RVs and Motor Homes Under the Idaho Lemon Law
How Idaho's lemon law treats motor homes — the self-propelled chassis may be covered, but trailers and the coach portion are excluded. How the chassis warranty, ICPA, and Magnuson-Moss apply.
Idaho’s treatment of RVs depends on the type. The self-propelled chassis of a motor home (within the 12,000-lb cap and “motor vehicle” definition) may be covered by the Idaho Motor Vehicle Warranties Act, but trailers are expressly excluded (§ 48-901), and the coach/house portion falls outside the lemon law.
What may be covered: the chassis
The self-propelled chassis and drivetrain of a smaller motor home (Class B/C within the weight cap) can fall within “motor vehicle.” Chassis defects that may qualify:
- Engine defects — stalling, overheating, power loss.
- Transmission defects.
- Complete brake or steering failure — the one-attempt rule.
- Chassis electrical.
Larger Class A motor homes over 12,000 lbs gross laden weight fall outside the cap.
What’s not covered
- Trailers — expressly excluded (travel trailers, fifth-wheels).
- The coach/house portion — slide-outs, water intrusion, appliances, generator, build quality.
What fills the gap
- Magnuson-Moss — federal warranty claims on chassis and coach-component warranties; § 2310(d)(2) fees; 4-year runway.
- ICPA — for dealer misrepresentation, with the $1,000 floor.
- Implied warranty of merchantability (§ 28-2-314).
Bottom line
Idaho may cover a motor-home chassis within the 12,000-lb cap, but trailers and the coach portion rely on Magnuson-Moss and the ICPA. Chassis safety defects can even invoke the one-attempt rule. Get a free case review to map the right statute to the defect.
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