FAQ - RV WARRANTY, MAINTENANCE AND INSURANCE

How Often do I need to reseal my RV?

We recommend checking your RV seals every few months and doing small touch-ups as needed. A full reseal is typically needed every 3 to 4 years, depending on how often you use your RV and how it’s stored.

Sun, rain, and travel all wear down the sealants over time. Catching small cracks early helps prevent leaks and costly water damage.

Areas to keep an eye on:

• Roof seams and edges

• Around vents, skylights, and A/C units

• Slide-outs, windows, doors, and storage compartments

Quick tip: Even newer RVs can shift and settle during their first year or two on the road. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your camper protected.

How Much does a reseal cost?

The cost of an RV reseal depends on the length of the unit and the type of RV (travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, etc.). Because every RV is built a little differently, pricing is typically calculated by the foot and by class or style.

For example:

• Smaller travel trailers may cost less per foot than larger fifth wheels or motorhomes

• Roof reseals, sidewall seams, and slide-outs can all vary depending on how much area needs to be serviced

Tip: Doing regular inspections and minor touch-ups between full reseals can help you save money and extend the life of your seals.

How easy is it to maintain an RV?

RV maintenance is easier than most people think—as long as you stay on top of it. A little routine care goes a long way in keeping your RV road-ready and avoiding costly repairs down the line.

The basics include:

• Checking seals and roof every few months.

• Flushing and sanitizing your water system seasonally

• Lubricating slide-outs and hinges

• Inspecting tires and brakes before trips

• Regularly servicing your battery and propane system

• Winterizing before freezing temps and de-winterizing in spring

Good news: You don’t need to be a mechanic to take care of most RV maintenance. Many tasks are DIY-friendly, and we’re always here to help with anything you’re unsure about.

What kind of warranty comes with a new unit?

Most new RVs come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty that typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Some components—like appliances, tires, or electronics—may also have their own separate warranties from their respective manufacturers.

Depending on the brand and model, you may also see:

• Structural warranties (typically 1–2 years)

• Extended warranties or service contracts available for purchase

• Roadside assistance programs included for a limited time

Tip: Warranty coverage requires proper maintenance and service records, so be sure to follow the owner’s manual and service schedule.

How much does RV insurance cost?

RV insurance costs can vary depending on the type of RV, how you use it, and the level of coverage you choose. On average, most RV owners can expect to pay:

• $300–$600 per year for travel trailers and fifth wheels

• $800–$1,500+ per year for motorhomes

Your actual rate depends on:

• RV type, value, and age

• Whether it’s your full-time residence or just for recreation

• Your driving record and insurance history

• Coverage options like collision, comprehensive, liability, and personal property

Tip: Make sure your policy includes full replacement value and coverage for things like water damage, rodent intrusion, and roadside assistance—not just collision.

From what we’ve seen in real-world claims, the three insurance companies we recommend for fair, reliable RV coverage are Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate.

Are RV extended warranty agreements worth the money?

It depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep your RV, and your comfort level with unexpected repair costs.

RV extended service agreements (often called extended warranties) can help cover expensive repairs after the factory warranty expires. These agreements typically cover major systems like appliances, slide mechanisms, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and more.

They can be worth it if:

• You plan to keep the RV long-term

• You travel frequently or full-time

• You want predictable repair costs and added peace of mind

• You’re not comfortable doing your own repairs

They may not be necessary if:

• You only use your RV a couple of weekends a year.

• You're handy and willing to tackle major appliance and electrical repairs.

• You prefer to save and self-insure for potential issues

Tip: Not all plans are equal. Some third-party contracts can be vague or hard to deal with. Always read the fine print, ask what’s not covered, and choose a provider with a strong reputation.

What is covered under RV manufacturer's warranty?

A standard RV manufacturer warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a set period—usually one year from the original purchase date. This means if something was built or installed incorrectly at the factory, it should be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.

Coverage often includes:

• Structural components (walls, roof, frame)

• Factory-installed plumbing, electrical, and heating systems

• Appliances and equipment installed by the manufacturer

• Slide-outs, doors, windows, and seals

• Interior finishes and furniture (within reason)

What’s not covered:

• Damage from misuse, accidents, or lack of maintenance

• Wear-and-tear items like tires, brake pads, batteries, or light bulbs

• Add-ons or after-market accessories not installed at the factory

• Issues caused by water intrusion due to poor maintenance or sealing

Tip: Always keep records of your maintenance and inspections—warranty coverage can be denied if proper care isn’t documented.

How should I clean the exterior of RV?

Keeping your RV clean not only makes it look great, but it also helps protect the finish and extend the life of your siding, seals, and roof.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Rinse off loose dirt and debris using a hose or low-pressure washer. Avoid high pressure near seams, vents, or decals.
• Use an RV-safe wash soap—automotive or household cleaners can strip wax or damage finishes.
• Wash from top to bottom in sections, using a soft brush or sponge. Pay extra attention to roof edges, awnings, and around vents.
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid soap spots or residue.
• Dry with soft cloth or let it air dry.
• Inspecting seals and caulking while cleaning is a great time to spot potential trouble areas.

Tip: Apply RV wax or UV protectant a few times per year to help prevent fading, oxidation, and black streaks

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Do campers leak?

They can—but with proper maintenance, most leaks can be prevented.

Campers are built with seams, seals, and joints that naturally expand and contract with temperature changes, road vibration, and age. Over time, this movement can cause sealants to crack or separate, creating potential entry points for water.

Common leak areas include:

• Roof seams and edges

• Around slide-outs, windows, and doors

• Vents, skylights, and A/C units

• Corners and sidewall trim

Tip: Inspect your RV’s roof and seals every few months and touch up the sealant as needed. Catching small issues early is the best way to avoid costly water damage.

Do I need RV insurance?

It depends on how your RV is titled and how you use it.

• Motorhomes (Class A, B, or C) are considered motor vehicles, so liability insurance is required by law, just like a car.

• Travel trailers and fifth wheels don’t require a separate insurance policy by law, but your auto policy typically only covers liability while towing—not damage to the RV

That means if your RV is damaged by weather, vandalism, or theft while parked, you may not be covered unless you carry a dedicated RV insurance policy.

Tip: If your RV has a lien on it (meaning it's financed), the lender will require you to carry full coverage to protect their interest. Even if it’s paid off, insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment and cover things like storm damage, fire, collisions, or roadside issues.

Who can service by brand new camper?

We recommend having your camper serviced by the dealership where you purchased it, especially during the warranty period. Your selling dealer is already familiar with your specific unit, and they’re typically authorized to handle warranty claims directly with the manufacturer.

If you haven’t purchased it from Tri City RV but need help, we’re happy to assist when possible. Just keep in mind that the warranty service is always easiest and fastest when handled through your original dealer.

Does Tri City RV offer extended service agreements?

Yes, we offer extended service agreements to help protect your RV beyond the factory warranty. These plans can cover major systems like appliances, slide-outs, heating and cooling, electrical components, and more.

We work with trusted providers to offer flexible coverage options for both new and pre-owned RVs, so you can choose the plan that best fits your usage and budget.

Can any RV dealership service my camper?

If your camper is outside of the factory warranty, any RV dealership or qualified repair facility can service it.

If your camper is still under warranty, it can be serviced by any dealership that is a certified warranty repair facility for the brand you own. However, not all dealerships are authorized for all brands, so it’s important to verify before scheduling service.

The biggest thing is to do your research before allowing any dealership or shop to work on your RV. Just because a dealer is large doesn’t always mean their service department has their process together.

At Tri City RV, we focus on quality work, clear communication, and follow-through—whether your RV is under warranty or not. If you're unsure where to start, we're happy to help.

Does Tri City RV do RV warranty repair?

Yes, Tri City RV performs warranty repairs and works directly with most major RV manufacturers. We accept warranty repair work from brands such as Heartland, Thor, Keystone, Forest River, Jayco, Gulf Stream, and more.

If your RV brand is not one, we carry, you will need to obtain prior approval from the manufacturer before we can begin any warranty work.

Please note: the warranty service for RVs not purchased from Tri City RV is scheduled based on availability and does not fall under our priority customer schedule. We always do our best to help, but priority is given to our sales customers during peak seasons.

Does Tri City RV perform RV insurance repairs?

Yes, Tri City RV handles RV insurance repairs. We work with all major insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible for you.

Whether your RV has storm damage, collision damage, or other insurance issues, we can:

• Provide a full inspection and written estimate

• Communicate directly with your insurance adjuster

• Complete the repairs in-house with quality workmanship

• Keep you updated throughout the process

If you’ve experienced damage and need to file a claim, contact us—we’ll help guide you every step of the way.

Does Tri City RV service brands they don’t sell?

Yes, Tri City RV services all RV brands for out-of-warranty repairs, regardless of where the unit was purchased.

For warranty repairs on brands we don’t carry, prior approval from the manufacturer is required before we can begin any work.

Keep in mind:

• Service for RVs not purchased from Tri City RV is scheduled based on availability

• These repairs do not fall under our priority schedule, which is reserved for our sales customers