Escapees July-August 2023

will give you plenty of room to tackle your DIY projects, and truly turn your rig into a home-on-wheels. So, cosmetic renovations are pretty safe, but what about DIY repairs? It’s important to note here that you cannot be paid by an RV warranty for the repairs you do yourself. In order for a claim to be covered, the repair would need to be diagnosed and completed by a licensed RV repair facility or mobile mechanic, and moved through the preauthorization process with your provider. RV Warranties to Fit the DIY RVer The RV warranty you purchase should complement your repair efforts by extend ing coverage to items you can’t or won’t repair yourself. The next step in deciding what kind of RV warranty fi ts your RV life will be an honest conversation with yourself. Just because you can complete repairs, doesn’t mean that’s how you want to spend your time while RVing. Further, if you’re a full-time RVer or take long trips, do you travel with the neces sary tools to complete those repairs? And, when it comes to something like an engine failure, or a refrigerator that may need to be removed through your front windshield in order to be worked on, is that a project you are comfortable tackling? DIY repairs can be a rewarding part of the RV life, but they likely won’t replace the need for additional protection from costly breakdowns you can’t or don’t want to tackle. Look into pared back levels of coverage, such as: Comprehensive RV Warranty If you can handle minor repairs yourself but you’re still looking for the peace of mind that comes from fairly extensive coverage, a comprehensive RV warranty may be the best option for you. A comprehensive warranty, or listed component warranty, explicitly lists every component that is covered under the policy. This is going to include your engine, transmission, heating and cooling components, appliances, leveling jacks, slide-outs motors and more. This is a great option for DIY RVers because not only is it more affordable than the higher coverage plans, but you’ll have

“Customizable RV warranties allow you to do your own repairs, plan your DIY project, and maintain your RV without the stress of losing access to valuable protection.”

the opportunity to fi x or upgrade mechani cal components that are not covered. Powertrain-Only RV Warranty If you’re a motorhome owner who is also a wizard with a wrench and looking to complete most of your own repairs, this is the option for you. At the end of the day, even the most skilled amateur RV mechanics aren’t going to tackle major issues like engine failure, brake systems, or transmission breakdowns. This is where the Powertrain-Only RV Warranty steps in. This coverage is one of the most affordable options and is designed to intervene, in the event of those catastrophic and costly engine and transmission failures. Essentially, this policy steps in where your DIY repairs step out. Customizable RV warranties allow you to do your own repairs, plan your DIY project, and maintain your RV without the stress of losing access to valuable protection. Work with an RV warranty provider who will personalize your plan, so you can take the coverage you need and leave the coverage you don’t. To be safe, it is best practice to contact your RV warranty provider for approval before you commit to large-scale changes. HANNAH ERBE SMITH is the digital marketing specialist for Wholesale Warranties. Wholesale Warranties is a leading provider of RV extended service contracts direct to consumer. With a focus on education, customer service and reliable coverage, Wholesale Warranties has established themselves as the premier option for RVers looking to protect the road ahead. To work with a highly trained RV Warranty Specialist on an RV protection quote for your home-on-wheels, please call 800-939 2806 or visit wholesalewarranties.com.

43

July/August 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine