When shopping for a new RV, the promise of a “free warranty forever” might sound like a dream come true. After all, who wouldn’t want peace of mind for as long as they own their rig? But as any seasoned traveler knows, sometimes the best-sounding deals come with a few potholes along the road.

Before you hitch your hopes to this warranty, it’s important to know exactly what’s included, what’s not, and what you might have to do (and pay) to keep that “forever” promise alive.

In the video, a professtional “RV Tech” dives deep into the details.

1. What Does the “Forever Warranty” Actually Cover?

The first thing to know is that this warranty is what’s called “inclusive,” meaning it only covers what’s specifically listed – and nothing else.

As Jacob, the RV technician in the video, puts it: “This RV warranty forever is considered an inclusive warranty… it actually only covers the very specific things that are included in the language of the warranty and nothing else.”

So if you’re hoping for blanket coverage, you might be out of luck. It’s like being told you have “unlimited breadsticks” at a restaurant, only to find out they mean croutons.

2. The Nine Categories: What’s Useful and What’s Useless

Jacob walks through each of the nine covered categories – from brake components to heating systems. His verdict? Many of them are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

For example, “If you have a towable RV, the chances of any of this applying are very, very slim… I would consider this part of the warranty useless.” On the other hand, coverage for 12-volt refrigerators could actually save you some serious cash – if it’s really included.

But don’t get too excited: “I have a feeling that this list is archaic and they just haven’t figured out with the new switch to 12-volt refrigerator technology that this is going to be an expensive pain point for them.” In other words, the warranty giveth, and the warranty taketh away.

3. The Fine Print: Maintenance Requirements

Here’s where things get interesting (and a little bit sneaky). To keep your warranty valid, you have to follow a specific maintenance checklist every year – and prove it.

“Not only are you required to have this maintenance list performed every single year in order to keep this RV forever warranty valid, but you have to mail it in and then receive it no less than 30 days before the anniversary date of when you purchased it.”

Miss a step, and your “forever” coverage could disappear faster than your neighbor’s leftover s’mores. Plus, the maintenance itself isn’t free – expect to pay $200 to $300 a year for inspections, not including any actual repairs.

So much for “free” – it’s more like a gym membership you never use but keep paying for.

4. Is It Really Free? The Hidden Costs

Spoiler alert: nothing in life (or RV warranties) is truly free. As Jacob explains, “Despite them calling this a free RV forever warranty, it ain’t free. Dealerships roll that cost into the cost of the RV.”

Just because the warranty is “included” doesn’t mean you’re not paying for it somewhere – usually in the sticker price. It’s the classic “free toy in every box” trick, except the toy is a warranty and the box is a 30-foot travel trailer.

If you ever wondered why that “deal” seemed too good to be true, now you know.

5. The Big Catch: Non-Transferable and Limited Value

Even if you jump through all the hoops, the warranty is only good for the original owner. “The RV forever warranty is not transferable. It is only applicable to the original owner who bought it new.”

So if you sell your RV or buy one used, the next owner is out of luck. As Jacob sums it up, “Is this RV forever warranty worth it?

For those of you who buy a new RV and you keep it long enough that your refrigerator breaks outside of the refrigerator’s original warranty period, maybe.” In other words, it’s a bit like winning the lottery – if the jackpot is a slightly discounted refrigerator repair in ten years.

For all the details, make sure to watch the entire video from “RV Tech” below. It’s worth your time – and might just save you from a warranty headache down the road.