Purchasing an RV (stands for Recreational Vehicle) is a big decision meant to bring joy, adventure, and comfort to road trips. So when things go wrong for some unlucky RV owners, and the RV ends up broken down on the side of the road, the disappointment can be overwhelming. Suddenly, their dream of traveling the open road becomes a shortcut to frustration station.
Fortunately, the RV Lemon law provides options for compensation if you’ve realized your new home on wheels has serious, recurring issues. Here’s a guide on the Motorhome Lemon Law and the steps to take if you are saddled with a lemon RV.
Overview of the Camper Lemon Law: Does Lemon Law Apply to RVs?
First, keep in mind that Lemon Laws vary by state. Usually, these laws are associated with passenger vehicles like cars and trucks, but can also apply to RVs. In other words, motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers fall under similar protections. The first step to understanding your RV consumer protections is knowing that not all RVs qualify under the standard California Lemon Law.
To determine whether your recreational vehicle qualifies as a lemon, it generally needs to meet the following criteria:
- Substantial Defect: We mentioned that not every RV will qualify. That’s because the defect has to be substantial. That means a fault that affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or value. For instance, a leaky roof that damages the interior may qualify, while a squeaky cabinet door likely would not.
- Reasonable Repair Attempts: You can’t call “lemon” the first time an issue occurs. Instead, you have to give the dealer a certain number of chances to fix the issue. If there’s still no permanent solution, you can then tag your vehicle a lemon.
- Time or Mileage Limit: The California Lemon Law only applies to vehicles that experience issues within a certain limit. Generally, this means within the warranty period or within the first 18,000 miles or 18 months of purchase. However, note that some trailers often come with special warranties to extend their warranty coverage.
If your RV meets these conditions, you might be eligible to file a Lemon Law claim. If you think you qualify, your next question might be, “Where should I start?”
Taking the Necessary Steps as a Lemon RV Owner
When dealing with a potentially defective RV or trailer, here are the steps to take to get back in the fast lane:
Document Everything From Day One
This first step is crucial: keeping thorough records of your vehicle’s problems. From the first sign of trouble, document every aspect and your attempts to resolve it. Here’s a breakdown of the type of records you should have:
- Save a copy of the work order or invoice each time you take your trailer to the dealer or a repair shop. These documents should list the problem reported, the repairs attempted, and the outcome.
- Visual proof can be valuable when pursuing travel trailer Lemon Law cases. Sometimes, a defect can be intermittent or difficult to explain. If so, take photos or videos to capture things like leaks, electrical problems, or structural issues.
- Have you ever communicated with the dealership or manufacturer over the phone, via emails, or via texts? If so, you should keep these records as well.
Having these documents together can strengthen your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
Give the Dealer a Fair Chance to Repair the RV
Before filing a Lemon Law claim, you are required to give the automaker a reasonable opportunity to repair the issue. This usually means taking your vehicle to the dealership for repairs at least two times for the same issue or three for different problems. We know this can be frustrating, but it’s a necessary step to meet Lemon Law’s requirements.
As mentioned earlier, when you bring your RV in, ensure the dealership provides accurate, written documentation of the repairs. This is important because it confirms that they acknowledge the issue. If they try to minimize the defect or claim it’s not serious, insist on a thorough inspection and documentation.
Hire RV Lemon Law Lawyers if the Dealer Fails to Cooperate
The Lemon Law travel trailers fall under can quickly get complicated if you’re not familiar with the qualifications or loopholes. This is because there are often opaque standards to meet, and manufacturers have expert legal teams to defend against your claim. That’s why the first move of a smart RV owner is to hop on a computer and search “RV lawyers near me“.
These RV Warranty Lawyers know the ins and outs of the law, as well as tactics to negotiate effectively with manufacturers. If you’re searching “RV attorneys near me“ in California, you’re in luck because they work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to worry about their fees. In California, most legal fees that come from Lemon Law claims are paid off by the manufacturer.
Contact the Manufacturer Directly
In many cases, RV manufacturers provide warranties separate from those of dealerships. That means if the dealer isn’t providing adequate service or isn’t addressing your concerns, you can ask your attorney to contact the manufacturer directly. When you do so, your lawyer will explain the problem and the steps you’ve already taken.
Your attorney will let the automaker know that you are ready to take legal action if they don’t resolve the issue. Escalating the issue to the manufacturer and going this route can sometimes speed up the process.
Decide the Type of Compensation You Want
If your Lemon Law claim is successful, you’ll have a few options for compensation:
- Replacement RV: The manufacturer may offer to replace your lemon with a similar model. This can be an attractive option if you still want an RV and feel confident in the brand’s reliability.
- Refund: In some cases, you may be able to get a full refund. Generally, this would include your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and fees. Also, if you had to pay for any miscellaneous expenses, the automaker has to pay those back as well.
- Cash Settlement: This option involves the automaker giving you money as compensation for your troubles and the RV’s diminished value. Here, you get to keep the vehicle and its remaining active warranty, but the defect is yours to resolve from here on out.
With a few different potential settlement options, it’s up to you to choose which best suits your needs. Once you decide, your Lemon Lawyer can help you negotiate the most favorable outcome.
Know What to Expect After Winning Your Case
You may feel relieved after resolving your case, but it’s essential to remain vigilant. If you received a replacement, carefully inspect your new RV to ensure it’s defects-free. If it’s a cash settlement you accepted, monitor your original vehicle closely for any additional issues. You may want to consider investing in a third-party inspection for your new or repaired RV, as it may help you avoid similar issues down the line.
Turn Your Lemon Home-on-Wheels into a Lemonade Stand
Purchasing an RV is a big investment, and finding out that it’s a lemon can be devastating. Don’t forget that the law is on your side, and you have rights as a consumer. Remember to search RV Lemon Law Attorney Near Me and take the above steps to protect these rights. You don’t have to settle for a defective vehicle. It’s time for you to get a new RV, a refund, or fair compensation. If you need help, look no further than Quill & Arrow LLP. We help defective owners take advantage of the Lemon Law for travel trailers and RVs, and we can help you get out of your lemon too. Gather your records, contact our lawyers at Quill & Arrow, and file your claim. The road to resolution may seem long and winding, but with the right knowledge and help, it is achievable!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions