Extended Warranty...to buy or not to buy?

[Lifestreamer]

Just curious on thoughts from other Airstream owners regarding extended warranties. We have a 2009 27Fb with the warranty about to expire in March. We have been playing with the idea of buying an extended warranty and wondering if its worth it. We are new to RV's so any advice or opinions would be great!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Lifestreamer

Just curious on thoughts from other Airstream owners regarding extended warranties. We have a 2009 27Fb with the warranty about to expire in March. We have been playing with the idea of buying an extended warranty and wondering if its worth it. We are new to RV's so any advice or opinions would be great!

Exteded warranties on an Airstream, are a great way, to WASTE money.

Most dealers will not accept extended warranty work, because the warranty companies OK the repairs, and then when billed, change the entire deal.

Andy

[tpi]

Maybe this would help-

1. Do you do much or all of your own repairs? Do you find it easier to fix it yourself rather than drag it to a shop?

2. Has the trailer been problematic or trouble-free up to now?

3. Is there anything about your usage pattern which causes extra wear and tear on the trailer? Lots of miles, rough roads, far above average use?

I try to beat the odds with extended warranties. Under average circumstances the company usually comes out ahead. If there is something that really tilts it to my favor I may consider it. If I had a family of 10 I'd buy one on the washing machine.

[Lifestreamer]

Thanks Andy for the reply and advice. We haven't had any problems with our Airstream other than the skylights leaking, which was fixed, and a few rivets falling out. I guess my biggest concern is the AC unit, fridge and water heater. Thanks again

[tpi]

Originally Posted by Lifestreamer

Thanks Andy for the reply and advice. We haven't had any problems with our Airstream other than the skylights leaking, which was fixed, and a few rivets falling out. I guess my biggest concern is the AC unit, fridge and water heater. Thanks again

I think you're much better off pocketing the money and paying for any repair necessary.

[Lifestreamer]

Originally Posted by tpi

Maybe this would help-

1. Do you do much or all of your own repairs? Do you find it easier to fix it yourself rather than drag it to a shop?

2. Has the trailer been problematic or trouble-free up to now?

3. Is there anything about your usage pattern which causes extra wear and tear on the trailer? Lots of miles, rough roads, far above average use?

I try to beat the odds with extended warranties. Under average circumstances the company usually comes out ahead. If there is something that really tilts it to my favor I may consider it. If I had a family of 10 I'd buy one on the washing machine.

Yes, most of the minor repairs I try to do myself rather than having the dealer do them unless related to a fridge or AC unit. We haven't had any problem with the trailer so far and have put above average mileage on it, but nothing rough.

[Lifestreamer]

Originally Posted by tpi

I think you're much better off pocketing the money and paying for any repair necessary.

Thanks TPI! My fiance and I are getting married this year so I think thats good advice.

[2airishuman]

this always always always ALWAYS depends...

on the coverage, exclusions, copayments, process2use, and WHO is providing the coverage

the only real way to intelligently discuss any specific plan is to READ the plan first.

it also depends on the financial strength of the plan/provider.

it depends a TINY BIT on the buyer's skill, comfort with repairs, need for 'coverage' and so on...

and it clearly depends on the price of the plan (less expensive may not=better) and WHO is selling the plan.

while it IS quick and simple to suggest "just pocket/save the money and self insure" is the solution,

in practice almost NO one will take the mythical premium and put into a special account for surprise repairs.
_________

to confuse matters there are also 'service plans' that differ from warranty/defect/repair plans...

many threads here are a few...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...ion-40219.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...nty-59258.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...nty-59697.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f351...-it-37101.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f283...nty-11469.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f197...ties-2919.html

there are also really flaky (pun intended) warranties based on buying a special 'coating' for the interior or exterior...
_______

some of the KEY applicances and their manufacturers offer extended warranties,

for example the owner can buy another year or 3 from dometic for the fridge or duotherm for the ac...

cheers
2air'

[tpi]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

this always always always ALWAYS depends...

on the coverage, exclusions, copayments, process2use, and WHO is providing the coverage

the only real way to intelligently discuss any specific plan is to READ the plan first.

it also depends on the financial strength of the plan/provider.

it depends a TINY BIT on the buyer's skill, comfort with repairs, need for 'coverage' and so on...

and it clearly depends on the price of the plan (less expensive may not=better) and WHO is selling the plan.

while it IS quick and simple to suggest "just pocket/save the money and self insure" is the solution,

in practice almost NO one will take the mythical premium and put into a special account for surprise repairs.
_________

to confuse matters there are also 'service plans' that differ from warranty/defect/repair plans...

many threads here are a few...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...ion-40219.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...nty-59258.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...nty-59697.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f283...nty-11469.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f197...ties-2919.html

there are also really flaky (pun intended) warranties based on buying a special 'coating' for the interior or exterior...
_______

some of the KEY applicances and their manufacturers offer extended warranties,

for example the owner can buy another year or 3 from dometic for the fridge or duotherm for the ac...

cheers
2air'



cheers
2air'

Looks somewhat rational but I have a question for 2air. Do you personally buy extended warranties and service contracts? Can you give a argument of support of why in an instance you bought one? Did you buy one on your trailer?

Do you really feel the option of buying the warranty/contract should rest only a TINY bit on the user's record and skill of making repairs? Why should one buy a warranty if they tend to do the work themselves?

[Jammer]

Always a poor value but with an Airstream what's going to fail? The worst you can have is to have the fridge's cooling unit go out after the Dometic warranty expires but what's the odds of that?

Many RV failures are "squishy" with no clear hard evidence of failure and repair so if there's a minor water leak around the air conditioner or a stink coming from the head because it doesn't seal quite right do you think you'll be able to get them to fix it?

[2airishuman]

why does this matter?

Originally Posted by tpi

..Do you personally buy extended warranties and service contracts?

my personal experience is relevant, the op needs to describe the exact plan and terms and their financial status and mechanical skills.

the OP (or any potential buyer) also needz to determine, if their personal time (and tool buying) is worth more/less than a skilled service tech.

since there are stages IN the life cycle when 1 choice might be better than the other.

but YES i have purchased extended coverage occasionally.

(and some have been 'smart' purchases and other were 'learning points')

Originally Posted by tpi

...Can you give a argument of support of why in an instance you bought one?

the arguments or rational 4/against have been posted already, else where.

again blanket endorsements OR rejections mean little without details.

cheers
2air'

[Gene]

The general rule is never buy an extended warranty. When you buy it from a dealer, they get most of the premium and the insurer is operating on a show string. Buying later elsewhere may get you a better premium, but the odds are that repairs will cost less than the premium and the insurer will try to get by on the cheap. If you want to buy, check the A.M. Best ratings of the insurer and read the policy carefully.

Gene

[Lifestreamer]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think we've decided to pocket the money and take our chances.

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by Lifestreamer

Thanks everyone for the input. I think we've decided to pocket the money and take our chances.

Good idea...we bought an extended warranty on a small motor home, and regretted it in the end. It was expensive, we could not get them to fix anything without to a fight, and the terms are terribly limiting.

Don't do it. Save your money and just pay for what goes wrong... If you must, get and extended warranty on the component appliances if you are worried about it...those offered by the manufacturer...and not from a warranty company. They are crooks.

[osolow]

I have never bought A extended warranty on a travel trailer, but i have on my last 2 Motorcycles and my wife's car and have had really good luck with them and they have all paid for them self plus some.
I do agree with toair and read the the contract not the pamphlet, But i would add talk to the service dept you will be dealing with and ask them how well the Extended service company holds up to fixing problems with trailers.
But if they answer and it's like Andy's then that probably answers your question on footing the bill on your own