Dealing with a defective RV or motorhome can be overwhelming, especially since lemon law coverage varies by state and is limited for these types of vehicles. Knowing your rights and options can help you seek the compensation or solutions you need.
In this article, you can discover:
In most cases, state lemon laws don’t cover RVs or motorhomes. In fact, while only some state laws apply to the motorized parts of an RV, such as the chassis, engine, and transmission, they typically don’t cover the living portions – and RVs often exceed weight limits set by state lemon laws completely.
Despite this, you can still file a claim for a defective RV or motor home under federal warranty law, specifically the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. There are also other legal avenues at the state level that could be pursued when an RV manufacturer fails to repair defects.
The biggest challenge in filing a lemon law claim for an RV or motorhome is that refunds or replacements—the typical remedies under lemon law—are often not available for these types of vehicles. Instead, you’re more likely to pursue monetary compensation under federal or state warranty laws.
This distinction makes it harder to get a straightforward resolution like a replacement vehicle or a full refund, requiring you to focus on recovering damages instead.
Yes, you may be able to seek compensation for inconvenience or disruptions to your travel plans caused by a defective RV or motorhome. While the primary part of such a claim often relates to the diminished value of the RV due to its defects, there are also “consequential damages” that arise from the inconveniences caused by these issues.
For instance, if your RV breaks down unexpectedly and requires extensive repairs, you may find yourself without access to it for weeks. During that time, you could incur additional expenses such as hotel stays, rental cars, or alternative travel arrangements. These expenses, along with the disruption to your vacation, may be recoverable as part of your claim.
Additionally, RV manufacturers, many of which are located in Indiana, sometimes require the vehicle to be returned to their facilities for repair. This could mean additional costs for transportation, such as flights or further rental accommodations. These added expenses are also often considered recoverable damages, alongside the diminished value and inconvenience of not having your RV available for your planned travels.
When a client relies on their RV as their primary residence, the case takes on a different level of urgency and complexity. For clients who live full-time in their RV, an extended breakdown doesn’t just mean a temporary inconvenience or disrupted travel plans; it can potentially leave them without a place to live. This adds significant pressure as they must now find alternate accommodations, often with added costs and logistical challenges.
In such situations, clients typically turn to temporary housing options like hotels, or, less commonly, they may rent another RV. However, renting an RV can be prohibitively expensive, so most opt for hotels and rental cars to reach their next planned destination. This process not only incurs substantial out-of-pocket expenses but also disrupts the client’s entire way of life.
The impact of this disruption, particularly for full-time RVers, heightens the importance of recovering these consequential damages. The financial and personal strain on someone who has lost both their home and their primary mode of transportation can be significant, and it’s essential to approach their case with a full understanding of these unique challenges.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on RV And Motorhome Lemon Law Claims, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (844) 88-LEMON today.