Extended Warranties

[Danishgod]

I have recently ordered a new FC28 for delivery next year. The dealer has suggested that I consider an extended warranty. I am interested in current owner experiences with extended warranty products and specifically, are they worth the extra cost? And any first hand good and bad experience with third party warranty providers.

thanks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Nope....Take the money and bank it to spend on all the things you think you won't need but will find you want.

Bob
🇺🇸

[panamerican]

I'd have to agree with Bob. It's a cash cow. The new Airstreams have a 3 year warranty IIRC.

Also keep in mind that even though the internal components are mostly the same across much of the RV industry, work on Airstream specific parts, shell, doors, windows, etc really need to go to an Airstream dealer and some plans, at least way back when had dedicated nationwide service centers, many not Airstream servicing dealerships.

It is possible that there may be some good plans out there, but I still agree with Bob, save your money.

[BayouBiker]

^ I agree. I inherited a 3 year extended warranty from the original purchaser. I have done all the repairs myself so far, because good RV shops are few and far between and it cost more to drive the thing over there, wait, and then go back to pick it up.. The purchaser paid a fair penny for the warranty.

I am handy so the warranty at that price is no way worth it. If you are not a tinkerer or handyman, and you don't like a little risk, perhaps it is worth it to have a known maintenance cost vs. unknown but likely far cheaper.

If you buy them directly from the insurance company you save the 15% or more commission. As Bob suggests, I'd bank the full amount and take the risk.

[jaybauman]

I've studied the ins and outs of these things. A new trailer comes with 3-year warranty on most things, although many of the appliances, batteries, tires, and electronics have their own respective warranty terms. A 5-year extended service plan would only bridge the gap between year 3 and year 5. Depending on the specific details of the service plan, the list of exclusions is perhaps longer than the list of things that are, indeed, covered.

On the other hand, if you're not willing or able to do your own repairs and maintenance, there might be some upside. If an AC unit or refrigerator fails during year 4 or 5, the cost of the service plan is lower than the parts/labor for big ticket items.

Whatever you decide, just be sure to deeply examine the coverage details (and gaps) of factory warranty and the extended service plan to make sure you're going into it with your eyes wide open. I think once you get a handle on the coverages, limitations, and costs your decision will be easy.

[Kevin245]

Extended warranties are a boondoggle designed to fleece the consumer and pad the dealer’s pocket. Invest the money you would spend on an extended warranty and you’re far more likely to come out ahead. There are exceptions, but remember that the casino almost always wins and the Dealer (pun intended) holds the cards.

[ROBERT CROSS]

You really think "Ice Tea" has is car collection 'protected' with Car Shield.
GET REAL😂

Bob
🇺🇸

[rmkrum]

Just another car warranty scammer.

My vehicles are all well out of warranty and CarShield continues to call me from various false phone numbers trying to sell me a plan. They also send mailers. Complete fraudsters in my opinion.

[Halford1]

Originally Posted by Kevin245

Extended warranties are a boondoggle designed to fleece the consumer and pad the dealer’s pocket. Invest the money you would spend on an extended warranty and you’re far more likely to come out ahead. There are exceptions, but remember that the casino almost always wins and the Dealer (pun intended) holds the cards.

Dealer? Not Airstream's pocket? if its dealer's, then the extended warranty would not be accepted at any other dealers?

I inherited 3-yr warranty when I bought the 2019 FC 19CB from a private seller in Salt Lake City last month. I recently took FC to dealer and got good number of stuff fixed plus added solar on roof. one thing is left: rear stabilizer... the rod broke off. I could see some rust where the rod broke off which indicates that it has been broken for a while. I told the service guy if I could do it myself, he told me that I could do it and that would void whole 3-yr warranty. so I decided to let service guy do it. They didn't have the stabilizer and I made a deal with the guy to let me know when my appointment would be available, I would breeze in and they replace the stab, then I zoom out within 30 mins. Glad they accepted my plan... I don't want to drop off the camper and leave it there for a few weeks just for one part. that would mean I have to cancel two camping trips. I haven't heard from the service guy yet. he warned that it would be a while before JC send the stab. I use small jack to act as stabilizer and I have to be careful not to jack up too much. it works.

[Halford1]

curious, how much is the extended warranty? I do not plan on buying this plan.

[SSquared]

One other thing to watch out for: A few years ago some people on this forum were dealing with extended warranties that required you to bring the trailer in to the dealer every year for inspection and maintenance. The cost for that was in the low hundreds of dollars, and was paid by the customer. If you did not comply, the extended warranty would be canceled.

[prostar]

Anew Airstream does have a 3 year warranty only on the Airstream parts. The refrigerator, AC, Stove, Water heater, furnace. All have their own warranty from the company that manufactured it. Could be 1 year or more. Information in your owners pack. An extended warranty could pay for these items in the three year time period of the Airstream warranty.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Halford1

Dealer? Not Airstream's pocket? if its dealer's, then the extended warranty would not be accepted at any other dealers?

Extended warranties are typically serviced by a national provider such as EasyCare. The Dealer is the seller in this case, getting a percentage for the sale. These are notoriously bad investments for the buyer.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Well, 'ya know what Mudd said....Neither do I, but it's your money.

A common occurrence with customers we serviced from other stores... Many times I had to call the 'after-market' warranty service companies to see if... 'the salesman said everything is covered" really was true, it never was. In most case's the fine print wasn't read, and we ended up being goat.
Not a fun part of the Service Department life.
At GM the only Service Contract,(not warranty), was GMPP, G.M. Protection Plan. A worthwhile investment if you keep beyond the OEM warrantee.
IMHO the OEM plans are the only ones worth anything.
YMMV

Bob
🇺🇸

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Well, 'ya know what Mudd said....Neither do I, but it's your money.

A common occurrence with customers we serviced from other stores... Many times I had to call the 'after-market' warranty service companies to see if... 'the salesman said everything is covered" really was true, it never was. In most case's the fine print wasn't read, and we ended up being goat.
Not a fun part of the Service Department life.
At GM the only Service Contract,(not warranty), was GMPP, G.M. Protection Plan. A worthwhile investment if you keep beyond the OEM warrantee.
IMHO the OEM plans are the only ones worth anything.
YMMV

Bob

I agree, Bob. Only buy manufacturers plans...and then only if you feel that need for a security blanket.
The only one I ever bought was for my last washer and dryer. It was a low price and went 6 years after the mfr warranty. Wouldn't you know...apparently Fischer and pykel appliances dont need them. They are over 10 years old and never a hiccup.

[Posse96]

I purchased a 2016 FC 19' at our regional Airstream Dealership. Back then, they only had 2-year warranties, they are now 3-year. In my first year, the battery system failed as did the regulator recall on the LP tanks, all covered. I was also included in an 8 year plan called EasyCare; it goes to 2023. I recently went through my file and found the card. From reviewing the EasyCare site, this appears to be coverage for all the components. Oddly, never received a policy coverage document. Now reaching out to them and my dealer to get more details.