new kid on the block

[litespeed]

Finally plunged...traded in my 5th wheel on a 2010 " new left over " Dutchstar 4010 this morning. Pick it up next week...but in the meantime I brought home the manuals...almost hurt my back. Am sure I will have lots of questions...so here is my first.

Dealer is pushing service contract/extended warranty...ain't cheap. In 8 years of 5th wheeling...my out of pocket repair costs were virtually zero. Imagine that won't happen with a MH. Any idea what percentage of folks have one of these plans? Also are there plans available if you wait a year until original warranty runs out?

[Traps90]

Can't help you with you question, but congrats on the new coach, we're hoping to get a new Dutch Star in the spring.

Trap

[Larry & Rita]

Ask the dealer if the extended warrenty overlaps the factory first year or kicks in after the year iis up? No reason to have two warrenties the first year. Another thing is the deductibal (SP).
A new coach is like a child, never can tell how much they will cost in the long run.
Your choice SAFE OR SORRY.
Happy travels
Larry

[JMonroe]

The question of extended warranties comes up often on this and virtually all other RV forums. I've never seen a concensous. Some feel it's money better saved for routine maintenance, others like the 'piece of mind' they feel it affords.

Remember - you'll have probably at least a 3 year warranty on the chassis from the manufacturer. The 'house' likely has a one year warranty. That extended warranty isn't providing you with much during the OEM warranty period. You'll be getting junk mail trying to sell you a maintenace policy for years after you take delivery, you can jump on the band wagon at any time. Lastly, there was recently a post concerning the charge to the customer for the extended warranty (which is actually an insurance policy) vs the actual cost of the policy. Typically half of what the dealer charges you is pure profit for them. If you decide to purchase one, I'd try offering 50% of what they quote for it.

[Romeo]

How much will it cost?

If you invest that amount for the period of the coverage, would you come out ahead in the end if you didn't have to use it?

If the cost $5000 to $8000, that "could" go a fair distance if you had to pay for a repair yourself.

The dealer likes to sell them because they are money makers for them. That means that the underwriter's payout percentage is low, i.e. most buyers don't need them... which equates to a waste of money. (IMIO...In My Intelligent Opinion.. )

P.S. I never have purchased any kind of "extended warranty", and never have had occasion to need one.

[soricobob]

I was faced with the same issue when I got my new 2006. I chose to buy the 5 year extended warrantee for $4600. It started when my MH was new, so there was overlap of two years. During the first two almost everything went wrong, but was covered. After that nothing went wrong until we approach the end of the 5 years, and the company paid $1600 for repairs. Did I get my money's worth, would I do it again, would I suggest someone else buy one? No, no, and no!

["007"]

Welcome to the Newmar family Jay, Lee & Lucy.
Never had a service contract with any of the 6 coach's I have owned but with the DP you have purchased and all the electronics of coach and chassis I guess it would be something to consider.
If you are well versed in operation of the coach mechanics of this coach maybe you could put yearly cost of policy in bank and make yourself some money with savings.
If its extended from warranty that comes with the coach, as someone said, you may want it other wise their making money off you.
What kind of warranty service does this dealer offer also is it a good shop that you can rely on to fix right the first time.
Many owners on this forum have solved problems with the help of others on forum and have been adding this info in Quick Tips for reference.
So what ever you decide enjoy your coach and we are not far away.

[John H...]

Welcome to the forum. I personally have never been a fan of extended warranties...

[litespeed]

Thanks for the welcome and the inputs. Since I am fairly handy ( although a bit lazy) I am going to go without the warranty for now. Will consider buying one in a year or two when I see how things go.

[litespeed]

I see that " 007 " has sent softcopy owners manuals to some of the guys. None of the stuff I have gotten from my dealer looks like a typical owners manual..maybe they intend to give to me next week when I pick up the unit?

But if easily available I would love a softcopy to read in the meantime. My unit is a 2010 Dutchstar 4010 with the ISL motor. Thanks.

[wildtoad]

Pay yourself. Put an equal amount as the premiums into a savings account or investment account. Do the maintenace on the chassis and service the appliances. Wash and wax the rv and in a couple of years you will have saved a great deal of money especially if you can do some of the work yourself.

[Norm4015]

I have never bought an Extended Srevice Plan and I recommend you don't buy one. Since your Dutch Star is new it will come with a one year bumper to bumper warranty. The big items like the engine and transmission come with a five year warranty and other items may come with a warranty longer than one year.

Wait until the five years are up and if you think you lave a lemon on your hands then buy an ESP at that time. If it seems you have a quality mothome then don't buy one.