Escapees July-August 2023

administrator will cover the cost of repair, replacement and labor for any and all covered components, and you get back on the road! How Renovations Impact an RV Warranty Generally, you can make any changes to your rig so long as they do not alter the vehicle’s mechanical functions. Think aesthetic changes, not making your own updates to wiring or plumbing. Additionally, RV warranties do not cover routine main tenance items such as windows, tires, oil changes and batteries, so you will be able to change your own battery or upgrade your tires without worry. Of course, before you decide to make any signi fi cant changes, it’s a good idea to contact your warranty provider to make sure your project won’t affect coverage! And always keep an eye on your owner’s manual, as you won’t want to make any changes that alter the intended function of your unit as designed. RV extended warranties simply aren’t designed to cover cosmetic items in your rig, as they don’t serve a mechanical or elec trical purpose, so beautifying your space likely won’t impact coverage. Here are some common RV updates we see: • Shelves, coat hooks and wall décor: Interior designs where DIYers have the freedom to curate their own aesthetic, is with wall mounts, using command hooks and other low-impact accessories. • Paint and wallpaper: If you’re ready for a change of interior imagery, your RV warranty won’t interfere with your creative fl ow. Change your wall colors or put up some unique wallpaper to make your rig feel like home! • Flooring: Preparing to replace your carpet so you can travel with your dog without the hassle of accidents? Upgrading your old wood paneling? Not a problem. • Cabinet renovations: Whether you’re addressing natural wear or changing your aesthetic, you are welcome to replace your old kitchen cabinets. • Lights: You can replace or upgrade your lights and light fi xtures as long as they don’t impact any electrical wiring compo nents that are covered under your policy. If you’re not happy with that original paint color, or you’re just looking for a subtle change, you are in luck! A warranty

Some people prefer to customize, maintain and even repair their own RVs. This is a great way for RVers to save money on remod eling and addressing minor repair expenses while being in control of exactly what does or does not happen to their rig. Preventative care will save you some money in the long run, but any seasoned RVer will admit, it’s not if your RV will breakdown, but when. As proactive as you may be, you can’t always account for unexpected mechanical failures. In planning ahead for these costly repairs, travelers will often turn to RV protection products like extended RV warranties. So, the question is, if you’re the type for DIY solutions, do you really need an RV warranty? Let’s dive in… How Does an RV Warranty Work? At its core, an RV extended service contract, referred to throughout as its colloquial name “RV warranty,” is designed to cover the repair costs for mechanical and electrical components, in exchange for a premium and per-visit deductible. Typically, an RV warranty will cover major mechanical components, such as your engine, transmis sion, air-conditioning system, appliances, leveling system and more. These policies provide peace of mind, knowing that expen sive RV repairs won’t be coming out of your travel budget. The claims process will vary based on where you buy your policy, but the general idea is that when your RV suffers a break down, you’ll take it into a repair facility. A representative will diagnose your issue, then call your provider for preauthorization. Once the repairs are approved, your policy

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023