressing. You can also tag using their user name and the "@" sign: [MENTION=40561]Michark0906[/MENTION]. That will also generate a notification.

Now... As mentioned, this has been discussed any number of times on the forum - the search function is your friend. My wife found a very good description of extended service plans a while back (they are not warranties, but rather insurance policies with lots of fine print). They are another form of legalized gambling. The company is betting that nothing breaks that would cause them to pay out more than you paid for the policy; you're betting it will. As in all forms of legalized gambling, the house usually wins. Otherwise, these companies wouldn't be in business or make a profit. We prefer to set money aside regularly (earning interest) and pay for repairs as they come up.

Rob

Appreciate your input.

FYI, if you read the first sentence of what I wrote “thank you all” I was thanking everyone for their input, not just one person. It was a general thank you to everyone that had provided input into my question, thus not requiring a reply to a specific post. Further on if you read, I also spoke to my general decision made based on all the previous posts. Again not requiring a reply to a specific post.

I had searched the forum, and not found the answer to the specific question I had, thus I posted a new one with the specifics of what I had. It also would be a very confusing forum if people just kept commenting on the same 4 posts instead of creating news ones with more specific detail or context to the question being asked or discussion being had.

Appreciate you looking out, but it is a turn off to forum users when you have “forum police” shaking down people for no reason.
 
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I did not sign up for an extended warranty which entails an upfront cost, but I did sign up for their "Warranty Forever". No upfront cost or repair costs, the catch is that is has to be inspected once a year at a (current) cost of $162.00, which is how the dealer and the insurance company make their money. Want to drop out? Just don't have it inspected that year, and it is void.

In three years, they have replaced two "frozen" waste valves (one black, one gray), fixed the underbelly they had to cut into to replace the valves, and replaced two leaking propane hoses that I had no idea were leaking, which is kinda scary.

So far, so good.
 
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We bought a used rig and it came with the extended warranties. (We had to pay a small fee to transfer them). It worked well for the new pump for the leveling system. But the exterior coverage was a joke. We had clear coat start peeling from a single drop Of tree sap. Turned it in and the ins said not covered! The big print said everything was covered, the fine print said not so much. I am glad I didn’t pay $3000 for their lies


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My experience says no save the money. I had issues with the refrigerator in the first year so norcold replaced it after 8 weeks of pissing around without one. Central vacuum burnt up. No coverage on any hot wires.New awning over slides ripping out no coverage on any awnings. I bought my camper at Huntley Il..Told me I had bumper to bumper warranty. Just a crooked financial person selling me a bag of turds. No I stink with less money.
 
Extended warranties.

We are excited to be taking delivery of our new Imagine XLS 23bhe later this week. We just got an email from the finance person about extended warranties (see below). I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle before, and not sure if they are worth it on a TT.

Any advice on what is outlined below and if anyone has purchased a similar plan for their TT and believe it was worth the money.

Extended service agreement ( ESA) see attached brochure ( RETAIL $7,495.00.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $3,625.00)
1. Exclusionary that covers repairs to the RV for 5 years due to failed parts that water, electricity or a fossil fuel moves through ( 100 deductible anywhere in the US and Canada or $50 at Mike Thompson Rv)
2. Will pay up to $125.00 for a mobile tech to do the repair on site
3. No preferred dealer to go to, you get to pick where to go
4. Is transferable and only you can cancel the coverage.

Tire and rim ( repair or replacement )NSD see attached brochure (RETAIL $1,000.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $560.00
1. 7 years of Repairs or replaces whatever tires and rims are on the RV due to any road hazard that causes the damage or loss of air
2. Covers 100% of the cost

Exterior / interior protective coating for 7 years ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $5,995 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUN$2,134.00
1. Protects the exterior from the environment
2. Protects the interior from accidental spills of anything but acid
3. Protects your resell value
4. Protects the exterior from fading and build up until you can wash it.
5. Repairs interior rips up to 6” , burns up to size of a quarter and punchers.

Gps tracking / theft deterrent is life time ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $2,495 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $1,285.00
1. Monitor the location of your RV anytime and battery level
2. Can recover the theft of your RV within 26 minutes ( if settings is activated )
3. Tracks trips, speeds and is good for the life with no additional monthly fees
4. Another way to identify they RV if stolen and recovery tracking is not active


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If they cover until 12 years a good deal but if coverage is 5 years not worth it.
 
I personally think this is an individual decision, as we’ve had 5 units and 4 warranties, and in the ones with the extended, it paid for itself in spades! I own a brand new 200MK and have the warranty on it as well,as I am now a widow, and while handy, have neither the know how, nor the patience to deal with issues like I’m dealing with now. Ours have paid for themselves over and over again…but it’s your decision.
We are excited to be taking delivery of our new Imagine XLS 23bhe later this week. We just got an email from the finance person about extended warranties (see below). I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle before, and not sure if they are worth it on a TT.

Any advice on what is outlined below and if anyone has purchased a similar plan for their TT and believe it was worth the money.

Extended service agreement ( ESA) see attached brochure ( RETAIL $7,495.00.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $3,625.00)
1. Exclusionary that covers repairs to the RV for 5 years due to failed parts that water, electricity or a fossil fuel moves through ( 100 deductible anywhere in the US and Canada or $50 at Mike Thompson Rv)
2. Will pay up to $125.00 for a mobile tech to do the repair on site
3. No preferred dealer to go to, you get to pick where to go
4. Is transferable and only you can cancel the coverage.

Tire and rim ( repair or replacement )NSD see attached brochure (RETAIL $1,000.00 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $560.00
1. 7 years of Repairs or replaces whatever tires and rims are on the RV due to any road hazard that causes the damage or loss of air
2. Covers 100% of the cost

Exterior / interior protective coating for 7 years ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $5,995 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUN$2,134.00
1. Protects the exterior from the environment
2. Protects the interior from accidental spills of anything but acid
3. Protects your resell value
4. Protects the exterior from fading and build up until you can wash it.
5. Repairs interior rips up to 6” , burns up to size of a quarter and punchers.

Gps tracking / theft deterrent is life time ( see brochure attached) (RETAIL $2,495 YOUR PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT $1,285.00
1. Monitor the location of your RV anytime and battery level
2. Can recover the theft of your RV within 26 minutes ( if settings is activated )
3. Tracks trips, speeds and is good for the life with no additional monthly fees
4. Another way to identify they RV if stolen and recovery tracking is not active


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Appreciate your input.

FYI,
Appreciate you looking out, but it is a turn off to forum users when you have “forum police” shaking down people for no reason.

I think you misinterpreted Rob’s posting. It wasn’t directed at you personally or to shake anyone down.

I actually thought the description “Legalized Gambling” was pretty accurate. I say this as a former regional service manager for a BIG well known company. 3rd party insurance policies (aka “extended warranties”) are designed to make big commissions for the sales reps, big profits the selling company and are notorious for denying expensive repairs.
 

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