If the RV has been in the shop two or three times to have the same part repaired, it could be a lemon vehicle, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law that protects buyers of products that cost at least $25 and come with a written warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers because it requires that people or companies selling items with warranties meet the obligations of the written warranty. It also requires that warranties are written for the consumer to understand clearly so that there are no hidden or confusing exclusions.
All states have lemon laws to protect people when purchasing vehicles (including campers). If the case is taken to court because the seller does not meet the warranty obligations or sold you a lemon and will not pay for the repairs, this law in most states has a provision for paying your attorney if it is proven to be a lemon.
In order to prove that you have a lemon, you must show that the camper suffered a serious defect that the manufacturer was unable to fix. The defect must be found and presented to the manufacturer (or seller) within a certain time period. This is done by written notification or taking the camper into the dealer or back to the seller to fix the problem. The defect also must be substantial such as an engine that does not run (not something that could have happened while you have owned the camper (such as a scratch or problems resulting from an accident you caused).
The manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to correct the defects when presented. This means that a customer must present the problem at least three times before he can proceed with a claim. The problem with the vehicle must be reported to the original seller who must then refuse to fix it or take responsibility for the camper.
Before purchasing a used camper inspect the interior, engine and exterior carefully. Upon receiving the camper check these things again. If there are any problems contact the dealer as soon as possible. Keep a written document of the contact attempts as well as the complaint. Also keep any invoice from work done on the vehicle. If the problem keeps occurring be sure to hire a lemon law attorney.
