Always check the small print
There appears to be a great deal of quasi-legalese being bandied about just lately, and usually from a bunch of barrack-room lawyers!
One of the most popular phrases seems to be ‘fit for purpose’, which is being almost casually thrown around whenever something doesn’t quite work as it should.
There can indeed be problems with brand-new motorhomes, but I think we see a slightly skewed view of this – people who have no problems rarely post on forums or write to this magazine, while those who have had issues are understandably keen to publish their tale of woe.
Repairs under warranty
A recent case I came across concerned someone who had bought a new motorhome, but after a few months, started having serious problems with it. They took it back to the supplying dealer for repairs under warranty.
Apparently, the manufacturer washed their hands of the warranty on this ’van, because the owners are living in it full time. Now, it’s very easy to say this shouldn’t have happened, but it is written into the terms of the warranty that the ’van’s intended purpose is short-term use; that is, holidays for a couple of weeks at a time, and it was never intended for permanent living.
But on the forums, people are shouting “not fit for purpose”, “take them to court”, “name and shame”, and other such kneejerk reactions.
Fit for purpose
The simple fact is, ‘fit for purpose’ refers to the purpose the manufacturer intended it for, not necessarily the purpose that you or I might put it to.
It’s the same as buying a DIY chainsaw, then getting a job in forestry where you’re using it every day – that is not its intended purpose and the warranty would therefore be void.
In addition, many equipment manufacturers will only warrant their products for holiday use, as opposed to full-time use.
The upshot is, if you’re buying a new motorhome with the intention of living in it full time, you really need to look closely at the terms of the warranty to check what it covers.