Like any major purchase, a motorhome can be an expensive proposition. You need to put down some serious cash if you’re serious about road trips, summer camping, and adventure travel. But you deserve to get what you pay for and that’s why you need to understand what to look for when buying a motorhome so you don’t end up buying a lemon. In this article, our California lemon law attorney explains how to avoid buying a lemon motorhome.
What Is A Lemon Motorhome?
We’ve all heard the saying “buyer beware”, but sometimes that applies to more than just a regular car. Motorhomes can be lemons, too. This means they can come with several issues straight from the manufacturer.
Almost all new motorhomes have a shakedown period where defects from manufacturing become apparent. This doesn’t always happen at the start of owning a motorhome, but it does happen.
Used motorhomes can also be lemons, the most common of which is when it comes to the engine. Other major components like the leveling supports or slide-outs can also have problems. The water damage may be hidden and only uncovered when you start taking out the carpets or examining the walls. Appliances might also be broken, or there might not even be a fridge or stovetop.
Defects Common in Motorhomes
Even new motorhomes can develop problems. Whether you purchase a brand new or used vehicle, some of the most common types of motorhome problems are listed below:
- Engine Problems
- Wiring Issues
- Water Damage
- Slideouts and Other Major Part Damage
- Climate Control
- Malfunctioning Appliances
How to Avoid Buying a Defective Motorhome? Our Lemon Law Attorney California Explains
When you buy a motorhome and it breaks down, there may be lemon laws in your state that protect you if your warranty is still active and the manufacturer has received notice of the problems and has had time to fix them. All you really need to do is file a claim and see what happens.
There are many ways to avoid purchasing a defective motorhome from the get-go. While there aren’t many things you can check for when purchasing a new motorhome, there are many for when buying a used one. Here are some key things to look for when buying a motorhome to avoid a lemon.
Having the motorhome inspected
When you find the motorhome you want to purchase, have it professionally inspected. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private party, you need an inspector to make sure the vehicle is in working order. You may be spending your money on an investment for your future, but it’s worth it to be safe and save yourself from costly repairs down the line. Remember that many dealerships will have their employees inspect it for you, but it’s best to get an outside opinion from a professional third party. The vehicle is an investment, and dealerships may not be as thorough as they should with their own inspections.
Checking water damage
When it comes to motorhomes, water damage can be very costly. It can ruin the internal structure of the motorhome, lead to mold growth and make for a long, expensive project to repair.
Check tires
Tires are one of the most important safety features on your motorhome. If your tires are bad, it can mean life or death. It could also mean a costly repair. Motorhome tires should never be more than 5 years old. Tire problems can cause blowouts and hidden issues that will give you trouble in the future.
Check the engine
Most motorhome inspectors only inspect the living area of the motorhome. They might look at the engine and systems, but they will rely on a mechanic to examine the engine in greater detail. A lemon motorhome can sometimes have problems with the engine and these engine problems are very costly.
Test drive the motorhome
If you are considering buying a motorhome, it’s worth taking it out for a test drive! A driving test will let you get a feel for how the vehicle handles and experience any noise or vibrations. Our lemon law California attorney recommends this practice whenever you are out looking for a vehicle.
Why Hire a Lemon Law Attorney in California?
Talking about motorhome Lemon Laws can be confusing, so it’s important to know what you’re entitled to. There are a lot of things to remember and learn about the law, which means that the manufacturers can argue about what your rights are, even when you think you have a clear case.
It is a good idea to find lemon law attorneys California that will fight for you. Almost all state lemon laws in the United States mandate that the manufacturer must pay the lawyer’s costs, so it is unlikely that you will have to pay anything more than just the costs.