Can You Return an RV After Purchase? – RV Return Policies

Buying an RV is exciting. However, it can quickly turn into a regret after finally receiving your new motorhome. For instance, you might notice that the quality is not up to your standards. Furthermore, you might have found a better deal.

You might wonder – can you return an RV after purchase? The policies can differ from one seller to another. Local laws, especially those offering customer protection, can also vary from one city or state to another.

Keep on reading to learn more about RV purchase return. Let’s talk about the rules and tips for a seamless process.

Returning an RV After Purchase – Is It Allowed?

Most of the time, no, you cannot return a travel trailer or RV after its purchase. However, it’s not exactly black and white. It can be a gray area, as many factors will come into play, including the respective policies of dealers.

The Return Policies of RV Dealers

RV buyers remorse is common. Sadly, most dealers will not allow returning a motorhome after you bought one. Nonetheless, there’s one thing they might do – buy it back. However, these businesses would often do so at an unfavorable price, so this often isn’t a good choice.

In some cases, the dealer can accept the return of an RV within a specific number of days (three to thirty, generally). This might also be true when you purchase directly from the manufacturer.

Even so, it does not mean that you’ll completely get back everything you paid up to the last cent. It’s most likely that the dealer will charge a restocking fee.

You might be lucky if you purchased from a private seller. The private party might be more amenable than dealers, although this is not absolute.

Factors Affecting the Return Policy

In this section, we’ll look at some factors that will come into play when you back out of an RV purchase agreement.

1. State lemon laws

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, Lemon Law is a legal policy that protects buyers against faulty products, and that can include RVs. The laws can vary from one state to another, although there’s also legislation at the federal level.

While it can offer RV consumer protection, several restrictions exist. For instance, some laws might cover the entire vehicle while others may cover only a specific part of the RV, such as the engine.

2. Warranty

The specific warranty period, which can differ among sellers and manufacturers, will also have an impact on the RV return policy. Within the warranty period, it’s possible to send the RV back. However, the terms and conditions will specifically state what will be eligible for the return.

Tips for Returning an RV

You might end up overwhelmed when it’s time to get out of a RV purchase. To make things easier, this section looks at the best things to do.

1. Gather the necessary documents

A case of misrepresentation is one of the rare instances when you can return an RV. However, you need to show documents that the seller indeed misrepresented their product. You need to build a strong case and have proof.

Speaking of documents, check the policies from the dealer. They might be indicated on the receipt or in any other attached document. There might be an explicit clause that says “no return.”

2. Consider alternatives

Sadly, your private RV sales contract might say that you can no longer return the motorhome after its purchase. This is sad, but don’t let it dampen your spirit. Instead, there are other things to do.

For instance, you might just want to live with it. Learn how to make the camper a comfortable place, and you’ll soon accept the fact that you’re stuck with it. Adding a few upgrades will also help.

Alternatively, you can also choose to sell the RV, but you might end up doing it at a loss.

You can also consider refinancing, but such an option can be a complicated process and will also most likely make you lose money.

Your last resort can be suing the seller that sold the RV. Nonetheless, you must consult an experienced attorney as it can end up being a waste of time, money, and effort. The terms and conditions of the contract might have clauses that affect requests for an RV refund or warranty in case of a lawsuit.

Conclusion

Many people end up having RV purchase regrets. Knowing that, you might ask – can you return an RV after purchase? As noted above, in most cases, you cannot. However, there can be restrictions, such as when the RV is subject to Lemon Laws.

The best thing to do is to check the contract before purchase. You can also try talking to the dealer, manufacturer, or private seller to negotiate a deal for a return and refund.