In this article RV expert Eric Davis answers a question about RV warranties and engine overheating.
Dear Eric,
I would like to travel the United States with my two kids, maybe even
go full-time. I want to buy a maintenance contract to help lessen my
fears of breakdowns and expenses. Can you recommend one that is
reasonably priced and doesn’t hide all its ‘outs’ in fine print? I
think buying such a policy would be cheaper than replacing my beloved
1996 Flair (Chevy chassis) motorhome. Also, what is the solution for overheating? I can’t
go more than a couple of hundred miles on flat land without the engine
overheating.That leaves out most everywhere I want to go. – Eve
Dear Eve,
I can’t make a specific recommendation for a motorhome service contract. One thing that I have observed is that RVers are often sold something that they believe covers the RV for everything. RV service contracts seem to do pretty well on RV
appliances like refrigerators, heaters and air conditioners. But when
it comes to getting work done on the chassis and engine, whether a
repair is covered under the warranty may not be clear. So my advice is
to read the “exclusions” in a particular warranty contract to
understand what is not covered. It’s a good idea to ask several RV
dealers what they can offer for a service contract. Or consult with
your local mechanic. Be sure to shop the price as it can very greatly
from one seller to another.
As far as your overheating problem, is the temperature gauge just running higher? Does the engine feel or smell hot? Do you hear/feel the fan running when it starts to get hot? It’s normal to hear a roaring noise when the engine starts to heat up. If you do not experience something like this you may need a fan clutch replaced, as it controls the engine’s cooling and will cause it to overheat if not working. If you’re using your engine’s air conditioning when it’s overheating, try turning it off and instead use the generator and roof air. That will take a lot of heat load off the engine. There are many little things that could contribute to your overheating problems. You should find a qualified service tech to take a good look before you travel again in the summer.
Eric Davis, an avid RVer, is recognized by many old timers in the RV industry as the creator of the term “RV Performance.” Since 1972 he has addressed engine performance and handling problems for motorhomes and trucks used for towing heavy 5th wheel trailers. He has been an innovator in the RV industry, inventing and creating solutions and products. His business, Eric’s RV Performance, is headquartered in Sequim, Wash., and also operates each winter season in Quartzsite, Ariz. The company performs all major service and maintenance. Davis is also a popular lecturer at RV conferences and seminars.