Service contracts, or Extended Warrantees on used Motorhomes

[Lionheart]

We just took delivery of a 2007 Diesel pusher with 55,000 miles
We are considering Service contracts from:

International Star RV
Camping world Good Sam
Good Sam Sold by phone, Which we are told is different from that sold at Camping World

Any experiences with these programs would be appreciated
also comments regard the necessity of such vs self insurance
would be greatly appreciated

[vsheetz]

Usually I advocate being self insured as much as reasonable. I do like the use of service agreement with a high deductible with a new to you used coach. As a mitigation against latent and unknown large cost issues. At the one year point reevaluate the need to continue based upon then having experience with the coach.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Get actual copies of the service plans and compare them carefully. A salesman glib description won't tell you enough to decide.

For an older coach, I would be looking at either a high deductible plan or a drivetrain only plan and self-insure the rest. We bought a 5 year plan for our 2004 when we bought it used in late 2006. When that ran out in 2011, we went to self-insure (pay as you go - PAYG). We actually came out ahead on the original plan, but problems had stabilized by the end and PAYG has worked well for us since. However, a single major repair like a radiator or injector pump could reverse that quickly.

[Ramets]

Check into www.wholesalewarranties.com They're a broker that we've been very happy with. And a lot cheaper than most. If you're looking for peace of mind don't overlook gasket & seals in the warranty.

[Crasher]

Service contracts are "Big" money makers for the dealer selling them and the company offering them. You have to ask yourself Why. It is like any other game of chance. A casino lets you bet that you are going to come out ahead, but who do you suppose pays their bills and supplies all of their profits?? IMO, a service contract is actually worse than the casino. With them, you "Know" there is a good possibility you are going to lose whatever the cost is. You might recover part of it or even more. However, their research shows that with the amount they are charging, they are going to make big profits. Personally, I would rather put that money into my own service fund and pocket the profits.

Before I get flamed, yes, I know some people collect more than the cost, but the "Odds" are in favor of the dealer and company providing it.

[Wizard]

On our used diesel pusher, we bought a 1 year plan from CW dealer. We almost got our money back and that got all major problems taken care of on an AS-IS coach. Now we pay as we go. CW was a breeze to work with as they handled plan and repairs. Their workmanship was something terrible that I won't go into here but eventually got it done.

[paulmlac]

X 2 what Crasher said!!!

Yes, some people make money

But, very simply said, more people lose money than make money

And with that excess money (that they take in versus paying out in repairs) they pay dealer / seller commissions, the light bill, staff salaries, owner profits, etc