We hear it all the time. Why do RV warranty repairs take so long?
Let’s face it. It’s a huge problem for RVers like you.
We promise the goal of this article isn’t to frustrate you, but what we’re going to share about RV service is frustrating. There’s no other way to describe it. It frustrates you. It frustrates us. In fact, we believe that more RV dealers should be frustrated by the care RVers receive when it comes to RV service warranties.
Being frustrated about RV service alone means very little unless we are actively trying to do something to solve the problem – and we are.
RV Warranty Approvals Slow Down Service
So what exactly is the problem with RV service warranties? Put simply, your RV spends too much time in the shop for repairs big and small just waiting for approval.
You go extended periods of time without your RV. And for what? So that the man behind the curtain can say that you can get some glue put on a cabinet?
Just how long does that stamp of approval hold up your RV? Here’s the breakdown of repair times across the different regions:
Average RV Repair Times Across the USA
IDS provides the most recent and most complete information on RV repair times across the RV industry. They paint a stark picture of just how long a repair can take if it is covered under manufacturer warranty and an out of stock part is required.
· Northeast: An average of 83 days
· West: 78 days
· Midwest: 75 days
· South: 66 days
These extended repair times are influenced by things like the seasonal nature of RV use, the warranty repair documentation process, and the need for skilled labor to diagnose and fix issues
It’s clear that RVer complaints with the warranty process are valid.
And we hear you.
In fact, we’ve been listening for a while now, quietly gathering data so that we can pinpoint the problem, and develop a solution that will improve RV service. Here’s what we found:
15 Most Common RV Problems and Complaints
Most Common Types of RV Warranty Complaints:
The most common RV warranty repairs for RVs at Bish’s service centers are cabinetry and woodworking problems.
Here are the top 15 RV warranty issues by category and the percentage of complaints for each issue:
| Issue by Category | % of Complaints |
| Cabinetry, Woodworking, Fit & Finish | 16.75% |
| Appliances | 16.43% |
| Electrical | 14.5% |
| Plumbing | 13.58% |
| Exterior Body | 10.22% |
| Slide Outs | 7.08% |
| Awnings | 4.43% |
| Brakes, Suspension, Towing | 2.85% |
| Leveling Systems | 2.76% |
| Propane Issues | 2.68% |
| Audio / Visual | 1.46% |
| Vinyl / Linoleum | 1.23% |
| Roofing | 1.03% |
| Solar | .91% |
| Inverters | .85% |
Which RV Appliances are Most Likely to Break?
Since appliances are so high up on the list of complaints, we wanted to know which ones were causing RVers like you the most issues.
These are the appliances responsible for the most complaints:
| Appliance of Issue | % of Complaints |
| Refrigerator | 27% |
| Furnace | 23% |
| Air Conditioner | 17% |
| Water Heater | 14% |
| Microwave | 4% |
| Oven | 4% |
| Stove | 3% |
| Electric Steps | 3% |
| Ductwork | 1% |
| Safety Detection Devices | 1% |
| Washer / Dryer | 1% |
While we feel it’s important to present this information to you, knowing what the problems are with RV service means very little without knowing what things you can do to make the repair process faster.
So, what can you do?
4 Ways to Get Your RV’s Warranty Repairs Done Faster
1. Document Everything
Make a habit of documenting any issues as they arise with your RV. Take detailed photos and keep a log of problems.
You can send this info to your service center before your appointment.
You documentation will show that the issue started and was found during the warranty time period, even if you keep using the trailer with the issue.
If you are unsure of how to document your issues or get everything recorded for your service center or for the manufacturer, consider a service like BishFix.
BishFix can help you record any issues on the spot and can even possibly diagnose the issue, indicate the parts with part numbers required for repair, and explain the fix you need. This information would speed up the repair(s) at any service center.
2. Time Your Repair Wisely
Consider the timing of your repair.
When you send the service center the issues documented in step 1, include the urgency of the repair.
If the issue keeps you from using the RV note “Camp Critical” and ask them to start the repair quickly.
If it’s a repair that can be held until after the season, indicate that as well.
If possible, delay bringing your RV in for repairs until after the peak season. This can help you avoid the backlog and speed up the service without losing camp time.
If you are struggling to get an urgent response to your needs, consider using a service like BishFix to immediately begin the repair process, so you can get back to camping as quickly as possible.
See real life scenarios where BishFix has helped get customers get back on the road below:
3. Expand Your Repair Options
You don’t have to use the dealership you bought from for your RV for repairs. Most manufacturers have a network of authorized repair facilities.
Check online for other authorized service centers that might get you quicker service.
If you reach out to 1 (866)-BishFix (247-4349) to document and start the diagnostic process, we will help you find qualified service technicians in your area, provide them the instructions for the repair(s), and we will process all the warranty information.
4. Ask the Right Questions
When booking your service appointment, here are two really important questions to ask:
1: Does the dealership do pre-processing?
Can you send documentation and photos ahead of time for pre-approval of warranty work? If so, what will you do with the information before I show up?
By asking this, you show you are looking for how proactive the service center will be to start coordinating the warranty, needed parts, and shop scheduling.
2: When will my RV actually be worked on?
Not just when you can drop it off.
Most customers ask how far out the shop is before they can get the RV in. They are surprised to learn that most RV service centers schedule customers based on the Service Advisor’s availability.
Now, from your perspective, while having a short list of things you can do at least gives you some direction, it’s probably frustrating that YOU are having to do anything at all to fix a problem that should be up to the RV dealer to solve.
So, what is Bish’s RV doing about it?
Faster, Easier Warranty Repair with BishFix
RV Warranty repairs have taken too long in the past. This is why we’ve launched BishFix RV Repair. We’re seeing RV’s repaired faster across the country with this new process. Even better, your warranty work started within minutes of contact – which could save you months of waiting.
BishFix also handles all warranty documentation. This flexibility allows you to take your RV to any trusted repair facility or mobile repair service, approved by your manufacturer, without the usual hassle.
Curious about how BishFix can transform your RV repair experience? Click here to learn more about BishFix and see how you can get your RV issues resolved faster.
Navigating RV warranty issues doesn’t have to be a season-long saga. By being proactive, well-informed, and choosing the right repair partners, you can significantly cut down on wait times and frustrations.
Remember, the goal is to spend more time enjoying your RV and less time waiting for it to be fixed. Safe travels and happy trails!
Todd Nuttall
President | Bish’s RV