Anyone have any experience with or know of companies that will write warranties for older coaches? We are in the process of purchasing a 2002 Foretravel with about 140,000 miles. We have a 6-year aftermarket warranty on our newer Class C with Wholesale Warranties which we've been very satisfied with. It has paid for itself. I called them about the same coverage (both mechanical and coach systems) and they said if the coach is over 15 years old and over 100,000 miles, they don't offer coverage.
Does anyone know of companies that offer this kink of coverage and, if you have purchased it was it worthwhile? We could certainly "self-insure" by setting money aside, but the nightmare is that $10,000 repair or a major failure.
Thanks
Joe
When we bought our '01 about 3 years ago, we were told the same thing.
One of the things that we saw on the forum was that you needed to have at least $10k in reserve when you buy a used coach.
We lost our Dometic refrigerator 3 days after we left MOT with our coach. Things just happen. I keep a clear credit card just for the big unexpected event and try to do the repairs myself.
Good luck on finding a policy.
Glen
Most of those policies have loopholes in them that denies coverage. They didn't sell those policies to lose money.
If Wholesale Warranties doesn't have a carrier that will offer one, you will be hard-pressed to find a reliable company that does. WW is pretty much the most reputable outfit out there.
This is a nearly 20 year old vehicle. I'd hazard to say well out of reasonable warranty extension age.
That is part of the reason to have an inspection from another owner if possible. Also a reason to be able to DIY as an 18 year old coach can have lots of things go wrong as you probably have read on this forum. And the smallest internal engine failure is likely to cost $30,000 not $10,000. Most won't have a major problem like this but you have to be prepared if it does. And while many businesses give seniors a discount, RV shops are not one of them.
If you are in the market for a $50,000 coach, figure the price is $80,000 going in. Many thousands of miles later with no major problems, you can buy drinks for everyone at Q. If not it won't be the end of the world.
Pierce
One of my customers/friend was going to set me up with a drivetrain only warranty on our 97. Was going to be about $1000.00 for 1yr. then renewable every year.
He also has a 97 coach, was going to get one for himself. His was going to cover everything on his coach. I believe it was going to be like $2500.00.
Seriously considered it, but I watched as a Service advisor, how most the extended warranty companies turned stuff down with loopholes like craneman said.
I also did some search on the company. They had positive feedbacks,but lots of negative feedbacks.One specific one was a Aquahot nightmare.
My customer/friend assured me he had good luck with the company, sells them to the dealers in the area,
America's RV Warranty: The Extended RV Warranty Leader (https://americasrvwarranty.com/)
Chris
Joe, take some time to understand the maintenance budget for a pusher as well and plan to set that aside - tires, batteries, fluid changes, etc. are much higher cost than you are accustomed to with a class C. Those are things not covered by a service plan.
I have serviced two heaters, one with a dealer "Forever Warranty" costing thousands up front in which the owner was told, "The Aqua Hot is not a named component".
Good point - there are "named component" plans and "exclusionary" plans. Exclusionary will list what is NOT covered (and will be much higher priced). "Named component" will only cover items specifically listed.
I don't want to sound negative but I don't see how an extended warrantee on these classic coaches can save you money in the long run. I think your best bet would be to have it inspected by a FT experienced inspector before you buy it. They will give you an idea of what the coach you are considering needs now and could need in the future. A well cared for, often used, well sorted coach will be more predictable but these are complicated and you will break down at some point.
You mentioned a $10k repair or a major malfunction. It is definitely possible and if you want to own one of these you should be prepared for that day. A good inspection can minimize your risk.
Bottom line for all this: If you have no limit on your credit card, no big deal. Just make the phone call.
If you do have a budget but can DIY, read up on maintenance and keep parts onboard with you.
If you have a tight budget and don't feel confident to DIY the heater for maintenance or repair, stay away from coaches with this type of heating.
Pierce