RVs Under Connecticut Lemon Law

RV coverage under Connecticut’s Lemon Law (§ 42-179) is limited to the chassis. The “motor home” coach (living area, appliances, water systems) is generally excluded from § 42-179. Magnuson-Moss + CUTPA + UCC remain available for the coach.

What § 42-179 covers for RVs

Chassis — engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, electrical (engine systems).
Frame — structural defects affecting safe operation.

What § 42-179 typically does NOT cover

Coach / living area — bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, slide-outs, appliances.
House batteries (separate from chassis battery).
Water / sewer systems.
Generators.
Awnings, leveling jacks, hydraulics.

Alternative remedies for coach defects

For coach / motor home defects not covered by § 42-179:

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — federal warranty law applies regardless.
UCC § 42a-2-313 / § 42a-2-314 — express + implied warranties.
CUTPA — deceptive practices by dealer or manufacturer.
Connecticut RV dealer regulations — Connecticut DCP oversees RV dealer licensing.

Major RV manufacturers

Thor Industries — Airstream, Jayco, Keystone, Heartland, Tiffin.
Forest River — owned by Berkshire Hathaway; many sub-brands.
Winnebago Industries — Winnebago, Newmar, Grand Design.

Each has multiple sub-brands, complicating warranty / Lemon Law identification.

Connecticut RV market

Mid-volume market — strong towable trailer + Class C presence.
Coastal / inland mix — Long Island Sound + Litchfield Hills camping.
Dealers: regional Thor/Forest River/Winnebago dealers; service quality varies.

Common RV defects

Roof leaks — Magnuson-Moss applicable.
Slide-out failures — Magnuson-Moss.
Generator failures — Onan / Cummins warranty; Magnuson-Moss.
Electrical systems — typically Magnuson-Moss.
Chassis — § 42-179 may apply (depends on chassis maker).

Chassis maker matters

The “manufacturer” for chassis Lemon Law purposes:

Ford chassis (E-Series, Transit-based) — Ford is § 42-179 defendant.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis — Mercedes is defendant.
Ram ProMaster chassis — Stellantis is defendant.
Freightliner / Cummins chassis (Class A) — Daimler / Cummins is defendant.

Bottom line

RV coverage under § 42-179 is limited to the chassis. Coach defects require Magnuson-Moss, UCC, or CUTPA. Strategy depends on which component is defective and who manufactured it. Multi-defendant pleading is often necessary.

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