Many of us invest in lifestyle vehicles—boats, RVs, travel trailers, and motorcycles—for enjoyment, freedom, and recreation. But when these vehicles turn into expensive sources of frustration, legal help may be necessary.
Lemon Law Limitations
Washington’s Motor Vehicle Lemon Law (RCW 19.118) is designed to protect consumers who purchase new vehicles that turn out to be defective. However, its protections are limited in scope. Specifically:
- Only cars and the motorized portion of an RV (typically the chassis and drivetrain) are covered under the lemon law.
- Travel trailers, motorcycles, and boats are not covered by the lemon law in Washington.
This leaves many consumers without statutory protection if they purchase a defective boat, trailer, or motorcycle—or even the living quarters portion of an RV.
Other Legal Remedies
Fortunately, the lemon law isn’t the only tool available. If a dealer or manufacturer refuses to honor a written warranty, or if defects render a product unusable for an unreasonable period of time, other legal options may apply:
- Breach of Warranty Claims
Both express and implied warranties may apply under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). If a dealer promises functionality or reliability, and the product fails to meet those standards, legal recourse may be available. - Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
This federal law governs written warranties on consumer products and may apply even where state lemon laws do not. It can also provide for recovery of attorney’s fees if the consumer prevails. - Consumer Protection Act Violations
In some cases, misrepresentations or failure to repair known issues may constitute unfair or deceptive practices under Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86), opening the door to additional remedies. - Revocation of Acceptance
If a defect is so substantial that the product cannot be reasonably used as intended, a buyer may be entitled to revoke acceptance and seek a refund under the UCC.
I Can Help
I understand the frustration of dealing with defective recreational vehicles—because I’ve owned some myself. My practice combines personal experience with legal knowledge to help clients navigate these situations. Whether through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution, I aim to resolve these disputes as efficiently and effectively as possible.
If you’ve purchased a boat, RV, travel trailer, or motorcycle that isn’t performing as promised, you don’t have to go it alone.